Canon Cameras

What canon cameras are the BEST for professional photographers?

I have had a canon powershot A70 since 2004. I've had contacts compliment my pictures and encouraging me to go 'pro'. I've been looking into another more advanced canon, but I'm having a hard time deciding. I loved the ease of use in my A70, so I'd like it to be responsive and customizable like it. Preferably under $800 since this is my 'starter' camera to see how the business goes. Then I'll get my 'hardcore' camera later. I've been looking at the S5 IS and the S3 IS, but there is some fringing in some of the photos that I don't really like (dpreviews.com). It doesnt have to be canon, but 95% want canon since I am already comfortable with the setting and controls. Anyway the things I want are: * Ability to print clear poster size * Ability to get good macro, night shots and moving (like water) like with IS * to 'look' like a professional's SLR instead of like my A70 that anyone could use/own * lenses/flash changeable/responsive/customizable * movie mode * Wide range of ISO Well there were a few more main things I wanted, but I dont want to be too picky. So recommend what you think is best in canon for the main things I was wanting and if you think S5IS/S3IS are a bad idea for what I'm wanting since I'm just wanting a 'starter' pro camera. Thanks! Oh and in case it wasnt obvious digital please! I'm too clumsy for film!

Public Comments

1. all canon cameras are good go to canonusa.com and choose the one you like then go to yahoo shopping for a good price
2. S5IS/S3IS are not professional cameras You need to look at the DSLR's. The can use all the EOS lenses, have larger sensors and features that professional photographers need. NO professional digital camera has a movie mode. The most current Canon cameras are the 40D and 1Ds Mark III You may be able to shoot image files that could make poster size prints, but only the Canon 1Ds Mark III ($8000) and the Nikon D3 ($4000) have the sensors to do that. More on the D3, D300, 40D and 1Ds Mark III if "Live Veiw" is important to you; from Ken Rockwell "Nikon has outdone Canon at Live View because Nikon's AF system works two different ways while in Live View, while Canon's does not work at all" Take your time and take the time to visit you local camera store and see how each camera feels in your hand and which is the easiest to control when looking through the viewfinder. You don't want to have to buy your BEST camera twice ... unless you need two bodies.
3. The Rebel XTi would be the low end on what you're describing apart from only "looking" like a professional SLR. To the best of my knowledge a "professional" camera isn't going to have a movie mode though, but does everything else you want.
4. While quality of image is important of course, one thing that makes the big difference between professional and amateur cameras is how quickly you can respond to a photo opportunity. The low end of the camera models provide a lot of sophisitcation and options but to use any you're frequently navigating through menus. As you do that you lose those special moments that you should be photographing. The higher end cameras place all the critical controls on the outside of the body so that a simple button push or dial turn gets the camera set for the shot of the moment. In this way you miss fewer pictures. The higher models also operate faster in terms of frames per second which is crucial if you're into action shots and a non issue if you're not. There are two such cameras that offer a compromise between the professional ideal and an affordable price, the Canon 40D and the Nikon D80 (the D300 is even more amazing). Both have many professional features and capabilities that you would normally pay a lot more for. Both will get you outstanding image quality. Getting poster sized shots is possible with the above models but to really get photo quality posters higher resolutions would be needed and you can't afford that at the moment. Movies are impossible with SLR cameras, they are designed for images, not movies. Your many other requirements are built into the two models I'm suggesting and are of course built into the higher end ones too. The other crucial consideration is feel. The camera must fit comfortably in your hand and the controls have to be easy to access and use. I use a Nikon D200 and not only are its controls readily at hand, they even work when I'm wearing gloves. The higher end Canons offer similar capabilities. It's important that you go to a camera store and use the models you are considering. How easy are they to set in terms of the most important settings? How do they feel in your hands?: If the camera isn't comfortable and if the controls don't work instantly to let you get a picture, that camera body or brand is not for you. Taking pictures is not an exercise in martyrdom it's an exercise in making quick exposure decisions and being creative. You don't want to have to fight with the camera in that exercise, in fact you can't afford to fight with the camera. Since you've been using a P&S camera, you clearly don't have a legacy of lenses and other things to protect. As a result you should consider Nikon in addition to Canon. Those two makers are the choice of professionals and both camps will tell you they have the best. Personally I spent thirty years with a Canon professional film SLR. When I went digital however I went with the Nikon SLRs. For me at least, they fit the hand better, and they have more controls allowing me to respond instantly to changing conditions and still get the picture. At the same time I use a Canon point and shoot camera (Powershot G7) when I need something I can carry in my pocket instead of in a thirty five pound knapsack. In my experience Canon builds the best P&S cameras. I'm not as convinced about their SLRs. So, all that said, there's one other thing to consider. You won't get those really award winning photographs if you treat the SLR as just another point and shoot camera. These are very sophisticated machines that offer you a wealth of controls and options for becoming truly creative. If you're going to spend money on an SLR you have to also make the effort to learn something about photographic theory and begin to apply those principles. Sometimes the camera can be relied on to take a perfect picture automatically, but other times it won't. If you're not willing, or able, to learn something about photography and then take control of the power of the SLR, you could save yourself a lot of money by getting a P&S camera that is similar to an SLR. There are several on the market that boast a 10x or 12x zoom and offer you the ability to take control of your exposures if you're so inclined. These can be cheaper and lighter than the SLRs and can often take equally good pictures within their capabilities. These would also allow you to do movies. The only problem with them is that they do not offer the high end professional features or an incredible range of accessories for solving photographic problems. But then that also depends on your subjects, perhaps you will never need most SLR accessories. So those are the things to think about. I hope this helps a little.