kyreds2 Loc: Kentucky

Out of fairness I was asking for suggestions, whether it be a dslr or something else, but thanks for your input.

amehta Loc: Boston

And it still should have it's own topic. You will also get more feedback with that, since people saw this as an "announcement" post rather than a "please give me suggestions" post.

Using "Quote Reply" is also helpful to know who you are responding to. Since you used "out of fairness", I inferred that this was addressed to me.

lukan Loc: Chicago, IL

Didn't you mean $9000, because I think you accidentally wrote $900, and that's not even SEMI-professional. That might get you one lens that you could use (semi-professionally, that is). $900 will get you a good to very-good body, especially if you check out something refurbished. Then, lenses, tripod, lighting, etc., can really soak up your cash.

jdw007uk Loc: lancashire Uk

I have Used the Nikon Coolpix's with the Optical and Digital Zooms,

They are good Cameras, however slight movement can cause out of Focus shots at longer distances and also slow focussing issues if the target moves.

Good for putting in a bag or car if you want ease of use though.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

You'd be better off posting this as a separate topic.

Buying a refurbished body will save you quite a bit. That's what I try to do. The Nikon D7100 is a great camera.

http://www.cameta.com/Nikon-D7100-Digital-SLR-Camera-Body-Factory-Refurbished-77063.cfm

Jack47 Loc: Ontario

You won't go professional for under $900. Most pros carry 3 bodies and a half dozen lenses.

mrtobin Loc: North East Ohio

So what is optimal zoom?

Pepper Loc: Planet Earth Country USA

Okay, if you’d start a thread asking for assistance I’m sure you’ll get more feedback than you want. Please tell us what kind of “Professional Photography” you plan to do. Are you looking at doing portraits, landscapes, advertising, journalism, pets, sports etc. This will help determine priorities like low light, freezing action, focal length and so on.

BTW I still would like to know what a “semi professional photo” is, I’m just curious.

Jack47 Loc: Ontario

I think they meant OPTICAL.

Joecosentino Loc: Whitesboro, New York

Sorry but 900 bucks really isn't going to cut it between a body and good glass
You may need to rethink your business plan.

JPL

I think you are getting a bit harsh responses here, do not know why and see no reason to do so.

There are many types of pro photographers. It is not only about buying expensive gear. It would help to know what kind of photos you want to take, f.x. portraits? landscape? sports? birds in flight? etc. Different kind of photos may require different kind of gear.

My advice to you is to start your journey to become a pro photograph by buying a Nikon D5200 or D3200 or D7000, a 50 mm f1.8 lens and 18-140 zoom lens and a tripod. All of this may be new or refurb. This is a gear that is either used by pro photographers as backup (D7000) to their more expensive D800 or D4 or delivers the same image quality as the pro gear but you need to use menus rather then buttons to adjust your settings. I think you could get a combination from this for the budget you have. I mention Nikon gear here because that is what I use, I am sure you can get similar packages from Sony or Canon and many others if you prefer.

The main part in becoming a pro photographer is to learn the technique and practice. Most important of it all is to frame your photographs, that is even more important than technique or the gear you use. There is a lot of free online info about this to get you started.

And one more thing you will need is a good post processing program, f.x. Lightroom 4 or 5. You will never feel like your photos have a pro look until you have a good software to process them.

roy4711 Loc: Spring Valley IL.

you can get a good deal on canon 60D with a canon 35mm-135mm lens at B&H PHOTO N.Y. that's because the 70D just came out. and they want to sell out the 60D. you will be very pleased with this camera for the money. you will need a uv filter and a polarize filter plus a spare battery. :-P

roy4711 Loc: Spring Valley IL.

one more thing I forgot to tell you memory cards. the camera can hold 2 cards. get 32GB class 10 write speed 45mbs. or better the salesperson will help you, they are not that expensive at B&H. :P

Neubee Loc: Wisconsin

A Bridge camera just won't do it. Yes,it will take more than $3000 to start into Pro photography along with 3 or 4 years of hard practice...

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Then you do not want a point-n-shoot bridge ?? .....I would recommemd - as I have been for this sort of thing - the Sony A3000 and an extra/larger zoom to go with it.