Need help getting started.

[Ben_SFAPB]

Hi everyone! Now I know you all have seen countless threads like this, but I didn't see any previous suggestion threads that really fit my price range. So, I'll give you some back info on what I am looking for and we'll see what we can dig up.

I'm looking for a DSLR at or under the $600 range. I own a small extreme sports company. My main focus for this camera will be outdoor sport shots and studio shots for product showcases. So, I'm thinking something with a higher continuous speed, fast auto-focus, and the ability to take those nice macro shots of products when needed.

I am leaning towards the Nikon D5100 at the moment, but it is at the very top of my price range even without a lens. Does anyone have any other suggestions? Maybe from the Canon camp?

Also, I understand kit lenses are typically only very useful for the point-and-shoot aspect. If you have any suggestions on what lenses to look into that would fit my needs, I'd be very appreciative.

Thank you all for your time!

 

[Buckster]

The camera body is just the tip of the money iceburg you're headed toward.

The problem you're going to have with that budget is lenses to get you the shots you described. For outdoor sports, you're likely going to need a long lens, probably in the 200-300mm range. For products, something in the 35-85mm range, and macro lenses are typically entities of their own.

Now, there are compromises that can be made, like getting a zoom lens that will give you the first two, then using a reversed 50mm or extension tubes or bellows or something like that for the macros, but the tradeoff is that you'll need lighting to compensate for the apertures those less expensive lens alternatives provide. You don't get inexpensive and fantastic with the same purchase price in this game.

Kit lenses get a bad rap only because there are lenses out there that cost thousands of dollars each that really do blow them out of the water. So, compared to those, yeah, kit lenses aren't great. But they still get the job done, and can get it done well. Check out the photos in this thread, all shot with a kit lens: http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/...-looking-replace-my-kit-lens.html#post2455834

For studio work with portraits, products and macros, you're going to need a tripod, lights and modifiers.

With your budget, I suggest seriously considering used digital bodies and a kit lens or two to begin with to get you through a zoom range of about 18mm-300mm. They'll get you the most bang for your buck to begin with. Either that or keep saving up until you've about tripled your starting budget.

 

[DiskoJoe]

Hire a photographer until you can afford better gear. Plus you would still have to learn to use it after. Good results are not instant. It takes time.