what camera + lens is right for me ??

[Black_Dog]

As much as I love my EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS lens, I have to agree with the folks here who recommend getting a 3Ti and kit (18-55mm) lens and invest the savings in external lighting. I'm not a fan of prepackaged kits, so I would buy the pieces individually, something like (all prices B&H):

• Canon Speedlite 430EX II, $254.00 (after rebate): Canon - 430EX II Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 141'/43 m at ...
• Good quality flash stand, $67.90: Manfrotto - 1052BAC Alu Air Cushioned Compact Stand, Black - 7.75' (2.3m)
• Cable to trigger your flash (this is long enough to give you plenty of length to move around with, is not coiled (coiled cords pull flash stands over), and is cheaper and far more reliable than wireless flash triggers), $49.95: Interfit - Multi-Fit TTL Cord for Nikon/Canon/Fuji Cameras (32'/10m)
• Good quality shoot-through umbrella (this umbrella uses durable fiberglass ribs/stays and is constructed well enough to give you years of use), $23.95: Photoflex - Umbrella - White Satin - 45"
• Boom arm (if necessary; if you are shooting product on the floor, this will allow you to extend your flash and umbrella over the work), $32.95: Impact - Mini Boom Arm - 5' 4"
• Umbrella bracket (this gizmo holds your umbrella and your flash, and it can tilt and swivel for aiming the umbrella and flash), $24.95: Impact UMBRELLA BRACKET w/ADJUSTABLE SHOE

This may seem like a lot, but it's basically what would come in a good lighting kit, only better quality than most. Including the flash these items total $453.70. Throw in a Rebel 3Ti with EF-S 18-55mm kit ($649 after rebate) and your total cost is just $1,102.70.