I need a little advice: I'm purchasing a new camera soon and wanted to know what you guys would recommend. My main focus is portrait photography. Cost isn't an issue. I've been saving...

Olivia_Kay Loc: Ozarks

I'm purchasing a new camera soon and wanted to know what you guys would recommend. My main focus is portrait photography. Cost isn't an issue. I've been saving for awhile. I would aslo like to upgrade my editting program. Any sugesstions?

ahanonymous Loc: Queens, NY

OK this will now begin the debate over which system is better, Canon or Nikon (the two most popular). They are all good systems. I have been a Canon user for over 40 years. I am happy with my 40D. I have 3 lenses, 10-22mm, 18-55mm IS, 55-250mm IS. I also shoot with Nikon for the studio I am currently working for. It's just a personal preference (Canon). Good luck with your decision.

chapjohn Loc: Tigard, Oregon

Check the Sony Alpha camera's. Canon and Nikon use parts made by Sony.

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

chapjohn wrote:

Check the Sony Alpha camera's. Canon and Nikon use parts made by Sony.

Sony makes excellent CMOS sensors, which are used in Nikon cameras. Nikon makes excellent lenses, which are not shared with Sony. With Nikon, you get the best of both companies.

Lupine Loc: SF Bay Area

Pentax makes excellent cameras as well. The K-5 scores just as well or even better than Nikon and Canon in that range. Also, Pentax has the image stabilization and focus motor in the camera body, while Canon and Nikon build those functions into the lens. That means you pay for IS and AF with every Canikon lens you buy, while with Pentax you're only paying for them when you buy the body. It also means that you can use older Pentax film lenses with new Pentax bodies, because they have used the same K-mount or compatible version of it for the last 30+ years. I believe the Pentax is also a little smaller and lighter than the comparable Canikon models. I'd love to get a K-5, but it's out of my budget right now. I will be picking up a K-r this month.

If cost really is no concern, Pentax also makes the 645D, a 40MB CCD medium format camera that retails for a little under $10K. :thumbup:

sinatraman Loc: Vero Beach Florida, Earth,alpha quaudrant

the best camera is the one that fits comfortably in your hands, and you like using. go to a real camera store try different makes and models. invest in a portrait lens and at least a shoe mount flash as well as whatever camera you choose.

saside Loc: live in pueblo co

Cost isn't an issue? want to adopt an old man that left the Ozarks 4 years ago?

lesws Loc: Colorado

Olivia_Kay wrote:

I'm purchasing a new camera soon and wanted to know what you guys would recommend. My main focus is portrait photography. Cost isn't an issue. I've been saving for awhile. I would aslo like to upgrade my editting program. Any sugesstions?

I shoot mainly Mts. and animals but my Canon 5d markII with the 28 tp 135 is a good system.
I feel the differance between Canon and Nicon is the person using them. They are bouth good systems.
Of course you could go with Hasselbland and CS5.
Hasselblad H4D-40 Digital SLR Camera with Hasselblad HC 80mm f/2.8 lens

brucewells Loc: Central Kentucky

sinatraman wrote:

the best camera is the one that fits comfortably in your hands, and you like using. go to a real camera store try different makes and models. invest in a portrait lens and at least a shoe mount flash as well as whatever camera you choose.

What he said!!

Swamp Gator Loc: Coastal South Carolina

If portraits are to be your main subject and cost is not a huge concern, I would recommend going for a full frame camera with the Canon 5D MKII being the pro's choice and the only way to go IMO.

Add a 'portrait' lens such as Canon's superb EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM. This combination would be unsurpassed in IQ.
For a bit more flexibility perhaps consider Canon's 24-70 2.8 L or the Canon 24-105 f4 L

Good luck

pigpen

Just for my personal preference, without cost being an issue: Canon......and for potraits the 24-70mm f2.8 "L".

Whether you choose Nikon or Canon, I would buy Nikon or Canon lenses. I know there are some quality third party lenses out there, but none will match the pro Nikon & pro Canon lenses (IMO)

mdorn Loc: Portland, OR

Swamp Gator wrote:

If portraits are to be your main subject and cost is not a huge concern, I would recommend going for a full frame camera with the Canon 5D MKII being the pro's choice and the only way to go IMO.

Add a 'portrait' lens such as Canon's superb EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM. This combination would be unsurpassed in IQ.
For a bit more flexibility perhaps consider Canon's 24-70 2.8 L or the Canon 24-105 f4 L

Good luck

Yep. Agree.

jstar Loc: Western MA

May I suggest that any of the cameras mentioned in the replies are up to the task. Just keep to a good brand. The more critical decision is the lenses that you want to put on the camera. There have been many posts recently about the best "glass" for different types of photography, and I'm sure the members here can help with this.

rickspilk Loc: St. Louis, MO

Olivia,
I don't think you can go wrong with Nikon, Canon or Sony. I own a Sony Alpha 300 and love it. Give them all a look. As for your portrait photography interests, learn as much as you can about your camera and basic photography concepts, then find info on exposure, flash photography and posing. Good luck, Rick

rickspilk Loc: St. Louis, MO

Olivia,
Also buy just the body and an upgraded lens. As for the editing programs, there are some free ones out there, like Irfanview, Picasa, GIMP, Sagelight and an inexpensive one ($100), Photoshop Elements. Start with the free ones and see if they meet your needs.