I want to be a photographer, not professional but as a hobby, but what should be

Question: I want to be a photographer, not professional but as a hobby, but what should be on my shopping list!?

I know I need a SLR camera, lighting and backgrounds!. But what type of each!? Money isn't really an object right now, but I'm trying to keep my camera at a reasonable price(less than $600-700), something good for a beginner, but definitely not digital point and shoot quality!. IWww@QuestionHome@Com

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

If you really want to be a photographer, then you would get a Nikon!. For the price you are not going to beat the quality!. Canons are okay, but not nearly as many options!. People who use canons go into just because they know the name!. Then they don't want to switch because they are used to them and know nothing better!. Nikon D40x has a decent price and awesome quality and mp!. Just because a canon has maybe two more megapixels does not make it a better camera!.

Start small and move up!. Someday get something better than a D300!. If you really want to get into it, then when you are rich get a hasselblad!. Large format film cameras, with possibilities of a digital back!. Looking at thousands of dollars for this baby though!. If you like film, get your hand on a used one and use it for portraitures etc!.

Like I said Nikon D40x or the new D60 is in your price range!. Best company for digital!. Believe me I've tried everything!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Just start off by getting the camera!.!.!. try the Canon Rebel XTi, you can get the kit for about $650 right now!. Get to know your camera first, then worry about getting other lenses and accessories!.

Too many people spend a lot of money on expensive equipment that ends up sitting on their shelf because they don't know how to use it!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Get a good used SLR, Nikon or Canon 35 mm!.

You can find them on craigslist for under $200!.

Here is a sample in my area:

http://phoenix!.craigslist!.org/pho/694976!.!.!.
http://phoenix!.craigslist!.org/pho/697057!.!.!.Www@QuestionHome@Com