Help With A Camera Setup

Coopatroopa · Dec 4, 2012

I have a project for my marketing class to try and gather information from consumers on their preference of cameras and other gear. The budget I'm working with is $5,000 and I'm allowed to go over or under by $100 BEFORE tax.
With that being said I'm wondering what you guys would suggest in terms of...
1) a camera and single lens
2) a complete setup tat you would want including camera, lens, tripod, bag, anything else you think the "ultimate $5,000" package should have.

Sorry to ask so much of you guys and I appreciate any feedback I receive! :mrgreen:

Coopatroopa · Dec 4, 2012

also to add to this, if you have any experience with a company's customer service could you talk about that, good or bad, it helps outline a company as a whole.

2WheelPhoto · Dec 4, 2012

bhphoto.com and go shopping

Coopatroopa · Dec 4, 2012

Thanks for the site! That really helps so I'm not just scrolling through Best Buy and other sites where people might not be that experienced... however I really want some of your guy's input also, you guys know what works with what whereas I honestly do not know that information.

Coopatroopa · Dec 5, 2012

anyone?

KmH · Dec 5, 2012

You want us to do your marketing homework for you. You just joined TPF. Haven't replied in anyone else's thread, and then post 'anyone?'.

OK!

Camera gear for what kind of photography? 135 format or 120 format? And at what level is the marketing intended to be directed to? Hobbiest? Advanced amateur? Expert?

Entry level DSLR's, including a 18-55 mm kit lens sell new for under $500. Nikon D3100 14.2MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens

A pro grade DSLR, with no lens, could bust your budget. Nikon D4 16.2 MP CMOS FX Digital SLR with Full 1080p HD Video (Body Only)

Heck, just one good telephoto zoom lens could bust your budget - Nikon 200-400mm f/4G AF-S SWM SIC ED IF VR II Nikkor Super Telephoto Zoom Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras

A medium format camera - Hasselblad H4D-50 Medium Format DSLR Camera Body Only

Coopatroopa · Dec 5, 2012

no I'm looking for feedback, what better place to get feedback than on a forum? Without your feedback there is no assignment to do. With that being said we are looking at trying to create a package for someone who would mostly shout outdoors with moving subjects like birds or other wild animals, but could still use the camera and have it perform at least decently in other situations also. Again I know very little past brands when it comes to cameras and their accessories, that is why I'm here. With a 5,000 budget I wouldnt say I need to stick to entry level, maybe a more mid range with nice accessories that way the bank isn't broken on a body alone.

also thanks for posting nothing that helps what so ever

Coopatroopa · Dec 5, 2012

Didn't realize that looking for help in something photography related on a photography forum was frowned upon. cheers

pixmedic · Dec 5, 2012

part of the issue is, you haven't provided very much information.
what type of photography system are within your criteria? 35mm? medium or large format? digital? film?
if film, what type of film? 110, 24, 35, 120, 220? lot of options, with a lot of varying results.
are you looking for consumer or pro grade? one body and one lens? or does it have to be a body with multiple lenses?
any particular brand, or does it matter?
what about other photography accessories? flashes, tripods, filters...stuff like that can eat into a budget almost as fast as the body and lenses can.

your going to have to provide a few more specifics on what criteria is acceptable before you can expect and serious answers.

KmH · Dec 5, 2012

pixmedic said:
part of the issue is, you haven't provided very much information.

Actually that's the root issue.

Coopatroopa · Dec 5, 2012

sorry thought dslr was included in there. I'm just looking to see what some of you guys use/would want if you had the cash to spend, if you don't already have the gear. Any variations are acceptable to me for the complete setup though I am looking more towards trying to find a body, lens, and other goodies that would have someone all set for almost any situation. Like I said not a huge photo buff so the whole terminology is lost on me :/ really the important part of this is why you guys use what you use, is it brand loyalty or is there a certain brand that is just that much better than the others.

Designer · Dec 5, 2012

Coopatroopa said:
Didn't realize that looking for help in something photography related on a photography forum was frowned upon. cheers

Gee, I wouldn't say "frowned upon" entirely. Just that there is constantly one or two threads about just that very same thing, with differing budgets, photographic objectives, personal likes and dislikes, etc.

If you want to read a few of those threads, they're available.

When it appears that you are just signing up to allow us to help you with your research project, we tend to not receive your request in the best of spirits.

pixmedic · Dec 5, 2012

KmH said:
pixmedic said:

part of the issue is, you haven't provided very much information.

Click to expand...

Actually that's the root issue.

i was trying to be nice about it.

Coopatroopa · Dec 5, 2012

haha thanks! I've heard the D700 is a safe bet for a body, but as for lenses I'm not sure what even fits...

Designer · Dec 5, 2012

Coopatroopa said:
sorry thought dslr was included in there. I'm just looking to see what some of you guys use/would want if you had the cash to spend, if you don't already have the gear. Any variations are acceptable to me for the complete setup though I am looking more towards trying to find a body, lens, and other goodies that would have someone all set for almost any situation. Like I said not a huge photo buff so the whole terminology is lost on me :/ really the important part of this is why you guys use what you use, is it brand loyalty or is there a certain brand that is just that much better than the others.

If I had $5,000 to spend on a photographic kit, I might choose one "professional" body, and save up for some lenses.

Or I might decide to buy a medium-level camera, two or three lenses, at least one flash, a good tripod, some extra memory cards, and some spare batteries.

Or I might decide to buy an entry-level camera, one cheap zoom, and a ticket to Europe.

I think each of us would select a different kit.

Yes, there is brand loyalty, but we usually don't bash each other's brand because it is probably just as good as our own. The main difference is the one pushing the buttons.