dust on the CCD doesn't really matter, as most digi slr's have a facility built in that lets you clean it...... also have a look at the fuji s9500, its a cross between an slr and a compact...... Personally i dont think the d50 will be harsh for a beginner, and i also dont think a canon 350D is a beginners camera, as that is in the same class as a Nikon D70's - both are quite complex to use IMO. For a real beginner/first timer i would go for a D50 then upgrate later....... Rob