Originally Posted by Vlaak

I just found and read this thread. I might have given different advice than some others. However, I think you made the right choice.

My advice would have been to get an entry level DX camera (or whatever Canon calls DX, meaning not full frame). Also, get an entry level lens. It will be cheaper and if you choose not to persue the hobby you wont be out a ton of money. Also, you can take great pics on an entry level DSLR and entry level kit lens. This is what you did, so excellent choice IMO.

Don't be talked into getting super fancy lenses at this stage. Take out your new camera and take tons of photos. Take the time to learn how to use it and how to get the effects you want (shallow DoF, or long exposure, etc...). All of this can be done with your new gear. Yes it can be done better maybe with more expensive gear, but that can wait until you learn how to use your current gear, and decide that you're going to stay with the hobby.

One thing I'd suggest getting soon is a cheap 50mm f/1.8 or f/1.4 lens. You can do a ton of shallow DoF stuff with this and get that cool portrait look for cheap (not to mention have a little better ability to shoot in low light without a flash). This adds some additional capability to your kit and also some additional fun factor

I'd suggest reading the book "Understanding Exposure" by Bryan Petersen as well. It really helped me when I was first starting. This is a very fun hobby which will get very expensive as you grow into it, so save as much money now and learn and have fun on what you have. Later, when you want fancy gear you can sell what you have now to offset a move to full frame or whatever.