Professional or Consumer DSLR Camera: Which is Right for You?

Thanks to the digital age, dslr (digital single-lens reflex) cameras are now abundant and widely accepted instead of film. However, what is the difference between the "professional dslr camera" and the "consumer dslr camera"?

Image Quality -

Expensive dslr cameras often times will have better image quality than a consumer based dslr. For instance, take the 5D and the Xsi cameras. Both are made by Canon, and both have a similar number of megapixels (around twelve). The 5D has a very slight lead when it comes to the megapixel range, but it's not much.

Since both cameras have roughly the same number of megapixels, then they should both have the same image quality. Right? No, it's a little more complicated than that. The sensor size of the 5D is 36 x 24mm, and the sensor size for the Xsi is 22.2 x 14.8mm. Due to the 5D having a larger sensor size, the photos that it produces are generally of a better quality. Of course, you may not notice the quality difference as much unless you're looking at the full size of the image.

Of course, at low iso levels, the Xsi can produce some really good images that are nearly identical to the 5D camera. But generally, the 5D wins when it comes to image quality due to the sensor size. Think of it this way. Megapixels determine the size of the image, and the sensor size determines the quality of the image. In the end though, the photographer's skill level will be what makes the image truly great.

Weight -

In general, the consumer end dslrs are usually not nearly as heavy as their professional counterparts. Consumer dslrs also tend to feel cheaply made, while the more professional ones feel solid in your hands.

Money -

Consumer dslr cameras are much more affordable than their counterparts. For example, the Xsi costs around six hundred dollars on Amazon. However, the Canon 5D sells for around eighteen hundred dollars. That's three times as much!

Lenses -

Most consumer dslrs will accept both RF-S and RF lenses. The only difference is that the RF-S lenses will only work on cropped body cameras (like the Xsi), and RF lenses will work on either full-frame or cropped body cameras. Full-frame cameras are considered to be professional dslrs like, again, the 5D. So if you don't ever want to use professional cameras like the 5D, then buy RF-S lenses. But if you ever think that you may want to upgrade someday, then you should only purchase RF lenses.

Which do You Choose?

Consumer dslrs are for people who generally don't sell photography. However, if you pick some really good lenses and learn how to use your camera properly then these consumer based dslrs can produce some fantastic images. They can even produce sellable imagery in many cases. However, if you really want to be a professional photographer, then you'll probably want to choose a more professional camera.

Digital camera equipment is now an acceptable format for professional photographers to use. But there will always be a difference between the consumer based dslr cameras and the professional ones. Just be sure to pick the one that's right for you.