what camera + lens is right for me ??

[Steve U]

A tripod will allow the slower shutter speeds and alleviate some of your lighting issues. Just about any new kit lens and camera combo will provide excellent results for the type of product photography that you have mentioned and you are right that the lighting will be the key difference.

The key factor here will be if you decide to do something other than product photography. Once you decide that you want to try some landscapes, capture some bird or wildlife shots, or shoot a friends party/wedding, than the more you spend, the better the image quality and the better the versatility of your setup.

It is very easy to spend some serious dollars on a setup to shoot great stock photos and product photography. Lighting, reflectors, tripods, remotes will all help you achieve that professional look.

[jasonfodor]

Thanks for the replies, very helpful. Anyone have any other opinions?

I still have a few questions,
(1) do I necessary need a t4i? or can i do something like t3i/t3? The photo of the jeans I liked the guy used a canon rebel from 2007
(2) do I need any lenses? he used a Canon ef-s 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM or will using the stock 18-55mm lens kit give the same results as far as my needs?
(3) do i necessary need a tripod? the tripod recommended above is $200. kind of seems like a waste if I can just hold the camera myself lol
(4) i think I need the flash. do i need a diffuser or anything else?

[Busted Knuckles]

18-55 on a t3i is perfect. Constant lighting is much easier to deal with than flash. The usability of both the constant lighting and the better tripod than the cheapo at the local electronic store can't be over stressed. For the extra few bucks you will never notice the tripod, for a few less bucks you will be swearing at it. Somewhat similar to the cable TV adds - don't swear