Originally posted by pingflood The "pro" thing is mainly a marketing tool IMO.
Well, of course it's a marketing tool, but it's valid in that a manufacturer has the "right" to provide a use case for a product they are selling.
If you disagree with the classification, then either don't buy the product or get over it and use it for a different use case.
In the case of Canon, I think they were spot on in labelling the 5D Mark II as a camera intended for "advanced amateurs" - compared to the 1D, it's lacking quite a few features that pros will find useful. Doesn't mean pros can't use it for weddings and stuff. But I think if anyone buys a 5D and congratulating themselves for owning a "pro" camera, then they are deluding themselves.
Compare that to other manufacturers (names withheld) actively marketing a product as for "pros" when they are really nothing special, and I think Canon is being brutally honest here.
Now the 1D X is clearly intended for pros, but it won't stop a few amateurs from acquiring one, I am sure.