I've come into some money and decided to spend some of it on a proper set up.. But, although I know how to use the cameras and settings etc, what to buy for what price is still fairly alien to me.. I'd guess i'd be looking at the E60D or the D7000 and a lens, but not sure whether to go with the kit form of it, or to get the body only and a different lens.
I'd probably go with the EOS 600D / D5100 and opt for a better lens (or a couple of lenses). I guess it all depends what you want to shoot because you may want lighting equipment as well.
I'd agree with Tim, get a 600D/D5100 with a better lens/additional lens, plus a tripod/bag/memory card and anything else that you'd need to get you started. The 60D/D7000 with a kit lens won't leave you with much change from £1000 (in the case of the D7000 it will probably be more than that). The smaller cameras both use the same sensor as their bigger counterparts so will have exactly the same image quality, it's just the extra features, buttons, build quality and ergonomics that you pay more for with the bigger bodies. As for the choice between those two, it's pretty much a toss up in terms of performance so go for whatever feels better/easier to use. Though if video is at all important to you I'd probably recommend the Canon.
Also, have you ever had camera 'proper' camera equipment before? Going straight in with a mid range body with no experience may be a touch overwhelming. Basically just do whatever Tim says: his photos are epic!
I've had a 350D with an 18-55mm which has just gone to the parents after the last 2 years. On a little more looking, I think I'm more inclined to go for a 600D over the D5100.. I went and played with both this morning.. Would you recommend going for the kit with the 18-55 or getting a body and lenses?
Get a body and a good lens. The 17-55 IS is probably out of your budget with that body but you might like the 15-85mm IS lens for general photography.
Do you really need a monopod? Also, how much more is the 15-85mm over the 17-85? I've used both briefly but the 15-85 was noticeably sharper and more contrasty. Still, that looks good.
Firstly - a faster SD card. Secondly - tripod, monopod is good at 2 situations: a) You have a big lense b) You are not allowed to use a tripod. And don't skimp on it, remember - it's the contraption holding your expensive equipment.
If I'm not mistaken, the 17-85 isn't much better than the kit lens when it comes to sharpness, distortion and chromatic aberrations. I've heard lots of great things about the Tamron 17-50 F/2.8 from a few friends who own the lens so I'd say it's worth a look.
I shoot primarily with the 17-50 f/2.8 (non-VC) and while it's pretty excellent at f/4, it's noticeably softer than the Canon 15-85 and the 17-55 IS lenses when all three are wide open. Plus, there are days when I'd kill for a longer tele end.
Good choice on the card reader I've got one of those, can't understand how they turn a profit on £2 delivered
