hi everyone!

i'm new to Austphotograpy and photography in general, and i'm looking into buying a entry level slr camera - canon obviously since i can then share lenses with my brother who also has a canon.
i have been looking at the new 500d which can be bought for about $575. however there have been some better cameras going cheaper second hand on gum tree and the camera store. i was just wondering how good it is to buy second hand cameras? is it safe to buy them from other states without having seeing them first hand? and also if there is good deal that i can check out -what should i look for? and how do you check if there are smudges and dust bunnies on the sensor?
any thoughts/tips/hints would be greatly appreciated

Cupcake