Tuesday, February 12, 2013
What's Your Next Pro DSLR?
The lines between top-tier and mid-level camera models are blurring. We look at the features and capabilities that are most important for your work so you can make a thoughtful decision before leaping into an über-pro hot-rod unit.
Speed
If speed is your need, the top models from Canon and Nikon are your ticket. Canon's EOS-1D X can shoot its 18.1-megapixel images at 12 fps, with continuous autofocusing and 18.1 megapixels at 14 fps with focus locked at the first frame. Nikon's D4 can shoot its 16.2-megapixel images at 10 fps with continuous AF and 11 fps with focus locked at first frame. Why don't these flagship pro models have as many megapixels as their manufacturer's midrange full-frame models? Largely to provide these superquick shooting speeds, and also to provide top low-light capability.
Of course, the EOS-1D X and the D4 have superquick and accurate AF systems that can keep up with these shooting rates. The top APS-C DSLRs also provide fast shooting: 12 fps for Sony's SLR-A77 (with continuous AF), 8 fps for Canon's EOS 7D, and 7 fps for Nikon's D300S and Pentax's K-5.
Ruggedness
The flagship cameras are the most rugged and weather-resistant. But all of today's top DSLRs are quite rugged, and many pros use mid-level full-frame and high-end APS-C DSLRs in the field, to good effect. Note that none of the DSLRs is warrantied against water damage, something to keep in mind when facing a torrential downpour. Many photojournalists use top Canon and Nikon DSLRs successfully in all kinds of conditions. (Make sure the lens is weather-sealed, too; a sealed body with a nonsealed lens will put you out of business quickly in a heavy rain.) If you have to shoot in the rain, it never hurts to use a protective cover.
| PRO DSLR | ||||||||||
| Full-Frame | Sensor | Pixel Size (microns) | Normal ISO Range | External Monitor | Top video | AF Points | Max fps* | Memory | Dimensions (inches/ounces) | List Price** |
| Canon EOS-1D X | 18.1 MP | 6.9 | 100-51,200 | 3.2 in., 1040K | 1080/30p | 61 | 12 | 2CF | 6.2x6.4x3.3/47.3 | $6,799 |
| Canon EOS 5D Mark III | 22.3 MP | 6.3 | 100-25,600 | 3.2 in., 1040K | 1080/30p | 61 | 6 | CF, SD | 6.0x4.6x3.0/30.3 | $3.499 |
| Canon EOS-6D | 20.2 MP | 6.5 | 100-25,600 | 3.0 in., 1040K | 1080/30p | 11 | 4.5 | SD | 5.7x4.4x2.8/24.0 | $2,099 |
| Nikon D4 | 16.2 MP | 7.3 | 100-12,800 | 3.2 in., 921K | 1080/30p | 51 | 10 | CF, XQD | 6.3x6.2x3.6/41.6 | $5.999 |
| Nikon D800 | 36.3 MP | 4.9 | 100-6400 | 3.2 in., 921K | 1080/30p | 51 | 4 | CF, SD | 5.7x4.8x3.2/31.7 | $2,999 |
| Nikon D800E | 36.3 MP | 4.0 | 100-6400 | 3.2 in., 921K | 1080/30p | 51 | 4 | CF, SD | 5.7x4.8x3.2/31.7 | $3,299 |
| Nikon D600 | 24.3 MP | 6.0 | 100-6400 | 3.2 in., 921K | 1080/30p | 39 | 5 | 2SD | 5.6x4.4x3.2/26.8 | $2,099 |
| Sony SLT-A99 | 24.3 MP | 6.0 | 100-25,600 | 3.0 in., 1228K tilt/rot. | 1080/60p | 19+102 | 6 | CF, MS | 5.8x4.4x3.1/25.8 | $2,799 |
| APS-C | ||||||||||
| Canon EOS 7D | 18.0 MP | 4.3 | 100-6400 | 3.0 in., 920K | 1080/30p | 19 | 8 | CF | 5.8x4.4x2.9/28.9 | $1,599 |
| Nikon D300S | 12.3 MP | 5.5 | 200-3200 | 3.0 in., 921K | 720/24p | 51 | 7 | CF, SD | 5.8x4.5x2.9/30.0 | $1,699 |
| Pentax K-5 II | 16.3 MP | 4.8 | 80-51,200 | 3.0 in., 921K | 1080/25p | 11 | 7 | SD | 5.2x3.8x2.9/23.3 | $1.199 |
| Pentax K-5 IIs | 16.3 MP | 4.8 | 80-51,200 | 3.0 in., 921K | 1080250p | 11 | 7 | SD | 5.2x3.8x2.9/23.3 | $1,299 |
| Sigma SD1 | 15.4x3 MP | 5.0 | 100-6400 | 3.0 in., 460K | No video | 11 | 6 | CF | 5.7x4.4x3.1/24.7 | $2,299 |
| Sony SLT-A77 | 24.3 MP | 3.9 | 100-16,000 | 3.0 in., 921K tilt/rot. | 1080/60p | 19 | 12 | SD,MS | 5.6x4.1x3.2/23.0 | $1,399 |
| Four Thirds | ||||||||||
| Olympus E-5 | 12.3 MP | 4.3 | 100-6400 | 3.0 in., 460K tilt/rot. | 720/30p | 11 | 5 | CF, SD | 5.6x4.6x2.9/28.2 | $1,699 |
| * Maximum frame rate at full resolution with AF for each frame ** List price for body only |
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