Is there a significant learning different between the Canon Digital Rebel XT and the Canon 40D?

I plan on renting a Canon 40D sometime at the end of this month. Currently I use a Canon Digital Rebel XT. I was wondering is there a big learning difference between the two camera? What is on the 40D that I have to learn that is not on the digital rebel? I plan on shooting in manual and in raw.

No, I don't think you will have too much trouble finding your way around the 40D. If you know how to use the XT...then the 40D is just a step or two up (updated features, and menu etc).

Check out the 40D video tour in the first link below.

The second link has a number of informative 40D review/tutorial videos from YouTube.

The third link allows you to download (and save) the 40D's Instruction Manual. I suggest you download it...and read it so you get a head start on it's various features and functions...

Yes!!!

Get the 40D, it is about three classes higher than the XT.

The 40D has image stabilizer in it and the XT doesn't and that will help you out SO much.

If you understand how to use a DSLR and SLR (PASM) then nothing reading the manual wont take care of. If you shot with the XT on auto then yes the learning curve will be daunting.

If you know how to shoot in manual then no. You should be just fine.