Photography equipment advice?

[dion90]

I want to start doing some photography on the side just my family and I don't know where to start when it comes to cameras. I'm not trying to open my own business so I don't need a thousand dollar camera but all I've ever bought is $200 cheapo Kodak cameras. I need some input on what would be a good start in a good camera for a beginner Photography

Thanks

 

[Designer]

What's your budget?

What is your tolerance for learning gadgets?

 

[CameraClicker]

I am wanting to start my own Equine Photography Business and am wanting some advice on how to start out

Thanks

Yet, in the other post you said ^

Shooting horses in a field at noon is one thing. Shooting them in the barn at a competition, or in some rings, is a lot like trying to capture action after dark. Some horses have been in worse light than lots of weddings, and they move faster than a bride and groom.

Shooting kids can be similar. In a dark basement, or at some evening event, high ISO and/or good flash can help a lot.

Your expectations about photo quality may drive you to more or less expensive gear. As was pointed out in another thread, you can take a photo with a cell phone. As expectations of what the photo should look like rise and conditions degrade, a cell phone becomes less fun to shoot with.

 

[Derrel]

I would start at BestBuy, and pick up and hold some cameras, see what ones you like the look and feel and price of. Figure out the budget, if that means a $349 discontinued but new old stock Nikon D3100 body, or if you're willing to spring for only a $549 camera, or an $899 camera, etc. The camera body can be leveraged a LOT by putting a good lens on it. Many cameras are less than $1,000, while many of the GOOD lenses are at $1000 and up these days, or at the minimum $699.

 

[CameraClicker]

Another post says you are in Toronto. Visit Henry's Camera. Their main store is at Church and Queen. They have branches in several malls. I find they are friendlier than Vistek and Aden. Aden is the low price leader. Henry's does price matching. Henry's will take a camera back within a week or two if you decide you don't like it, as long as it was below some value, ask about their return policy. Most camera stores are not fond of returns.
Costco also sells cameras, but they don't offer any advice and selection is limited. They have the absolute best return policy!