What is the difference betwen a "professional" and a "semi-professional" DSLR?

Answer 1

Overall build quality. All metal construction. Shutter rated to 200,000 + uses. More features, larger sensor. Higher dependability.

However, professional quality photographs can be taken with any DSLR and a few high-end digicams like the Canon G9 to mention just one - IF the person using the camera is a highly skilled photographer.

Its all about the photographer. The camera is just a tool, like a hammer or saw or socket wrench set. In skilled hands any tool will produce excellent results.

Buying the top of the DSLR line from Nikon or Canon does not automatically make anyone a "professional photographer".

Answer 2

Semi Pro Camera

Answer 3

Bells and whistles, sensor size and price are really the only hard and fast rules.

Build quality used to be a difference but that was really only true when we were talking about film cameras... now with digital cameras plastic part abound on all cameras.

And sensor size only really sets some cameras out as pro only because they are full size sensors.... the pixel count isn't really a factor you can rely on since some pro cameras have fewer pixel than some non-pro cameras (usually because they are built to take very fast pictures for sports)...

Come to think of it... price seems like the only really guage you can depend on... everything else really varies.

Answer 4

Semi- Pro or advanced usually have fixed lenses, do more in camera processing *sharpening* and also have more preset functions on the camera. They are more advanced than point and shoot, but don't have all of the customizable features of a dslr. Some advanced or semi-pro have perks like in camera macro, or insane telephoto lenses.

Professional DSLR's usually have higher ISO capabilities as well as the interchangeable lenses, more programmable features, and even more focus options as far as metered, spot, and the like.

Low end dslr are nikond80 etc. there are of course high end like the Canon markII d, etc.

General enough for you? lol

Places like www.dpreview.com have tons of info for the newbs as well as the old pro's.

Answer 5

Interesting. I agree with miv farizzet in principle, but I draw the line between the D200/D300 and D2-series. D80 is "prosumer" or advanced amateur.

With Canon the 30D/40D would be semi-pro and anything above that (EOS 1-D-series, probably the 5D) would be pro. Rebel XTi/400D is "prosumer" or advanced amateur.

Build quality, shutter life, features - esp. ISO and continuous mode speed and probably sensor size - make a difference to a pro.

Answer 6

Money, sensors, megapixels, and available optional accessories. Sometimes it's things like being able to tie into a studio strobe system or using a bellows close up system.

However, there are times when I prefer taking a less expensive camera body just in case I drop it into the water.

And it's getting harder and harder to see a huge difference in out put quality.

Answer 7

With a film camera it is all about reliability and build quality.

With a digital it is all about noise control and sensor size combined in a reliable, well built body.

I think that the number of lenses and accessories for a camera would play a role as well.

Answer 8

I agree with Edwin 100% - build quality, increased weight, increased sensor size and (sometimes) increased ISO ranges and a greater selection of controls are usually the key differences... and one more thing - PRICE! Any coincidence of the words 'photography' and 'professional' usually starts to stick zeros at the end of the price tag.

Answer 9

nikon d80 and below are semi profesional, d200, d300, d2x,d3 is profesional dslr cameras. quality is obvious, prices are different, life span (shutter count) are longer.

Answer 10

There are no professional cameras, only professional photographers.