Best of the Best

DSLR (digital single lens reflex) cameras have the ability to deliver professional-quality photographs due to better optics, a larger image sensor and often times more MP (megapixels). Essentially you get more control over the people, places and objects that tickle your photographic fancy. And you get more control over the light. Light is what separates an average photograph from an exceptional one. However, the more control comes with caveats – the size of your camera is going to be larger and you will spend more for the DSLR camera body. There is also going to be more to learn and to remember.

All Best of the Best DSLR cameras listed are dominated either by Canon or Nikon. These two companies comprise the vast majority of the DSLR market and are used by more entry-level and mid-level professional photographers than any other DSLR camera. The Best of the Best DSLR Camera is the Canon EOS 5D. It is extremely well made featuring a ruggedized magnesium body and has a full-frame image sensor. This means if you put a 50mm lens on your 5D, you will get a photograph from a 50mm lens. It uses a 1x multiplication factor.

What do you think is the most expensive piece of gear for a photographer? It’s going to be the camera lenses. When you take a total cost of ownership and holistic view of your equipment, then you will change your paradigm for buying your camera body and accessories. I definitely want you to take as many accessories with you to the next DSLR camera body that you can such as memory cards, rechargeable AA batteries and most importantly your lenses! Remember to never purchase a camera ‘kit’ as these almost always include an inferior lens. Always purchase your DSLR as ‘body only.’

From where does the multiplication factor come? It relates to the sensor size of your DSLR. And let me make it clear that the sensor sizes of DSLR’s are of much higher quality than there consumer cousins and they come in two flavors, CMOS and CCD. The DSLR sensors will allow you to capture more vibrant images (together with using better optics). This is really where the industry is headed. Most DSLR’s will contain a full-frame DSLR sensor, so you can use the most expensive pieces of your photography investment, your lenses at the size(s) listed on the lens.

All DSLR cameras reviewed can take photographs in either RAW or JPEG format, accept the professional CFII (compact flash) cards (with the exception of the Nikon N80), have a hot shoe for an external flash gun or other lighting, can accept rechargeable AA batteries in external (called vertical shutter) grips, and have sophisticated electronics. Also, the vast majority are ruggedized, so there is less of a chance for the camera to be damaged when in use.