Best DSLR/Lens for studio portraits?

[maddmaxx]

I'm looking at getting the EOS 20D, not sure which lens yet. I've looked at the D70 and I think that I may want to go with Cannon.

I will mostly be shooting portraits, but would also like to get a descent camera for shooting sports as well (another camera for that purpose?) I like what Cannon has as far as ISO vs. low noise, at least what I've seen on the net.

Anyone have any input??

peace

 

[faenix]

Canon or Nikon, you can't go wrong.

If you want studio portraits, I'd say go for the canon 85 1.8 lens as a budget solution or the 85 1.2 (or was it 1.4?). The crop factor is 1.6 on the 20d so you'll have a focal length of about 136mm. Some people prefer taking portraits with the 70-200 (both Canon and Nikon 70-200's are top notch with great bokeh). However, it might intimidate your subjects, and it is much more expensive than your 85mm counterpart.

Hope you make the right decision!

 

[Anubis]

if you dooing studio work, ISO is more or less meaningless because 99.9% of all your shots will be at the base ISO of whatever camera you use, if its not then you are doing something wrong with your lighting

that being said typicial portrait lenses are those in the 80-135mm range, i know canon as well as Nikon makes great lenses in there as well as a few Perspective controll lenses as well as DC lenses (Defocus Controll), id prob gop with a 85mm f/1.4 if you can afford it, they come in round 1200$ or so, if not the much cheaper 84 f/1.8 woudl be fine also

either of the mentioned cameras woudl be fine for sports, Lens is whats really important here, as you will need a good zoom to get close to the action and get nice tight crops, Canon has the 70-200 f/4 ($500) which many peopel like and its also a great lens, or the 70-200 f/2.8 (1500$) same lens just faster and it has IS, I as well as many other use the Sigma 100-300 f/4 ($800), Just as good as the canon 70-200 f/4 and many regard it as better on all fronts in reviews, has more reach and it just as fast if not faster, for a Nikon lens id go with the 80-200 f/2.8 ($800) or the 70-200 f/2.8 VR is you coudl seing 1500$ on that one also

 

[jamesbond007]

I have a Canon 300D and LOVE it! I just got a Sigma APO 70-300 today...incredible lens for the price!

Anyways, I am going to pick up a 50mm F1.8 soon to add to my collection. The bokeh on this lens is also incredible and it's tack-sharp. I would recommend you check this lens out (and sample shots) as it's only ~$70!

The 20D is a sexy beast, no doubt about that! The D70s is a nice competitor, but I like the way the colors come out of Canon cameras over Nikon. I find Nikon shots to be somewhat purple-fringe proned (at least with the D70s kit lens) and also very neutral (on all Nikons). I know sometimes this can be corrected with post-processing in Photoshop, but it's just a personal preference, too.

faenix is right, though. No matter what you go with, you can't go wrong with Nikon or Canon.

 

[maddmaxx]

Originally posted by: faenix
Canon or Nikon, you can't go wrong.

Hope you make the right decision!

Damn..... now I feel like my world will come crushing in if I don't choose correctly

Thanks for the input!!!

 

[maddmaxx]

Thanks all for the input!!! I'm transitioning from the G2 to a DSLR so I'm a little nervous....

I looked at the Rebel XT as a choice, but I want to go right to something a little more pro, hence the 20D!

peace

 

[Anubis]

Originally posted by: maddmaxx

Originally posted by: faenix
Canon or Nikon, you can't go wrong.

Hope you make the right decision!

Damn..... now I feel like my world will come crushing in if I don't choose correctly

Thanks for the input!!!

you cant choose incorrectly

just go and test each camera and see what you liek best, controll feel.... all that
dont base shich camera maker you go with by shouts from either side of the fan boy line

 

[maddmaxx]

[/quote]

you cant choose incorrectly

just go and test each camera and see what you liek best, controll feel.... all that
dont base shich camera maker you go with by shouts from either side of the fan boy line[/quote]

I definatley won't base it on fan boy cries. I realize that both Cannon and Nikon have great products, and that I won't go wrong with either. I just thought I'd ask for some opinions from the fellows here!

In any case, I thank you all for the great input!

peace