There’s a black list of gear every photographer needs, which varies depending on who you talk to. So, if I had all the money in the world, here is what I would consider the ultimate “camera bag” (this would have to be Santa’s sack to all fit in one bag).
Camera body:
Go Canon or Nikon and don’t waste your money on anything else. These two companies dominate the industry and it becomes a challenge to have something less common, especially if you are looking for a job. I’ve heard that the East Coast primarily uses Nikon while the West Coast favors Canon. I’ve used both and I admit that I prefer Canon. While the quality is pretty matched, Canon is more popular where I live and the shutter release is quieter than Nikon, which is extremely important to me when I’m trying to be stealth (no invisibility cloaks on the market yet, so being quiet is the best I can do).
Two picks for Canon:
The latest and greatest, EOS-IDs Mark III. You can read about the features and specifications on Canon’s website. I love this model of camera bodies because it is designed for vertical photos. Rather than turning the camera and stretching your wrist in an uncomfortable position, there’s a second shutter release button on the side.
For a slightly cheaper option, the EOS 5D Mark II. I’ve used this camera pretty extensively and I really like it. It doesn’t have the second shutter release, but I’m pretty sure you can get an attachment for it. The LCD screen is larger than older models and of course the quality is fantastic.
Other must-have lenses:
16-35
25-105
70-200
300
If super-close-ups are your thing, like photographing flowers, insects, rocks, whatever, you’ll also want a macro lens. Macro lenses bring into sharp focus tiny details that many lenses can’t pick up and focus on; sometimes even the human eye can’t detect its sharpness.
With any lens, if you can get an f/2.8, splurge for it. The quality of the lens is what makes for a clearer photo.
Those cover all the basics, for interesting fish-eye affects to capturing your french horn player in the marching band.
Flashes:
You don’t have to have a specific brand of flash. Flashes are universal, so just because you have a Canon camera, you don’t need a canon flash. This is probably the one area where it’s safe to cut-corners and reach out to a cheaper competitor.
You’ll want at least one flash with a bounce card (you can even make one out of cardboard and white paper and attach it to your flash with a rubber band), and a slave/transmitter so you can get the flash off your camera. When you can hold a flash away from the camera, the light will look a lot more natural and less harsh. For studio stuff, you’ll want at least two flashes, stands, transmitters, and umbrellas.
After you throw away your retirement fund on all that cool stuff, you’ll need a place to put it all.
A backpack is essential to keep it all safe and in one place. Bags are nice, backpacks are better for your shoulders. Even better, get a camera bag on wheels. Like the wheely luggage, it’s a muscle-saver. And if you want it all at your fingertips, I recommend something like the Think Tank. It attached around the hips and has compartments for everything. The bad part is that the basic belt is pricey enough and then each compartment is sold separately. Did I mention that photography is a really expensive hobby??? 
And the stuff you should always have with you:
- 2 fully charged batteries
- extra memory cards
- lens cleaner and tissue
-shower cap or plastic bag (just in case you find yourself in a wet situation–you always want to be prepaired!)
