which is the better way to go? Please help me decide!

Buy the kit and save up for the 50mm.

I am assuming the kit lens is the 18-55IS. Pretty nice starter lens, maybe even a keeper lens. You might want to look at a YN 465 flash off of ebay for less than $70.

melissaandkris wrote in post #12256418
I called Canon and they didn't mention the camera had to be broken. They said they take 20% off the price listed at shop.usa.canon.com. They add what ever your state tax is and no shipping.

That makes the 50D body $563 and kit $665
and the T2i body $448 and kit $512 both with the 18/55 IS lens.

I don't really need video as I can keep my S5 for that or get a cheap used video later...does that mean I actually made up my mind?

NOW...should I just buy body only and get a 50/1.8 with it or buy kit then save for the 1.8?

Sorry for all the questions...you guys are a huge help!

It is the 18-55IS. I already have a 430EX, please tell me its compatible!

melissaandkris wrote in post #12256516
It is the 18-55IS. I already have a 430EX, please tell me its compatible!

Yeah, you are good to go. The 50D is larger, heavier, and bulkier. Had a friend with the other camera and it is a great one. Either will be good for you.

while the 50mm is a great lens, you are stuck at 50mm all the time. the 18-55 will give you a lot more versatility.

you could find the kit lens on eBay for the same price or less than the 50mm, so its your call.

do you want the 50mm which will be very sharp and give great bokeh and enable low light flashless photography or do you want the be able to go wider and give up the high aperture and some sharpness?

it depends on what you want.

Yes I'd get a 18-55is and save for the 50 1.8
The kit will give you versatility that the 50 can't

rehab wrote in post #12246814
buy 40D and sell the 75-300. Pick up a 70-300 USM

Agreed, with one exception. Buy the 55-250 instead of the 70-300. The OP seems to be on a tight budget, and the 55-250 is more bang for the buck.

Decided to get the refurb 50D but now I need a broken camera to send them! Didn't know it had to be broken, I was gonna just send them my S5. Anyone have a broken camera they want to sell

melissaandkris wrote in post #12271272
Decided to get the refurb 50D but now I need a broken camera to send them! Didn't know it had to be broken, I was gonna just send them my S5. Anyone have a broken camera they want to sell

Nobody says you cant break one. Just find a canon digital of sufficient vintage and step on it.

Asked everyone I knew and no one had a broken one so I bought one that was ending off ebay for $16. Worth it for the discount. Sent the guy a msg and he is sending me the serial number off the cam so I can order my new one w/o having to wait on the broken one to get here...Im SOOO IMPATIENT! Can't wait to get to shot the 50D

I think 50D kit includes 28-135 IS, not the 18-55IS.

nickmil wrote in post #12273011
I think 50D kit includes 28-135 IS, not the 18-55IS.

You are correct. The lady on the phone told me the 18-55 but she did not know what she was talking about!

Ordered my camera about an hour ago!!! will be here Wednesday afternoon.

Total was $701 and some change with tax and 2 day air shipping for free

Can't wait. Thanks for all the help! I ordered a card, hood, filter, and LCD protector from Amazon. Is there anything else you can think of that I need to have right away?