Canon EOS 10D – Canon EOS 60D

Falling between Canon’s popular entry-level DSLRs (Digital Rebels, T2i, etc) & Canon’s class-leading semi-professional offerings (5DmkII, 7D), the XXD line of EOS digital cameras has served as Canon’s “pro-sumer” series since the 10D in 2003. Targeted at enthusiasts who might venture into the realm of professional photography, Canon has generally introduced these cameras between $800-$1000 – offering a rich feature-set at merely a few hundred dollars more than Canon’s very capable entry-level bodies. For me, the 30D & 40D were workhorse bodies that I did most of my learning on (between 2006 & 2008). By the time I finally outgrew these humble DSLRs, I was already working full-time with photography & my primarily complaints of these bodies had to do with image quality at extremely high-resolutions for critical commercial applications, leading me to move from crop-sensor DSLRs & purchase my first full-frame, the Canon 5DmkII. Typically, Canon announces new models in 18-month product cycles for this line, with the current body being the 60D.

Sample Photos from the Canon 30D | Sample Photos from the Canon 40D

Canon EOS 5DmkII & Canon EOS 7D

While lacking the full functionality & high-performance of Canon’s flagship line (1DmkIV, 1DsmkIII), Canon’s intermediate DSLRs (5DmkI, 5DmkII, 7D) currently dominate the semi-professional market. At a fraction of the price of Canon’s best studio camera (currently 1DsmkIII), the 5DmkII offers nearly identical class-leading image quality (at a staggering 21.1 megapixels) with a less-reliable focusing system, allowing users to make the most of Canon’s top-notch L lenses in critical print or high-resolution applications (landscape photography, stock photography, studio photography, etc). The 5DmkII also boasts impressive high-ISO performance in conjunction with advanced HD video capabilities, making it the predominant choice for most advanced hobbyists as well as working professionals. The 7D can be compared to a super-XXD camera – following in the 60D crop-sensor format, but equipped with superior auto-focus & tracking abilities for wildlife & sports photography. That said, outside of its impressive video capabilities, the 7D does nothing better than Canon’s top photojournalist cameras (1DmkIII, 1DmkIV) despite having a newer higher resolution sensor, leaving the 7D as a poor-man’s 1DmkIV at a quarter of the price. I currently use the 5DmkII for all of my event photography, as well as for portraits (studio, wedding, etc).

Sample Photos from the Canon 5DmkII

Canon EOS 1DsmkIII & Canon EOS 1DmkIV

The best of the best at their respective jobs, Canon’s flagship 1D bodies (1DsmkX for studio, 1DmkX for sports) have matured to the point where professional photographers of any discipline can simply pick up any recent iteration of either the 1D/1Ds to know they are ready to produce commercial results at the highest level, anywhere in the world. Priced just under $7,000, the Canon 1DsmkIII isn’t for everyone. However, in studio applications, it is only challenged by medium-format cameras that cost up to ten times as much & in real-world applications, the 1DsmkIII’s only competition comes from Nikon’s equally-expensive flagship counterpart, the D3X. Class-leading resolution & advanced, intuitive features seamlessly integrated into a high-performance body designed for working pros – albeit at a premium only professionals & rich hobbyists can afford. For photojournalists & sports/wildlife photographers, the 1DmkX bodies are priced just under $5,000 and can be found dominating sidelines at the world’s major sporting events – the 1DmkX bodies offer less resolution than the 1DsmkX bodies but boast improved tracking, speed & performance. I currently shoot fashion shows + weddings with my Canon 1DmkIII (note: while the 1DmkIII is AMAZING, the Canon 1DmkIV is even better) & will be adding a Canon 1DsmkIII in the coming year for critical portrait work.

Sample Photos from the Canon 1DmkIII | Sample Photos from the Canon 1DsmkIII