Which Digital Camera is the Absolute Best DSLR for Advanced Amateurs and Pros?

Find a camera that is perfect for your needs!

As with any camera category, there are plenty to choose from at a Professional level. And if you are a Pro, you may choose to disagree with my findings for your own very good reasons. However, I am recommending cameras because of (a.) Technical reviews, (b.) User ratings, and (c.) Popularity among photographers.

If you are looking in this category for a camera, one of two situations is true for you.

1. You are either a professional or a very enthusiastic amateur with knowlege about SLR camera choices.
2. Money is no object.

About the Nikon/Canon debate - In the high-end camera market, the debate has raged for as long as Canon and Nikon have dominated this market. Which is better? Canon or Nikon? Usually you will get a different answer depending on which camera the photographer owns. Personally, I grappled with this issue for a few months before coming down on the Canon side. I have not been disappointed.

However, I would say that if I ended up with a Nikon, I would have been just as content. I am of the opinion that both brands are excellent. Some claim that Canon is a better landscape camera, while Nikon is better at sports. I don't know about that - just look at all the Canon lenses lined up at the end of the field or the court. Suffice it to say, which ever one you purchase will be an excellent choice.

As far as user ratings are concerned, it is difficult to find an unhappy owner unless he just got hold of a bad unit. The user ratings are almost identical for both recommended cameras on DPReview and Amazon at 4.5 out of 5.

Here are the 2 professional DSLRs that I recommend:

Canon 5D Mark II and Nikon D700

Both of these cameras are full-sensor cameras which means you will get the best quality picture without any distortion or loss of picture information (in the form of pixels) that may happen with entry-level DSLR cameras. Another benefit is much, much better quality at high ISO exposures.

Canon EOS 5D Mark II

The specs on this bad boy are as follows:

• A whopping 21 megapixel sensor
• 3" LCD display
• Sensor dust reduction by vibration of filter
• ISO 100 - 6400
• Automatic LCD brightness adjustment (ambient light sensor)
• Live view with three mode auto-focus (including face detection)
• No mirror-flip for exposures in Live View if contrast detect AF selected
• Movie recording in live view (1080p H.264 up to 12 minutes, VGA H.264 up to 24 mins per clip)
• Nearly every control and feature known to photography

Nikon D700

Specs for the Nikon D700:

• 12.1 megapixel full-frame sensor
• Image Sensor Cleaning (vibration)
• ISO 200 - 6400 (with boost up to ISO 25600 and down to ISO 100)
• Ultra-fast startup and shutter lag
• Scene Recognition System (uses AE sensor, AF sensor)
• Picture Control image parameter presets
• 5 frames per second continuous with auto-focus tracking*
• Optional MB-D10 Battery Pack increases burst rate to 8 fps *
• 3.0" 922,000 pixel LCD monitor
• Live View with either phase detect (mirror up/down) or contrast detect Auto Focus
• Virtual horizon indicates if camera is level (like an aircraft cockpit display)
• No video output
• Detailed 'Control Panel' type display on LCD monitor, changes color in darkness
• Again - every control you need
  

Even though you see the links to Amazon, feel free to get yours at the best market price at Adorama, Abes Of Maine, or B&H Photo . These are some of the most reliable internet stores.