wut i heard from the photographers i knew, they said buying good lenses = better. but as for me, i would say, buy a good body first then slowly invest in lenses. why? cuz once u learned how shutter speed, exposures,ISO, bla bla works, and u notice that ur body is insufficient to some features, u'll want to buy a new/better body. (just like me ) so in my opinion here, if u're stuck between those 2 models, i'd say get the 60D with the kitlens first. learn as u go by with the kitlens. then u urself will know wut kind of lens u'll be needing the most

just my opinion tho

How much difference is the 60D body capability compared to it's younger sibling, 550D?

is this a sarcastic question? or are u for real? if u r, not much i must say. but there is

Sarcasm? Not at all Just a mere 550D owner trying to learn more..

Do explain why you recommend him a 60D leh instead of a 550D.. still blur

u can google the diff and the specs