If you thought that your camera is expensive, you will probably change your opinion after reading this list of 12 best quality most expensive professional digital cameras. Although DSLR cameras became more affordable for ‘common people’, there are still those which only professionals with deep pockets can afford. Let’s start with the meaning of DSLR. DSLR is a shortcut for Digital Single Lens Reflex. Digital refers to camera’s capability to collect image data and store it on a memory card instead of relying on film, like in old times. Single lens reflex means that the camera has mirror and prism that reflect the actual view of the scene. Once you get your first DSLR it is very likely that you will keep upgrading it. Until that happens, take a look at our recommendation on 6 Easiest DSLR Cameras to Use for Beginners. If you are still not convinced to buy a DSLR and opt for something more compact, our list of 13 Best Small Lightweight Digital SLR Cameras should help you choose the right one.
With good quality comes a high price tag as well and we already wrote about the 11 Most Expensive DSLR Cameras On The Market, but things change in the world of technology so it’s the right time to compile a new list. While some of the biggest brands improved some of their older models top of the list is more or less the same when it comes to most expensive cameras in 2015, 2016 and 2017 as well. When it comes to video cameras, medal for the most expensive video camera goes to Panasonic VariCam 35 with the price of $35,000, according to Insider Monkey’s list of most expensive video cameras. Be prepared for a shocker because the most expensive camera lens in the world costs $2,000,000. Yes, Leica 1600mm f/5.6 Telephoto Lens costs 2 million dollars.
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In order to compile this list of the best quality most expensive professional digital cameras I consulted The DSLR News, Tech Radar and Amateur photographer. Each of these technology websites compiled their own suggestions and I singled out those with the highest prices. Our focus was placed on the newest (2017) data and professional cameras of the best quality. Vintage cameras or limited edition cameras were not taken into consideration. I focused solely on those that everyone (with a lot of money at least) can purchase. With additional research, I compiled this list of best quality most expensive professional digital cameras ranking them from lowest to highest price. If you want to know more about the most expensive camera in the world (2017) scroll all the way to number one on our list. Please note that the images shown throughout the text do not correspond to the actual professional digital cameras on our list, but only serve an illustrative purpose.
12. Canon 5D Mark IV
Price: $3,499
This camera is an amazing piece of equipment for professional photographers and the price is still in the range of most best quality, professional cameras. Canon 5D Mark IV offers full frame, high-speed CMOS sensor with remarkable high resolution (30.4 megapixels) abilities. It produces high resolution 4K videos and features ISO range of 100-32000 (can be expanded as well). It’s excellent performance of 7.0 fps and 61 auto focus points will definitely help you take amazing shots. This camera also has built in GPS, NFS and Wi-Fi.
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11. Canon EOS 5DS R
Price: $3,699
This camera offers a 50.6-megapixel sensor with a low-pass filter (LPF) to provide even more sharpness and detail. However, you have the option to disable LPF if you like. It’s very fast with 61-point High-Density Reticular AF system and Anti-flicker function as well.
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10. Canon EOS-1Dx Mark II
Price: $5,999
USA Canon starts the description of this product with “Immense Power. Phenomenal speed. A remarkable combination of innovation and refinement”. Its speed is truly phenomenal with up to 14 fps and up to 16 fps in Live View. ISO range is 100-51200 (expandable up to 409600) and you can review your images on a 3.2” LCD display. Durable camera body allows you to shoot anywhere and anytime, regardless of weather conditions. It has 61 auto focus points which makes it a perfect choice for sports and action photography.
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9. Nikon D4
Price: $6,000
Nikon D4 is a 16.2 megapixel full-frame, professional DSLR camera capable of shooting 11fps. ISO range is from 100 to 12800, expandable to 204800. It has a weather sealed body and it is designed to be used by professionals in any weather conditions and it can survive drops and bumps and keep functioning without any problems (still don’t try it on purpose). This camera does not have a built-in flash which can be a disadvantage for those who are used to using it regularly.
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8. Nikon D5
Price: $6,496
Nikon D5 stands out, even on our list of best quality most expensive professional digital cameras, because of its superior auto focus system. ISO ranges up to 102,400 (expandable to 3,280,000) and has a super-fast continuous shooting of 12 fps and amazing 153 focus points with 99 cross type sensors. This means that this camera can capture subject moving at a high speed with high precision. Action and sports photographers are probably thrilled with this camera as it is perfect for this type of photography. With 20.8 megapixels, high-quality images are guaranteed.
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7. Pentax 645Z
Price: $6,999
Pentax 645Z offers a spectacular resolution of 51.40 megapixels and 27-point phase-detect autofocus system. It can record Full HD videos and features a built-in stereo microphone and a terminal for an external microphone. If you plan to use this camera, you don’t have to worry about the image or sound quality.
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6. Canon EOS 1D Mark IV
Price: $12,000
Canon EOS 1D Mark IV is favorite among sports photographers since it belongs to a speed-oriented range of DSLR cameras. It features 16.1 megapixels sensor with 45 user-selectable points. The fact that this is the fourth generation of this model can tell you enough about the possible improvements. In one of the reviews, a photographer uses an example of a dog’s nose which is almost impossible to zoom while the dog is on the move and yet with Canon EOS 1D Mark IV it is possible. The image shows a perfectly sharp zoomed area of the nose. No wonder photojournalists and sports photographers choose this specific camera. Remember that we are only half-way through our list of 12 best quality most expensive professional digital cameras and the prices are already very, very high and they will only get higher as we move on.
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5. Leica S2-P
Price: $27,995
Specs of this camera are incredible. It has a huge 37.5-megapixel sensor, which is 55% larger even than full frame sensor. Despite the amazing feature camera size is comparable to that of regular DSLR cameras. It has a dual shutter system with speeds up to 1/4000s, high resolution 3” LCD display and sapphire glass monitor and max resolution of 7500×7500. It is waterproof and dustproof and you don’t have to worry about shooting in bad weather or dusty environments. Leica offers a special set of lenses ranging from normal to wide-angle and telephoto lenses. Of course, it means that you have to prepare to cash out even more money. The final price of $27,995 (Body only) with Sapphire Glass monitor screen includes S-Body Platinum service with warranty extended to 2 years with the guarantee of availability of all replacement parts for at least 6 years. On the other hand, if a defect occurs within first three months, the product is changed for free.
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4. Panoscam MK-3 Panoramic DSLR
Price: $40,000
We’ve come to top 4 best quality most expensive professional digital cameras and the top of the list belongs to panoramic cameras. These are special types of cameras that can capture widescreen images (ranging from 180° to 360°) and are more costly than “ordinary” cameras. Panoscam MK-3 Panoramic DSLR is among the top panoramic cameras for a reason. It creates full resolution spherical scans in 54 seconds and can shoot in a low light as well (up to ISO 3200). It uses Better Light ViewFinder software and automatic white balance up to 8 zones and it is compatible with Panoscan, Mamiya and Hasselblad lenses.
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3. Seitz 6×17 Panoramic Camera
Price: $43,000
Swiss company Seitz produced this incredible piece of equipment that can capture high-quality pictures. It corrects natural brightness decrease towards the edge and even when you shoot directly into the sun, sensor’s anti-blooming feature reduces glare. The camera itself makes sure that the image has top quality and a photographer can always additionally edit raw files. The image has a 48-bit color and dynamic range. Its ergonomic design helps to take perfectly stable handheld images and it is a perfect choice for those who like to take their camera on various adventures. However, most will think twice about that when they see the price tag of $43,000. Deserves to be among the best quality most expensive professional digital cameras, right?
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2. Hasselblad H5D-200c
Price: $45,000
Hasselblad keeps raising the bar when it comes to capturing high-quality photos. Hasselblad H5D-200c can produce 200MP files thanks to the system that combines six shots into one. ISO can go up to 6400 and dynamic range of 14 stops makes this camera good for almost any type of photography. With this camera even low light photography is much easier. This model added additional viewfinder options with an interchangeable waist-level viewfinder which is ideal for creative photographers who wish to keep an eye contact with their models or creating photos from a lower point than eye-level. Whether the price is justifiable or not, judge for yourself.
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1. Phase One XF 100MP Camera System
Price: $48,990
This beast is currently the most expensive professional digital camera in the world. Phase One XF 100MP Camera System features 101.1 megapixels and it is truly a world of its own. ISO range is from 50 to 12,800. According to (lucky) user’s review, this camera is huge but the grip is still comfortable. It has a large 3.2” LCD touch screen which is used to adjust much of camera’s settings. Image quality is stunning with tons of small details which is suitable for fine art photographers, landscape photographers and editorial and advertising photographers. Tons of details are very useful in post-production as well. Good quality comes with a high price and this camera is a perfect example. I believe it deserves to take the number one spot on the list of 12 best quality most expensive professional digital cameras.
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