500D is a good camera for newbies,im using 1 too...
i bought at courts mega store @ $1399 18-55mm lens..the sa to throw in 1 more originai batt,4 section tripod(better than the free 3 section tripod) 2 sd card,1 canon bag,canon lens book and cant really remember...tat was only 1mth ago..:thumbsup: