Professional DSLR cameras are not for the casual photographer; they are designed for those who shoot photos for news stories, or of sports or wildlife for a living. They're not just for professionals, but also the hard rain-or-shine shutterbugs that refuse to leave the house without a camera. Although these advanced cameras are more expensive than most digital cameras, they are a great investment in the long run.
Here are some benefits to owning a professional DSLR camera:
Here you'll find comprehensive reviews and side-by-side comparisons to help you make an informed decision regarding which camera is right for you. Be sure to check out our top-rated cameras, the Canon EOS-1D X, the Nikon D3X and the Nikon D7000. Also, be sure to check out our articles related to professional DSLR cameras as well.
Professional DSLR cameras are an expensive investment for professional photographers and advanced hobbyists alike. These cameras should contain the latest technology and provide photographers with the ultimate in creative control.
In addition to analyzing the features and functions of a DSLR camera, which are outlined below, some additional criteria we suggest looking into when you're purchasing a professional-grade camera include its price, lens selection and compatibility, and longevity.
Design
Traditionally, these image-capturing devices are heavier and bulkier than point-and-shoot cameras; however, their size and weight should remain reasonable. The camera should also be properly weather sealed, and the ergonomics should be comfortable so that finding buttons and settings is easy without taking your eye off the viewfinder. The size and resolution of the LCD display screen is also important.
Image Quality
Resolution is measured in megapixels. The more megapixels a camera has, the better – and bigger – the print quality it produces. These advanced cameras need more megapixels than compact digital cameras because that gives photographers more creative control in the editing and printing process. The ability for the device to record HD video is also a feature that's growing in popularity, although it's not available in every DSLR camera.
Battery Life/Memory
Professionals especially rely on their cameras to capture events, sports, wildlife, news and more, so the best professional DSLR cameras should be able to take numerous shots on a single battery charge. The memory available must be capable of storing a large number of photos. Removable memory is also an added feature that makes it much easier to transfer files from the camera to a PC.
Help & Support
The help and support options available for the professional DSLR Camera you choose are very important. They should include a user manual, online FAQs and knowledgebase pages, a place to download updated software and firmware, and possibly some tutorials. The length of the standard warranty is also important. Finally, you should be able to contact the manufacturer directly by email, telephone or live chat.
Summary
A professional DSLR camera is ideal for those who need the best resolution, fastest shutter speeds, the best fully manual and automatic controls, and a durable, weather-sealed camera. Both professionals and true shutterbugs will benefit greatly from owning and using a these DSLR cameras.
At TopTenREVIEWS We Do the Research So You Don't Have To.™
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 | #6 | #7 | #8 | #9 | #10 |
|
10-9 Excellent
8-6 Good 5-4 Average 3-2 Poor 1-0 Bad
|
Canon EOS 1D X | Nikon D3X | Nikon D7000 | Sony Alpha A99 | Nikon D800 | Pentax K5 | Canon EOS 5D Mark II | Canon EOS 7D | Nikon D300S | Canon EOS 60D |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Reviewer Comments |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lowest Price |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Ratings | 10.00 | 9.88 | 9.75 | 9.63 | 9.45 | 9.08 | 9.00 | 8.88 | 8.75 | 8.58 |
|
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
|
||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||
| Design | ||||||||||
| LCD Screen Size (inches) | 3.2 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3.2 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Video Recording | 1080p | 1080p | 1080p | 1080p | 1080p | 1080p | 1080p | 720p | 1080p | |
| Camera Width (inches) | 6 | 6.3 | 5.2 | 5.8 | 5.7 | 5.2 | 6.0 | 5.8 | 5.8 | 5.7 |
| Camera Height (inches) | 8 | 6.2 | 4.1 | 4.5 | 4.8 | 3.8 | 4.5 | 4.4 | 4.5 | 4.2 |
| Camera Depth (inches) | 6 | 3.4 | 3.0 | 3.09 | 3.2 | 2.9 | 3.0 | 2.9 | 2.9 | 3.1 |
| Camera Weight (pounds) | 3 | 2.69 | 1.52 | 2 | 2 | 1.7 | 1.79 | 1.81 | 1.88 | 1.60 |
| Image Quality | ||||||||||
| Resolution (megapixels) | 18.1 | 24.5 | 16.2 | 24.3 | 36.3 | 16.3 | 21.1 | 18 | 12.3 | 18 |
| Continuous Shooting Speed (frames per second) | 10 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 6 | 7 | 3.9 | 8 | 7 | 5.3 |
| Maximum Shutter Speed (seconds) | 1/8000 | 1/8000 | 1/8000 | 1/8000 | 1/8000 | 1/8000 | 1/8000 | 1/8000 | 1/8000 | 1/8000 |
| Image Stabilizer | ||||||||||
| Self Timer | ||||||||||
| Battery Life/Memory | ||||||||||
| Battery Life (shots per charge) | 1,500 | 4,400 | 1,050 | 900 | 900 | 980 | 850 | 1,000 | 950 | 1,600 |
| Memory | UDMA CF Card | CF, MicroDrive | SD, SDHC, SDXC | SD, SDHC, SDXC | SD, SDHC, SDXC | SD, SDHC, SDXC | CF, USB | CF, USB | CF, SD, SDHC | SD, SDHC, SDXC |
| Help & Support | ||||||||||
| User Manual | ||||||||||
| FAQs/Knowledge Base | ||||||||||
| Tutorials | ||||||||||
| Telephone | ||||||||||
| Live Chat | ||||||||||