I need a little advice.
Dec 2, 2011 02:13:55 #
what you can do is go to your camera store.that way you can take a look at the cameras and get a feel for the one you like.
Dec 2, 2011 02:47:27 #
Nikon, Get a Nikon D300s and above for body. For lens, I use the 180mm 2.8 ED or 105mm 2.8 macro lens for portrait and love it. Cannon lens is generally cheaper, but for quality of the glass I like old Nikon ED lens. Good luck.
Dec 2, 2011 06:27:13 #
For portrait applications I like the Fuji S Pro series. There are the original S Pro 1, the S Pro 2 (I Have one of those and love the color renditions) and the series goes up to numbers 5 or 6 by now. They are a little pricey, but considered one of the best 35mm style digitals for use in a studio.
Early models were battery eaters, but most users left them in a studio on a tripod and hooked up to an AC adapter, so battery was not a serious concern. I haven't read anything about how the newer models are on battery usage. A lot of early digitals of all brands went through batteries at a pretty good clip, but most have conquered that problem.
Do a net search on Fuji's super ccd and you will learn why they are so popular for portrait photography. They take Nikon lenses, so the optics are going to be excellent. I am a complete and thorough 'Nikon snob' so when another manufacturer gets my "good" attention, it has to be something special.
Early models were battery eaters, but most users left them in a studio on a tripod and hooked up to an AC adapter, so battery was not a serious concern. I haven't read anything about how the newer models are on battery usage. A lot of early digitals of all brands went through batteries at a pretty good clip, but most have conquered that problem.
Do a net search on Fuji's super ccd and you will learn why they are so popular for portrait photography. They take Nikon lenses, so the optics are going to be excellent. I am a complete and thorough 'Nikon snob' so when another manufacturer gets my "good" attention, it has to be something special.
Dec 2, 2011 06:36:48 #
Lupine wrote:
Pentax makes excellent cameras as well. The K-5 sc... (show quote)
True Pentax has more available lenses considering in body IS and legacy lenses, however in body IS is not lens specific as Canon and Nikon and at least in theory less effective, last Pentax I held (back 2 years ago) was heavier, visit a good camera store, try the fit and feel in your hands, Nikons have always felt clumsy to me, some Canons too, my son and I have Canons, my daughter has a Nikon, if my camera is near it's mine she grabs not her own, just doesen't fit as well, when you do your fit test also have a 70mm-80mm lens on it as you mention portraits.
Dec 2, 2011 06:53:46 #
The body is what feels best to you, but full frame. Spend your money on glass. I would go with one or two fast primes, as you will shooting in controlled conditions and not need the flexibility of a zoom. This area of photography is not my strong point, but I would suggest maybe something in the 50 mm, 85 mm and 100 mm ranges for lenses. As for software, there are packages out there just for portrait. Check Popular Photography or just Google protrait software.
Dec 2, 2011 07:31:56 #
Dec 2, 2011 07:37:44 #
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?
You asked for it!
Dec 2, 2011 07:44:21 #
I have the Nikon D3100 great starter camera...very light...chose a good lens....
Dec 2, 2011 07:53:47 #
i hear a lot of people talking about canon's and nikon's, but what about minolta? i have an old minolta hi matic 7s slr and it took wonderful pictures. i haven't used it in years but i want to get back into photography. i bought my minolta in a px in viet nam back in 1970, and like i said it took wonderful pictures.any body got any comments about my minolta?
Dec 2, 2011 07:57:58 #
i hear a lot of people talking about canon's and nikon's, but what about minolta? i have an old minolta hi matic 7s slr and it took wonderful pictures. i haven't used it in years but i want to get back into photography. i bought my minolta in a px in viet nam back in 1970, and like i said it took wonderful pictures.any body got any comments about my minolta?
Dec 2, 2011 08:47:08 #
Look for a facility the rents equipment - rent one or more to see which fits your hands best. I have Nikon's D300 and D3. I use them for different purposes - when I want good detail I use the D3, which is full frame. Take a look at Nikon's Creative Lighting System also
Dec 2, 2011 08:56:29 #
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?
Olivia,
First off go to a store and handle all the cameras, depending on your stature you will find the one that works best for you. Every manufacturer will have a camera that will work. Hope you have lots of money since this is a very expensive field to get into.
Now if you are going to focus on portrait photography you are going to need a lot more stuff. Backdrops, backdrop holders, strobe units, light stands, reflectors. You are in for a huge monetary outlay. Good luck with your choice, would love to hear what you eventually decide to use. Have a Very Merry Christmas.
George
Dec 2, 2011 09:14:30 #
If cost is no object and you will be using the camera on a tripod for portraiture, why not bypass what we used to call 35mm but now have to call 35mm body style and go all the way to Hasselblad with a digital back. Hasselblad is infinitely modular, so you could get a very fine body and lens(es) and choose between backs, screens, viewing systems, etc. I used to use a 'Blad with a 45 degree angled reflex viewer and 150 lens for portraits. I wish I could afford a digital back for it. You would not believe the quality available even when compared with 12+megapixels on a Canon or Nikon.
Dec 2, 2011 09:17:19 #
ghost rider wrote:
i hear a lot of people talking about canon's and nikon's, but what about minolta? i have an old minolta hi matic 7s slr and it took wonderful pictures. i haven't used it in years but i want to get back into photography. i bought my minolta in a px in viet nam back in 1970, and like i said it took wonderful pictures.any body got any comments about my minolta?
Did you ever consider that you are the one that took the picture and not the camera?
Dec 2, 2011 09:20:28 #
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 have used Portrait Professional to some extent. I works very well, but you can over-do it. It is on sale now at their wesite for only $39.95. You can also use the following coupon code for an additional $6.00 off! AYWT-JVYJ-FISI-TGCE
http://www.portraitprofessional.com/buy/?coupon=AYWT-JVYJ-FISI-TGCE
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