Is it worth it to get the Canon 70d?

I have $1200 to spend on my first DSLR. I know a lot about photography and getting a 70d or complicated camera wouldn't overwhelm me. Is it worth it to spend it all right now on the 70d with the kit lens, or go down a step to the t5i or Nikon d5300 and use the rest for lenses and flashes. With the 70d I would be able to get another 50mm or 35mm lens around Christmas time, but I wouldn't be able to get another lens until next summer. What should I get? Is it worth it to get the nicer body but not have as good of lenses for a little while? Or would you get the less nice body with a nicer lens or two?

So let me ask you. Why a 70D for your first dslr? Do you think it's going to give you better photos than anything below it? In case you don't understand, that's not true. If you "know a lot about photography" as you claim then you should know the first lesson of photography… It's not about the gear, it's about the person behind it that really matters.

A good, rock solid photographer can make art with a point and shoot camera. Someone who thinks he/she know photography only gets junk even with a 5D mk3… Get the point?

My point is, don't spend that much cash on your first dslr. Start simple and work your way up.

Personally, I would get a cheaper body & good glass and/or flashes. Setting the skill of the photographer aside, it's the lens that's more important in determining image quality rather than the body.

And, if you are looking to do portraiture or ither work with flashes, then certainly a good manual flash & off camera triggers will give you a lot of 'bang for your buck'.

Nope, since you feel the need to ask it seems that you aren't that sure yourself.

I like the concept of getting the best body you can now and then adding excellent glass as you go along. I did something similar 5 years ago by buying a camera that was way over my head, the Nikon D90, and then challenged myself to grow into it. No regrets.

Yes if you are already into making plenty of settings changes (2 control wheels really do help when compared to fumbling with buttons and a menu) and would appreciate a much nicer viewfinder. If none of that matters then a 700D and better lenses would be the way for you to go.