450D - adaquate for Portraiture?

[Immaculens]

Hello -

The Canon 450D (Rebel XSi) has a great review on www.dpreview.com (http://www.dpreview.com) and I found a good price on a new one with oem 18-55mm IS lens.

Will this camera be adaquate for portraiture? I am entering the photography business by doing "Pet" Family Photos and then expanding from there.

Of course I will get a better OES later but wonder if the 450D is ok - and what lens could you suggest I get - unless the OEM is adaquate too.

Much Thanks!

[kini]

The camera is fine (center AF point only). MF will be tough because of the small, dim VF. The kit lens will also be fine for "studio" shots were shallow DOF is not needed and lighting can be controlled.

For outdoors you'll likely be wanting a few nice fast primes of various FLs and maybe something like the 70-200/2.8 of Tokina 50-135/2.8.

Good luck.

[PCthug]

Take a look at any of my photos on here, they have all been taken with the older 400d, and either a Sigma 18-200 or on a rare ocassion a 60mm 2.8 Canon lens.

[Immaculens]

Thank-you Kini & PCThug,

PCThug - the website in your sig - were they also taken by your 400D?

if so - then I am encouraged!

Take a look at any of my photos on here, they have all been taken with the older 400d, and either a Sigma 18-200 or on a rare ocassion a 60mm 2.8 Canon lens.

[korrektor]

it is not the camera. The camera has NOTHING to do with this (ok maybe in some occasions) but to start?

if you are asking - it is most likely the lens you will be looking for. My recommendation is to get a used camera with several used lenses. There's almost no wear and tear so just check if there's any scratches... You will be able to sell your camera and lenses for the same amount of money you bought them for 6 months later if you feel that this is not for you OR if you feel the need to upgrade

[ckckevin]

May be besides the kit lens (18-55is), look into canon 50 f1.8, it is a very cheap fast, pretty good IQ lens(~$100) to start. Then depends on your need and budget, then you can go wild.

[PCthug]

Thank-you Kini & PCThug,

PCThug - the website in your sig - were they also taken by your 400D?

if so - then I am encouraged!


Yeah, all photos (apart from about 3 or 4) were taken with my 400, and most (95%) were with the Sigma 18-200 (none IS).