Portraits reward a larger sensor, reliable eye autofocus and a fast short-telephoto prime around 85mm equivalent. Background blur comes mostly from the lens and sensor size, not the body's price. Here are the best complete setups (body plus the right lens) you can buy for £1,500 or less, using real UK prices.
The best £1,500 setup for portraits is the Panasonic Lumix S5 II with the Panasonic Lumix S 85mm f/1.8, about £1,370 with the body bought used. Why: full frame sensor for shallow depth of field, in-body stabilisation.
The best setup we found from each major system, ranked on how well it suits portraits. Bodies priced used where MPB lists them.
Body £980 + lens £390 (typical MPB used price where listed, otherwise new) · 85mm equivalent · 1095g
Why: full frame sensor for shallow depth of field, in-body stabilisation.
Body £1,020 + lens £349 (typical MPB used price where listed, otherwise new) · 85mm equivalent · 1240g
Why: full frame sensor for shallow depth of field, in-body stabilisation.
Body £1,130 + lens £230 (typical MPB used price where listed, otherwise new) · 85mm equivalent · 1036g
Why: full frame sensor for shallow depth of field, in-body stabilisation.
Body £850 + lens £550 (typical MPB used price where listed, otherwise new) · 85mm equivalent · 1029g
Why: full frame sensor for shallow depth of field.
Body £1,100 + lens £310 (typical MPB used price where listed, otherwise new) · 84mm equivalent · 940g
Why: aps-c sensor for shallow depth of field, in-body stabilisation.
Not every pick needs the top body. These cost noticeably less and still do the job well.
| Brand | Setup | Total | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Panasonic | Lumix S1 + Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art | £1,290 | Why: full frame sensor for shallow depth of field, in-body stabilisation. |
| Nikon | Z6 II + Viltrox AF 85mm f/1.4 Pro | £1,369 | Why: full frame sensor for shallow depth of field, in-body stabilisation. |
| Sony | Alpha A7R III + Samyang AF 85mm f/1.4 | £1,459 | Why: full frame sensor for shallow depth of field, in-body stabilisation. |
| Canon | EOS R + Samyang AF 85mm f/1.4 | £1,180 | Why: full frame sensor for shallow depth of field. |
| Fujifilm | X-H1 + Fujifilm XF 56mm f/1.2 R WR | £1,250 | Why: aps-c sensor for shallow depth of field, in-body stabilisation. |
The best £1,500 setup we found from each remaining brand.
| Brand | Setup | Total | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leica | TL2 + Panasonic Lumix S PRO 50mm f/1.4 | £1,490 | aps-c sensor for shallow depth of field. |
| OM System | OM-3 + Panasonic Lumix G 42.5mm f/1.7 | £1,350 | micro four thirds sensor for shallow depth of field, in-body stabilisation. |
| Pentax | KF + Pentax HD D FA* 50mm f/1.4 SDM AW | £1,249 | aps-c sensor for shallow depth of field, in-body stabilisation. |
Body £999 + lens £499 (new) · 85mm equivalent · 841g
Why: full frame sensor for shallow depth of field, in-body stabilisation.
Body £1,049 + lens £399 (new) · 84mm equivalent · 892g
Why: aps-c sensor for shallow depth of field, in-body stabilisation.
Body £824 + lens £449 (new) · 84mm equivalent · 912g
Why: aps-c sensor for shallow depth of field.
Body £839 + lens £499 (new) · 75mm equivalent · 965g
Why: aps-c sensor for shallow depth of field.
Panasonic's first phase-detect AF body. The S5 IIX adds ProRes and RAW video output.
Nikon's affordable full frame with flagship-grade autofocus. Weather-sealed with two card slots.
A7 IV image quality in a rangefinder-style body that fits a small bag.
Excellent autofocus, IBIS and low-light performance. Now great value with the Mark III out.
40MP detail and physical dials for shutter, ISO and exposure compensation. Film simulations built in.
The first mirrorless medium format. Slow, but cheap for Hasselblad files.
Portraits reward a larger sensor, reliable eye autofocus and a fast short-telephoto prime around 85mm equivalent. Background blur comes mostly from the lens and sensor size, not the body's price.
Lens: Around 85mm equivalent with a fast aperture (f/1.8 or brighter) for background blur.
Spending less? Best for portraits under £1,000. More to spend? Best under £2,000. Or read the full portraits buying guide. Want one body and two zooms? See the best two-lens kits.
Our top pick is the Panasonic Lumix S5 II with the Panasonic Lumix S 85mm f/1.8, about £1,370 buying the body used.
Panasonic Lumix S5 II + Panasonic Lumix S 85mm f/1.8 (£1,370); Nikon Z5 II + Viltrox AF 85mm f/1.8 II (£1,369); Sony Alpha A7R IV + Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 (£1,360).
Buying the body used typically saves 30–50% and leaves more of the £1,500 for a better lens, which usually matters more. New gives a full warranty and the latest firmware.
Around 85mm equivalent with a fast aperture (f/1.8 or brighter) for background blur.
Prices checked 5 November 2026: used prices are the middle of the MPB price range for the body and the lens on that mount; new prices are typical UK prices. Picks are ranked from the specs in our database for this type of photography.