The camera manufacturing companies of Nikon and Canon were the first to transition traditional single lens reflect cameras (SLRs) into the digital world. These were immediately popular with professional and amateur photographers alike, and would soon enter into an ongoing battle for most refined and enhanced in the industry.

Currently both companies seek to insinuate their high end technology into what has been labeled the “pro-sumer” market. Which simply translates to a well educated group of camera enthusiasts without the budgets and opportunities to utilize and invest in professional grade equipment?

Today they have both created models of dSLR cameras that are comparable in features, size, and technology. They have competed so intensely with one another that they have become almost equal on a point by point analysis, with a major difference existing in the freestanding lenses that they each accept. For example, if you have owned Canon SLR equipment and have only that brand of lens lying around; it can only function with a Canon dSLR.

The models with the highest level of advanced features available to the pro-sumer market today are the Canon EOS 40D which shows current retail prices ranging from $1,080 to $1,890. This fully upgraded camera features a 10.1 megapixel resolution, up to 6.5 photos per second in continuous photo mode, nine auto focus points or zones, a dust control system and sensors and an excellent three inch full color LCD display for image review. The model in this price range includes a 28-135mm zoom lens along with the body.

The Nikon D300 with a price variation of $1,600 to $2,000 is a popular camera which features a whopping 12.3 megapixel resolution, with a continuous photo mode capable of 8 images per second. There are an amazing fifty one auto focus points or zones, a dust control system and three inch LCD screen. The models in this price range include the 18-200mm lens along with the camera body.

While the range of features within the two cameras does seem to have a bit of variation, in all actuality at this level of performance the differences can be downplayed by the photographer’s use and needs for the camera and by the availability of lenses to add on to the existing bodies. Owners of Canon SLR cameras and lenses should really look first to the Canon cameras in order to save serious money on further lens purchases for another brand or manufacturer, and the exact same thing applies to Nikon owners.

For individuals beginning in the world of digital photography the advanced features and enhanced capabilities of these cameras will require a serious investment in time and training to take them to their full photographic potential. It is also good to remember that DSLR cameras offer the same sort of control that traditional SLR cameras deliver, and many of the same techniques and practices apply.

Amy Renfrey writes a bi-weekly/occasional article for The Corner Blog. Amy is a digital photographer, a photography teacher, and author of the popular Digital Photography Success package. For more information, or to purchase her Photography Package, visit her site: Digital Photography Success.