What are some of the best Cannon professional caliber cameras in the $500-1100 range?
Also, let me know how they compare to similar cameras made by Nikon… Thanks.
Added (1). Please people. No more pretentious answers about the correct spelling of Canon. I do know how to spell it. I was in a bit of a hurry…
Not only have you incorrectly spelled Canon, you actually think you can get a pro grade camera for such a small budget.
Not. Going.To. Happen.
For that price range you're looking at the Canon Rebel series (T2i and T3i are the latest models) and if you're lucky, maybe a 60D (not likely but without a lens it might be possible).
It's "Canon."
And the person using a camera is "professional" or not -- not the camera.
A talented professional can make outstanding images with a $20 disposable camera -- an untalented hack can't make good images with $20, 000 of the best equipment available.
In that price range, you can get any of the Canon "Rebel" DSLR series. All of them are completely capable of producing professional-calibre images if you know how to use them. So are the Nikons in that price range. To decide which one is best for YOU, go to a camera store and see which one feels best to you. Then learn about making photographs.
The "best" camera is the one that feels natural in your hands with controls/menu system that you can use intuitively. AND… Photography is roughly 70% photographer skill, 20% lens quality, 10% camera body.
As far as "professional" cameras go, the "best" are the Canon 1D series ($5, 000 to $15, 000), the Nikon D3 or D4 series ($6, 000 to $8, 000), and for studio work… The Hasselblad H4D series ($14, 000 to $45, 000). The prices above are for the camera body ONLY, you will need to add in extra for lenses.
On the other hand, if you meant any DSLR…
DSLR cameras come in three grades:
entry level (consumer) $550 to $1, 000
Semi-professional $1, 000 to $3, 000
Professional $4, 000 to $45, 000+ (Body only)
Both Canon and Nikon make nice cameras. The best thing to do is visit an actual camera shop (not bestbuy/walmart) and try the different models within your budget to see which feels the best to you. I bought a Canon for its ergonomics/feel/menu and control layout and a fellow photog chose Nikon for the same reason… It is about personal preference.
The one thing to remember is to budget in extra money to cover an extra battery, memory cards, camera case, a USB memory card reader, and taxes (these can add another $200-$250 to the entry level camera price).
Also, most camera shops offer free beginner camera/photography classes (and free prints) when you buy a camera there.