When you say "models", do you mean people or "scale models"? If taking picture of inanimate objects, buy a tripod.

Constant lighting is easier than strobes, but shutter speeds could be much slower.

If using strobes, umbrellas tend to be cheaper and softer than lightboxes.

Many cameras (including SLR) use a preflash when in TTL mode. This triggers the strobes in slave mode. All this means is that you probably have to buy triggers.

If using point-and-shoot cameras, they will work so long as you can set both the aperture and shutter speed. If buying a new camera just for this, basic SLRs at around RM1-1.5k should be sufficient. As others have already said, don't put all of your budget into the camera alone.

This post has been edited by dkk: Jul 31 2014, 01:11 AM