5 Best Digital Professional Cameras in 2022

“Good photography has the power to stop time for a moment.”

Photography is a form of expression; it is an art form that captures real-life images and immortalizes people and the places you have been. Want to keep memories of family celebrations? Take dozens of pictures. Maybe you enjoy capturing the most trivial things, or you are fascinated by nature. Some love keeping mementos of other people, after all, a portrait can be easily kept in your wallet or hung on a wall. Or maybe you are just looking for a new hobby, something to keep you occupied while watching the day go by.

But creating one’s vision takes time to appreciate and master. As an art form, photography begins with a creative imagination. It entails a unique set of eyes that allows you to see things and the people around you differently. It is achieved through your ability to foresee the image and express it using the tools in your hand.

Whatever your motivation, learning how to take beautiful pictures is an adventure on its own. But there is no denying that photography can be an expensive choice for a new venture. If you’re serious about photography and turning this hobby into a profession, it is crucial that you get the right tools that complement your level of mastery of the craft.

We’re talking about none other than professional digital cameras. As we explore our options and find the best cameras available in the market, let us discuss the basics.

Watch: Photography Basics for Noobs

Things to Remember

Like any new venture, creative or otherwise, there is no hard and fast rule in photography. Of course, there are some ways to make sure you are off to a great start. There is no reason to get upset or frustrated with your first try. Do not get overly excited; you might lose your inspiration. Worse, you may end up buying the most expensive camera but bring disservice to photography. You need to start polishing your basic photography skills. With the advent of smartphones sporting highly advanced camera technology, taking pictures have been easier than ever. However, no matter how Instagram-worthy your shots are using just your phone, it all boils down to two things: formal photography training and the right gear.

Here are essential steps professional photographers bear in mind to take excellent photos:

Find your Muse

Before you start exploring the wonderful world of photography, you need to find something or someone that inspires you. What do you enjoy? What images spark your creativity and compels you to capture the moment? Start by knowing what you enjoy doing – be it traveling, nature, food, or a celebration. Photography is best paired with your other hobbies. But engaging in professional photography requires a more in-depth understanding of the various elements of the craft. And simply identifying what your creative inclinations are could determine your future in photography.

Establishing a career as a photographer is a thrilling prospect. Nobody wants to be an amateur. And being a professional photographer comes with very high expectations. While amateur photographers take trivial photos, professionals capture even the most mundane imagery and turn it into something worth staring at. Professional photographers focus on the message and latch on the idea of changing the viewer’s perspective.

Watch: Proof: The Photographers on Photography

Brilliant photography and purposeful images have the power to change people’s perspective. This is the very reason why photographs can be a powerful source of change.

Get a Camera

Of course, you cannot get into photography without one. Get yourself a camera that suits your needs and prospects. Your camera is your new best friend. You do not need to have the latest or the most expensive camera to get a thrill out of photography. Price does not define how your pictures will turn out. It will mostly depend on how you handle your tool.

Watch: How to shoot manual on a DSLR

Even the cheapest camera can yield great photographs. However, there are a few features that you need to look out for when shopping for your camera.

Watch: Mirrorless vs DSLR cameras: 10 key differences

DSLRs and mirrorless cameras are both excellent options for beginners. The two gadgets offer high-resolution imaging and great flexibility when switching gears, especially lenses, flashes, and camera filters. Once you get your hands on a good camera, learn all its features and capabilities. Do not be afraid to play around and experiment. Trial-and-error will get you to the level you want to achieve.

The main difference between a DSLR and a mirrorless camera is the mechanism that processes the captured image. Most big, high-end camera brands like Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Fuji have a similar industrial design. When light enters through the lens, it is bounced off a mirror and passes through a specially designed prism. The viewfinder then captures the light. And when the shutter button is clicked, the mirror flips, which then triggers the image sensor to allow the light to enter. This is how pictures are taken. Today, mirrorless cameras have interchangeable lens capability which used to be only offered by DSLR cameras.

Whatever type of camera you decide to get, it is essential that it carries the following features.

Manual Mode

Prefer a camera that has manual mode. This feature will allow you to take full control of your camera settings. It has been said that real photographers use manual mode. You usually want to play it safe by using automatic modes, but experimenting with manual settings promises more beautiful photos. There is an obvious difference between the quality of shots. Not only that, you get to enjoy the creative control that manual mode brings. To master this, you need to understand how ISO speed, shutter speed, and aperture work – the exposure triangle.

ISO Speed

The photo’s exposure depends on the ISO setting on the camera. It determines the image sensor’s capability to detect and sense light. High ISO results in a brighter and textured image while lower ISO settings make your pictures darker and sharper.

Shutter Speed

Shutter speed is a crucial setting in any camera. It tells the user the length of time that the camera will be exposed to light. It is usually shown in a fraction of seconds. Using a faster shutter speed would yield a darker image as opposed to a slower shutter speed. But, a faster shutter speed will allow you to capture moving pictures or various frames of movement.

Aperture

The aperture is made of small blades or the hole inside your camera’s lens. It is similar to the iris of the human eye. Aperture is measured by f-stop. A higher f-stop means narrower hole which results to a darker image. Whereas, a lower f-stop would allow more of the light to enter through the lens, therefore capturing lighter photographs. When taking pictures of landscapes, you should set your camera to a higher f-stop for a broader focus that would capture more vivid photos.

Watch: Aperture, Shutter Speed, ISO, & Light Explained-Understanding Exposure & Camera Settings

Storage Space

Storage is a feature that you should factor in when purchasing your camera. Aside from a durable camera body, you should also consider bigger storage space. Using a camera with more pixels, you capture larger photos. Because large photo files consume more space, it becomes a recurring cost for any photography enthusiast. You can opt for a larger external storage but having sizeable built-in storage will make your photography sessions more manageable.

Megapixels

A camera’s megapixels is the first feature buyers look at under the presumption that the higher it is, the better the image outcomes. What this number indicates are the sensor elements that are in the camera. The truth is, the image quality is not solely dependent on the number of megapixels. Higher megapixels on a compact sensor will result in image noise. Just keep in mind that all features must be balanced to ensure exceptional quality images.

Lens Compatibility

Arguably, lens compatibility is one of photography’s most significant breakthroughs. For a long time, photographers have invested in lenses for their cameras of different brands. Having lens compatibility between DSLR and mirrorless camera bodies is a remarkable design. Further, there are lens adapters available in the market, allowing you to use the lenses you already have.

Sensor

The sensor is the soul of the camera and is the most expensive part of the entire device. The larger the sensor, the more expensive the camera would be. It is the part that captures light and converts the images you see through a viewfinder or an LCD monitor. Camera sensors may range from full-frame sensors with the capacity to capture 35mm wide and would produce high-quality images. Another option is the APS-C sensor that ranges from 20mm to 28mm wide. This type of sensor is common among entry-level to mid-range cameras.

Methodology

Since you already know the basics of photography, you are ready to get started. We have listed the Top 5 Best Digital Professional Cameras to become your tool in exploring the wonderful world of photography. Each of the cameras is ranked based on the Number of Megapixels, Sensor Type, Lens Compatibility, Build, and Price. These features are given a star rating between to . An overall rating will be provided for each brand the highest being (5/5).

Below is a comparison chart which highlights important specifications for each product. A detailed review will be provided to guide you in making your choice.

Comparison Review Chart: 5 Digital Professional Camera

The Details

Nikon D850

The Nikon D850 is the camera giant’s next-generation high resolution, DSLR with full-frame (35.9 x 23.9 mm) camera sensors. It has a remarkable 45.7 Megapixel backside-illuminated BSI CMOS sensor. It is Nikon’s fastest shooting DSLR. D850 is an attractive device that caters to various high-end camera enthusiasts, especially professional photographers.

In terms of design, the camera is relatively lightweight but is packed with high image quality and impressive performance. The redesigned battery grip that Nikon introduced for the D750 debuted in the D850. It is environmentally sealed, which makes the device resilient to dust and moisture. With the illuminated buttons, you can shoot at night with comfort and ease.

Among the cameras released by Nikon, the D850 has the widest and brightest viewfinder with a tilting 3.2” touchscreen display. It has a storage capacity that is impressive with dual memory card slots, so you don’t run out of space for new photos. It also has a built-in battery that allows you to take over 1,800 shots. Plus, you can opt to get the optional EN-EL18a/b battery for extra battery life. The grip battery is only one of the many accessories available for the model.

Watch: Nikon D850 Product Tour

Nikon D850’s EXPEED 5 allows for the processing of 45.7 megapixels of image data with less noise. Impressively, the D850 can shoot seven frames per second. With the grip battery, it can shoot up to 9 frames per second. Plus, it captures UHD 4K videos with an advance 4K/8K time-lapse feature. There is a built-in Wi-Fi, NFC, and Bluetooth for easy access and connectivity. This is Nikon’s patented feature called the SnapBridge.

Watch: Nikon D850 Tutorial

A game-changing device, Nikon D850 ends your search for uncompromising performance in the world of photography. Yes, it is an expensive device, but it delivers a remarkable standard of quality that will allow you to capture masterpieces.

Pros

Full-frame 45.7 megapixels image sensor
Remarkable lightweight design
High image quality
High performance
Environmentally sealed; sturdy and weather-sealed
4K video capacity
Easy connectivity

Cons

Expensive
Loud shutter click
No built-in flash
Unreliable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connection