Looking for DSLR Camera Suggestions (Portraits)?

I'm right now using a Canon bridge camera & like it but would really like to move up to something more professional and that will give me better control.

The number one use of the camera would be outdoor & indoor portraits w/ lighting equipment.

I'm open to either Canon or Nikon, I have a pretty big list of camera options. Just need some advice so I can help narrow it down. If you use the camera your suggesting if you wouldn't mind adding your flickr account so I can check out your images that would be a plus.

Also advice on what brand has the better lens options at the best price would be AWESOME!

My price range would be around $1000, give or take for the camera, I also will be checking around to get a used one so if you have a slightly higher suggestion that is ok, I might be able to find it used in my price range.

All suggestions welcome, I will of course be doing lots of research & going to feel out the camera before buying to make sure I'm comfortable with it.

Added (1). Your answer didn't help me at all, that stuff I already know & really isn't what I'm asking. I'm not expecting cheap lenses & know this will be an expensive adventure. I'm looking for actual camera suggestions, pros/cons of certain models… Peoples opinions on the different models out right now.

And I do plan on going to the store & checking them out (LIKE I SAID) once I have narrowed my list down & for me what camera to by is 75% features to 25% how it feels to me, honestly I can learn to like the feel of camera but I can't learn to like features if there not there.

I'd look at a Nikon D3100 ( or Canon Rebel ) and two lens.

Canon is lagging behind most of the rest in sensor technology, they make their own and it's beginning to show. The D7000 is good for stills, or the Pentax K5 (both use the same sensor), build quality is marginally better on the Pentax. It's also a cheaper system to buy into as they have well over 200 lenses available, any K mount lens will work as designed, they also have a new mirrorless K5 version out soon the K-01. All cameras will be mirrorless in a few years time, it has advantages, not least of which is the lower price

http://www.pentaxforums.com/news/pentax-k-01-officially-announced.html

IMO…

1)Photography is roughly 70% photographer skill/experience, 20% lens quality, and 10% camera body.
2) I would rather have a $600 camera with a $1, 500 lens than I would a $1, 800 camera with a $300 lens.
3) Photography is NOT a cheap hobby or profession

The point is… With a DSLR, different lenses have different purposes. For portraits, I use a 50mm f/1.4, an 85mm f/1.8, and a 70-200mm f/2.8L (normally around 100-110mm). The lens I use is determined by my distance from the subject.

Both Canon and Nikon make good cameras and lenses. The best thing to do is visit an actual camera shop (not bestbuy/walmart) and try the different models within your budget to see which feels the best to you. I bought a Canon for its ergonomics/feel/menu and control layout and a fellow photog chose Nikon for the same reason… It is about personal preference.

The one thing to remember is to budget in extra money to cover an extra battery, memory cards, camera case, a USB memory card reader, and taxes (these can add another $200-$250 to the camera price).

EDIT: When I switched from film to digital, there were no "entry level" DSLR cameras. The DSLRs then did not have "features/options" like the newer ones do, they had the ability to change the ISO/aperture/ shutter speed and started around $2, 500. Your given budget is the reason why I did not bother suggesting the cameras I'm familiar with now (Canon 1D/ Nikon D3x)

I would suggest you use the camera comparison at http://www.dpreview.com/...re/cameras and the camera features search http://www.dpreview.com/...ch/cameras.

I found a lisy of all the best brands DSLR camera in the market now. These all will probably fall under your price range and you can get a good bargain:

http://www.amazon.com/...faumioe-20