Best professional digital SLR cameras

(Updated February 10, 2012 8:17 AM PST)
Lori Grunin
Lori Grunin
Senior editor
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 5D Mark II (body only) Editors' Choice - Canon EOS 5D Mark II (body only)

A great follow-up to the 5D and top-flight full-frame camera, the Canon EOS 5D Mark II delivers the fluid shooting experience and fine photos you expect from a professional model.

Price: $2,157.00 - $3,120.00 (check prices)

4 stars

Excellent

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Canon EOS 5D Mark II (body only)

Canon EOS 7D (body only)

An excellent midrange dSLR, the Canon EOS 7D delivers for the money.

Price: $1,299.99 - $2,349.99 (check prices)

4 stars

Excellent

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Canon EOS 7D (body only)

Nikon D700 (body only)

As long as you don't need seriously high-resolution photos, video capture, or machine-gun-fast sports shooting, the Nikon D700 has everything you need in a pro full-frame camera for a reasonable price.

Price: $2,699.99 - $3,482.40 (check prices)

4 stars

Excellent

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Nikon D700 (body only)

Nikon D300s (body)

The Nikon D300s is a great camera, especially if you need the burst speed or slightly improved low-light focus, but if you don't care about video you might consider looking for a really good deal on a D300 and using what you save to splurge on a good lens.

Price: $1,699.99 - $2,841.83 (check prices)

4 stars

Excellent

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Nikon D300s (body)

Olympus E-3 (body only)

Despite some interface quirks and a slightly awkward design, the Olympus E-3 fares quite well against its midrange dSLR competition.

Price: $1,099.99 (check prices)

4 stars

Excellent

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Olympus E-3 (body only)

Canon EOS 5D (body only)

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.

Price: $2,149.95 (check prices)

4 stars

Very good

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Canon EOS 5D (body only)

Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 (body only)

A good first try at a pro-level camera, the Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 has the high resolution but unfortunately lacks some of the performance and usability you expect from a model in its price range.

Price: $2,657.93 - $2,699.99 (check prices)

4 stars

Very good

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Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 (body only)