Best Cameras For Serious Photographers | Digital Camera HQ's Buyer's Guide
Last updated on 02/08/2010
If photography has become a serious hobby, or perhaps even a potential career, these cameras will fit the bill. Digital SLR cameras require attention and patience, but your reward will be stunning photographs that could easily hang on the wall of a museum or in the pages of a glossy magazine. dSLRs range from affordable, entry-level models to tremendous high-end models intended for professionals. Below, you'll find our selection of the best and most accessible digital SLRs for consumers, cameras that strike a fine balance between cutting-edge technology and bang-for-your-buck value.
Keep in mind that most of the prices below are for the body only -- unless we've indicated otherwise, they don't come with a flash, lens, or bag. New dSLR owners will need to invest extra cash in their rig at first, but it will certainly be worth the cost in the long run.
The Canon Digital Rebel T1i (aka EOS 500D) is a fantastic consumer dSLR. It's full featured, yet within a reasonable price range for most camera enthusiasts. The 1080p HD video mode is decent, even at only 20 frames per second, and the 15.1 megapixel sensor is the same one in the more advanced Canon 50D. The body is small and light for a dSLR but solidly built. If photography is the main passion in you or your loved one's life, but not a job, this is a great camera to own. This model ships with a lens.
[Read our full Olympus PEN E-P1 Review]
The Olympus PEN EP-1 is the most compact and user-friendly of the Micro Four Thirds cameras. It's not actually a dSLR (it doesn't have a mirror in it) and is more expensive than dSLRs with comparable specs, but that power is compacted into the body of a point-and-shoot, making the EP-1 incredibly portable and easy to wield. The Micro Four Thirds format is still relatively new, but the EP-1 is the most accessible model in this small market. This model ships with a lens.
[Read our full Pentax K-7 Review]
Pentax cameras maintain a cult following for a reason—they're sturdy, well-designed products with great picture quality. The Pentax K-7 is their high-end dSLR, and the fans love it—even recent converts are happy they decided to choose this over similar Canon or Nikon models. It features a 14.6 megapixel sensor, 720p/1080i HD video, image stabilization, and a sleek yet rugged weather-sealed body. It's not quite powerful enough to be a professional photographer's primary camera, but it's an awesome model to have in the stable.
Best Cameras For Serious Photographers | Digital Camera HQ's Buyer's Guide Comments & Questions (write your own!)
Doctor (George — 12/18/2011)
Hi, I am a doctor and need to take close up pictures on the skin of course with a very good image quality, no shadow and real close. Wat camera and lens do you recomend, with good results and not so expensive?
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George (12/18/2011)
Hi, I am a doctor and need to take close up pictures on the skin of course with a very good image quality, no shadow and real close. Wat camera and lens do you recomend, with good results and not so expensive?
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wish brand is better (carmen — 09/01/2011)
i want to buy a camera for my son wich brand is better canon or olympus?sorry dont know anything about cameras!
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Recommendation for camera (Irene Turner — 05/05/2010)
I want an SLR camera for serious work, but I have no need or desire to take movies. What camera do you recommend?
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Liam McCabe (05/05/2010)
Almost any camera you get is going to have video, probably HD, so you'll have it whether or not you want it. Your question is kind of broad, but so I'll just refer you to our Affordable dSLR page and you can pick from the different pricing options:
digitalcamera-hq.com/round_...
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digitalcamera-hq.com/round_...
Very small, quick and sharp camera -- w/ photos of publishable quality? (MF — 05/03/2010)
Hi -- I don't know if I qualify as a "serious" photographer, but I love taking pictures and have had a few published. I used to have a Konica-Minolta Dimage which I loved, but it's gotten older and petered out. I got a replacement (Panasonic LX-2), but I just haven't gotten good pictures with it. Can anybody recommend something very small, that you can take pictures with very quickly after turning it on, that takes very sharp pictures? I've been looking on camera review sites for a year trying to find something that seems perfect, but can't find anything, so I'd like some advice.
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Liam McCabe (05/03/2010)
Well, the Canon S90 takes excellent quality photos, it's fast, and it's small. It's also expensive.
A little less expensive but full-featured for a compact, you can try the Panasonic ZS7, which is the new version of the excellent ZS3. You might be hesitant to stay with Panasonic, but they've started making great cameras in the past year or two. Hope this is a good starting point for you.
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A little less expensive but full-featured for a compact, you can try the Panasonic ZS7, which is the new version of the excellent ZS3. You might be hesitant to stay with Panasonic, but they've started making great cameras in the past year or two. Hope this is a good starting point for you.
sammiew (05/03/2010)
will sony or minolta lenses fit the cameras
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by James DeRuvo (05/03/2010)
Sony's can take Minolta lenses, but odds are, you'll have to use them on manual.
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Susan Rich (04/24/2010)
I have a canon 30d and 24-105mm lens. Of course the lens isn't wide enough for some shots with the 1.6 factor but a 5d Mark II body is very heavy and expensive. ( I am 64 and not a professional). For wildlife trips, I rent the 100-400 mm but this gets expensive and I am not satisfied enough with the lens to buy it. (Problems with autofocusing and sharpness sometimes). I felt comfortable with the 70-300 zoom but returned it due to chromatic aberration in some shots. Any suggestions for future purchases?
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by James DeRuvo (04/27/2010)
Well, you may want to try a 2x teleconverter with a 200 mm zoom. It'll go a tad slower, but it may just be what you need.
Also, remember that the larger the zoom, the slower it is and more apt to camera shake. So a monopod is needed to keep that puppy still.
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Also, remember that the larger the zoom, the slower it is and more apt to camera shake. So a monopod is needed to keep that puppy still.
Best pro cameras (Peter Böhi — 04/24/2010)
If you shoot action (sports etc.) and/or low light it is the Nikon D3s, if you shoot landscapes or anything that needs maximum resolution, its the Nikon D3x. Those two cameras are the best in their class, but you pay a premium price for them.
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D80 digital Lenses (Jeremiah Jeff — 04/21/2010)
I have used a Nikon film camera for years. In 2007 I bought a Nikon D80 dslr. I have been using the film camera lenses but people have told me I need digital lenses. Is there such a thing?
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by James DeRuvo (04/22/2010)
You don't really need them. The beauty of the Nikon system is it's fantastic legacy lens support that goes back 50 years. So, by all means, if you're getting good results from those film lenses, keep on using them. They are Nikkor's after all.
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shelley tran (04/20/2010)
Hi I am looking to be able to blow my photos up to 6 ft by 5 ft. I need a professional camera that will give me the resolution I need. Any advice? I have a Nikon d40 and need to get the tool I need. I shot mostly nature and then abstract and play with the image. The results are abstracts.
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by James DeRuvo (04/22/2010)
For that size, you're really going to need the largest MP you can get. I'm not confident that the D40, with it's 10MP can handle that large an image blown up. This is a large printer issue and you should really talk to professionals to see what they require for the best results. But the Canon 5D Mk II is a good place to start if you can afford it's $3K price tag. But the 7D is another option.
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what kind of camera does she use? (Lauren — 04/13/2010)
James, if I email you a picture of a camera, can you try to tell me what kind it is??
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by James DeRuvo (04/15/2010)
Can't give you an email, sorry. Just post it on flickr and give us a link. We can comment from there.
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Rebel T1i, Rebel T2i or D5000.... Which one is the best to start serious photography??? (asmar fahad — 04/11/2010)
After point and shoot I m going to take a dslr...i wanna be serious with photography. I found some models such as rebel t1i, rebel t2i and nikon d5000...
Please help me to select one... I need a all-roundar... So waiting for u.
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Please help me to select one... I need a all-roundar... So waiting for u.
by James DeRuvo (04/14/2010)
What I would recommend is the T2i because of the HD video capability which is upgraded from the T1i. It's a basic entry level DSLR, but this will allow you to invest in better, faster lenses. Then, when you're ready to grow past the entry level body, you can pick up something like the 7D or 5D Mk II (if you can afford it) and use those better lenses.
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Which DSLR to BUY - this section is serious photo not video!! (GB Miami — 04/14/2010)
The d5000 is more in par with the rebel lines, and for anyone starting off, the d5000 will provide all of the needs to start. The best thing to do, is buy a used camera REBEL or D70S, D90 from ebay and buy the 18-200 nikon VR lens and this will cover 99% of the shooting needs of 100% of people all for under $1000 if purchased correctly from ebay. I am talking only photography, dont know anything about video from either cameras or any series with video, i am a photographer and to me that is a useless feature. To start off with CANON any rebel will do just fine, even a 6mp dslr will take the same quality pictures as a 12 mps camera, you would need 24mps to notice the difference in quality due to the 1.5 nikon or 1.6 factor of the sensor. If you can go with the D90 then go there, but if not, then buy the cheapest dslr rebel (great pictures) and buy lenses, chase lenses NOT cameras. You will be begging for lenses no matter which camera you end up buying. BTW, to learn how to shoot great pics, read bryan peterson understanding exposure, buy it used on ebay for 10.00 best book on how to really push your picture taking skills. The only thing he does not cover is how to properly set up the WB preset on your camera, read the manual, you will then say WOW look at the colors and pictures that my camera takes, WRONG!! Its the photograper,YOU!!
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best resolution and high speed capabilities (Kate — 04/04/2010)
I'm ready for that new DSLR camera, & I'm hoping to stay in the 2,000. range, but will go higher if the camera will take the fps for action horse and wildlife photography. I don't want to miss the eyelashes on that bear.
Your expertise would be gratefully appreciated...thanks!
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Your expertise would be gratefully appreciated...thanks!
by James DeRuvo (04/07/2010)
If you're willing to go higher, you can't do any better than the 5D Mk II for a variety of reasons. Chief of which is that it shoots full frame and that's great for it's 1080p HD video which also shoots in a very cinematic 24 fps thanks to the latest firmware update. It truely makes your videos look like they belong on the big screen. And the Full Frame Sensor is definitely worth the money.
but if not, I'd look at the next model down, the Canon 7D.
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but if not, I'd look at the next model down, the Canon 7D.
new cam for semi pro photos ( — 04/03/2010)
Hi Guys, nice site.. my wife and i are after a 'good' dslr, have been looking at the nikon d5000, any input? she's starting a photography course soon and want to get her the right tools. happy to spend up to $2000 aud for the right cam. thanks nathan
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Liam McCabe (04/05/2010)
Thanks! Yeah if you're looking for a "learner," I think the D5000 is a great place to start. It's not as bare bones as say the D3000, and costs about $100 (USD -- sorry, don't know the conversion off the top of my head) less than the Canon T1i (for now), which gets a few minute details slightly better, which a beginner probably won't notice. The Pentax K-x is also a great entry level dSLR -- not as mainstream as Nikon though, and it runs on AA batteries, which is either awesome or irritating, depending on who you ask. Hope this helps.
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D5000 and D3000 (GB MIAMI — 04/14/2010)
Liam no disrespect, but how can you even mention the D3000 on the same sentence as the D5000,the D3000 is probably the worse dslr that nikon has ever released!! THE SLOW BUFFER to record images is the most embarrasing thing nikon could have done, yes, cheap and save money, but to start the d5000 is 100% a better camera. The d3000 does not even compare to the rebels, and yes i have used both, and shoot mostly nikon right now. The d5000 is more in par with the rebel lines, and for anyone starting off, the d5000 will provide all of the needs to start. The best thing to do, is buy a used camera REBEL or D70S, D90 from ebay and buy the 18-200 nikon VR lens and this will cover 99% of the shooting needs of 100% of people all for under $1000 if purchased correctly from ebay. I am talking only photography, dont know anything about video from either cameras or any series with video, i am a photographer and to me that is a useless feature. To start off with CANON any rebel will do just fine, even a 6mp dslr will take the same quality pictures as a 12 mps camera, you would need 24mps to notice the difference in quality due to the 1.5 nikon or 1.6 factor of the sensor.
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Bill (04/02/2010)
witch camera & lens combo (canon) would give best results shooting fashion runway shots?
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by James DeRuvo (04/03/2010)
Well that depends greatly on your budget. Best results? The 5D MkII has a full frame censor which will definitely give you the best results. Toss in a super fast 18-55 zoom, or better a 105mm lens, and you're good to go. You'll also have the advantage of 1080p HD video. But that camera is around $3000 for the body.
A more affordable option is the Canon 7D, around $1500 for the body. The Canon T2i around $800.
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A more affordable option is the Canon 7D, around $1500 for the body. The Canon T2i around $800.
muffins (04/01/2010)
this fuckin sucks. no professionals use pentax, olypus or canon.
They mostly use nikon d3x and hasselblad and leica.
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They mostly use nikon d3x and hasselblad and leica.
by James DeRuvo (04/01/2010)
Actually, not true. I know tons of pros who shoot Canon, especially in sports. The 5D Mk. II is quite popular.
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Thom (04/22/2010)
Besides your limited vocabulary, your statement is not correct. Did you check what professionals use before commenting?
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D70 upgrade advice (Elizabeth Tobey — 03/11/2010)
I own a Nikon D70 and take a lot of pictures at indoor swim meets - would like to upgrade. Is the 5000 enough or do I need to go to the D200 or more?
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by James DeRuvo (03/12/2010)
Frankly, I'd upgrade your lens. Get a faster lens and you can handle better action and low light situations. And then, you can upgrade your body. But right now, the glass should be your primary concern.
Unless, of course, you paid more for faster glass to being with. LOL.
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Unless, of course, you paid more for faster glass to being with. LOL.
D70 upgrade advice (Elizabeth Tobey — 03/12/2010)
I own a Nikon AF-6 Nikor 70-300 lens so I think I'm good there but was looking for an upgrade on the frames per second.
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D70 upgrade - why? get a better lens (GB Miami — 04/14/2010)
Agree with James De Rubo!! you need to change that 200 dollar lens you have and get a 70-200 VR 2.8 for $1,800 and stay with the D70. There is no picture you cannot duplicate with the d200 d90 or d300s that you cannot do with the D70 if you know how to properly set you shutter speeds. The D70 shoots 3.5 frames per second, more than enought, but a 2.8 lens gives you way more additional stops on your lens than the 70-200 4-5.6 aperture, i would not even try to shoot any type of sports with that lens and expect profesional type pictures. Set your WB correctly, ISO 400 MAYBE 600 on the 2.8 lens and shoot almost 4 frames per second at 1/1000 shutter speed, the rest is the photographer not the camera. The 2.8 lens might even get you down to 200 iso depending on the lighting condition, but 400 should be safer, but also recommend stopping down to maybe 3.5 on the lens and never take it to the full 200, shot no more than 180mm, read ken rockwell on the lens you have and you might just throw it away.
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FRAME SPEED d200 d5000 d70 (GB MIAMI — 04/14/2010)
If its only about the frame speed you want, the D200 shoots at 5 fps, d5000 4 fps and d70s 3.5 same as the $3000 canon 5d. The D200 i own, is a bit tricky for the complicated options for focusing it offers, it takes a bit to master, this camera begs to challenge you with all of the profesional functions that is offers, but once you tame this beast, it rewards you and will last you for years and years. This is a work force, the D5000 is a play toy, the quality is not the same, yes no video, but since im only taking pics not video, who cares, and video, might be something that in a few years i will consider, but for now its too new and it will just keep getting better with later models.
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Photo journalism (karen mickievic — 03/09/2010)
For photo journalism-what is the best? NikonD90 or Canon T1i or? I have a history of Nikon 35mm ------My X was prof fashion photog in NYC
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by James DeRuvo (03/10/2010)
I'd stick with Nikon then. Your 35mm lenses will come in real handy.
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archanaraghav (01/04/2010)
can you help for a professional photographer which professional camera to buy, to take professional pictures
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by James DeRuvo (01/30/2010)
Well, you can't really go wrong with the 5D Mk. II. Not only outstanding high end digital, but it also shoots 1080p HD video.
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help plz. (Adam. — 02/09/2010)
i want to help me to buy the best professional camera plz.
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zhena (12/20/2009)
wich is the best fine pix camera. if it had a good zoom as well that would be a plus, otherwise if I need 2 cameras which has the best zoom...fir wildlife. thanks
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essaystudio (10/27/2009)
can i get a panorama of it
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