For pics, your DReb is fine. But with the 1.6 crop, you're going to want something uber wide, esp if you're shooting in a small space. I kinda like the images from the Sigma 10-20mm ultra wide zoom lens. It's under $500 too. For video, you might want to consider the Canon XH-A1. It's about $4k MSRP though (but you can find them in the mid $3k's). It's like having a 5DMkII except more geared toward video. Check this one out:

http://vimeo.com/5694952?hd=1

Invest $100 in photography/art books, and pay special attention to framing and composing of your image/frame.

:thumbsup I picked up a little Sony that is just like it. Just started playing with it and it's great for POV or on the fly shooting.

Off hand here is what I located without searching to much.
Two Alienbees B400 Lamps (black, with zipper cases) Suggested Retail: 224.95 ea. (+s/h)
Two Umbrella reflectors (white on black 38") Suggested Retail: 29.95 ea. (+s/h)
Two tripod stands (black, 10') Suggested Retail: 39.95 ea. (+s/h)
Total Suggested retail: $589.70 (+s/h & possibly tax)

Since they are for the most part unused, aside from taking them out of their packaging. I figure I could let then go for $400.00 + actual shipping charges (total amount I receive, so may be slightly more depending on how funds are sent).
Will accept paypal, check, money order, cashiers check, wire.

You can pick carrier of your choice and insurance. Though I will say the USPS has pretty good rates via their flat rate boxes.
You would be looking at 2 poster sized tubes, 2 sm. & long rectangle boxed (3' maybe), and 2 12"x12" boxes.
Will supply pictures if you want.

Thanks ASM for looking into that for me. Honestly this skin on gfy leads me to believe that the pay site model wont be lasting much longer, kinda having second thoughts on starting sites. Give me like a day please to let you know on the alien bees, otherwise the second guy can take them.

Do you still have the Sony miniDV? I have been thinking more and more about getting that for home videos of my kids.

Yeah I do still have it. It has been listed on craigslist but so far I had only been getting scam paypal offers on it. No plans on bumping it on there anytime soon.

Can understand the concerns about the tube issues and the paysite model. I personally disagree (honestly if you do not buy my thoughts would not change) with the idea of the pay site model wont last much longer.

I am sure you have seen how others have spoken about protecting their content, that is one way to know they will stick around. Unique/Exclusive will always have a market just like microniche will. As a business standpoint you should also think of all of the ways you can make money from your content. It all does not depend 100% on the membership model. You can supplement it with VOD and Clip sales, especially if you understand and can add in a niche or microniche into your sites (guessing solo sites perhaps).

Money wise I still would find it hard for someone who knows what they are doing loosing money on a paysite even in todays market. You could start with pure clips for instance. Invest in a camera, lighting, possibly some props (clothing, niche stuff, toys), for under 2k. Hire some models, shoot out a bunch of niche material for the clip stores and building a multi model niche site. Figure the starting budget for models and contracts was another 3k. I can almost guarantee that you would be back in the black within 6 months and have doubled your money at least by the end of the year. Honestly if you got it all nailed down and really pushed what you were doing, there would be no reason to not see much larger figures. Even with the amount of piracy today.

I have officially went off topic and that is something I do not like doing. Just hate the idea of people giving up because of this crap.

Appreciate you giving your thoughts. It is not that I am giving up, just having thoughts of focusing majority of my efforts elsewhere. I earn xxx,xxx yearly as an affiliate, and figured I could double or triple that launching some pay sites. I know I could make good money from it, using unique approaches, etc. BUT I wouldn't make anywhere near the money I would have before all of the tubes, shady cross sales, etc etc.

Time is money, I am balancing what markets will bring a larger return on time spent. Adult isn't heading in the direction I would like to see it moving in. I generally have the "adapt of die" mind set but I am not about to go launch an illegal tube.

Anyway enough about all of that. $500 for the Sony? It has minimal usage right?

The sony was used off and on during 1 day.
This one was purchased as an oh shit, nobody brought a camera to x-mass at a relatives house and we had a relative who may not be around next year present. So I rushed out and grabbed it.

I will take it off your hands. Mind hitting me up when you have a minute? Contact details are in my sig, but wont be on ICQ until I am back to work tomorrow night. Thanks! :thumbsup

You have an email.
You also have a day or two on the lights, unless you pass them onto the other person.

Thanks for the deal, it was a pleasure doing business with you. :thumbsup

Any time. Hope you enjoy the hell out of it and like I said. Any issues and just let me know.

Speaking of DSLRs, I just went to a bit of a shopping trip myself. Loving it thus far.

http://i38.tinypic.com/rwjdpv.jpg

Add a 580 EX II and Zeiss ZE 1.4/50 on top of that. I am a sucker for Zeiss glass, their primes just have something special to them. Micro-contrast is off the chain. Also recommended, ZF 2/100 Macro. Insane lens. Especially on FF cameras, like the D3 or D700.