I've already looked at the sticky.

I want to buy a decently nice camera, I've always been interested in photography. I've taken a few Photog/Digital Media classes.
Some experience with Photoshop.


Now, My budget is $500 tops.

I've been looking at the Canon Rebel XS/1000D 10MP.

I found a place online that sells it for $459, free shipping.

When I start to buy accessories, which should come first?

I have access SD cards, but should I get a carrying case, battery, lense, etc.


Any tips would help too.

Too late for edit, is buying used really bad? I know someone who knows someone thats selling one for $150.

buying used usually wont save you that much money, i have to think a 1000d for $150 is just the camera body, and may have something wrong with it on top of that

i just bought a 1000D (well, technically my mom will be paying for it, its hers after all) and it seems like a really nice camera, takes good shots, has decent features, and has an included lens for $500 or thereabouts, from all the things I have read and was told, canon has one of the best selections of lens's, and the 1000D can use EF and EF-S type lens's

Hey Avoid,

Getting used is a great way to get a better camera, there is a huge community that involves in buying used camera equipment. I brought my 50D used and save a huge chunk of money.

With you budget, i would look into getting a used 40D and pick up a used 18-55 IS to pair with it for the time being. But a 1000D for $150 is a really good deal as well, just check the shutter actuations to make sure a shutter replacement isn't needed in the near futures since they will run you upwards of $200.

What type of photography are you looking to do, for anything high speed (i know you're a car enthusiast), you may want a better AF system and burst speed/ buffer from a 40D since it's equipped with 9 cross-type sensors.

Good accessories that you may want to pick up (for car photography at least) is a circular polarizer and a good tripod. I still consider tripods give the biggest benefit/ show the biggest improvement in photography.