It seems a lot better all-round camera.
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Check with amazon before you order.
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I hope I can help you out. Let’s see. First question, I’d go with the Rebel T2i (also known as the Canon EOS 550D overseas–I live in Canada) simply based on the fact that the T2i has video capabilities and the 50D does not. Times are changing and people are using a DSLR to film actual shows and probably movies in the future.

The videos may not be of your interest, but if you check out http://www.youtube.com/3shadeproductions , all of the recent videos on there were shot using the T2i.

To add, the 60D is rumoured to arrive soon. As you may know, camera bodies depreciate rapidly. The 50D price will be cut once the 60D is released.

As for purchasing on Amazon.com as opposed to Amazon.co.uk, it is possible I believe, but you may be charged with customs. I’m not sure how it works where you are, but I once ordered a $300 item from the States and had it shipped to Canada. Customs was an additional $100! So not worth it.

I’ve already answered your last question. The 550D and T2i are the exact same. Good luck!

Feel free to extend your question by clicking "add details" and I’ll edit this and add a reply to that.

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It’s not Amazon that charges customs. It’s the government of your country.

As for the differences, I believe the 50D shoots faster (6.3 FPS as opposed to 3.7 FPS). Useful if you like doing continous shooting. The 50D also has a faster max shutter speed (1/8000 compared to 1/4000). Useful if you like shooting action at a game let’s say. Personally, I’ve never used a shutter speed that fast and I’ve been using a DSLR for 6 years.

On the other hand, the T2i shoots video. The image quality is pretty much the same (though the T2i has more MP). The T2i is lighter. Hm… I can’t think of anything else. If it all comes down to picture quality though, it’s pretty much the same.

Hope this helps!

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To add to BriaR’s post, Amazon will not help you out with that. They have a disclaimer somewhere that states that Amazon can not estimate the cost of customs. I’m not sure what shipping company they go with, but I think it’s best if you contact them. That or the customs department of your country.
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By the way, a 50D does not shoot video and is way too complicated for someone new to SLR photography. If you are looking a Canon cameras stick with the t1i or t2i.
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Personally, for "the bang for the buck" in terms of features, image quality, and build quality, I would get the Nikon D90. It is a fantastic camera with features rivaling the D300 and with the same image quality. The only real advantage the D300’s have over the D90 is that if you want to use older Nikon AI and AI-s lenses they will meter on the D300 and not on the D90. The D90 has a video feature (not that great), but a true photographer could care less about this feature and would gladly trade the video for some other useful features on the camera.

If you are on a tighter budget, then the D5000 will do because it uses the same 12MP CMOS sensor from the D90 and D300. What you lose with the D5000 are of course some features, a 2.7" Swivel LCD (230,000 pixel) vs. 3.0" LCD (920,000 pixel), Pentamirror viewfinder vs. Pentaprism, no top status display for the D5000, and no autofocus using older AF & AF-D lenses on the D5000 (the D90 & D300’s have an additional autofocus motor built into the body). If you are not familiar with some of the terms, then wikipedia is a great resource.

If you are not aware, one of the most important aspects of the camera is the sensor size. Most point and shoot cameras have tiny sensors (1/2.5") and the DSLR’s have much larger sensors. The two main catagories are full frame (like the original 35mm film) and APS-C or DX for Nikon (like the old 24mm APS film format). Larger the sensor size, the more light it will capture thus provided higher quality images.

If you are absolutely on a budget, the new Pentax K-x with 18-55mm & 55-200mm lens for $569.00 with free shipping from camerakings.com is a steal. The Pentax K-7 with 18-55mm lens for $849.00 is also a great buy. Anyway, check out the links below for some good websites with great articles to help with your camera hunting. Good Luck!
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http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/index.htm

http://www.kenrockwell.com/canon/index.htm

http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/recommended-cameras.htm

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/pentaxkx/

http://www.camerakings.com/ListProducts.aspx?qu=pentax+lens

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Sensor_sizes_overlaid_inside.svg

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentaprism

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentamirror

edit-I was just saying that this is a question asked frequently and most people asking want to know how to open a studio today when they don’t even know what equipment they need. It is unrealistic and shows that they have no idea what they are doing or getting themselves into. Similar to the constant questions from beginners wanting to shoot their first wedding. And they are just as defensive as you when given the sound advice not to do it. Maybe this isn’t your intention but it isn’t obvious from the wording of your question. You state that you start taking classes in 5 months but don’t say when you expect to open for business. You could mean tomorrow or two years from now. We have no way of knowing.

I should have offered some advice earlier. So here goes:

I don’t think you should invest in a 50D. Instead, look into a T1i or T2i, or as someone else suggested, a 20D, 30D or 40D if you want that level of quality.

As for lenses, it really depends on what you want to shoot. For landscapes, you want a good wide angle lens. Maybe something like a 12-24mm zoom. For general photography, something like a 24-70mm f/2.8 which is also great for portraits. If you want a prime for portraits, a 50mm or an 85mm is very popular. For a macro, 90mm is popular because it makes a nice portrait lens as well. If interested in wildlife, you will need a long telephoto like a 300mm but the primes cost more than your entire budget.

I would say to start with the kit lens and maybe a 50/1.8 for now and save the rest until you know what lenses you need.

The thing is that once you start learning about photography and cameras and lenses, you won’t need to ask what you should get. You will know what you’re looking for and will be able to narrow it down to one model with a little research and checking reviews.

edit-I honestly don’t know why I have top contributor status. I don’t answer every question. In fact, I answer very few of them. I skip all of the am i pretty and could I be a model questions, I generally skip the which camera questions as well. I checked this one because you did mention starting a business. I was curious what the responses were. When I saw your reaction to Bob’s answer, I decided to respond. If not for that, I would have gone on to the next question and skipped this one.

Your response tells me that you have a lot of learning and growing up to do. If you can’t grow a thicker skin I don’t know how you think you can make it in the art world. It is tough and everyone is ready to give you their opinion whether you want it or not. So you can either take all the advice and learn from it or you can ignore it and stay right where you are.
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Why on earth do you think you can start a photographic business if you have absolutely no idea about photography???
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