Beginner Cameras for Portraiture: Hello, I am new to photography and I would really appreciate some input as to what type of cameras would be most suitable for portrait and full body...

laylatakesphotos

Hello, I am new to photography and I would really appreciate some input as to what type of cameras would be most suitable for portrait and full body
photography. I would not like to spend more than $500 on my first camera but I would still like the images to be good quality. Any suggestions would be very helpful!

jdub82 Loc: Northern California

With that budget it is going to be tough to purchase brand new gear to accomplish what you want. I would suggest considering a Factory Refurbished camera. Here is an example: Canon is offering on their website, the SL2, a refurbished entry level DSLR for $398.00. This DSLR has some great features, and comes with a general purpose 18-55mm kit lens. For portraits you will want to purchase the 50mm lens with a 1.8 aperture for just over $100.00. You would be able to stay close to your budget. This is a good lens for portraits, at a great price. You can find something comparable in Nikon refurbished, but Nikon typically offers just a 90 day warranty on refurbished. Some will tell you to try mirrorless. It may be difficult to get a decent mirrorless camera and a portrait lens within budget. You'll want to go to camera store if possible, and handle various models to see what feels good to you.

Cyber Digest

SL2 with an 18-55 and a 50 f1.8 is a perfect suggestion.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

laylatakesphotos wrote:

Hello, I am new to photography and I would really appreciate some input as to what type of cameras would be most suitable for portrait and full body
photography. I would not like to spend more than $500 on my first camera but I would still like the images to be good quality. Any suggestions would be very helpful!

Most any camera. Sony, Nikon, Pentax, Olympus, Panasonic, Fuji, Canon.
They all come with kit lenses that allow to zoom for full length to tight head shots.
I can't think of a bad one in any of these brands today if you stick with their same brand lenses that come with the kit.
If you have the creative skills these will give you great shots.
So if you can try them out see what feels comfortable and is easy to use with out excessive complexity in operation of features.
My step daughter uses an old Canon T1i and has produced better portraits than many here I have seen done with $3,000+ cameras because she has the creative skills that can't be purchased at any price.

crazydaddio Loc: Toronto Ontario Canada

jdub82 wrote:

With that budget it is going to be tough to purcha... (show quote)

Yep.
Camera is not as important as the lens. You do need a camera though :-)
For 500, this is the ONLY setup to consider.
You may be able to score a used older camera body on a private resale but you still wont be able to improve your lens purchase. The next lens after the "nifty-fifty" aka "plastic fantastic" lens is ~$350 for the 50mm1.4.

queencitysanta Loc: Charlotte, North Carolina

Nikon has a D3500 with lens and camera bag for under $599

ELNikkor

If "full body" means "FX, FF, 24x36mm" sensor, even the cheapest, refurbished without a lens FF are around $600. You can get great portraits with a new Nikon D3500 with a lens capable of shooting great portraits in the right hands for around $400.

Silverman Loc: Michigan

laylatakesphotos wrote:

Hello, I am new to photography and I would really appreciate some input as to what type of cameras would be most suitable for portrait and full body
photography. I would not like to spend more than $500 on my first camera but I would still like the images to be good quality. Any suggestions would be very helpful!

I myself as a advanced beginner to DSLR Photography, will suggest you remember K.I.S.S.= "Keep it Simple Silly". Start with a Crop-Sensor DX Camera, as I have, choosing a Nikon D3300, their are other beginner brands you might choose too. A 50mm 1.8g Prime lens or a 35mm 1.8g lens has been suggested to be fine lens for Portraiture Photography. As you learn and Progress you may move up to a more detailed "Full-Frame" DSLR and their Lens.

Retina Loc: Near Charleston,SC

ELNikkor wrote:

If "full body" means "FX, FF, 24x36mm" sensor, even the cheapest, refurbished without a lens FF are around $600. You can get great portraits with a new Nikon D3500 with a lens capable of shooting great portraits in the right hands for around $400.

I think full body referred to subjects. Regardless, if going with a Nikon DX camera, a used D3300 can use older large aperture pre-AI NIKKOR lenses like the 50/1.4 with a potential for very nice images. Accurate manual focusing is a challenge with the pentamirror, but with the price of media these days, she could always bracket and have great results for under $300. For serious portraiture, however, I would recommend a Full Frame camera if only for the Depth of Field and better viewfinder. Someone else could recommend older FF cameras to help stay in budget.

gvarner Loc: Central Oregon Coast

Whatever you get, keep in mind two things. A focal length for portraits is generally in the 80-135 mm range, full frame equivalent. And lighting is very important. You have to be able to control it for good portraits. If you don’t know what full frame equivalent refers to, look it up. You’ll see it all the time.

Al Beatty Loc: Boise, Idaho

Hi laylatakesphotos
I suggest a good, used Nikon D7100. It's an excellent camera with a 24 mp sensor. Here is one on eBay that will give you an idea of cost, etc. (https://www.ebay.com/itm/Nikon-D-D7100-24-1MP-Digital-SLR-Camera-Black-af-s-nikkor-55-200mm-lens-READ/333152197424?epid=144210797&hash=item4d916b1b30:g:CmUAAOSw9bFcrpru). Another less expensive option could be a Nikon D7000. I saw several of these in the $350 to $400 range. Take care & ...

smlek Loc: Chicago, IL

The OP only mentions he needa a camera, but for good portraits he may need to think about everything else that might be needed depending on what he's shooting specifically lighting equipment, backdrops, etc. Camera alone is not always enough

RichardSM Loc: Back in Texas

laylatakesphotos wrote:

Hello, I am new to photography and I would really appreciate some input as to what type of cameras would be most suitable for portrait and full body
photography. I would not like to spend more than $500 on my first camera but I would still like the images to be good quality. Any suggestions would be very helpful!

Hello if you have a Costco wear house store near you for $399.99 out the door a Canon T6 starter camera with two lenses.

I’ve been a Canon user for more then fifty years they make fine camera’s Google the internet for reviews there are lots of positive for this camera and as you grow with this or any you can add better lenses the glass is the key in using any equipment and of course your skill also some high schools offer courses or private workshops providing you have the time to put into it. Good luck in your endeavors.

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

There are zillions of used cameras that will be under that budget. Once you have that used body comes the big question, which lens?
A 50mm lens will be invaluable for 3/4 views of the human body and in a cropped sensor can do very well for head and shoulder portraits.
The typical focal length most used by portrait photographers is 85mm.

Chris T Loc: from England across the pond to New England

ELNikkor wrote:

If "full body" means "FX, FF, 24x36mm" sensor, even the cheapest, refurbished without a lens FF are around $600. You can get great portraits with a new Nikon D3500 with a lens capable of shooting great portraits in the right hands for around $400.

El - I think Layla meant - she wanted to shoot full body pics (head-to-toe) as well as portraits (head shots.)

Honestly, I can't think of a better deal than Canon's beginner series - T5, T6, T7 - all come w/ 18-55.

Every one of them is at, or under - the $500 mark. Sure! - get a 50mm f1.8, too.

Later, you could always graduate to the EF-S 15-85 IS USM ($700-800) - perfect for both full body shots, and for head shots. You can't GET a better lens, which will do BOTH - with equal aplomb ….