If you need to upgrade a professional camera or have a desire to do photography all the time, you need to be well versed in high-end cameras. The market offers many brands with a wide variety of specifications. As a rule, professionals need a good SLR or mirrorless camera that will do its job better and longer than the previous one.
Find the best option will help comparing the specifications of each brand. In this case, how much a professional camera costs, its resolution, autofocus quality, shooting speed, type or screen size is crucial. To achieve the best result, you need to carefully consider what is required from a high-end camera.
How to choose a professional-grade camera?
All photographers want the best camera ever. And keep up with the latest development trends of DSLR technology and accessories. Those who purchase a camera have a large selection. Therefore, both when updating the old model, and when buying a new one, it is necessary to conduct a thorough study. Below are the main indicators, the assessment of which will make the right choice for a professional camera.
Optics
An important feature of an ideal camera is its compatible lens system. Optics is the most important tool for assessing image quality and can be a decisive factor in whether an image is ordinary or professional. It is necessary to take into account the compatibility of the available lens kit with the camera model you are interested in. Moreover, optics is the most constant part of the investment, because the housing changes more often.
Sensor size
Professional cameras have minimal shutter speeds, maximum shooting speeds, high levels of detail and clarity of photos and videos. It all depends on the image sensor and GPU performance. The photographer must know which camera he needs, including the required image capture mechanism.
Image sensors for professional cameras are available in two sizes - full-frame and APS-C (DX). The latter is smaller than the first, based on traditional sizes of 35 mm film: 36 x 24 mm. The dimensions of the APS-C are about 23.5 x 15.6 mm, which corresponds to the crop factor of 1.5x (1.6x for Canon). Thus, the 50 mm focal length of a full-frame camera is 75 mm, which can be claimed by sports reporters and wildlife photographers. Full-frame lenses provide higher image quality and more effective shooting in dark conditions. How much a professional camera costs, as well as its physical dimensions, also depends on the size of the sensor.
Specifications
Digital cameras should be judged on the basis of the most common and comparable parameters, including resolution, screen size, maximum ISO sensitivity, burst speed and video settings. Assessing each of these points and creating a hierarchy will help you find a model that will fit the needs of the photographer.
Connectivity options
Cameras can have one or more slots for memory cards, several ports and interfaces. There are models with headphone jacks, an external microphone, and sync flash. Therefore, before choosing a camera, you need to decide on the necessary set of connectivity options, including wireless ones.
Application area
Some professional cameras are designed for special purposes. These include models with the ability to shoot at high speed in low light. They are ideal for journalists, sports reporters and wildlife photographers. Another category includes cameras with ultra-high resolution. They are also used by professional photographers involved in the shooting of goods or portraits. Some models can perform many tasks, including simultaneously capturing photos and videos.
Functionality
Professional camera manufacturers compete fiercely for the attention of the target audience. The more features the camera has, the more attractive it is for customers. Manual adjustments to exposure compensation, shutter speed, focus points and bracketing enhance the user's creativity. You need to look for a camera that offers maximum functionality.
Accessories Support
Regardless of how much a professional camera costs, it should use flash units, remote controls or tripods without any problems. Some models are equipped with a built-in flash, the performance of which can be easily improved with an external flash. Other cameras are equipped with optional battery holders, which are a great solution for many hours of shooting.
The following is a review of professional cameras that are most popular.
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
This legendary camera boasts high-end features and is one of the best professional digital SLR cameras. The Canon 5D features a 30-megapixel full-frame image sensor and the latest 16-point AF system with 41 cross-shaped sensors. The camera has a DIGIC 6+ GPU, a 150,000-pixel and a 252-zone sensor, providing high precision metering. The camera has many features for focusing, including zone, point and point with an environment of 4 and 8 auxiliary points.
A transparent LCD viewfinder provides full frame coverage and is equipped with a two-axis electronic level. It is possible to shoot video at a time interval. There are 2 slots for data storage: one for memory cards supporting CF (UDMA Mode 7) and one for SD, SDHC and SDXC cards. The compact design of magnesium alloy guarantees a shutter longevity of up to 150 thousand cycles and increased protection against moisture and dust.
This is one of the best professional Canon cameras. It has high resolution, enhanced customizable controls. Sharing photos is easy. The camera is equipped with a high-speed USB 3.0 port for fast data transfer. The price of the camera is 200 thousand rubles.
Fujifilm X-T2
Designed for professionals who want a fantastic tactile feel. Made in Japan, this is not an ordinary plastic camera, but a metal one. It is small, dense, accurate, easy to use, smooth and restrained.
Fujifilm X-T2 has great functionality. She has a trigger cable slot and 2 memory card slots. This professional camera is equipped with a huge electronic viewfinder with eye movement control and fast mirrorless AF with closed feedback, always guaranteeing perfect sharpness. It takes perfect shots thanks to a unique sensor that does not use a spectral filter to produce sharper images. Realistic ISO sensitivity, an electronic shutter that delivers shooting speeds of 14 fps, and the presence of an aperture setting dial indicate the high-end Fujifilm X-T2. Exposure mode automatically changes when changing aperture or shutter settings, and the built-in manual focus is ideal for recording videos. One of the weaknesses of the model is the lack of a built-in flash and a touch screen.
This is a camera for professionals who can shoot with the right settings. Fujifilm X-T2 has a good build. All markings are engraved, including lenses. Auto white balance in low light works well, superior to other cameras. The price of the model is about 90 thousand rubles.
Nikon D750
The professional Nikon D750 camera is equipped with a tiltable 3.2 ”LCD display with a resolution of 1229 thousand pixels and an OLED viewfinder. The camera allows you to shoot at a speed of 6.5 fps and has advanced video shooting capabilities. Thanks to the improvements Nikon has implemented in its DSLR cameras, the D750 has a new “flat” image management mode with additional overexposure alerts. Automatic ISO control for manual exposure of the movie perfectly compensates for exposure. As one of the best SLR cameras for professionals with improved functionality, the 51-point Multi-CAM 3500FX II AF with -3EV sensitivity. It is possible to simultaneously record images with HDMI output, as well as video in 1080/60 p format.
Image exchange is provided by built-in Wi-Fi, as well as using an external UT-1 module for sending photos via Ethernet directly to a computer or FTP server. The camera lacks the zoom function with dividing the screen into parts and an additional 2 million pixels Nikon D810.
This is a good travel companion because it is equipped with an external GPS receiver, which is installed on the sync terminal and connected to an additional port. Impressive build quality, excellent ergonomics and features at the level of the best DSLR cameras. Price Nikon D750 - 100 thousand rubles.
Nikon D810
This is a full-frame 36MP professional camera. "Nikon D810". It provides high-quality images and has a high-quality design. The magnesium alloy body gives a sense of reliability that plastic competitors lack.
The D810 can be used in any weather, as the camera is weatherproof and equipped with rubber gaskets to prevent water from entering. The camera is equipped with a 3.2 ”RGBW-display with a resolution of 1.23 million pixels, which provides increased visibility in the open air and better image quality. There is fast and perfect 5-point autofocus. The sensitivity range is ISO 64-12800.
Users who know how much a Nikon D810 professional camera costs are surprised that it does not have built-in Wi-Fi and 4K video capture. It is not much different from the D800E, and it lacks key features that might be a huge step forward. To use the camera effectively, you need a good lens. Nikon D810 is made of light magnesium, but still weighs 830 g. Price - 160 thousand rubles.
Nikon D500
This is one of the best professional digital cameras that are great for shooting sports. With a fast capture speed of 10 fps, this is one of the best SLR cameras. She is able to film events in the sports arena, in the lit gym or in the pool.
The D500 has excellent auto white balance, which provides excellent colors even in low light. This camera comes with added buttons, as well as slots for SD and XQD cards. This is the fastest professional Nikon camera. The buffer holds 79 frames and with a fast enough card can record a 14-bit uncompressed image. The camera is equipped with a tiltable touch screen. Maximum light sensitivity can be expanded to ISO 1638400.
A unique feature of the camera is the ability to shoot while recording video in 4k format. Bluetooth and built-in Wi-Fi SnapBridge make sharing photos easy. However, the D500 does not have a built-in flash, GPS, and automatic LCD brightness adjustment. In addition, there is a risk of accidental shutdown of the device, since it does not have a power switch lock. Price Nikon D500 - 110 thousand rubles.
Canon EOS 6D
This model is a direct competitor to the Nikon D600, as it provides full-frame shooting. With a 20MP sensor and DIGIC 5 GPU, the camera offers the features you would expect from Canon's best professional camera. The camera is aimed at enthusiasts. Thanks to its well-thought-out design, the 6D is small in size and has a embossed handle for reliable grip. The model comes with built-in Wi-Fi and GPS modules, but it lacks the built-in flash and a second slot for memory cards. The camera allows you to view images and videos on an HDTV with an HDMI cable. There is a timer, vision correction system and interchangeable focusing screens. When shooting video, it is recommended to use an external microphone for better stereo sound recording. There is a simple menu system and ample opportunities for user settings.
The camera for professional shooting provides excellent image quality and high ISO capabilities. Canon EOS 6D is one of the best SLR cameras that offers the most sophisticated functionality at an affordable price of 90 thousand rubles.
Canon EOS 1D
This is a high speed burst camera. This is the first full-frame camera with the excellent Dual Pixel AF system, which also shoots impressive 4K video at a frame rate of 60 fps. This is an excellent device for capturing exciting moments with high ISO settings and short shutter speeds. Its sealed enclosure only increases the value of a professional camera.
Canon EOS 1D is the favorite paparazzi camera that needs to work in any environment at a speed of 12 fps. In exceptional low light conditions, a high ISO sensitivity will not disappoint. Full-frame shooting and a bright viewfinder complement the 3.2 ”display.
The 18.1-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor has large pixels and is the first Canon sensor to use gapless microlenses, thanks to which it collects more light. ISO range - up to 512000 with noise reduction. However, the model loses to competitors in size and weight equal to 1340 g, and does not have a touch screen.
The high speed burst makes the camera ideal for sports, wildlife or low light, where this setting is critical. Despite the fact that the Canon EOS -1D is one of the most expensive professional SLR cameras, it justifies the investment. This is one of the fastest full-frame models. Price - 325 thousand rubles.
Nikon D5
This is also one of the best professional cameras. Its technological capabilities allow shooting in low light up to ISO 102400. The camera is equipped with an accurate autofocus system and allows you to take a series of shots at a speed of 12 fps.
Nikon D5 captures high quality 4K images and video at 30 fps. The camera is equipped with a 20.8-megapixel sensor format FX. This is one of the best cameras for professional photography because it provides high resolution and low noise. Its autofocus system operates in near total darkness thanks to its expanded ISO range and powerful EXPEED 5 processor. The camera is equipped with a 3.2 ”high-resolution LCD touch screen. Lightweight magnesium alloy housing protected against moisture and dust.
The ability to shoot in low light conditions has made the Nikon D5 a legend among professional SLR cameras. Prior to this, capturing sharp and clear images at night was not possible. The camera is great for surveillance and security services, as it allows you to shoot in the dark without a flash. The camera is equipped with an RGB metering sensor with a resolution of 180 thousand pixels, which ensures optimal exposure of each image. Price - 370 thousand rubles.
Nikon D610
This is the flagship professional digital SLR camera that replaces the D600. An improved shutter release mechanism provides fast burst shooting and additional quiet mode at 3 fps.
Thanks to the updated automatic white balance function under artificial lighting, the D610 captures images with more accurate colors. The camera is equipped with wireless flash control and a 3.2 ”display with a resolution of 92 thousand points. Video - high definition 1080p30 with uncompressed recording via HDMI. The case is made of solid magnesium alloy and is resistant to moisture and dust. The interface is customizable.
The few disadvantages of the model include the low brightness of the display in the sun. In addition, there is not enough histogram, and autofocus in the mode of on-screen sight behaves strangely. However, the model has improved significantly compared to the D600.
Thus, the D610 has the characteristics of a professional camera, shooting at a speed of 6 fps in normal and 3 fps in quiet mode, an improved automatic white balance function and a new shutter mechanism. Price - 85 thousand rubles.