Editors' Top Cameras
updated June 5, 2006

Professional photographers require a level of customizability, 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. -- Lori Grunin, senior editor

Editors' Top Cameras:

Professional digital SLRs

| Prosumer digital SLRs

Professional digital SLRs

Cameras	Editors' rating	Price	Summary
Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II (body only) Released: 12/01/2004	8.9 Excellent	$9	Canon's EOS 1Ds Mark II offers a wealth of features and the highest resolution of any small-format digital SLR, with a price to match. Specs: SLR , 16.7 megapixels, 2 in LCD display

Canon EOS-1D Mark II	8.9 Excellent	Email me when product is available	In a league by itself, the Mark II offers professional photographers extensive customization, excellent photo quality, and market-leading speed. Specs: SLR , 8.2 megapixels, 2 in LCD display

Canon EOS-1Ds Digital SLR Released: 12/15/2002	8.6 Excellent	Email me when product is available	The 1Ds is a state-of-the-art digital SLR that meets professional imaging and performance standards, with a price to match. Specs: SLR , 11.1 megapixels, 2 in LCD display , 1 x

Canon EOS 30D with 18mm-to-55mm lens Released: 03/15/2006	7.6 Very good	$1336	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. Specs: SLR , 8.2 megapixels, 3 x, 2.5 in LCD display

Nikon D200 Released: 12/15/2005	7.8 Very good	$1299	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. Specs: SLR , 10.2 megapixels, 2.5 in LCD display , - CompactFlash Card

Canon EOS 20D with 18mm-to-55mm lens Released: 10/01/2004	8.1 Excellent	$1998	Though its performance has been surpassed by subsequent models, the Canon EOS 20D remains a top semipro dSLR choice. Specs: SLR , 8.2 megapixels, 3 x, 1.8 in LCD display

Konica Minolta Maxxum 7D (body) Released: 02/15/2005	8.0 Excellent	Email me when product is available	The well-designed Konica Minolta Maxxum 7D is a good all-around performer and a no-brainer for owners of Maxxum AF lenses. Specs: SLR , 6.1 megapixels, 2.5 in LCD display

Canon EOS 5D (body only) Released: 10/15/2005	7.9 Very good	$2498	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. Specs: SLR , 12.8 megapixels, 2.5 in LCD display , - CompactFlash Card

Fujifilm FinePix S3 Pro Released: 12/15/2004	7.7 Very good	Email me when product is available	This medium-resolution Fujifilm stands out for its unmatched handling of highlights and excellent overall image quality, but it's not meant for rapid-fire shooting of sports and action. Specs: SLR , 12.3 megapixels, 2 in LCD display