Pro not pro?

surfingfireman · Oct 1, 2003

What is the deal with "professional cameras"? What is the major difference between a professional camera (Minolta Maxum 7/9, Nikon N80) or non-professional (Maxum 5, Nikon N65). I do know the price is a HUGE difference, but what are you getting for that extra money you pay? I saw a Canon professional digital SLR for over $10 000!

Well thanks in advance for any information,

Mike

photobug · Oct 1, 2003

Mike, generally speaking, "pro" camera bodies are built better (meaning sturdier) than "pro-sumer" or "amateur" camera bodies. They are usually sealed against moisture, and don't have all the "bells & whistles" the others have (as selling points, worthy or not).

The pro body most likely will have a faster flash sync speed for daytime fill flash. It'll weigh more. It'll have a metal lens mount. You could run over it and it would probably still work.

Unless you plan to take pics for a living you can probably be well served by any current camera body on the market.

Find one that takes the lenses you want to use and go for it!

Jim

motcon · Oct 1, 2003

better metering and metering options
higher fps shooting
extended shutter speeds on the dial before going to bulb
motor wind and soft motor wind
ability to adjust film speed in 1/3 or 1/2 stops
ability to adjust aperture in 1/3 or 1/2 stops
ability to bracket in 1/3 or 1/2 stops
better flash control (rear curtain synch, front curtain, etc.)
auto focus lock
many different focus areas
many different meter areas

a lot that i missed.