Took on a last minute wedding video, so I'm getting myself a Canon 20D. Good choice. Have shot 7k+ images on mine since Jan. I'm pretty much a novice on the still side. I've read about a billion "which is the best all around lens for a newbie" posts (I'll be shooting family stuff and easing into weddings).

I'm leaning towards the 20D body, the 24-70/2.8 and the 50/1.4 (2300 at B&H after rebates). The only thing I read that makes me hesitate on the 24-70, is that it may be a little tough for a novice to get good sharp images (no IS).

My questions are:

1 - Do I really need an IS lens Wouldn't hurt. Especially when you you get into some type of hand held long exposure situation. The 17-85 is my workhorse lens. A 50mm 1.4 because of the non full size ccd will actually be an 80mm lens with even a thinner depth of field. If thats what you really want, use only the center focusing point. My 17-85 works out to a 27-136mm Full size image works out to an 8x12. Wouldnt worry about needing a f2.8, just bump up the iso (gain) to 800, 1600, or even 3200 for the sequence. Just dont forget to go back down to 400 as 3200 is a bit grainey, if you look for it.3rd party lenses are up to you, I tried one by Tamron and it took a couple tries to lock focus on a dish of candy. The Canon lens' has been first time, every time, unless you are asking it to do something weird.

2 - What type (brand) of CompactFlash cards should I get (I'm thinking 1 GB) I use the SanDisk 512mb & 1gb chips. I know a photographer who has had problems with 2gb chips. Besides too many of the eggs would be in "one basket". Also, SanDisk provides recovery s/w in the event images get erased accidently. Never edit anything on the chip, dump it to the hd first. Write your name & phone number on the chip along with some bright orange tape so it gets found and returned if it gets misplaced.

3 - Is this set up fast enough to get some practice on the camera with available light and the built in flash, or should I figure out a way (read: get cheaper lenses) to get a good flash. The integral flash really isn't going to cut it for group shots.....It's good for couples, ect. Don't shoot it vertically, you'll get horrible side shadows. Make a vert from a horz shot as the real sized image is something like 32x48" wide....... Any automatic flash will do in a pinch, just practice with it to get a feel what it can & cannot do. I've used a Nikon SB20 with good results. I have the 580ex. $$ well spent. It follows what focal length you use. The 17-85 hood will cause a bottom shadow when at 17mm. Also have the battery grip. Just be aware that when the batterys go down to 30 degrees F, they say "no can do".
SO, there ya go. It's a great camera. Takes a little getting used to. But to know it is to love it. PS. Set your K temp to 5500