YO! photogs!

PrairieMom wrote: We are in the market for a camera to take portraits, both indoors and out doors. We are not made of $. We already have some umbrella lights and all that.
Any suggestions?

cameragirl21 replied: what's your budget? The XSi is a great deal for the price tag, I'm almost tempted to get one myself to take on vacations since I am always too scared to take my good cameras along for fear they'll get stolen. An inexpensive camera like the XSi is absolutely great for the money.

PrairieMom replied:
Not your budget. um... $300? NOT more than 5.

cameragirl21 replied:
Oh, the XSi is about $650. So you want a point and shoot, not a DSLR?

PrairieMom replied:


I want a camera that takes pictures.

I have no idea. Basically, I have a few back grounds I have gotten off Ebay, a few props, and some lights. Once or twice a year I force my children into clean clothes and make Dh take pictures of them. He knows how, because he watched the video that came with the lights. I have a few friends that we have done pictures off as well. Our goal is to get photos that are department store good, way better than walmart quality, but not $300 sitting fee good.

does that clear it up?

cameragirl21 replied: what kind of lights do you have and are you using an umbrella or softbox?
Ok, well, if you are using lights, backdrops and the whole kit and caboodle then you should get a DSLR because you have a lot more control. I absolutely hate those point and shoots because you have zero control. The DSLRs are more expensive, you won't find a new one for $300 but you may be able to get a Rebel or an Xti for about that price either used on ebay or possibly even new now that the XSi came out. The DSLRs are a lot bigger and heavier.
The quality you'll get from any of the Rebels is definitely at least as good as Walmart...it's not $300 sitting fee good but in the right hands it can be. They are not considered professional but a step above standard consumer. I've seen some pros take some amazing pictures with them.
A point and shoot is one of those tiny little cameras that nowadays pretty much fit in your pocket and you just point and shoot.

A&A'smommy replied: get a canon rebel xt, its not real expensive and it takes professional pictures

luvmykids replied: I have a Fuji that I love, love, love. I'm not ready for (or willing to spend the money on) a DSLR but the newer digitals that they call "super zooms" take awesome pics in your budget. Many of them have a lot of manual features that give you more control than a little pocket digital. I have a link to a great site with reviews by pros, let me find it and I'll post it. Many of them are in the $250-300 range.

AlexsPajamaMama replied: I have a fuji finepix...and I love it. It has differant settings, portrait being one of them. I did a small wedding with it and have taken nice portraits of alex.
This is a newer model than the one I have, but it is still under $300
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0011ZK6Z...ASIN=B0011ZK6ZM

DVFlyer replied: You may be able to rent a camera from a local camera shop. They are relatively cheap and you can try out different brands and types before you buy.

MommyToAshley replied:
This is what I have .... well, I have the Canon Rebel XTi. I LOVE it!!! I am still wanting to take a photography class though, but it even takes decent photos for a newbie to photography like me. I don't have any external lighting, but that will probably be my next purchase. The XSi is the same camera, but it's the newer model. It wasn't out when I bought my camera. Mine is 10MP but the XSi is 12MP.

MommyToAshley replied: Here's a link to description and reviews of the Canon Rebel XTi.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000I1ZWR...ASIN=B000I1ZWRC

However, if I were to buy one, I would splurge and go with the XSi for only a few more dollars.

mom21kid2dogs replied:
Ditto! We've had ours since 2002 and aside from a serious shutter delay (much better in their newer cameras) it's been a GREAT camera! You can get a really decent one in the $400 price range. They are not small. They look like DSLR's in body style which I love, still have a viewfinder, not just a screen, which we love and take great pics.