Looking for my first SLR/Professional. Help?

[Serres]

I am a photography student who has access to both Nikon's and Canon's at school and decided I do prefer Canon’s after dinking around with both but now I need to look into getting my own! Hahaha! I plan to shoot a variety of subjects, but would like to focus mainly on portraits. I know it is the lens that truly makes the picture but I'd love ANY suggestions for which way to go with a camera body! I'm relatively naive to what would be best, so any guidance would be amazing!
Thanks in advance,
Stephanie

 

[Light Artisan]

First, it's Canon - not Cannon.

Second, if you don't mention a budget we may as well recommend the absolute best body and lenses - regardless of cost.

 

[Serres]

My mistake.
Budget would be under $1500.
Thank you.

 

[Big Mike]

Welcome to the forum.

Firstly;
Cannon

Canon

:er:

Secondly, what is your budget?
Ideally, my recommendation for shooting portraits would be the Canon 5D mkII, which sells for $2500 (without a lens). And of course, you'd want to pair that up with a good quality lens ($500-$2000).

 

[Serres]

Yes, again, my mistake. As for budget I was aiming for $1500 for the body but if I could find something that includes body and lens that would be awesome.
Thanks.

 

[jamesdavidboro]

Take no notice of them and welcome to the forum. I'm not sure about the US prices but if we say $1500 is about £900 then your probably looking at a 60D or you could drop down one and go for the 550D and put whats left towards lenses. I wouldn't rule out other makes. definitly have a look at the Nikon D90 and also take a look at the Sony A55. You get alot more for your money with Sony (ok i'm bias ) and you could put what you save towards lenses, Flashgun ect.

 

[Big Mike]

Yes, again, my mistake.

Sorry, just having a bit of fun.

Any of the Canon DSLR cameras in your budget are good cameras. The top of your range would probably be the 60D and down through the Rebel models to the XS or something like that. They will all allow you to take full manual control of your camera, which should be one of your main concerns as a photography student.

Compare the specs : Digital Photography Review
If there is something you specifically want or need, then that can help narrow it down.

You might be perfectly happy with the typical 'kit' lens, the 18-55mm, but you might also consider getting another lens or just upgrading from that one. It's usually a good idea to add a prime (non-zoom) lens because they will likely have a large max. aperture. The 50mm F1.8 is pretty affordable so makes a good choice.

 

[David Dvir]

Welcome to the forum, i for one will compliment your avatar image, something about it is really great, i think the green! And I second the comments about the 60D regarding your price range

 

[reznap]

Big budget... get a used 5D mark 1 kit.

 

[jamesdavidboro]

I'd be very wary of spending that type of money on used Camera with very little, if any come back if it goes wrong.