New to DSLR, is this a good starting setup?

[HeyDudeItsSky]

Hey all! I'm brand new here. I did a little searching on this site and a LOT of review before I posted this so forgive me if this same question has been asked but I didn't see it.
My question is about my first time buy of a DSLR and most likely a lens. I have been taking pictures with PowerShots for years and I an very familiar with Canon menus as well as programs like PhotoShop and Final Cut but I feel I am lacking in the originating media because of my cameras abilities. That is why I wanted to upgrade.
I was deciding between the 600D and the 60D and it seems that the two are basically identical. The only big difference is that the 60D body is made a little better and I was hoping that would be nice when I go to sell in retaining some re-sale value.
The two are on a couple hundred dollars apart from Best Buy and since I am financing, that is not a big barrier for me.
The 60D comes in a bundle that Best Buy sells that includes the 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS EF-S lens. By buying together I save $100 off the price of the lens. As I am only used to point and shoot, I have no idea if that lens is ideal for me or not. I recently had a baby boy and I want to capture every second! Is this a good lens for general up close shots of him, say, in the crib, crawling, etc? Or is there another one that I should consider?
I don't do any sports or fast action so I don't need a zoom, just a good all around lens to get me by and started.
I also want to grab HD video of this little baby. For that I have had a couple people recommend the 17-40mm f/4L USM Ultrawide Zoom Lens. Any thoughts on that? Is that good for capturing video?
I would LOVE your feedback and advice. Please keep in mind that I am financing thru Best Buy so if there is a recommendation you make, it needs to be sold by them.
Again, I am not using this for any professional applications, just want to grab better images and video of my little man as he grows!

One more thing to add, I would really like to stay right around $2,000.00 for body+lens(es).
Thanks! I really appreciate your help!
-Sky

 

[jaomul]

Its good but the 17-40 is not ultrawide on a 60d due field of view. possibly the canon 10-22 or stigma 10-20 is wider. The 18-135 will serve you well as a walk around lens.

 

[bratkinson]

As my first lens on a DSLR was the EF-S 18-135 f3.5-5.6, I'm very partial to that lens. I thought it was a fantastic, do-all walk-around lens. It's zoom range was comparable to what I had on my point-and-shoots. In my experience, its only deficiency was indoors and in low-light situations. A flash is mandetory.

Although there's a built-in popup flash on the 600D and 60D, like all popups, it's good for lighting about 10 feet away. Beyond that, all will be dark. So I'd suggest you look for an external flash to go with the camera and lens. I think a Canon 430 EX II for $279.99 at Best Buy (I just checked) would be a better option than a second lens in your situation. Although the Canon 270 and 320 flashes would be a good start, as you grow in photography, you'll quickly encounter their limitations.

Lastly, since you are financing your purchase, don't be the 'kid in the candy store' and go overboard.

 

[irfan.in.tx]

The kit you are looking at is quite good for starters.
For a little over another $100 or so, you can pick up the EF 50mm f 1.8 II. Its built like a toy, but will be very rewarding, and more suitable for any light conditions and close-ups of your baby. Besides, the image quality will be superior to the kit lens.

 

[ClintBalsam]

Yeah, getting a 600d and the 50mm f 1.8 would yield some nice photos for you I think. The EF-S 18-135 f3.5-5.6 is also a good all around lens. It's one drawback is the 3.5-5.6 aperture. On a crop sensor camera like 600d or 60d, those apertures are lacking when it comes to controlling depth of field, other than that it's a great lens.