I got myself a Canon 600D 2 weeks ago (which is a T3i States side). Took over 2500 shots at an airshow and got some really good shots. So for a starter DSLR, I would recommend it. (T3i has the swivel screen. T2i doesn't, but is pretty much the same) Battery life is ridiculously good on it as well. I got an aftermarket battery grip for it. (grip, remote and 2 batteries package from Amazon. £26.54) Took 2500+ photo's with the 2 aftermarket batteries in the grip,(Fits both 600D and 550D (T3i and T2i)) and it still says the battery level is full. Going to another airshow next weekend, so I'll get a few thousand more pics, then. Also got myself booked on a photography course in the week, so hopefully I can set the camera to it's optimal settings beforehand.