What makes a DSLR a professional camera?

[goldstrikn]

Hello all,

This is my first post in this forum. I was a looky loo and love this forum, very informative. Now to my comment/question.

What makes a DSLR a professional camera?

I know that the top of the line camera such as Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II is a professional looking (also the specs), but in reality isn't the final print the qualifier of a great camera? I am raising this point because I will soon own a 20D and by lots of reviewers it is considered a semi-professional camera, so that left me wonder that will constitute a full professional camera. Never mind the pixels and extras WB, noise reduction, etc. Almost all good cameras have these settings to change. I would like to hear the opinions of others and perhaps I'll learn a few things on the way.

[NGrinerPhoto]

the person using it ... i'm a photojournalist that has shot with a d30, d60 and 20d

[robertwgross]

What makes a DSLR a professional camera?

I think your question is this: What makes any particular model of digital camera "professional"?

The 1-series camera bodies tend to be built a little heavier, intended for a little heavier use, and perhaps a bit more maintainable/repairable. Often you will find better weatherproofing and similar features that are demanded by pro photographers. Often they will have a much larger buffer, so the user can shoot very rapidly in a long sequence (which might be demanded by field sports shooters, motor sports shooters, and those types).

A Canon 20D falls into that semi-pro category, which is a gray area. Many pro shooters use it with excellent results. Just understand its specifications and limitations. Adjust your shooting style to stay within those limits.

When you get down into the less-expensive DSLR cameras and non-DSLR cameras, they can do a good job also. No doubt about that. However, they tend to have a simpler user interface and more limitations in what they can do. For the vast majority of the photography that we do these days, a simple camera can get good results. However, the top-of-the-line cameras can sometimes allow the user to get the special shot that the simple cameras can't do.

---Bob Gross---

[goldstrikn]

I think your question is this: What makes any particular model of digital camera "professional"?

---Bob Gross---

Thank you Bob, you actually said it better. I see your points and they do make sense.

[griff2]

Also, a DSLR allows you to use lenses of a quality that no point and shoot could match. It's the lenses that make the camera, and the photographer that makes the pictures.

[xuxu1]

Also, a DSLR allows you to use lenses of a quality that no point and shoot could match. It's the lenses that make the camera, and the photographer that makes the pictures.

You could´nt have said it any better!
Agree 100%

Regards
ED

[Persian-Rice]

I don't think any camera is professional or not professional, since many pros use D series equipment.

It is rather decided by the manufacturer, better yet, who they target the equipment toward. D series cameras are targeted and priced toward a consumer/amateur level photographer. The performance and price reflects that. 1 Series are targeted toward amateur/pro photographer who are looks for everything a pro photographer would need.

I think the biggest factor is the life expectancy, functions and speed. I think that as technology improves, consumers demand better performance for lower price hence the 20D and Rebel which are very similar and intended for a similar market. Any Camera like a 20D/10D/rebel are relatively the same camera, they almost have the same functions and image quality but the newer models are faster and that is about it, but at the end of the day they have many limits, and those limits are not found in the 1 series. Some pro photographers can live with those limits because the limits do not apply to them. But then there are amateur photographers who only shoot sports and a camera like a 20D is borderline for sports use.

No single camera is a pro camera, the idealogy that the photographer is what makes the camera is very true. The old rebel or d30 is very capable of taking far better pictures then a 1 series under any circumstance when put in the right hands.

[roanjohn]

The color BLACK!!!

In conclussion, a silver rebel is comparable to walking in your job wearing flipflops and shorts!!!

Ro1

[scottbergerphoto]

Pro cameras are like the old Timex commercials on TV, "It takes a lickin' and keeps on tickin' "
Additionally, when you pick one up, you just know what you have in your hands. There is something to the feel/shutter snap of a 1 Series camera or a Nikon F5, that you don't get in a non pro camera. They may both produce outstanding photos in the right hands, but getting there is what we are talking about.
Scott

[Deckyon]

There are 2 questions being asked at once here, one is a question of branding and nomenclature and the other is more abstract.

To answer the second question first, ANY camera on the market can be a "professional" camera. I have sold 5 prints from my old G3, but only 3 from my 1D Mark II. If a camera makes you money, you can consider it a professional camera.

The first question, Canon, the manufacturer, give each of its cameras a name. Also, the cameras get a certain grade. For Canon, the 1 series, either film or digital, is their "professional" line. It is their top of the line. From environmental seals to rugged bodies and extremely long-lived shutters (over 200,000 iterations) is their definition of professional. Also, the price tag on the 1 series ($4200$7800 for digital and $1000-$1500 for film) Canon expects the people who buy these cameras to have photography as their profession.

I lucked into my 1D Mark II, but I do not consider myself a professional photographer because I do not make a living with photography. I am a paid amateur. There is a huge debate that is running ever week or so in the "Cornering the Pros" topic, so please do not get into it here, concerning what makes a professional photographer.

Take this for what it is worth...

[goldstrikn]

Thank you for all your replies, it was very informative, I like the comparison used about the G3 versus the 1DMK.

[Merle]

I've been a Professional Photographer for over 32 years and in my opinion(such as it is) It is the knowlege, experience and capability of the phogtographer not the equipment (good equipment is a plus) ;) :) :D


Good shooting to Ya !!
Merle

[Hellashot]

This was asked before, and the answer was: what the camera was used for makes it professional. If a professional uses the camera, it's a professional camera. Sort of like how whatever plane the president of the usa flies on turns into airforce one.

[Jon]

The color BLACK!!!

In conclussion, a silver rebel is comparable to walking in your job wearing flipflops and shorts!!!

Ro1

You mean I'm not supposed to wear shorts and sandals to work????

[Red]

So a Black 350 is professional and a silver one is amateur?
Colour has nothing to do with it. And I won't stand for this racism any longer!

[Harry Settle]

Even a pinhole camera can be professional.