What Makes A Professional Camera?
Features For Pro Photographers On Digital Cameras
With image quality largely dependent on the lens, what do professional photographers look for in a DSLR camera body?
The range of top quality lens for each manufacturer’s DSLR camera range usually fit the entry-level models, as well as their top of the line model. The current Pentax range serves as a convenient example for comparing an entry-level camera’s features with those in top of the range model with the type of features a professional photographer looks for. This is not a review or endorsement of one brand over another.
There are varieties of genres of professional photography, so there are a range of pro cameras tending to cater for particular niche’s of the market. Where image quality is the most important consideration professional photographers do not use 35mm SLRs or their digital descendants. Photographers choose large format view cameras, or medium format models offering such as those from Hasselblad, for the very best image quality. Here are some general desirable professional characteristics, although each photographer will consider the importance of each differently.
Rugged Reliability.
Photojournalists choose the SLR format for it is smaller size compared to the larger format cameras. They go where the action is, and carrying less weight and bulk all day is a decided plus factor. The other aspect of wandering the world in search of pictures is the camera should work when those fleeting opportunities arise. There will be some trade off where the pro will accept a heavier, bulkier camera in return for solid construction and heavy-duty components. Even “lady” photographers can use language to astound a gangster rapper when a camera fails in the field.
The top model, the K10D, features extensive weather resistant seals for shooting in wet or dusty conditions, while the entry level K100D Super does without them. This reflects the need for a professional photojournalist to capture the action whenever it happens.
Controls
One of the big differences between the two Pentax cameras is the controls. Both cameras are capable of using the same exposure settings, to take the same picture. The K100D is designed for more automatic operation with a less experienced photographer. The advanced K10D moves many of the options from the menus to dedicated body mounted buttons in the expectation of regular use.
The rotary knob for selecting exposure mode shows where the design philosophy for the cameras diverges. The K100D has a collection of pre programmed exposure weightings, indicated by little icons for such thing as landscape, portrait, and so on. On the other hand, the designers feel that users of the K10D do not require such basic assistance. Instead, their mode dial presents a range of modes giving priority the basic exposure parameters, including a mode giving ISO sensitivity priority in automatically setting the exposure. There is also a User mode for holding a range of the photographer’s custom camera settings. This is creates a set of personal default setting that can be instantly applied at the turn of the mode knob.
There are a number of functions, selected by menu options on the K100D, that use their own more expensive body mounted switch on the pro level K10D. For example, on the K100D the choice between metering patterns is from a menu on the LCD screen, requiring a number of control operations. Also, the photographer must take their eye from the viewfinder while making the change. On the pro level camera there is a metering mode lever as part of the exposure mode rotary knob assembly. The expectation is for most K100D users to always the 16 segment-metering pattern. The more knowledgeable photographers who can appreciate the subtle difference this setting can quickly make the change while still checking the metering results and composition.
Another touch is the histogram display, where the entry level K100D has the very useful brightness histogram; the pro level K10D adds an extra one. This shows the exposure levels for the individual red, green, and blue color channels. Combine this with comprehensive controls for fine-tuning the white balance, making it possible to get the color right for difficult lighting conditions. Of course, RAW images from both cameras can be adjusted later on a computer but pro could save valuable time by getting it right in the camera.
Convenience
The optional battery grip not only makes the K10D look tough it adds some touches a pro shooter will value during along day in the field. The grip contains a second battery and it automatically takes over when the main one is flat. This could be at a critical point for a photojournalist. It is also a convenient spot for storing a spare memory card. The battery grip comes with a second shutter release button when using the camera in vertical rather than horizontal orientation.
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