DSLRs remain the camera of choice for most semi-pro and pro photographers, even though some are now turning to high-end compact system cameras such as the Olympus OM-D E-M1 or Fujifilm X-T1. Although top-end SLRs are not cheap, they deliver a high level of performance, based around full-frame sensors; they also have a wide range of customisable controls, and support lots of specialist lenses, accessories and studio equipment.
As you'd expect from a camera costing the same as a decent used car, higher-end SLRs have myriad autofocus options, impressive ISO performance and often (but not always) fast continuous shooting. They tend to be built like tanks too, since they have to meet the demands of professional press, sports and adventure photographers, who are often working in demanding, deadline-driven environments. When it comes to choosing a top-end SLR, the biggest decision is whether to go for a full-blown pro model, such as the Nikon D4S, or to save money by opting for a camera that also appeals to advanced enthusiasts and semi pros.
The boundary between these two types of camera often blurs, however. Although you often see well-heeled enthusiasts toting the Nikon D800 or Canon EOS 5D Mark III, they are also widely used by fully paid-up professionals. Read on for more buying advice...
Canon EOS 5D Mark III
- Sensor size: Full frame
- Pixel count: 22.3Mp
- Screen type: 3.2-inch fixed LCD, 1,040,000 dots
- Maximum continuous shooting rate: 6fps
- Maximum video resolution: 1080p
This is a perfect example of a pro-spec SLR that also appeals to serious amateurs. While the 5D Mark III is a very powerful camera, it wears its power relatively lightly, and weighs nearly 400g less than the 1DX. At the heart of the 5D Mark III is a high resolution 22.3Mp sensor, and while this is outgunned by the 36.3Mp resolution of arch-rival the Nikon D800, it still delivers masses of detail – and the smaller raw files don't take up so much card space or computing power.
The 5D Mark III has a faster burst rate (6fps) than the D800, too, so this an impressive performance for a full-frame camera. While the 5D Mark III weighs less than the 1DX, it has the same autofocus system. The camera offers no less than 61 AF points, of which 41 are cross-type sensors and five are dual cross-type (its predecessor only had a nine-point AF system). Noise is very well controlled through the ISO range and a dual card slot adds to the camera's practicality. Unlike the D800, there is no pop-up flash, however. It's also a shame that the rear screen is fixed, but these are minor drawbacks on an otherwise excellent camera.
Read our full Canon 5D Mark III review
Nikon D800
- Sensor size: Full frame
- Pixel count: 36.3Mp
- Screen type: 3-2 inch fixed LCD, 921,000 dots
- Maximum continuous shooting rate: 4fps
- Maximum video resolution: 1080p
The Nikon D800's 36.3Mp sensor caused a big stir when it was released in 2012, offering the highest resolution of any Nikon SLR to date. While this enables superbly detailed images, you'll need to make sure your focussing skills (and lenses) can keep up, as any lack of sharpness is painfully obvious.
There were some worries about the greater risk of noise from such a high-resolution sensor, but it's very well controlled below ISO 3200. The D800 has a 51 point AF system compared to the 61 point system in the Canon 5D Mark III, but it copes admirably with tricky focussing situations. Indeed, both the AF and metering systems are identical to those in the Nikon D4, but at a much lower price. Considering its massive resolution and advanced features, the D800 is reasonably light at 1kg (2.2lbs) and the pop-up flash is a practical extra.
So what are the downsides? You may need to upgrade to a faster computer with more storage space to cope with the large raw files, along with lots of high-capacity memory cards. Another consequence of the high resolution is the laggardly 4fps continuous drive rate, so the D800 is much more suited to landscape and portrait photography than it is action and sports.
Read our full Nikon D800 review
Canon EOS 1DX
- Sensor size: Full frame
- Pixel count: 18.1Mp
- Screen type: 3-2 inch fixed LCD, 1,040,000 dots
- Maximum continuous shooting rate: 12fps
- Maximum video resolution: 1080p
The 1DX is an amalgamation of the Canon 1D and 1Ds models, and a big selling point of this pro-spec model is speed – the camera boasts a 12 frames per second burst mode, which can be expanded to to 14fps in the Super High Speed Shooting Mode.
When the 1DX was launched, there were concerns that the 18.1Mp full frame sensor was a step backwards from the 21.1Mp chip inside the 1Ds Mark III, but Canon's rationale was that the lower pixel count would mean better image quality at higher ISO settings. Certainly, the sensor and dual Digic 5+ processor combination deliver detailed, clean images right through the sensitivity range, and the 1DX's maximum extended ISO setting of 204,800 set a new benchmark for pro cameras.
The 1DX also offers a comprehensive 61-point AF system. Add a fast lens and you'll be delighted by the 1DX's ability to focus even in tricky, low-light conditions.
The 1DX feels very comfortable and well balanced in the hand, too. This said, the 1DX lacks some of the practical touches of the 5D Mark III, principally the in-camera HDR system and image rating system. If you can live without these extras, the 1DX is a great choice for photojournalists and sports photographers.
Read our full Canon EOS-1Dx review
NIkon D4S
- Sensor size: Full frame
- Pixel count: 16.2 Mp
- Screen type: 3.2-inch fixed LCD, 921,000 dots
- Maximum continuous shooting rate: 11fps
- \Maximum video resolution: 1080p
This is a relatively minor upgrade from the fast, pro-spec D4, with improvements centring on better performance at higher ISO. Indeed, the D4S has an ISO range that stretches to 409,600 in expanded range, making this a real 'see in the dark' camera (although image degradation is very noticeable at this level).
As with Canon's 1DX, the D4S' pixel count is relatively low at 16.2Mp, less than half that of the cheaper Nikon D800. Nikon claims that the lower pixel count reduces noise at very high ISO settings and enables a faster continuous shooting rate – in this case, a nippy 11 frames per second, with the ability to focus and meter between shots.
The AF system is fast and comprehensive, with a new Group-area AF mode for keeping moving subjects sharp.
The D4S is built for speed, so if you need very high resolution images, the 36Mp D800 is a more logical choice. The D4S is big and bulky too, and the lack of built-in WiFi or GPS is disappointing in such a premium-priced camera.
Read our full Nikon D4S review
Sony Alpha a99
- Sensor size: Full frame
- Pixel count: 24.3 Mp
- Screen type: 3-inch adjustable TFT, 1,228,800 dots
- Maximum continuous shooting rate: 6fps
- Maximum video resolution: 1080p
The first full-frame interchangeable lens camera with an electronic viewfinder (EVF), the a99 also features a versatile articulating rear screen. The camera is based on a 24.3Mp sensor that delivers plenty of resolution.
You can also use Sony DT lenses designed for its APS-C format SLT (Single Lens Translucent) and SLR cameras, as the a99 will automatically crop to the smaller frame. There is more cutting-edge technology in the a99, including two AF sensors, one above the mirror-box with 19 AF points (11-cross type) and the other with 102 points over the actual sensor.
The camera has a built-in GPS receiver too.
In practice, the a99 performs well, though the AF system struggles to keep up with the competition – the non-cross type AF points struggle in poorer light, and even with a high-quality lens, you'll have to tolerate some 'hunting'. What's more, the selectable AF points are clustered around the centre of the frame, forcing you to rely on the focus lock and recompose technique.
These AF limitations, combined with the lack of an optical viewfinder, will be a deal breaker for many enthusiasts and semi pros, which is a shame, as the a99 has many virtues and useful extras.
Read our full Sony Alpha 99 review
James Potter