Version: 2008
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Best professional digital SLR cameras

(Nov 16, 2009)

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.

Nikon D3 (body only)

Nikon's flagship dSLR packs a full-frame 12-megapixel sensor and is a highly versatile imaging powerhouse that lets photographers create images previously impossible to capture.

Price: $4,999.00 (check prices)

Review date: Jul 31, 2008

  • 4h stars

      Overall score: 9.3 (4.5 stars)

Outstanding

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Canon EOS 1D Mark III

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.

Price: $3,554.00 - $4,499.95 (check prices)

Review date: Jun 18, 2007

  • 4h stars

      Overall score: 9.3 (4.5 stars)

Outstanding

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Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III

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.

Price: $6,114.00 - $6,999.95 (check prices)

Review date: Feb 25, 2008

  • 4h stars

      Overall score: 9.0 (4.5 stars)

Outstanding

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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: $2,199.95 - $2,899.00 (check prices)

Review date: Jan 28, 2009

  • 4 stars

      Overall score: 8.6 (4.0 stars)

Excellent

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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: $2,518.99 - $3,366.95 (check prices)

Review date: Nov 19, 2008

  • 4 stars

      Overall score: 8.5 (4.0 stars)

Excellent

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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: $1,560.00 - $1,836.73 (check prices)

Review date: Sep 9, 2009

  • 4 stars

      Overall score: 8.4 (4.0 stars)

Excellent

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Nikon D300 (body only)

Visibly better photo quality and slightly improved performance make the Nikon D300 a significant upgrade over the D200 and an excellent all-around choice.

Price: $1,719.99 - $1,799.99 (check prices)

Review date: Jan 28, 2008

  • 4 stars

      Overall score: 8.4 (4.0 stars)

Excellent

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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: $1,049.00 - $1,399.99 (check prices)

Review date: Feb 15, 2008

  • 4 stars

      Overall score: 8.1 (4.0 stars)

Excellent

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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: $2,999.99 (check prices)

Review date: Nov 10, 2005

  • 3h stars

      Overall score: 7.9 (3.5 stars)

Very good

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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: $2,699.00 - $2,699.99 (check prices)

Review date: Jan 20, 2009

  • 3h stars

      Overall score: 7.4 (3.5 stars)

Very good

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