Newbie getting into portrait photography - needs help on gear

[curveshooter]

I'm looking to get into portrait photography - shooting pics of friends and especially my girlfriend, in various states of undress. My only experience thus far is with compact digicams. With that, I'll try to provide some basic info that I'm guessing you'd need to know in formulating advice:

-What am I shooting?
Mostly portraits, mostly indoors, but some outdoors. I expect a significant % of the indoor shots will be low light (bars, restaurants, candlelight, etc.). Typically at distances ranging from 2ft - 7ft. Maybe a little action photography at distances ranging from 4ft - 25ft, but this is definitely a minor use.

-Additional features
Video would be nice, but I'm guessing with my budget, I'm not going to get good low light video, so I can skip this.

-Portability
Not an issue as the only traveling I expect to do with the camera will be in my car.

-Budget
For everything I'd need to get started, including memory cards, etc., ~$400-$500. I have no problem buying used if I can get better value for my needs.

Some specific questions:
1. Is the typical kit lens (~18-55mm) what I'd want for portrait photography?

2. Is the built-in flash good enough? Or should I be looking into getting a standalone flash or separate lighting?

3. What size SD cards would be good for shooting ~100 8x10 quality shots in one session? I'm guessing I'd want high-speed SD cards? Also, if I buy used, I guess I should narrow down to cameras that use SD and not CF, just to make things easier in terms of adding memory capability?

4. Is a tripod useful to have? I have one that is 43" max height - is that sufficient? It fits my cheap digicam, and I assume the thread size is universal and will fit any DSLR?

Thanks!

 

[curveshooter]

A particular used camera that a friend suggested was the Nikon D50 (he seemed to prefer that over the D40/D60/D70).

 

[o hey tyler]

A particular used camera that a friend suggested was the Nikon D50 (he seemed to prefer that over the D40/D60/D70).

Did he mention why he preferred the D50 over the other cameras you listed?

 

[curveshooter]

A particular used camera that a friend suggested was the Nikon D50 (he seemed to prefer that over the D40/D60/D70).

Did he mention why he preferred the D50 over the other cameras you listed?

Something about lens compatibility. It was mentioned in passing and was a bit over my head.

 

[o hey tyler]

I am almost certain that the D70 has a focus motor in the body as well.

 

[Big Mike]

Welcome to the forum.

Shooting portraits is all about lighting, not the camera you're using.

 

[curveshooter]

Welcome to the forum.

Shooting portraits is all about lighting, not the camera you're using.

Thanks.

OK, so would I need more than the built-in flash (and the regular lighting in my home) to get started?

 

[Trever1t]

my suggestion is to buy a camera, lens and external flash....and learn them before worrying about a particular niche in the large subject of photography.

 

[Big Mike]

Welcome to the forum.

Shooting portraits is all about lighting, not the camera you're using.

Thanks.

OK, so would I need more than the built-in flash (and the regular lighting in my home) to get started?

When you get your camera, tape the flash down...so that you never, ever use it. :er:
OK, well don't do that...but I'd still suggest that you do your best to never use the built-in flash.

Typical indoor lighting isn't great, but a good photographer can usually find something to work with. One of the best and most affordable lighting scenarios is window light.

But yes, if it's your goal to shoot good portraits in many situations, your best bet will probably be to get an external/accessory flash and learn how to use it. You can get pretty good lighting, by bouncing the flash (make sure to get one that can tilt & swivel). But actually getting the flash off camera opens up the possibility to create just about any lighting you could want.

So just as portrait photography is all about lighting, rather than the camera....lighting is all about knowledge, rather than just the equipment you have.

So, if it is your goal to take great portraits, invest in the most important part...the photographer. Learn how to really use the camera, learn how to create and control light. Take classes, read books, use forums like this one. This is all much more important than the specifics about what camera/lens you use.

 

[AaronLLockhart]

I am almost certain that the D70 has a focus motor in the body as well.

You are 100% correct.

 

[jwbryson1]

With that kind of budget, I think you will find yourself seriously limited.

 

[sovietdoc]

For portrait photography indoors I'd say that a good flash is more important than a very good lens.

The only problem is, a good flash costs as much as your whole budget...

 

[samithphotography]

Low light portrait photography is awesome and good luck. But first let me tell you that the money you spend on a low end camera with low end glass will = low end photos. Eventually you will buy the right stuff and wished you never bought the crap gear. Save your money and get something legitimate. I would reccomend something like the Nikon D90 or D7000, if you are looking to stay low cost but still do professional quality work. I would sugest nice fixed prime lenses for portrait photography ie 50mm or 85mm 1.8 or better. Buying used is great, ppl upgrade all the time and finding good used stuff is cool.

your questions:
1. no, 50mm 1.8 or 85mm 1.8 or better
2. depends how dark the lighting is
3. a 16 GB 10speed SD card holds about 4k pictures in fine/small jpeg format, perfect for 8x10 photos
4. tripod is a must for low light along with a remote

Hope this helps!

 

[samithphotography]

For portrait photography indoors I'd say that a good flash is more important than a very good lens.

The only problem is, a good flash costs as much as your whole budget...

That is outright insane... its all about the lens. Portraits are usually close up photos of people, headshots, sholders up, waist up, whole body etc. Using a crappy lens and a great flash is going to give you a poor quality picture. The human eyes sees in 50mm, roughly. Pick yourself up a prime 50mm 1.8 and it will teach you how to compose pictures by making you move around and think. you can always adjust for ISO, shutter speed and aperture to play with light, The on camera flash is not that bad if you know how to use it.

 

[KmH]

A servicable flash unit can be had for less than $75 - Yongnuo YN-560 Speedlight Flash for Canon and Nikon

For making professional quality portraits you would need some stands and light modifiers too - Impact Digital Flash Umbrella Mount Kit

Nikon entry-level DSLR's that have the screw drive auto focus system in the camera - D50, D70, D70x, D80, D90, D7000.

Nikon entry-level DSLR's (compact) that do not have the screw drive auto focus system in the camera - D40, D40x, D60, D3000, D3100, D3200, D5000, D5100.

Recommended reading - Light Science and Magic, Fourth Edition: An Introduction to Photographic Lighting