My Dilemma "1000 D, 500 D or 550 D" - For my 8 year old son ???

Dear All,

I stated my self just last year with photography as serious hobby or much required stress buster. As my job takes me all over the world every year & I am normally out on business 6 months each year + I normally take 3 to 4 vacation with family every year.

Seeing me shoot every weekend, my 8 year son started liking photography (basically as children idealise parents) & was gifted with Nikon Coolpox P & S by my mother lasy year - Since then he has been shooting all his toys (maily cars) from different angles & family on our outings.

Now I plan to buy him a DSLR so that he keeps of my gear and can pick up the basics earlier in his life. He is fairly an intellegent & creative type child more interested in activities realted to the right part of brain.

My dilemma is which Canon DSLR one to buy him 1000 D, 500 D or 550 D ? Initially I was thinking of 1000 D (incase he lands up treating it just another toy after a while), 500 D (as it's cheaper now & a have virtually everything) or 550 D (which I can use as a second body incase he loosses interest eventually)? In India

• 1000 D + Kit Lens EF-S 18-55 is US$ 478,

• 500 D + Kit Lens EF-S 18-55 IS is US$ 800 and

• 550 D + Kit Lens EF-S 18-55 IS US$ 1045 (Not a good buy without good glass, which I will not buy him till another 5-6 years).

All these prices include 2 years Canon India warranty + 12 free classes by Cannon India on basics of Photography + Camera Training even for kids.

Secondly which EF-S lens I should buy for him considering he does not get to use any of my lenses. I can but 18-135 instaed of 18-55 Kit Lens with US$ 330 additional - Applicable on each of the above 3 packages.

Money is not a problem at all by grace of God for buying any one of these 3 camera's, but would like to spend only what is rational for him at this age & stage of life. If possible penny saved is penny earned.

Thanks for your time & valuable inputs in solving my dilemma!

Thanks,
Anuraag

Canon EOS 7D
EF-S 10-22 USM,
EF-24-105 L f/4 IS USM,
EF-70-200 L f/4 IS USM and
EF 50 f/1.8 II,
Speedlite 580 EXII,
Manfrotto 055CXPRO3 legs
Gitzo Ball head