Yes, got 500D.
Had 400D before.
Considered 40D, but went with 500D instead as has HD video option.
Had it about 3 months.
HD video is excellent – for short bursts of wanting to capture moving image.
Took some incredibe (IMHO) shots last night in dark conditions, using flash, of a night ride including jumps – am amazed at quality, has caught individual spokes in the wheels in mid-air.
Is lighter than the 40D (if you intend to carry in your camelbak)
Standard kit lens is rubbish, buy just the body and a separate lens.
Am not gifted with a camera, or in understanding how they work, but using it in the spirit of a compact camera, it gives me outstanding shots that make it worth having a DSLR instead of a compact.