Camera Kits
There are a few basic principles that are needed to be considered when choosing the camera equipment that you want to use.
There are a few problems with the current “kits” that are available. One is the flash. When the flash is a part of the camera, it is inherently weak (not powerful enough past ….. perhaps 12 feet.) Another problem with the flash being a part of the camera is that when the flash is too close to the lens, then the phenomena known as “red-eye” occurs. Professional photographers know how to avoid red-eye and the first and simplest method is by moving the flash as far as possible from the lens. That means that an “add-on” or external flash is necessary. One way to attach an external flash is with the hot shoe, but most point and shoot basic cameras no longer include a hot shoe. If your camera does not have a hot shoe, then an alternative is a flash with what is called a “slave” that triggers the external flash with the flash from the internal one attached to the camera. Naturally, when adding on an external flash, the power of the flash (and hence the cost) is a factor.
Another factor in your choice of equipment is how much of a “field” you are taking a picture of. The range is from wide to telephoto. 18mm is wide, while 150mm is telephoto. Most of the current “kits” come with an 18mm-55mm lens, which is practically worthless for wedding photography (or other all around photography.) If you get this lens with your camera, you would have to purchase a telephoto zoom lens and then switch back and forth between the two lenses. A MUCH more practical solution is to get one lens to cover the field of both. For film cameras, this was a 28-200mm lens, but for digital it is more like 18-150mm.
Because of the current pricing of available lenses, we are currently recommending the 28-200mm lens.
Basic
Canon SX110IS with 220EX Speedlite Flash $550
Upgraded
Canon G10 Powershot with 430EX Speedlite Flash $825
With 220EX Speedlite Flash $725
Advanced
Canon XSI EOS Rebel SLR w/18-200mm lens + 430EX Speedlite $950
The advantage of the Canon SLR Rebel is that it takes interchangeable lenses and is a basic start towards a more professional outfit. It is more expandable. SLR stands for Single Lens Reflex and is the general standard for professional photographers.
