Annie_Girl Loc: It's none of your business

If you have a camera why are you asking about what camera to purchase?

Please answer.my question, do you know anything about photography besides slapping it on auto and pushing the shutter button?

You don't own a dslr and you are talking about clients, honey you are way over your head. I'm trying to save you from ending up on "you call yourself a photographer" or one of the facebook pages that out craptastic "pro" photographers. Or worse, having the IRS come after you for not paying your business tax, cause I am willing to bet being a real legal business hadn't crossed your little mind.

Rbrylawski Loc: Tampa, FL

If my budget was $4 - $500, and I wanted a camera that would be a good first DSLR to learn and grow with, that offered class leading MPs, the suggestion I would make is to have the OP march on down to Best Buy and purchase a Nikon D3200 with 18 - 55 lens. They're on sale for $499 this week. No, the lens isn't class leading, but for a first camera, it would be a great start. Yep, that's what I'd recommend.

mrova Loc: Chesterfield, VA

Take it from a newbie here...you're getting some great advice here but the original question was the issue. There's way more involved in this stuff...I think that's all they're trying to say. See my post from earlier as to how I started out. I have no intention of being professional myself, but with the information I've gotten from here and advice from this group has in my opinion been priceless.
Go get yer equipment of whatever type you feel comfortable with and go for it. You'll have a great time!

Nightski

Yeager,
Listen to Dave about how to choose a camera. Go out and find one that suits your needs and your budget. Take some shots, and post them (one at a time)in the Photo Critique & Analysis Section, so that you can get some feedback on how you are doing. Start from there. Give yourself a little time to learn and get familiar with your new camera. I hope to see you posting in the section. One step at a time. Slow down, and enjoy the experience of photography.
Regards, Nightski

CHOLLY Loc: THE FLORIDA PANHANDLE!

:thumbup:

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Yeager, I don't know much about face book, seems mostly about people showing you what they had for dinner, or showing you their dog.
But I do know the Hog.
This is more than $500, but it will serve you well to get great professional looking portraits, of anything. Look for a good used Canon 7d. I see then as low as $600. An 85mm 1.8 lens can serve to do most of your portraits except groups, about $300.
Two Yongnuo speedlights for about $75 each and a $35 stand for each. A 10 foot sync cord and two 5 in 1 reflectors might cost $50. one white wall and one black will get you started.
Watch lots of Adorama TV uTubes on one and two light photography.
That's more than $500, but that camera and lens will produce professional results with just a little know how and imagination.
Once you get started, many will be willing to help you locate sources for everything from where to have prints made to where to buy insurance.
Yeager, it's not rocket science, it's just photography, where your imagination can take you far with just minimal gear. If you need more info, just ask, someone will help.
Good luck.
SS

aircraft man

Best way to do this is go to a CAMERA store NOT WALMART pick your price range try each camera the one that feels good in your hand will work best for you. If you buy something that feels awkward you will not keep using it. Then like your pants never leave home without it. PRACTICE is GOOD.

Bill Emmett Loc: Bow, New Hampshire

You will certainly open discussion on this subject. First and foremost you have to learn a bit about photography, and the terms used. Do you know what full frame, and crop frame actually mean? Do you know lenses for one camera do not fit on another. If you do not, it's time you study the field a little more.

I shoot with Canon products, both my cameras are cropped sensor for shooting wildlife, street photography, and some portraits. I have a very good experience with Canon cameras, that is why I stayed with the brand for 40 years.

Wabbit Loc: Arizona Desert

Hey Doc ..... ya finally startin to tell the truth ..... ha,ha,ha,ha

Annie_Girl Loc: It's none of your business

sorry wrong thread.

mel Loc: Jacksonville, Florida

I think I read somewhere in this thread, he said $400.00

Dave_TX

Carry an SD card with you when you go shopping so that you can take some photos and bring them home to analyze and compare. The first thing you should do when you pick up a camera you plan to play with is to make sure the settings are all in rational positions. Otherwise you will have wasted your time. A camera store is more likely to let you step outside to take a few shots than a big box retailer. You are also more likely to find a knowledgeable sales person to deal with in a camera store.

Rbrylawski Loc: Tampa, FL

That's a nice setup you've recommended. But don't you think it's waaaaaaay out of the OP's stated range of $4 - $500????

Honestly, why do people really feel the need to advise someone, who has no experience as a photographer on something so out of their range?

Wouldn't it be more helpful if we offered advice on products that are within their range?

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

RB, yes, your right, it's way over $500.
But the OP has also stated somewhere 1, that they may have to go more and 2, that the money was not the issue. So I just put it out there.
I also recommended that they go to Costco and get a $500 kit with the two lenses.
It doesn't really take 5 pages to recommend a $500 system either.
SS

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Wabbit, hey, I resemble that comment!
In fact, you'll never catch me implying I know anything.
And many times I've said that I know nothing.
You do know, that the minute we start to think we know anything, is when we start to realize just how little we actually know.
But Wabbit, you could not possibly know that, your brain is smaller than a walnut !! :-)
SS