Warren Sunkel wrote: > In conclusion, you can see that dollar values aren't always the best > indicator of what camera is appropriate.
This is so true. Let's be logical for a moment, if we can. If you are happy with your current camera, then you don't need a new one unless you just want one. If you don't know if you should buy 'pro' gear or not, or if you don't know what the differences are, then why would you want to spend the extra money? If you are wearing out or suffering equipment failures with consumer grade camera equipment, then you may benefit from using gear made for professional use. Pro gear is usually more water resistant and more durable, but this also means nothing if you don't need these things. Pro gear usually has more accurate viewfinders (usually 100% coverage of the image area) and meters biased more for transparencies. Many times the battery holders are more easily changed, and the controls are easier to operate with gloves on. Many camera manufactures will give priority repairs to pro gear. Often there are more useful features (mirror lockup, DOFF preview, interchangeable focusing screens, more system support accessories) but some consumer grade cameras have some of these too. When it comes to faster motor drives and things like in-viewfinder frame counters and vertical shutter release buttons, pro bodies are usually the only choice. Many newer pro bodies also have useful support software available to collect and database your shooting information. Most of these things are not essential on consumer grade cameras. Basically, pro bodies are designed for pro use, and the R&D and quality is priced accordingly. All cameras in the camera manufacturer's line benefit from some experience and feedback on the pro line. Likewise, often new and yet unproven features or designs are tested on the consumer grade cameras first, prior to being incorporated into the next pro body (Nikon FA and Matrix metering is a good example). Of course by the time those features make it to a pro body, they are perfected. This means more reliable cameras and less test 'frills' on pro bodies. However, some things like Nikon's Color Matrix metering are reserved for the pro body F5, so you may have to consider a pro body to get the technology that you want if it is not available on consumer grade cameras. Another important consideration is that the pro bodies are built to tighter tolerances and they are generally built like tanks compared to consumer cameras. The chassis are usually all metal to hold the film plane and lens mount in better alignment, and the shutters are tougher. The USA F5 bodies also include a 3 year Nikon warranty. Consumer cameras cary one. The final consideration is cost. If you can aford a pro body, and you want one regardless of what you will do with it, then you have perfect justification for purchasing one. Many people just like the feel of well made equipment and they don't mind paying for it. What you do with it and how you use it is your own business. As for pro camera pricing, if you really need one, you will find a way to afford one. If however, you just want one or you don't really know why someone else would, then obviously you would balk at the prices. I did fine with consumer grade camera gear for years, but the above mentioned limitations finally outweighed the benefits of the less expensive bodies. If your equipment limits your creative potential, your composition, or the quality of your photography in any significant way (or your income), then it is time to consider other alternatives. That's why they are there. Dave Cohen Photographer Action Photographic Webmaster [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.anet-stl.com/acphotog/home/ -> SPORRS: 'Serious Photographers Of Railroad Related Subjects' -> Web Site: http://www.anet-stl.com/acphotog/sporrs/ -> Message © 1998 SPORRS® - All Rights Reserved
