One last time asking before I go buy a camera- What is a good camera for modeling photographs?

Question

Okay, heres the deal, i want to get into modeling, but i also enjoy photography.. so i want to take some pictures of myself!

I want a camera that is around $1,000 (lens and accessories included in price) and also a camera that is AMAZING with natural lighting, because i will be taking ALL the pictures outside! Also it doesnt have to have zoom, if anything it is better if the camera is close up, because i have to go do my pose!

So please help me pick out a camera and lens that doesnt need zoom and that would be amazing with outside photography of modeling portraits at around $1000, alright?

Thank You for any help!

I just want to make sure im getting the right one for what i need =]

Answer 1

You really should try to decide on one thing or the other.    You are wanting to get a nice camera that will meet your needs for portrait and model photography.  You should for the meantime focus on getting the best camera for your money.   You might like the Nikon or you might like one of the Canon Digital Rebel Kits which do come with two or three lenses.   You can find Nikon kits comparable in price with that of the Canon....  probably under $1000.00.    But besides that...  I have photographed models with very good results on location..... out of doors,  beach,  park etc.   My lens of choice is a zoom as it allows me to make headshots or full lengths.  Unless you are going to be shooting your toe nails or freckles,   you don't need a close-up lens.   My daugher is a model who also shoots so we have been on both sides of the camera literally.   What I advise to you is to find one of your friends to model for you in the beginning.  Learn your camera,  your lenses,  lighting, exposure, depth of field by working first behind the camera.   If you intend to do all of it by yourself,  you will find out pretty quickly, your pictures will not be what you hope for.... as you really do have to have hours of experience behind the camera.  Then  you need to have a friend take pictures of you... with you tweeking the settings.    A model does his/her best work while relating to the photographer,  the conversation and the environment.    Good luck have fun with your new interest.

Answer 2

im a photographer and i use a nikon d200 its awesome but depends on how much your looking to spend my friend just got the d3 and its sweet but thats if you have real deep pockets

Answer 3

I cannot recommend a D40 and the 18-200mm VR lens.

First, how can someone like Fhotoace tell you he uses a D200 (10mp) for his assignments and then say that you should use a D40 when the D80 does just about everything the D200 does?  Makes no sense to me.  His lens choice likewise makes no sense--nice zoom, but it's a jack of all trades lens; master of none.

Nope, I say get the D80 (body only) for $700 (if you can find it in stock).  It's under $700 at us1camera.com, and $729 at amazon.com

Now, you have a choice of lenses.  The Nikon 50mm f/1.8 lens will be sharp and inexpensive (about $130).  It will do very well for what you want.  Not a zoom, but it will be sharper than a zoom and better in low light too.  Another good choice would be the 85mm f/1.8, but that's about $415.

Finally, there's the 18-55mm VR lens, at just over $200.  The zoom gives you a bit more versatility for framing the shots, but for sharpness, the 50mm beats it.  You are smart to want a fixed focal length lens over a zoom.

Answer 4

I shoot fashion and glamour about 80% of my assignments.

I use both a Nikon D200 and D300 most of the time with either a 24-85mm f/2.8 or the 18-200mm VR lens.  Both are a little outside your budget.

Look at the D40 with 18-200mm vr ... that should get you started until you can get enough cash flow to afford a D300 or D3

Answer 5

Do I have a deja-vu, or you've been asking this over and over?

I believe you've already been suggested a 50mm prime for a lens, and from your previous questions seemed that you've already decided on Nikon D80 body (D40 or D60 won't auto-focus the 50mm prime).

So here's once again your shopping list:

A D80 body:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000HGM...

($728.88)

Memory card:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000E5F...

($16.95)

50mm f/1.8 lens:

http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-50mm-Nikkor-...

(119.99)

Nikon ML-L3 Wireless Remote Control (you want that if you'll be shooting yourself)

http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-Wireless-Con...

($14.27)

Tripod (you have to mount the camera somewhere)

http://www.amazon.com/Slik-SPRINT-Travel...

($75.71)

Photoshop Elements:

(you want to retouch the photos, right?)

http://www.amazon.com/Adobe-29230727-Pho...

($69.99)

TOTAL:

$1025.79

You can probably do a bit better on price if shop around. I usead amazon, just because it's one place that has it all. So you can fit within your $1000

Just a few small notes:

I'd buy D80 with 18-55mm kit lens. Just for those times you want a little zoom here and there + the prime for portraiture. That will make your total swell to $1196

Also tripod - I showed one good choice, but there are hundreds others. I have the slik one, it's great lightweight and decently steady for its price and weight. But you can get away with $10.99 Vivitar tripod as well if you wish. That'll save you a few $

And last but not least, grab a book on photography. You'll need it! Take your pick!

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_p?url=...

Good luck,

LEM.

P.S. And of course as others said - you can go for D40 and big zoom like 18-200 as a better all around kit, but 18-200 lens won't be as sharp as 50mm prime, and it's a few stops slower... The rest of the shopping list stays the same... But that's your choice. You have to decide on that after all - we really can't make the final decision for you here on Y! answers :)