mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

It's about robustness and features, and it's a constantly moving scale as technology changes over time. For many today two card slots equates with a pro-level camera. It wasn't that many years ago when few Pro level cameras had two card slots. And I know a Pro photographer who occasionally uses an old lower-end Canon Rebel t2i (550D) with STM kit lenses when its convenient for him. His images with that older non Pro gear are excellent.

For a lot of wannabes, with too much cash to spend, having a defined pro-level camera may give them the impression they're taking better pictures or will make them feel better that they're using a high-end camera. Without the skills to use it though, it won't give them any additional benefits. But of course in the right hands, a physically robust and feature-rich camera can reward the photographer with superior results and will work well regardless of the physical conditions it's used in.

I personally use a Canon 7D Mark II with magnesium alloy body and extensive weather sealing. While it is a higher-end prosumer model, it is used by pros, especially as a backup camera, because of its physical robustness, 10 FPS, advanced AF system, two card slots, intelligent viewfinder , and additional features. Even though this 4 year old camera's sensor lags behind many newer bodies pros will still buy it because of the features I mentioned.

rcarol

How does the manufacturer designate that a camera is a "Pro" camera? It's not stamped on the camera. It's not in the model number.

Strodav Loc: Houston, Tx

We have all seen gorgeous shots from pros using smart phone cameras. Is a smartphone camera a pro camera? My first 35mm film camera, a Canon AE-1 bought in 1979, was considered an enthusiast camera. At that time, many Pros bought Nikons because they were considered very reliable, would stand up to weather and abuse, and Nikon had great lenses. There are several manufacturers of rugged products with great glass today. I would say a pro camera is what a pro pursuing a particular type of photography needs / wants to get her job done. While there are general purpose cameras, there are cameras with better features for, say, portraiture, landscape, wild life / birding, weddings, events, macro, video, ... The same can be said for lenses. So, Pro is in the eyes of the user.

rcarol

You actually missed the point of my post entirely. And that is, the lines between a pro camera and a non-pro camera is getting very blurry. And for individuals to argue the point is meaningless.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Thanks for clarifying your meaning.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

Okay by me... Not everyone who uses video needs V-Log-L. It requires additional, advanced, time intensive workflow steps. Filmmakers can often justify it. Trainers can’t.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

That's why I laugh about the outrage expressed here because those interminably boring vacation /home/blog videos are not improved with 4K cropped or not.
A serious videographer will have a C700 or equal and actually know what they are doing.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

LoL, YES, it’s in the model #.
For example, Canon ONLY makes currently one Pro camera. Yes, they call it a pro camera. It’s the 1(one) series. It’s been that way since film days.
Yes they make a few other cameras that pros might use, but that doesn’t make them PRO cameras, just used by Pros!
SS

Bill_de Loc: US

I have a feeling that by the time there is a consensus on anything pertaining to all the new mirrorless cameras they will all be the outdated models, probably 2 generations old.

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rcarol

No. it is not in the model number. It is not the 1DX Pro or the 1DX Mark II Pro. And in fact, a perusal of the Canon web pages for these two cameras will find no reference to the fact that either of these cameras is referred to as a "Pro" camera and distinct from other cameras in Canon's lineup. It's only individuals such as yourself that have attached pro and prosumer labels to cameras and have tried to pigeonhole cameras into meaningless categories.

xt2 Loc: British Columbia, Canada

Like every other commentator methinks. Kinda like politics. If ya only listen to one media outlet you might be missing other perspectives perhaps? having said this, Rockwell has added a great deal to end-users photographic experience over the years... Cheers!

xt2 Loc: British Columbia, Canada

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

You want to be right, go ahead, be right. I don’t read Canon material. A few years ago, yes, it said a professional level camera for discriminating professionals. I did see it less and less.
By the same token, about a year or two ago, Nikon was calling about HALF of its camera models for professional use, or used by professionals, in all of its literature. Even the D750!
What either of their material says right now, I’ll be honest, I have no idea.
If you want a cell phone to be a professional camera, that’s ok with me.
I own 5 Canons and only one do I consider a professional camera, that’s my 1Dx!
And no, surely not my cell phone!!!
SS

rcarol

Thank you.

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

Thx Sharpie...I sometimes have to scratch my head at some of the responses when people get over-passionate about a simple response.