When upgrading from a bridge camera (Sony DSCH 2) I bought the 1000D and am thrilled. The change from a compact digital camera or a Bridge to a digital SLR is certainly connected with some changes, but here you learn what photography is, or a program automatic does not take a work completely. To Camera, have also resorted to Kit, the supplied lens is a decent choice, ranging for the first pictures. Then everyone has to define for themselves what path he wants to go in terms of choice of lens. Who already knows engages certainly only for Body. The 18-55mm Canon is in my view a good compromise for every situation and for me as an amateur sufficiently. The menu of the 1000D is relatively simple, the initial settings are done quickly. The Creative Zone Semi-automatic support (if required manual intervention), really fun, it is then in the M-setting, here all the settings can be adjusted manually. All buttons are well placed and easy to find, a dial support for the most important settings. Overall, the workmanship is very good, leaves nothing to be desired for me. I am also delighted by the battery, here it comes after several 100 recordings not the limit and the short charging time of 1 œ hour is awesome. I will leave only briefly about the technical details. Think the advantages and disadvantages for competition (within the Canon range) have been described several times. For me it was important to the 1000D has one of the best image sensors for DSLR's less than 1000 euros, the display is enough for me 2.5 inches, the smaller number of focus points for me is not a problem. Biggest weakness for me is the writing speed in RAW mode, here are other faster and could reach their limits with many Pro's RAW images. The operating instructions are taken extremely short and really serves only the description of essential camera elements. With appropriate books from Data Becker and Co. you are then, depending on the claim, be better served. It is supplied with a software Basic functions for photo editing, but there are better programs. Important certainly is the possibility to process the RAW data. Overall, the camera is but a price / performance hammer and plays in the class bis1000 euros a correspondingly important role. For me, the choice of Canon 1000D was worth and I look forward to many years with hopefully many beautiful photographs. Five star and with a few restrictions recommendable.