Hi
The 1000D is a great first DSLR ( if it your first). All Canons have a pretty intuitive interface and for starters you'll be happy to shoot in the AUTO setting and get great results. The 1000D is not a particularly recent model but should suit you just fine if its your first foray into DSLR photography. As you become more familiar with the capabilities of the camera and more importantly, your own abilities, you'll use the manual settings more and really enjoy the creative potential offered by a DSLR over a compact camera. Don't worry about the lens to begin with; the 18-55 is a fine starter lens and you'll not miss what you don't know! Main thing is to shoot loads, look at what you've shot on your computer, rather than just the teeny screen on the camera and learn from your 'mistakes' 'cos these 'mistakes' can often be your best shots! The mistake a lot of people make is deleting their images too readily before really examining them. At the end of the day, its not really about the camera, its about the person operating it! The best most expensive kit in the hands of an idiot will not guarantee a good shot but a creative person with a £100 camera will always shoot something interesting.
Whatever you eventually buy, be sure to look at the various online photography forums and you'll soon be shooting like a pro!
Good luck
galaxie500
