Quote (Endure @ Jun 6 2013 10:19am)
Just getting into photography I can tell you this:
In order of importance.
1. Glass/Lenses
2. Books/information
3. Body
4. Tripod
5. Lighting equipment
If I could start over, I would.
I bought a used Canon 7D, and bought two lenses that I am not super happy with. While I can still shoot everything I need too, I would get a really good lens and a decent used body to start.
Also, when you buy something, DO NOT SETTLE for mediocre. if you have to wait a few months to get the lens you want, do it.
Buying books to actually LEARN about my camera and everything else has made me a better photographer than any other equipment would just starting off. Luckily, you can download these things on the internet if you look hard enough.
I just like buying them so I can highlight and make notes.
Lighting is very important and expensive but you can make do without it for a long while.
But yeah
Used canon 7D with a 50mm 1.8 set up could be bought for like 900 bucks total. Which is amazing to start and you won't really need to upgrade for a while until you learn more.
Learning with a prime lens( Lens that does not zoom) Has really taught me to be more interactive with my shooting.
Don't get me wrong, Zoom is a very useful thing, but yeah!
What do you think of the post that jayandnix quoted above (post #31). Would the Canon 6D and the 24-105mm lens be a great starter? That's a $1200 or so lens with a $1600 body.