What makes the D80 and D200 respectively "amateur" and "professional" cameras?

I'm old school. Back in the days the use to call it "Heavy Duty", these days they call it 'PRO' .

I started with the D100 and went to the D1X when the prices dropped for used bodies when the D2 series came out. Battery life on the D1X is abysmal while the D100 just runs and runs. I still have both and they have their uses.

 

Rick H.

After all this time, what makes the difference is "marketing".

An amateur camera is one with a built-in flash or a dial with picture styles on top. They are often largely plastic, and lack the precise feel of a professional camera like a single-digit Nikon.

An amateur camera is one with a built-in flash or a dial with picture styles on top. They are often largely plastic, and lack the precise feel of a professional camera like a single-digit Nikon.

Just to add that they also lack a dedicated AF-ON button... ;)

Edited August 15, 2020 by jose_angel