Need Camera Recommendation

I've had good luck with the Canon T2i and one of these http://www.lightscoop.com/. We've been using the T3i (same as the T2i but with an articulated lcd screen) for imagery and video and our marketing department has taken notice. We no longer go to them for stock company images... in fact they come to us because we make a point to be at every company event and shoot both video and photos. As far as tripods go, get the sturdiest one you can. I picked up a Bogen on eBay for like $50... it can be done.

as far as shooting in such an open space like a warehouse, you may just want to rent a flash from http://www.borrowlenses.com/... that way you have it for your project, but you're not out the serious money it costs for a good one.

Lastly... know your camera. Spend a day just playing around in total manual mode... change the settings and see the results. The camera will keep all of the data for each image when you download so you can review it later. Know your camera!

Hope this helps

I love my Lumix camera with the Leica lens.  It also allows video capturing as well as still.  Quality is excellent imo.

Hey Laura, we posted your question on our Facebook page too, and another Articulate user had this advice:

My own camera is a Nikon D5100. IMO, a fantastic piece of kit. Full HD movie capture, anti vibration technology, 11 Flash modes, high ISO, etc.

I have a Sony DSC HX100.  It is loaded with features and does an amazing job in low light conditions.  It is not a SLR (interchangeable lens) but it does have a 30x zoom with image stabilization.  I took it to a Brewer's baseball game and was able to fill the frame from the nose bleed section and the photos turned out crisp and clean.  The full 1080 HD works and looks fabulous.  The cost is between 400-500 and that should leave you with enough to grab some lights.  I love soft lights/soft boxes for lighting...depends on how big of a space you need lit though.

I have Nikon cameras:  an older D50 SLR, and a newer D300S.  Both DSLRs work great, although the D50 weighs a little less than the D300S.  The 300S will also take D-Movies.  All my Nikor DX lenses work with either camera.  My favorite walk-around lens is the Nikor 18-200 mm VR (virbration reduction.  I have a 70-300 mm lens, but it's not VR, which causes me challenges at the highest zoom levels.

Also have a Nikon S9300 (16 MP) point & shoot that has 18x zoom capability.  It's little, travels very well, and takes great pictures as well as 1080p HD video.

Doug, do you use it for both photos and video?

+1 on the Canon T2i. My department bought one and I was able to use it set in automatic mode without having handled it before. Pictures were GREAT.

Once I had time to read the instruction I was amazed at it's capabilities.

Pete

I use a Canon T3i, it's a dream to use.  Though, it would eat through the budget before considering the accessories.

We just bought the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX9V (similar to the one Doug mentioned but less zoom capability and costs less). It may not be enough camera for what you need, but it has some very easy to use yet impressive looking features. My favorite so far is the blur background feature. It's listed as one of CNET's top digital cameras. Takes 3D images and full 1080 HD video as well.

http://reviews.cnet.com/best-digital-cameras/

We just bought it at Best Buy for $299.