What camera do you recommend/own? Canon XSi

Do you suggest that someone get the "kit" lens with their SLR? no. I say save the money and skip it.

What lens do you use most often? 50mm f/1.8

What do you think someone buying their first DSLR should purchase up front? a speedlite (i have the 430ex II) and a 50mm lens.

Where did you get your camera bag? I dont have one! looking for recs!

What do you use to edit? PSE

Do you use backdrops? What kind of set up do you have? i have a cowboy studio set from amazon.com about 10x13 (white and black) aaaand i also just set up on my couch sometimes!

What camera do you recommend/own? canon 40d

Do you suggest that someone get the "kit" lens with their SLR? no

What lens do you use most often? 24-70L or the 50 1.8

What do you think someone buying their first DSLR should purchase up front? photoshop

Where did you get your camera bag? I have just a generic from a department store nothing fancy

What do you use to edit? ps cs3

Do you use backdrops? What kind of set up do you have? no backdrops

Anything else someone buying their first camera should know? That it takes alot of time, work, and effort to produce quality images.  Buying the camera doesn't produce the work.  If you are buying a camera without a purpose of really learning the art of producing quality photos save your money and buy a point and shoot.  Using a dslr on automatic is no different that a $200 point and shoot.

What camera do you recommend/own? I recommend a Canon XSi or XTi to anyone who is just getting started with a DSLR.

Do you suggest that someone get the "kit" lens with their SLR? If you get a Canon 40D (and maybe 50D?) I do - the kit lens is a 28-135, and I think it's a good lens! Otherwise, no.

What lens do you use most often? 50mm f/1.4 and 17-55 f/2.8

What do you think someone buying their first DSLR should purchase up front? Lots of memory cards, and an external hard drive to back everything up. 

Where did you get your camera bag? Boda bag - warning though, they're not cheap.

What do you use to edit? Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop - if you're just starting out though, there are much cheaper editing programs than Photoshop.  I wouldn't recommend dropping the cash on Photoshop unless you're really serious.

Do you use backdrops? What kind of set up do you have? Yes - sometimes I'll use a sheet of seamless paper (you can get an entire roll for $35 from a camera store). 

What camera do you recommend/own? Canon Rebel XTI

Do you suggest that someone get the "kit" lens with their SLR? No

What lens do you use most often? 50 mm 1.8

What do you think someone buying their first DSLR should purchase up front? A book on how to shoot in manual mode and a 50 mm

Where did you get your camera bag? I own one but never use it.

What do you use to edit? Photoshop 7.0

Do you use backdrops? What kind of set up do you have?

I have a black muslin backdrop, white and green paper, and a fake wood floor. I use my lighting stands for my muslin drops.

Anything else someone buying their first camera should know? Really take the time to learn how to use your camera.

here's my rec list -the links might have some dated merchandise, but I LOVE the camera bag that's listed - laptop, backpack, easy to find stuff cuz it's yellow inside... love it.

I also love the batteries I got for about $10 each !

My list:
Canon Rebel Xs (there are a couple different ones... Xsi, etc. )
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001CBMD6A/ref=ox_ya_oh_product
$535 with kit lense 18-55mm
Review:  I LOVE THIS CAMERA! 
 
Camera, Lens & Laptop backpack:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000VW6KXS/ref=ox_ya_oh_product
$80 +S&H
Review: LOVE IT so far... love the inside is yellow, easy to find stuff, will hold what I need, room for laptop, seems secure and sturdy.
 
 
UV Filters
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00004ZCJG/ref=ox_ya_oh_product
$5-10 (buy the size specific to your lense)
Review: LOVE to just pop these on and not worry about scratching lenses. Cheap to replace. Don't have to put the cover on each time then.
 
Batteries (Rebel)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0013ISYK6/ref=ox_ya_oh_product
$8  (yes! 8 bah!)
Review: I cannot tell the difference between these and the $80 battery it came with
 
 
 
Canon Lense 50/1.8
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00007E7JU/ref=ox_ya_oh_product
$114
Review: GREAT lense for the money, adds that nice fuzzy background to piks ("bokeh")

What camera do you recommend/own? 

Reccommend: depends on budget and skill level. Own: Old Nikon D70 and a Nikon D200 (soon to be D300 or D700)

Do you suggest that someone get the "kit" lens with their SLR?

Yes to start with. Also recommend a 50mm f/1.8 or f/1.4 to get an idea what a decent lens can do.

Edited to add: Nikon has some pretty decent kit lenses, but I've heard the Canon ones are horrible. For Nikon, the kit lenses are just fine for beginners until they figure out if this is something they want to sink lots of money into.

What lens do you use most often?

17-55mm f/2.8 DX

What do you think someone buying their first DSLR should purchase up front?

Again, depends on the budget. I think the 2nd tier Nikons (D90, etc) are a great starting point. The 1st tier are nice and fit 90% of the needs of most people but I find them too small to be comfortable.

Where did you get your camera bag?

B&H and EBay- Crumpler 6 Million $ home for carrying around and on shoots. Also, Crumpler Karachi Outpost as the giant bag that will hold everything.  Crumpler something Barge for short trips with just a couple lenses and a flash.

What do you use to edit?

Adobe Camera Raw and Adobe Photoshop CS3.

Do you use backdrops? What kind of set up do you have?

No, I prefer natural settings.

Anything else someone buying their first camera should know?

Buy what feels good to you and what you can afford. Buy used lenses.

Don't get caught up in editing tricks, but do learn to process a nice black and white. Just shoot and shoot and shoot some more and you'll get better at it. If you really want to get better at it, get comments and critiques from better photographers, but don't take criticism personally.

One question I get asked a lot: what book about photography would you recommend?

 I really like the National Geographic Photography Field Guide. I have the 1st and 2nd editions, but there's a newer one too that is probably more up to date about digital photography.

****AWS****:

What camera do you recommend/own?  

I have the Canon 40D, I love it...I've also played with the Rebel line and love those for starting out

Do you suggest that someone get the "kit" lens with their SLR?

NO!

What lens do you use most often?

Canon EFS 17-55 F2.8 (bulky, but versatile)

What do you think someone buying their first DSLR should purchase up front?

Photoshop in one form or another

Where did you get your camera bag?

I have a Tamron, it works

What do you use to edit?

CS3 and CameraRAW

Do you use backdrops? What kind of set up do you have?

I have some white roll paper I've used a few times, that's it.  I was a studio photographer for years, but I didn't really like it.  I prefer environmental portraits.  I do have a Speedlite I use from time to time.

Anything else someone buying their first camera should know

It takes a lot of work and a lot of reading and understanding to get things to look good...and the technical side is only one side...the more you shoot the more the other side (creative) will evolve.

What camera do you recommend/own? 

-I own a Canon XTi, Canon 40D, and Canon 5Ds.  For beginners I recommend either an XTi or a second hand 30 or 40D.

Do you suggest that someone get the "kit" lens with their SLR?

-Depends on the lens.  The 5D kit lens is the 24-105 mm f/4L.  I have and love this lens and would recommend it.  The 40D kit lens is the 28-135 IS lens that is a great lens for a beginner.  But the XTi and XSi kit lenses I am not a fan of.

What lens do you use most often?

-24-105mm f/4L and 100mm f/2.8 MACRO.

What do you think someone buying their first DSLR should purchase up front?

-Camera, a nice zoom lens, the nifty fifty, a spare battery (for a total of 2 batteries), 2x 2GB cards and 1x 4GB card.  That's really all you need.  If you think you'll be using flash I'd get the 430EX.  But honestly, I recommend learning how to shoot using natural lighting over getting a flash.  You CAN shoot in almost every lighting without a flash!  I once shot in a room where the only light was a small bathroom light that spilled into half of the room in the middle of the night with no flash and the pictures came out great!  Learn to shoot without a flash before you get one.

Where did you get your camera bag?

-Amazon.  It's a Vanguard hard case.

What do you use to edit?

-Photoshop CS2, Photoshop Lightroom, and Photoshop Elements.  I had CS4 but it took up soo much space on my computer so I got rid of it.

Do you use backdrops? What kind of set up do you have?

-Nope.  I don't shoot in a studio.  I have one.  I never use it.

Anything else someone buying their first camera should know?

-Nope.  If you want one I highly recommend getting one.  Save your money on all the flashy stuff and just stick with the basics.  Self teach and expect a learning curve in the beginning, but be confident that photography is fun and a great way to preserve memories.

What camera do you recommend/own?   I own a Nikon D700 and a D90.  I have also owned a D50 and a D300 in the past.

Do you suggest that someone get the "kit" lens with their SLR?   Depends on what your goals are and what your budget is. 

What lens do you use most often?  Well, I just sold the lens I used the most (17-55 2.8) so I would have to say my 50mm now.  I recently bought a new lens and I am hoping that will end up being my go-to lens.  I am a prime girl.

What do you think someone buying their first DSLR should purchase up front?  A book on how to use your camera and a book on understanding photography basics.

Where did you get your camera bag?  Ha!  I have 4 and I don't remember which stores I bought them from. 

What do you use to edit? CS3 & LR2

Do you use backdrops? What kind of set up do you have?  Yes, I have a background stand, a bunch of seamless paper, chairs, blankets, hats, bows, wraps.  I really only use the background for maternity and newborn.  

What camera do you recommend/own?  I have the Canon XSi and love it.

Do you suggest that someone get the "kit" lens with their SLR?  I got a 50 mm lens and love it, no kit lens for me.

What lens do you use most often?  50mm lens

What do you think someone buying their first DSLR should purchase up front?  I love my speedlight...I shoot inside quite a bit.

Where did you get your camera bag?  In the market for one.

What do you use to edit?  PSE7

Do you use backdrops? What kind of set up do you have?  None for now.

Anything else someone buying their first camera should know?  Try not to get too overwhelmed.  There's so much to learn, but it's fun.

punkfiction:

I thought this would be easiest for FAQ on this board. We can direct people to this thread? So please answer!

 

What camera do you recommend/own? Canon xti or higher. I own 40D, 20D and xsi

Do you suggest that someone get the "kit" lens with their SLR? nope, save up a little extra and get something better

What lens do you use most often? 50mm 1.4 and 24-70L 2.8

What do you think someone buying their first DSLR should purchase up front? the body and a good all around lens like 50mm 1.4 or 1.8 to get used to it all

Where did you get your camera bag? B&H

What do you use to edit? Photoshop CS4

Do you use backdrops? What kind of set up do you have? yes, white paper and 2 black flat king sized sheets. I have a couple muslins but never use them

Anything else someone buying their first camera should know? practice and don't be afraid to play and read, read and practice

 

What camera do you recommend/own? Canon Rebel XS

Do you suggest that someone get the "kit" lens with their SLR? I'm to new to say

What lens do you use most often? the only one I have: EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens (came with my camera)

What do you think someone buying their first DSLR should purchase up front? a camera bag

Where did you get your camera bag? came with my camera-Adorama.com

What do you use to edit? photoshop now and picnik.com in the past (it's free online)

Do you use backdrops? no  What kind of set up do you have? none

Anything else someone buying their first camera should know? shop around for a good deal, and buy from a reputable place.

What camera do you recommend/own?
I have a Canon 40D and love it.   

Do you suggest that someone get the "kit" lens with their SLR?
Very dependent upon which lens comes in your kit.  Mine came with a 28-135mm IS f/3.5-5.6 and it's a pretty decent lens, though I rarely use it anymore except for outdoors in bright light when I need zoom.  Most kit lenses are junk.

What lens do you use most often?
My 50mm f/1.4 by far.  I use my 85mm f/1.8 too.   

What do you think someone buying their first DSLR should purchase up front?  An extra battery and at least 2 memory cards.  An external hard drive is nice, esp. if you shoot a lot or you shoot raw.  UV filters to protect your lenses.  And a protective case or bag for your camera.
 

Where did you get your camera bag?  I got it for Christmas along with my camera... it's just a standard black Canon bag.  It holds my camera body and as many as 4 lenses, cords, and cards.  I have a neoprene cover that I keep on my camera so I don't have to lug around the bag all the time. 

What do you use to edit?    I'm learning Elements 7 and very seriously considering getting Lightroom in the very near future. In the meantime I'm using and really liking the Lightroom 3 Beta and will be getting LR3 as soon as they release it.
I'm a much better photographer than post-processor.  :)

Do you use backdrops? What kind of set up do you have?  No, I shoot in the natural environment... wherever I am, either at home or (more frequently) outdoors.  I do sometimes create backdrops at home using blankets, but that's usually just for "special" (eg: Christmas lights, etc.) sessions.

Anything else someone buying their first camera should know?
Read your camera manual.  Then read it again.  Go through it page by page, section by section, practice, and understand each concept before progressing.  You can also learn a ton from  http://digital-photography-school.com

What camera do you recommend/own? I own a D70 and a D90.  I would recommend a D70 or D50 for beginners.

Do you suggest that someone get the "kit" lens with their SLR?

The one I started with was surprisingly decent, especially for learning.

What lens do you use most often?

50mm f/1.4

85mm f/1.8

What do you think someone buying their first DSLR should purchase up front?

Just the camera and it's manual.  Learn to use it in manual, buy other books about understanding photography!  Learn your camera before investing in more equipment.

Where did you get your camera bag?

bhphotovideo.com and target.  I use a leather purse to carry my equipment sometimes!

What do you use to edit? Adobe Photoshop CS4

Do you use backdrops? What kind of set up do you have?

I prefer natural light and natural settings.  I do have seamless paper and fabric/cloth backdrops however, though I rarely use them.

Anything else someone buying their first camera should know?

Don't start playing with your camera in auto mode, jump right in to manual!

punkfiction:

What camera do you recommend/own? Canon XSi

Do you suggest that someone get the "kit" lens with their SLR? no. I say save the money and skip it.

What lens do you use most often? 50mm f/1.8

What do you think someone buying their first DSLR should purchase up front? a speedlite (i have the 430ex II) and a 50mm lens.

Where did you get your camera bag? best buy and i really like it :) its just a sling bag and its so comfy.

What do you use to edit? PSE and lightroom2

Do you use backdrops? What kind of set up do you have? i have a cowboy studio set from amazon.com about 10x13 (white and black) aaaand i also just set up on my couch sometimes!

Anything else someone buying their first camera should know? have fun :)

edited to change some answers to "now" lol

punkfiction:

What camera do you recommend/own? Canon Rebel XTi.

Do you suggest that someone get the "kit" lens with their SLR? No. 

What lens do you use most often? 50mm f/1.4

What do you think someone buying their first DSLR should purchase up front? Memory cards (I have 2 4GB), external hard drive, protective case, Photoshop Elements

Where did you get your camera bag? Best Buy

What do you use to edit? PE7

Do you use backdrops? What kind of set up do you have? I've never tried using backdrops, but I may experiment for fun. 

Anything else someone buying their first camera should know? I found reading Understanding Exposure before buying my camera was helpful.  Once you get a DSLR, read the manual.  Practice a lot.  These cameras are amazing but the photographer behind them is more important.  Take advantage of natural light and the direction of light is so important!

 

punkfiction:

What camera do you recommend/own? Canon Rebel Xsi

Do you suggest that someone get the "kit" lens with their SLR?  No, save your money

What lens do you use most often? 50mm f/1.8

What do you think someone buying their first DSLR should purchase up front?  external hard drive, 50 mm lens, then read the manual

Where did you get your camera bag?  Ritz camera, nothing fancy

What do you use to edit?  Picnik, iphoto, but I am hoping to get PSE8 soon

Do you use backdrops? What kind of set up do you have?  Not enough space or light in my house for this now

Anything else someone buying their first camera should know? Expect it to take time to learn to use the camera.  Its a lot to learn, take your time and have fun.  Read as much as you can.

 

What camera do you recommend/own? Canon 20D

Do you suggest that someone get the "kit" lens with their SLR? No.

What lens do you use most often? 50mm 1.4

What do you think someone buying their first DSLR should purchase up front? 50mm, external flash, understanding exposure (the book)

Where did you get your camera bag? Amazon

What do you use to edit? PS CS3

Do you use backdrops? What kind of set up do you have? Nothing special. I like candid shots best.

What camera do you recommend/own? 

I have the Nikon D70s (old version of D90) I love it!

Do you suggest that someone get the "kit" lens with their SLR?

No.

What lens do you use most often?

50mm 1.8

What do you think someone buying their first DSLR should purchase up front?

A 50mm lens

Where did you get your camera bag?

It was given to me- I would love a Crumpler though

What do you use to edit?

Photoshop CS2

Do you use backdrops? What kind of set up do you have?

Right now I don't. I'm working on it.

Anything else someone buying their first camera should know?

Don't go crazy with accessorizing at first. Read your manual and learn as much as you can and shoot all the time. As you grow as a photographer you'll naturally know what new equiptment you need to go further.

What camera do you recommend/own? Canon Rebel XS

Do you suggest that someone get the "kit" lens with their SLR? No! I wish I hadn't.

What lens do you use most often? Kit lens for now, but as soon as I can, I will be ordering the 50 mm 1.8

What do you think someone buying their first DSLR should purchase up front? Memory card, camera bag, extra battery, Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson

Where did you get your camera bag? Haven't bought one yet but the one I will be buying is on Etsy

What do you use to edit? Jasc Paint Shop Pro until I can afford Photoshop

Do you use backdrops? What kind of set up do you have? Not yet but eventually I would like to

What camera do you recommend/own?  Canon 40D

Do you suggest that someone get the "kit" lens with their SLR?  if it's all you can afford, yes - but if you can splurge and step up, do it!

What lens do you use most often?  Canon 28-70 2.8 L

What do you think someone buying their first DSLR should purchase up front?  an external flash

Where did you get your camera bag?  online - Jill-e

What do you use to edit?  Photoshop CS2

Do you use backdrops? What kind of set up do you have?   no.

Anything else someone buying their first camera should know?  read the manual..... then reread it..... and read it again!

What camera do you recommend/own? Nikon D700

Do you suggest that someone get the "kit" lens with their SLR?  Never

What lens do you use most often?  Tamron 28-75 or now my 35mm 2.0

What do you think someone buying their first DSLR should purchase up front?  Body and a 50mm 1.8 lens, possibly a speedlight if they want to use flash.

Where did you get your camera bag?  Local camera store and online.

What do you use to edit?  Photoshop only

Do you use backdrops? What kind of set up do you have? Nope.  Only with newborn shoots, I use blankets.

What camera do you recommend/own? I currently shoot with a Canon 5D mark ii which I love, it is a lot of camera (and $$) for a beginner so if you are just starting out I would look at the Canon Rebel series.   I started with a Canon Rebel XT that I loved. 

Do you suggest that someone get the "kit" lens with their SLR?  If you know nothing about photography it isn't the worst thing in the world to start with while you figure out what all the numbers mean.  If you go with the canon I would recommend picking up something like the 50mm 1.8 (about $100) as well.  I know I would have been frustrated starting out if I didn't have a lens that would zoom so that is why I would keep the kit as well. 

What lens do you use most often? I currently use my Canon 100mm f/2.8 L macro IS the most (but that is because I shoot flowers the most), followed closely by my Canon 50mm f/1.2L and my Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L. 

What do you think someone buying their first DSLR should purchase up front? An extra battery, a fast prime (like the 50mm 1.8), fast memory cards.  Also consider getting a speedlight flash unit that you can rotate and point in different directions to use instead of your on board flash. 

Where did you get your camera bag? I have a lot of camera bags, a small canon bag that is good for just the camera, bought off amazon.  A shootsac that I use when I am just going to be out shooting and I don't need a lot of protection for my gear.  A lowepro slingshot for when I want to take all my gear and keep it safe.  I also have a Epiphanie Belle for when I travel and I only want to take one bag (no extra purse) and I need to be able to protect my gear a bit and zip it up safe. 

What do you use to edit? I mainly use Adobe Lightroom 2 right now, I will upgrade to Lightroom 3 when it is fully released.  I also have Photoshop CS3 which I plan to upgrade to CS5 soon. 

Do you use backdrops? What kind of set up do you have? No backdrops.

What camera do you recommend/own? 

I shoot with a Canon 5D MkII, however I started with the Canon 40D and love that body as well.

Do you suggest that someone get the "kit" lens with their SLR?

NO!  

What lens do you use most often?

I use my 24=70mm (sorry dash key doesn't work on my laptop!) f2.8L, but I am currently lusting over the 85mm f1.2L and have no doubt it will be my favorite once I get it.

What do you think someone buying their first DSLR should purchase up front?

A 50mm prime lens.  I started with the 50mm f1.4 and still love that lens. 

Where did you get your camera bag?

In a local shop in Sydney.

What do you use to edit?

Photoshop for editing.  Aperture for storage.

Do you use backdrops? What kind of set up do you have?

No backdrops.  Blankets/beanbag for newborns, but that's it.  I'd say I do 95% of my photo shoots outside (it's warm enough year round in Sydney).

Anything else someone buying their first camera should know?

As others have said, just keep reading everything you can get your hands on.  And then read some more.  It takes a very long time (and a lot of practice) to start really knowing what you are doing behind the camera.  It's a lot of work, but totally worth it!