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Best professional digital SLR cameras
Professional photographers require a level of customization, performance, and ruggedness that's at least a notch above what consumer dSLRs provide. Compatibility with a broad range of accessories and studio equipment is also a must. If you have professional aspirations or are a seasoned pro going digital, these are the models you should consider. They require a serious investment, but in exchange they'll give you state-of-the-art imaging technology and the breadth of creative control you need to produce professional results.
Canon EOS 1D Mark III
9.3 Spectacular (reviewed 6/18/07)
Canon's EOS 1D Mark III offers a luxurious cocktail of high-resolution, extremely low noise, blazingly fast burst shooting, abundant customization, and a build quality and ergonomic design among the best you'll find in today's camera market.
Read review of the Canon EOS 1D Mark III
Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III
9.0 Spectacular (reviewed 2/25/08)
The 1Ds Mark III marks another high-end success for Canon, though you'll need a lot of spare cash if you want to own this ground-breaking camera.
Read review of the Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III
Nikon D300 (body only)
8.4 Excellent (reviewed 1/28/08)
Visibly better photo quality and slightly improved performance make the Nikon D300 a significant upgrade over the D200 and an excellent all-around choice.
Read review of the Nikon D300 (body only)
Sony Alpha DSLR-A700 (with 18mm-70mm lens)
8.3 Excellent (reviewed 10/10/07)
A top-of-the-line amateur digital SLR camera, the Sony Alpha DSLR-A700 will delight Konica Minolta diehards and makes a great choice if you don't already have a stake in other lens systems.
Read review of the Sony Alpha DSLR-A700 (with 18mm-70mm lens)
Olympus E-3 (with 14mm-54mm lens)
8.1 Excellent (reviewed 2/15/08)
Despite some interface quirks and a slightly awkward design, the Olympus E-3 fares quite well against its midrange dSLR competition.
Read review of the Olympus E-3 (with 14mm-54mm lens)
Canon EOS 40D (body only)
8.1 Excellent (reviewed 9/20/07)
Great photo quality and excellent continuous-shooting performance are just two of the Canon EOS 40D's many attractions in the digital camera marketplace.
Read review of the Canon EOS 40D (body only)
Pentax K20D (body only)
8.0 Excellent (reviewed 5/28/08)
Pentax's 14MP K20D is a great choice for a midlevel SLR and offers a lot of bang for the buck.
Read review of the Pentax K20D (body only)
Canon EOS 30D with 18mm-to-55mm lens
8.0 Excellent (reviewed 3/21/06)
An excellent midrange digital SLR, the 30D has given way to its even more excellent successor, the 40D. However, it remains a great choice if you can find it at a good price.
Read review of the Canon EOS 30D with 18mm-to-55mm lens
Canon EOS 5D (body only)
7.9 Very good (reviewed 11/10/05)
A decent midrange digital SLR camera built around a superb sensor, the Canon EOS 5D delivers great images and the familiar 35mm-film-format shooting experience for a comparatively low (though still hefty) price.
Read review of the Canon EOS 5D (body only)
Nikon D200
7.8 Very good (reviewed 2/13/06)
An excellent midrange digital SLR, the D200 has given way to its even better successor, the D300. However, it remains a great choice if you can find it at a good price.
Read review of the Nikon D200
