Professional equipment

[Dani~B]

Would any professional photographer use a Canon Rebel or would a good lens be more more important than the body? YES I am a newbie :)

Not saying I am even CLOSE to being a professional, I just take pictures for the fun of it really.
ok so reason I ask....
I babysit some cute little ones and they are my free models :) and one Mom asked if I had a photography business on the side and said my pictures were Way better than the photographer (who couldn't even get a smile!) Thought that was nice compliment.
My dh would much rather buy photography equipment for me than software, so would any photography gurus have a list of must-haves?

[Kim2002]

I am a professional and I am not happy with the rebel for professional quality pics. I think the sensor is not good enough, hence the need for a TON of post-processing in photoshop. It's nothing against Canon, cuz the Nikon model that is similar, has the same reaction from pros. If you truly want a professional level camera, you need to get one with the high-end sensor like the one I've been drooling over - the Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II (http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canoneos1dsmkii/). Unfortunately, at about $8,000, it is just way out of my price range. So I continue to use my medium format Bronica for professional stuff and my rebel for everyday pics of my kids. I have heard positive things about the other Canon models - the 5D, 20D and 30D, and these are not nearly as pricey.

If you want lighting equipment, you might want to look into Alien Bees. A lot of moms have been buying their shoot-through set-up cuz it is really affordable. I have a system from Britek - 3 Britek 2000 lights, 2 light stands, a hair light stand, and a soft box. I also have a motorized backdrop stand, but it is not portable, so I also have a portable stand that I got at Adorama for around $85 with a carry tote. I also recommend a reflector....mine is a reflective material that is silver on one side and white on the other and it folds in on itself and slips into a zip case. Very convenient. A good and sturdy tripod is helpful also. Mine is a Bogen that I got about 20 years ago and it has really withstood the test of time.

[Lauren]

As always, the glass is more important, but the body has a lot to do with it. I personally wouldn't consider hiring a pro who used a Rebel unless I knew they were still portfolio building, and therefore couldn't afford better equipment. It's very capable of good shots (I had one myself for my PB work) but it's entry level, so just is not in the same league as a pro body. The 20D/30D seems to be widely used among amatuers (most of the side business portrait photographers I know use a 20D) and generally much more accepted than a Rebel.

ETA - The above will completely depend on your market. I have read about pros (mainly wedding photogs) using Rebels with kit lenses. Not saying I would recommend doing that, but your target market may not have a problem with it. Mine (even though I'm not a portrait photog, so people don't see my gear) demand more, so I now have a 5D. BTW Kim, the 5D pictures are very drool worthy - definitely worth a look. After trading in the Rebel and the cash back from Canon, mine only cost about $1800. Best money I ever spent!

[Dani~B]

Very helpful info, thanks gals!!!
I did see that $8,000 camera when I was shopping and wondered if that was for the photographer as well as the camera?? :)
I guess I will be happy being a newbie for now and learn as much as I can!!

[Angela]

I have the Canon 20D. It's perfect for my professional shots.