Photog mamas! Can I pick your brain about cameras?

[Marlet]

I'm researching camers right now and there is just so much to read!

First question: if money was of no concern () what would your drea camera be and why?

Are there any sites that have a pro and con comparison list? I've been reading all sorts and not a single one lists things in a straight forward manner. I don't want marketing. I don't want wordy pages that only show one camera at a time. I want something to the point where I can see everything side by side (or in a column ).

What do you think are absolute needs to start a business? Not just preferences but true needs that will make your work professional and legit? Maximum quality without breaking the bank and needing loans?

What are absolutes for wedding, maternity, and/or birth? I'm talking everything from camera straps to tripods to flash etc.

I'm sure I'll have more but for now those work. TIA!

[luv]

Your questions would take a book to answer frankly As I only have a min I'll point you to www.dpreview.com side by side comparison and reviews of all the major camreas out there.

It takes a lot more than just good camrea to be a good photog. Read everything you can, take classes if you can and above all practice.

[DesireeH]

It totally depends is my opinion. LOL If you do studio that would be different. I dont do studio, I do on location and weddings.

My set up is:
Canon 5D (love it!)
Canon 30D (backup is a must for weddings IMO)
70-200L 2.8 IS
50 1.4
28 1.8
580 EXII flash
(and for weddings I rent other lenses usually, like a fisheye and macro)
AB 400 strobe light (although I rarely use it!)
I dont use tripods, I'm an on the go type
iMac
Macbook Pro (if you travel to do weddings otherwise you can get by without a laptop)
CS3 (a must IMO)
Lightroom
Website and blog
Logo and packaging
business cards
camera bag
30GB worth of CF cards/card reader/card holder
extra cam batteries (I have 2 per each camera)
business insurance ($250 a year)
credit card terminal (I pay $30 a month plus %)
PPA membership (malpractice insurance included) $300 ish a year

Plus workshops, gas, travel, reflectors, softbox, sample albums, sample prints, sample canvas, etc. At 2 years, I am still in the red but I think by 2009 I'll be out. LOL! We'll see!