Canon EOS 450D digital SLR

i'm probably going to make this my first SLR.. good idea? or not? I already had in mind to buy a tamron or sigma 18-200 lens, just to have a cheaper wide-range lens; and it seems that might just be a good idea considering the comments about the kit-lens?

is this about the best SLR i can get for that price? (about 1000 euro's, lens included (= 700 pounds i think))

PS: I also posted a forum topic about this

I purchased a 2nd hand 18-200mm Tamron lens which has improved the results. I would add one point; with my local developer I am going to produce a set of post cards of Bath for sale next years tourist season. Looking at the results of the Canon compared to my 35mm Nikon, most of the pictures that we use will be from the film camera. In terms of picture quality it far superior to the Canon. When you take into account all the associated costs of owning a digital SLR (computers, software, batteries etc) and more importantly time, I still feel that film has a lot to offer.

This is my first DSLR after using a 4Mp Olympus C-770 digicam for the last 4 years. Originally I was going to buy an Olympus E520 but after reading reviews, and trying both cameras, I went for the Canon EOS 450D with twin image stabilised lens. By chance I managed to buy on a holiday weekend when one store was offering 20% off the usual price so I feel I got a bargain. Canon were also running a promo which gave free bag, lens cloth and 2 packs of print paper on proof of purchase so I am happy!

Construction of the body does feel a little too plastic for my liking but it is lightweight which is great after spending a morning or afternoon shooting!! I am very happy with the image quality of the shots taken so far and I am delighted with the quick response of the camera. I can now capture the shots I want which I could not always do with the C-770. Low light shots are much better than the C-770 but not quite as good as recall I used to get on a Fuji F30 with "super CCD" I did have before I loaned it to my daughter and never saw it again!!

I accept that the kit lens will not be as good as the more expensive ones but for my purpose they are fine right now.