What specs should I look for when shopping for a professional digital camera?
Jul 26, 2010 in
Electronics FAQs
I’m seriously thinking of getting into professional digital photography. I’m researching classes, and while I’m at it, I’m researching cameras as well. What are some "must have" specs when choosing a good camera?
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4 comments
anthony h on July 26, 2010 at 12:44 pm
When you buy a digital SLR, you’re buying into a system.
So, choose a good "system." Virtually all of the digital SLRs out there are very good, so the must have specs are generally covered. Because of this, when you choose a camera, you should choose one that feels "right" in your hand.
Some things that are important:
1) good range of interchangeable lenses
2) viewfinder that has big view, rather than a tunnel-like view.
3) autofocuses in poor light
4) Noise performance in underexposure/dim light/high ISO.
5) automatic white balance performance
6) flash system and how it performs.
Other areas that some people find important:
1) frames per second rate if you shoot sports
2) jpeg output quality (some cameras make better jpegs than others).
3) ability to use older lenses
4) ruggedness of body
Now, you have to decide what’s important to you. Ask yourself what you want to accomplish, and which camera will allow you to do that. And don’t forget to measure how the camera handles–ergonomics, layout and build quality are important in making your decision.
PeterJ on July 26, 2010 at 12:44 pm
The first think I’d read is this:
http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/pro-camera.htm
A true "professional" can use any camera and get professional results. An amateur using a $7000 camera setup will still take amateur photos.
http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/notcamera.htm
A "professional camera" will make it easier to get the shots they want. Depending on what kind of photography you do, will lead you in a specific direction.
If you are going to be a sports photographer you will want a camera that can shoot as many frames per second as possible so you can capture the action. You will also want extremely fast big zoom lenses. The lenses will cost way more than the camera.
If you want to be a portrait or studio photographer you will want precise color control, wider angle lenses, and you will spend a lot of money on lighting.
You will need to figure out how much money you have to spend up front, and that will help to narrow your options. If you are serious about it, you will generally find that there are really only 2 choices in brand, Nikon and Canon. Most people chose one or the other, and stick with it, as you can reuse the lenses and accessories, and replace the camera bodies as time goes on. A good lens today will be a good one in 10 years.
Ken Rockwell does a good job of explaining what is important, and what isn’t important in a camera. He mainly reviews Nikon equipment, but has some Canon advise as well. Much of his commentary is valid for any camera.
Camera Reviews:
http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech.htm#cameras
Canon vs. Nikon
http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/nikon-vs-canon.htm
Some of the important things for anyone looking to get the best possible photos will be the following:
- User interface, does the camera allow you to get to the options you need most? Dedicated buttons are necessary for things like WB, ISO, shutter, aperture, etc.
- Is it compatible with the lenses you have (this is easy if you don’t have any)
- What lenses are available and how much do they cost new and used?
- What is the flash sync speed? Can the camera control multiple flashes?
- What kind of batteries does it use, how long do they last?
- How does the camera physically fit in your hands? Some are bigger, some smaller, some weigh more, some are metal, some plastic, etc.
Notice I didn’t say anything about megapixels or anti-shake or any of the "gimmicks" that people use to sell cameras. They don’t matter to the image.
I’d say that a Nikon D80, D200, or D300 would be great for most people. For Canon, the 30D, 40D, or maybe 5D would be great starting points.
offroader_ii on July 26, 2010 at 12:44 pm
For an SLR I’d recommend either a Nikon or Canon. Either are quite good and offer lens choices which cover most needs. I’d honestly stay away from the other brands simply because most pro’s don’t use them.
Keep in mind that in addition to SLR’s there are also other types of camera’s such as medium format (Leica, Mamiya, etc.) or even large format, which are available for pro’s… and they’re significantly more expensive but depending on which professional field you persue they may be more applicable than an SLR. Fashion photography for example heavily uses both Pro leve SLR’s and Medium Format camera’s…
Having full manual control as well as full program (automatic) shooting is a must have. Depending on what you’re shooting you may want a fast frame rate (shot to shot speed) with a large buffer which can take alot of shots rapidly. This is especially critical for fast action sports or journalism photography and is also a key for fashion photography.
I would stay away from the bottom of the barrel SLR’s like the Nikon D40/40x and canon’s equivalent. You’ll have to upgrade quickly if you decide to really go pro.
You don’t want to go too high end either like the Nikon 3D or even their D300 since you’ll likely rarely use their more advanced features which you’re paying an up front premium for.
Last but not least you should expect to invest the most (80%?) in your lenses and not the camera body since they are truly the heart of any camera system. Choose the top tier pro lenses which are all faster lenses (f/1.4, f/1.8, f/2.8, etc.) with solid body construction. They’re usually heavier but will provide more reliability in the long run.
HTH.
JBT on July 26, 2010 at 12:44 pm
Well, here I go with my contrarian view again.
If you’re not a professional, and if you’re preparing to take classes, I’d recommend that you not get a professional camera yet.
There are many advanced point-and-shoot cameras like the Canon SX100 IS, or the Canon S5 IS, or the Canon G9 that will let you experiment and learn before you plunk down $4000 for a camera.
If you’re taking a class, see what your instructor recommends.
Buying the camera before taking the class and becoming a professional is a little like buying a fire truck before you complete fire-fighter’s training.