Best professional digital SLR cameras
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)
9.3 Spectacular (reviewed 7/31/08)
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.
Read review of the Nikon D3 (body only)
Canon EOS 1D Mark III
9.3 Spectacular (reviewed 6/18/07)
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.
Read review of the Canon EOS 1D Mark III
Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III
9.0 Spectacular (reviewed 2/25/08)
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.
Read review of the Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III
Nikon D700 (body only)
8.5 Excellent (reviewed 11/19/08)
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.
Read review of the Nikon D700 (body only)
Nikon D300 (body only)
8.4 Excellent (reviewed 1/28/08)
Visibly better photo quality and slightly improved performance make the Nikon D300 a significant upgrade over the D200 and an excellent all-around choice.
Read review of the Nikon D300 (body only)
Olympus E-3 (body only)
8.1 Excellent (reviewed 2/15/08)
Despite some interface quirks and a slightly awkward design, the Olympus E-3 fares quite well against its midrange dSLR competition.
Read review of the Olympus E-3 (body only)
Canon EOS 5D (body only)
7.9 Very good (reviewed 11/10/05)
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.
Read review of the Canon EOS 5D (body only)