Whenever photographers or videographers want to start a studio to expand their business, certain questions get asked a lot. The most common one is probably "what can I get for x amount of money?” Whatever your business if going to be, when you set up a photo studio, you're going to need to make smart investments, regardless of budget. In the early days of any business, you're going to have to cut down your loses as much as possible and spending money on the wrong gear is not the way to do it.
Most photographers go for one of three budget options: $1,000, $2,500 and $5,000. Let's assume that these amounts include the camera and lens, not just the actual studio gear. You're obviously not going to get the best of everything with a $1,000 budget, but if you divide it wisely, you'll end up with a decent camera and lens and a few basic studio accessories. Sure, you can spend all the money on a single camera, but that won't be called investing in a studio.
A medium budget of $2,500 will get you more and better stuff, but again, it all depends on how much you are willing to spend for the camera.
A $5,000 budget will give you a lot of options. For this amount you can set up a semi-pro studio that will cover most of the needs of a "normal" photography business.
Before you go shopping with any amount of money, you need to make a list that is based on real life needs. Spend some thinking if you need a full frame camera or not, if you absolutely must have pro glass or if you can get the job done with third party lenses.
Here is a video made by The Slanted Lens that explains in detail what you can get for these three budgets.
Here are a few of our recommended studio kits:
- ePhoto Digital Photography Video 2400 Watt kit
- LimoStudio 750W Professional Photography Studio
- Square Perfect Professional Grade 3 Strobe Kit