first things first, there are many cameras out there to choose from. most working professional and inspiring hobbyist use Canon or Nikon. because we shoot with canon equipment we can only review what we have and know. Nothing against Nikon but until we get a Nikon shooter on the site we wont’ be able to give any feedback, for now.

People always ask, what camera should i buy? or which one is the best? Remember that just because you have the best equipment and have all the pro gear, doesn’t mean that your images will come out like a pro. it takes more than just professional equipment and other technical knowledge and skills to deliver professional grade images. Don’t worry so much about what camera to choose, because the bottom line is the person that is holding the camera.

Listed are some basic guidelines of positive and negative features to look out for so that no matter what new cameras come out in the future, that you will be able to make the right decision to purchase the right camera for your budget, workflow and your needs.

*all descriptions of camera’s are from Canon USA website

G9 (point and shoot)
Price: $480.00

• 12.1 Megapixels (1/1.7” sensor) with RAW mode for maximum image control
• 6x optical zoom lens with optical Image Stabilizer and SR coating
• Face Detection AF/AE/FE and Red-Eye Correction in playback
• 3.0” high-resolution, PureColor LCD II with extra wide viewing angle
• 25 shooting modes including full manual control and 2 custom settings
• Extra telephoto reach with Digital Tele-Converter and Safety Zoom
• Hot shoe support for Canon Speedlite flashes and optional lens accessories
• Slightly larger sensor (1/1.7 as opposed to 1/1.8 inch)
• Enhanced Face Detection technology
• Compatibility with ST-E2 wireless flash transmitter

Negative:
Smaller sensor 1.7 crop factor and limited range of lenses,  not a DSLR

Positives:
affordable at under $500.00, small and compact. 12 megapixels able to shoot in Raw format with full manual settings

Rebel XSi
Price: $ 799.00

For stunning photography with point-and-shoot ease, look no further than Canon’s EOS Rebel XSi. The EOS Rebel XSi brings staggering technological innovation to the masses. It features Canon’s EOS Integrated Cleaning System, Live View Function, a powerful DIGIC III Image Processor, plus a new 12.2-megapixel CMOS Sensor and is available in a kit with the new EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens with Optical Image Stabilizer. The EOS Rebel XSi’s refined, ergonomic design includes a new 3.0-inch LCD monitor, compatibility with SD and SDHC Memory cards and new accessories that enhance every aspect of the photographic experience.

Negative:
Smaller sensor 1.6 crop factor, slow fps 3.5 not so good for sports.

Positives:
affordable at under $1000.00, a good entry level camera.

40D Canon10.1MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only) BUY NOW

Price: $1099.00 (body only)

Welcome to the next generation of digital SLR photography-the Canon EOS 40D. The EOS 40D combines Canon’s tremendous know-how in both the digital and photographic worlds, creating a camera that not only does everything one would expect of a traditional digital SLR, but one that incorporates staggering leaps forward in technological innovation. With new features like Canon’s EOS Integrated Cleaning System, Live View Function, a more powerful DIGIC III Image Processor, plus a 10.1-megapixel CMOS sensor, a 3.0-inch LCD monitor and more, the EOS 40D elevates digital photography to new heights, enhancing the shooting experience, and delivering images one could only expect from a Canon.

Sensor “10.1 million effective pixels

Image sizes ” • 3888 x 2592 • 2816 x 1880 • 1936 x 1288″

RAW files CR2 format, 14-bit • RAW full resolution  sRAW (2.5 MP)

Image processor DIGIC III

Dust reduction High speed vibration of filter

High-speed continuous “6.5 fps  Up to 75 JPEG Large/Fine images”

Dimensions 146 x 108 x 74 mm(5.7 x 4.2 x 2.9 in)

Negative:
Smaller sensor 1.6 crop factor, but good if using a telephoto lens.

Positives:
good price point at around $1000.00, a good entry level camera, semi prosumer. this camera is worth the most bang for the buck, the middle of the road in the Canon lineup.

Mark II 5D 21.1MP Full Frame SLR Camera (Body Only) BUY NOW

Price: $2699.00 (body only)

Canon’s update to the wildly popular full frame EOS 5D is here, and it’s better than ever. The EOS 5D Mark II has a stunning 21.1-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor with DIGIC 4 Image Processor, a vast ISO Range of 100-6400 (expandable to ISO L: 50, H1: 12800 and H2: 25600), plus EOS technologies like Auto Lighting Optimizer and Peripheral Illumination Correction. It supports Live View shooting, Live View HD videos, and more. It can shoot up to 3.9 fps, has 9 AF points plus 6 AF assist points, a new 98% coverage viewfinder, a 3.0-inch Clear View LCD (920,000 dots/VGA) and a rugged build. Full-frame shooters rejoice!

Max resolution     5616 x 3744

Effective pixels     21.0 million”

Continuous Drive    3.9 fps max 78 JPEG, 13 RAW

Movie Clips     1920 x1080 @ 30fps, up to 12 min, 640 x 480 @ 30fps up to 24 min

Uncompressed format    RAW, sRAW1, sRAW2

Dimensions    152 x 114 x 75 mm (6 x 4.5 x 3 in)

Negative:
slow fps 3.9 not so good for sports.

Positives:
Full frame sensor awesome with wide angle lenses, shoot HD video (1920 x 1080p) 30fps. good for wedding, portraits, and landscape photography.

Mark III Canon EOS 10.1MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only) BUY NOW

Price: $4499.00 (body only)

Canon’s flagship EOS-1D Mark III is the most advanced EOS Digital SLR ever produced. It has a new 10.1 megapixel CMOS sensor (APS-H size) with Canon’s EOS Integrated Cleaning System and a 3.0-inch LCD monitor with Canon’s Live View technology. The 1D Mark III has a redesigned 100% viewfinder, a new 45-point AF system, and can shoot up to 10 fps continuously with a maximum burst of 110 shots. Dual “DIGIC III” Image Processors work in tandem to speed up every process while refining image quality; a new, lighter body has improved weather sealing and shutter durability. Every facet of the EOS experience has been enhanced with the 1D Mark III. It’s the new standard.

Negative:
Smaller sensor 1.3 crop factor.

Positives:
Perfect for fast moving subjects and sports at 10fps, professional level body, good for all types of photography. our pick for features and functionality.

Mark III 1DS Canon EOS 21.1MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only) BUY NOW

Price: $7999.00 (body only)

The Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III is an engineering tour de force which, true to the EOS-1 legacy, redefines the state of the art in no uncertain terms. An entirely new 21.1-megapixel full-frame Canon CMOS sensor delivers astounding image quality and creates new photographic possibilities. Dual “DIGIC III” Image Processors work in tandem to speed up data handling and camera operation, while further refining imaging performance. Tough, high-durability body and shutter designs, combined with the unique EOS Integrated Cleaning System, set new standards for professional dependability. Cutting-edge features-such as a large 3.0-inch LCD monitor with Live View Function, and a fast, precise 45-point AF system-make the EOS-1Ds Mark III powerful and versatile. And, of course, the EOS-1Ds Mark III is part of the unparalleled EOS System, which, with more than 50 EF lenses, 15 interchangeable focusing screens, and extensive wireless remote control and lighting accessories, is the most advanced and powerful digital photography system in the world

Negative:
slow 5 fps not so good for sports. no live view option.

Positives:
the flagship of the Canon lineup, quiet and well built. Hi resolution images, perfect for portrait and landscape photography.