just getting started

just looking for some advise on what camera and equipment to purchase that
will do the job and wouldn t have to replace it for a long time thank you

what job (what are your photographic interests)?
what budget?

landscape,weddings,por​trait

budget $1000 to $2000

That's not much money to work with, if you're thinking of a DSLR system. You could get a used Rebel XT, a Sigma 18-50, a 50 f/1.4, and a 430EX. That wouldn't be a bad setup for all that you want to do.

ok what budget range are we talking

1 to 2 thousand is a pretty limited budget. I would suggest the Canon Powershot Pro1.

8 megapixel
28mm - 200mm f/2.4 "L" Series lens
Shoots RAW + jpeg
Pop-up flash with external flash sync
CF card storage
2.5fps

$699 and you've got your camera and lens covered. Another $89 for Photoshop elements and you're well into digital, and you've got $1,200 left for lighting and accssesories.

Here's a link to a review of the camera. http://www.dpreview.co​m/reviews/canonpro1/

The camera's been discontinued but still available here. http://www.wawadigital​.com ….asp?Catid=29&S​ku=9140A00

My recommendation would be to get the Rebel XT with kit lens ( I actually like mine) and a flash - the 430Ex probably would be the best to start with. Get yourself an amvoma tripod ( not sure re spelling here, check out the accessories section of the forum) off of ebay and you'll be good to go.
everyone wants to get all the kit all at once, but there's no real need. Take your time, don't spend all your cash at once, and learn to use the camera first.
As time goes by you'll have a much better idea of what you really need, also what you really want ( the terms need and want are interchangeable on POTN)

the kit lens is a good enough lens, it is reasonably OK sharpness wise especially if stopped down a bit. It gives an equivalent zoom range of 28-80mm approx, pretty much the same as a standard film SLR zoom, and pretty much of equivalent quality. It is versatile enough for the things you mention, at least while you get to grips with the camera. you won't have any issues with this lens unles you are planning on making big prints.

Personally I'd never recommend a compact digital camera over an SLR to someone who was serious about photography, simply because you would outgrow it so soon. The compacts are excellent, and they can go places other cameras can't, I use one myself when I don't want to carry the 20D and a bag full of stuff around. But a DSLR is the way to go!

If you can go to $2000, then here's a kit for you:

XT w/grip- $700
Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di- $300
Speedlite 430 EX- $300
Stroboframe flash bracket with offcamera shoe cord- just over $100
6gigs or so of memory- $300
Canon 50mm f/1.8 MkII- $80
Couple extra sterlingtek batteries- $30
Lowepro Rezo 2 AW- $80

that's about $110 under "budget". Get a copy of PSE4.

Before you start weddings, make sure you learn how to use the camera inside out.

Ronald - impressive and Rainman like ability to put together a system quickly at a certain price point. Have you memorized the B&H price list?