Are Canon EOS 500D/Rebel T1i any good?

Well I want to try to start photography and also need a dslr quick for an upcoming school event, and I was looking at several cameras. I was wondering if a Canon T1i is still any good because I realize that it was released some time ago and most of my friends who are into photography have recommended the newer models ex: T3i, Nikon 5100D, etc. However I'm on a tight budget and I'm only a beginner so I was wondering if the 500D/Rebel T1i would be a good match for someone who is new and on a tight budget

It's really obvious you don't understand or have any knowledge of these cameras.

A dslr doesn't become "not good" just because another model is put on the market. Since you're an admitted beginner I'd get some serious knowledge about these cameras before you buy anything.

I happen to own a t1i and yes it's an excellent camera that will never be "not good" just because a newer model comes out. Just because the 2012 model of a car is released I suppose that means, to you, that the 2010 model of the same car is now "not good"?

Come on - get some education if you plan to use a dslr.

First answer is SPOT ON. The Canon 500d is a great DSLR camera. I would however avoid the now discontinued Canon 1000d. The build quality on these cameras were a bit suspect.

Canon EOS Rebel T1i 15.1 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera is a good