New Lens or New Camera

[Mrfuzzynutz]

I am a newbi getting into the photography game. And as a gift someone offered to purchase a camera for me
I was going to go with the Canon Powersshot sx20is. I liked the zoom and video options it had and it was in a price range I could afford if I needed to pay the person back rather quickly.

However that camera was out of stock and the elected to go with the clerks recommendation of the Canon Rebel XS 1000d

So I grateful to actually have DSLR to learn, but my question would be
when I am ready for such things, would I be better served spending the money on a
new lens to acheive the 20x zoom of the 20x? Would it hurt that the Xs has no video option?

so would I get the lens or the camera?

[TheDarkReaver]

I'd say new lens.

Here's a thread, with similar themes, that may make some sense as to the reasons.

learning the differences in optical zoom and mm

[RichardTaylor]

It depends on on your shooting needs & priorities.

If you want video I would not get a still camera I would get a video camera.

If you want to take your still photography further then consider a lens down the track.
After you have used your new DSLR for a while you will then have an idea of what you need to expand your shooting oportunities.