Is There a Such a Thing as a Pro-Level Crop-Sensor Camera?

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Ask that question in a lot of photography circles and the negative response will come quickly and perhaps even rudely. Many pro photographers are still of the opinion that full-frame is the only way to shoot at the professional level. Whether that opinion is correct is becoming more debatable daily. With improvements in DSLR sensors, processors and software, image quality is much higher then ever before in many crop sensor cameras. What's more, some of the features of these newer models are enough to capture the attention of even the most discriminating pros. Let's take a look at what a couple of the latest offer:

Nikon D500

Here's one that should need no introduction. This lightweight, power packed camera performs as well as any and better than most full-frames on the market. Here are just a few of the outstanding features:

  • 20.9MP DX format CMOS sensor and EXPEED 5 image processor
  • Multi-CAM 20K Autofocus sensor with 153/99 AF points
  • ISO range of 100-51,200 expandable to Lo 1 and Hi 5 (50 – 1,640,000 equivalent)
  • Share images instanly with built-in SnapBridge (Wi-Fi® + Bluetooth) capabilities
  • Shoot cinematic 4K UHD video
  • Dual card slots - XQD and SD media

The processor on board this camera enables things like 10fps continuous shooting at full AF and AE settings, not to mention very low noise at higher ISO settings. At 20.9 megapixels, image resolution is high enough to handle big prints. Did you notice the number of AF points above? It has a host of advanced video recording features, too.

Get a good look at everything this camera offers and then decide for yourself whether it deserves to be called “pro-quality.”

Canon EOS 7D MkII

One of Canon's most recent offerings came in the form of an upgrade to an older model. After having time to prove itself, it hasn't disappointed Canon fans with its features and performance. Take a look at this partial feature list:

  • High speed continuous shooting up to 10.0 fps allows you to capture fast action.
  • 65-point, all cross-type AF system for high-performance, accurate subject tracking with EV -3 sensitivity (center point) for focusing in extreme low-light conditions.
  • Canon’s innovative Dual Pixel CMOS AF enables you to shoot video like a camcorder with smooth, fast, and accurate autofocus and lets you enjoy instant and precise autofocus even when shooting stills.
  • Stunning Full HD video with Custom Movie Servo AF (speed and sensitivity) for continuous focus tracking of moving subjects, multiple frame rates including Full HD recording at 60p in MOV and MP4 formats and uncompressed HDMI out.
  • Intelligent Viewfinder II provides approximately 100% field of view for shooting ease.
  • Improved custom controls and built-in intervalometer and bulb timer for expanded creativity.
  • Magnesium alloy body with shutter durability up to 200,000 cycles and enhanced dust and weather resistance.
  • EOS Scene Detection System features a new 150,000-pixel/RGB+IR metering sensor for improved precision.
  • Built-in GPS Receiver provides a digital compass, records location information (longitude, latitude, elevation and universal coordinated time (UTC)) as EXIF information for geotagging images when shooting.
  • 3.0-inch Clear View II LCD monitor (approximately 1,040,000 dots) for bright and clear viewing.

Look that list over closely and what you'll find is a powerful, lightweight DSLR that keeps up with its big brothers and sisters and offers some cool features that the older siblings don't. For a better look and a price that will show you why it's worth having one of your own, take a look here.

Now, these aren't the only examples I could cite, but in the interest of actually answering the question in the title without creating a novel, I'd have to say that in today's world, the professional-level, crop-sensor DSLR is a reality. What's more, I think we can expect to see more capable and feature-packed pro series DSLR cameras in the smaller formats in the very near future. Do I think we'll replace the full-frame Definitely not. On the other hand, isn't it nice to know that even the pros can have a lighter weight camera with a few extra bells and whistles?

When you're ready to see what other options are out there, check out the selection of new and used gear from one of the country's most respected retailers: