Re: WHAT DEFINES ANY PARTICULAR MODEL OF A CAMERA PROFESSIONAL? helensilverburg@hotmail.com wrote in
:
Some manufacturers seem to feel that stamping 'professional' on the side
of their products imparts some sort of enhanced value. It always makes
me laugh; especially on a consumer item such as a television. Normally
seems to indicate the opposite.
I suppose whether an item - in this case a camera - could be regarded as
professional grade or as a professional tool really comes down to the
requirements of professionals.
Is the equipment capable of continuous daily use? Is it robust enough to
put up with the rigours of professional use without failure? Will
support, spares and service for it still be available for a sufficient
period for the initial investment to be repaid? Is it good enough?
To that end I know of several photographers that used Zenit cameras in
extreme locations because of their robustness, reliability, ability to
work in extreme conditions, and cheapness. They can afford to pack three
or four bodies for the price of one advanced camera, meaning that if one
gets lost or broken they can continue shooting. The M42 mount means they
can use Zeiss lenses also.
To that I can add that, typically, consumer grade products are built
down to a price, often adding features to compare favourably with other
items on the market at the same price. Professional grade equipment, on
the other hand, tends to be built UP to the price; it is made as good as
it can be without becoming prohibitively expensive. Then features can
often be bolted on if required rather than just adding to a long feature
list.
This is true for almost anything that constitutes a tool, used by
somebody for a living.
Amateurs often do not need such ruggedness and reliability - they are
not using it all day every day and their livelihood does not depend on
it - so can often choose more wisely than just buying the professional's
choice "cos it's the best."
What program was it, by the way?
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invalid = com
Richard Polhill
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