question about external flashes

I dont know enough to even know how to ask this question really but here goes
I own a canon 300d digital rebel and I want to get some studio lights ( a 3 light portriat setup) to use with it. It doesnt have a sync cord hookup on it and I want to know if I can even hook up to strobes and if I can what do I need to get to make this possible....I have been reading in the forums and I just cant seem to grasp anything...
If anyone could direct me I would be appreciative, make it simple on a beginers level please.. LOL

Kat

You can use a hotshoe-to-PC adapter to connect to studio strobes. You do have to be careful, however, with your selection of studio strobes. The trigger voltage cannot exceed 6 volts DC without risking damage to the camera's switching circuitry. If you get studio strobes with a higher trigger voltage, all is not lost. You can get a special hotshoe-to-PC adapter from a company called Wein - their SafeSync product line. They reduce the voltage seen by the camera's switching circuits. A standard adapter runs about $10 (US), and the Wein SafeSync is more like $50 (US).

I would suggest that you look at AlienBees for lighting equipment. They have one of the best product lines in the low-priced category that you will find, and their service - both pre-sale and post-sale - is second to none.

You can only buy their product directly from their factory - either through their web site http://www.alienbees.c​om/index.html or via telephone (877) 714-3381.

No, I don't work for them. I'm just a very satisfied customer. You will find lots of satisfied AB customers on this forum. There are other brands, but after a lot of comparative shopping I chose the AlienBees products.

A Wein SafeSync is just a nice piece of equipment to have in your bag. I use one for my Sunpak 555 or any other non-EX flash I want to attach to the 300D.

And I'll give a second plug for the Alien Bees. I have been quite happy with what we use and we started with the 300D.

How about you tell us your budget.

wow budget wise - Im thinking to get the entire setup including lightng backdrops, and the minor acessories needed for my camera like remotes etc... $2500 at a max... I am also going to need a top notch printer to do on location/event printing... any suggestions for that would be appreciated too

Thanks so far for all the help.. I cant wait to hear what else you all can tell me... I am going to need ALOT of help with choosing and then learnign to use the new equipment..

Kat