This part is really up to discretion. Some people like the brand that they’re in. Some people prefer a specific lens. It’s really all up to you. But a better lens makes a huge difference in photo quality-more than a better camera, so when you decide which system you like, you’ll need to make sure you get a good lens.

Since this section is for pros, it makes sense to list higher values because you’re going to be investing in a system that will make you money. Like any good investment, you’ll need to buy the best you can to get the best in return. This doesn’t mean you need to break the bank. The whole reason I wrote this is because I saw too many kits/combos where people were paying thousands for just a case, and not even the guts that go in the case. The guts are the most expensive part of this venture, and the camera is number one purchase. And again, you don’t have to break the bank.

An entry level DSLR, like the Canon Ti series, will work great with a better than entry lens, and connecting it to a computer will give you the best options available. You can get a entry level Ti series camera for $300. Couple that with a decent lens-again NOT entry level cheap-os, and you’ll have maybe $600 invested in the system. Throw in a decent computer, and it’s up to $1000. If you make your case, or get one that’s not a crazy $1k, then you’ll spend maybe $1500 dollars total, and that does include a printer. Get a pro printer and maybe you’re up to $2k. But you can work that off in 3 jobs or so, depending on your packages and margins, and you’ll be in the black before you know it.