I doubt it will be long before we see the first batch hitting the shelves, if the recent 20D distribution is followed then availability will not be an issue unlike the mess Canon made with the 10D roll out.
As is the usual all new models get compared to their bigger brothers and with the launch of this model we can see it happening all over again. If you read all the information floating around you will find that this model doesn’t use the same sensor as the 20D but the one used is up from 6mp to 8mp. I very much doubt that this will be an issue though as all the sensors released and used in Canons range of DSLRs have been excellent both in terms of resolution and their ability to suppress noise. Until images are available from production models we won’t know for sure though.
As far as this is being judged features wise, Canon appear to have answered the majority of complaints levelled at the 300D. You can now choose metering modes and focus modes manually, and in any combination. Canon has also allowed flash exposure compensation control over both the onboard and external Speedlights. That pretty much gets rid of every complaint ever thrown at the 300D.
Canon have not however made it match the spec of the 20D nor have they made it as well, again choosing for plastic instead of metal as used on the 20D. The slower shutter release speed, slower flash sync, slightly lower top iso setting, lower resolution, slower fps and plastic body alone justify the cost difference. Finally, if anyone has used a 10D, 20D or any other Canon camera with a jog wheel on the back, that alone is one feature that really is invaluable once it has been used. Trust me on that one
I am sure that this model will be making the likes of Nikon and Pentax take notice. Nikon had the 300D beat with the d70 towards the end of its life (bearing in mind the price differences) Canon have now replied and once again moved the game to a whole new level specs wise. Lets just wait for the offical sample pictures and field shots by the many people who will be scrambling for this model. If they are as good as I expect, this is going to be a very popular camera.