If I had $1,000 and was starting out, I'd buy the XT1 with the 16-55. The nice thing about buying lenses though, is generally they don't degrade much in value. I'd suggest you move towards the lenses rather than the camera. If you don't like the lens or want to upgrade because you've got more money, you can easily ebay lenses, and move towards your goal. Digital camera's however tend to devalue as soon as the next new digital camera is released.