Nikon D3 (body only)

Nikon’s flagship dSLR packs a full-frame 12-megapixel sensor and is a highly versatile imaging powerhouse that lets photographers create images previously impossible to capture.

The good: Full-frame sensor; well designed, pro-level weather-sealed body; very low noise, even at extremely high ISOs; fast.

The bad: Resolution lags far behind the Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III and Sony’s forthcoming 24-megapixel dSLR.

The bottom line: Nikon’s flagship dSLR packs a full-frame 12-megapixel sensor and is a highly versatile imaging powerhouse that lets photographers create images previously impossible to capture.

Price: $5,499.00 Compare Price Here

Canon EOS 1D Mark III

Canon’s EOS 1D Mark III offers a luxurious cocktail of high-resolution, extremely low noise, blazingly fast burst shooting, abundant customization, and a build quality and ergonomic design among the best you’ll find in today’s camera market

The good: Extremely fast, 10-megapixel continuous shooting; very low noise; highly customizable; well-designed body with weather sealing; 3-inch LCD; abundant optional accessories.

The bad: Heavy; may be a bit too large for people with small hands.

The bottom line: Canon’s EOS 1D Mark III offers a luxurious cocktail of high-resolution, extremely low noise, blazingly fast burst shooting, abundant customization, and a build quality and ergonomic design among the best you’ll find in today’s camera market.

Price: $3,699.00 – $4,800.19 Compare Price Here

Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III

The 1Ds Mark III marks another high-end success for Canon, though you’ll need a lot of spare cash if you want to own this ground-breaking camera.

The  good:Very low noise, high quality images; 21.1 megapixels; live view shooting; pro-level build-quality and performance.

The bad: High price tag; heavy body; no AF in live view mode.

The bottom line: The 1Ds Mark III marks another high-end success for Canon, though you’ll need a lot of spare cash if you want to own this ground-breaking camera.

Price: $6,111.31 – $7,600.99 Compare Price Here

Canon EOS 5D Mark II (body only)

A great follow-up to the 5D and top-flight full-frame camera, the Canon EOS 5D Mark II delivers the fluid shooting experience and fine photos you expect from a professional model.

The good: Excellent performance and photo quality; good video capture capabilities and quality.

The bad: No built-in wireless controller; large spot meter; no built-in flash; more direct controls would be nice; AF system could use an update.

The bottom line: A great follow-up to the 5D and top-flight full-frame camera, the Canon EOS 5D Mark II delivers the fluid shooting experience and fine photos you expect from a professional model.

Price: $2,599.00 – $2,899.00 Compare Price Here

Nikon D700 (body only)

As long as you don’t need seriously high-resolution photos, video capture, or machine-gun-fast sports shooting, the Nikon D700 has everything you need in a pro full-frame camera for a reasonable price.

The good: Excellent photo quality as high as ISO 6,400; fast focus and shooting, even in low light; first-rate build quality and control layout.

The bad: Relatively heavy; low resolution for its class; viewfinder only provides 95 percent coverage and lacks interchangeable focusing screens; occasional issues with automatic white balance under artificial light.

The bottom line: As long as you don’t need seriously high-resolution photos, video capture, or machine-gun-fast sports shooting, the Nikon D700 has everything you need in a pro full-frame camera for a reasonable price.

Price: $2,696.95 – $2,699.99 Compare Price Here

Nikon D300s (body)

The Nikon D300s is a great camera, especially if you need the burst speed or slightly improved low-light focus, but if you don’t care about video you might consider looking for a really good deal on a D300 and using what you save to splurge on a good lens.

The good: Outstanding performance for its class; excellent photo quality; solidly built; flexible custom settings architecture; video capture; onboard wireless flash controller; dual card slots.

The bad: Some annoying design and interface quirks; no significant improvements in high ISO noise performance.

The bottom line: The Nikon D300s is a great camera, especially if you need the burst speed or slightly improved low-light focus, but if you don’t care about video you might consider looking for a really good deal on a D300 and using what you save to splurge on a good lens.

Price: $1,789.00 – $1,799.99 Compare Price Here

Canon EOS 5D (body only)

A decent midrange digital SLR camera built around a superb sensor, the Canon EOS 5D delivers great images and the familiar 35mm-film-format shooting experience for a comparatively low (though still hefty) price.

The good: Top-notch, high-resolution images; 35mm-size sensor obviates focal-length conversions; big 2.5-inch LCD; unmatched low-noise images at ISO 1,600 and 3,200.

The bad: Overall build quality and performance typical of much cheaper cameras; no constant ISO display; images show occasional red fringing around highlight transitions; automatic white balance occasionally inconsistent.

The bottom line: A decent midrange digital SLR camera built around a superb sensor, the Canon EOS 5D delivers great images and the familiar 35mm-film-format shooting experience for a comparatively low (though still hefty) price.

Price: $1,999.95 – $2,399.99 Compare Price Here

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