You need to understand the real, original meaning of the word “amateur,” Ivo. It identifies someone who does something because he loves it. That’s the “ama” in the word. Unfortunately the word has been degraded to a point where most people take it to mean someone who’s unqualified or not skillful enough. The real difference between an amateur and a “professional” is that the professional does it for pay, and the amateur does it because he loves to do it. Some amateurs are infinitely better at photography than many professionals. If you don’t believe that, come to the U.S., walk through some small towns and check the photo studios of the local “professionals.” But besides the difference in motivation, there’s the fact that in many instances the “professional” is forced to take on work he dislikes – because he needs the money. The amateur only does stuff he loves.
When you talk about “hobbyists,” though, you’re pretty much on the money. For a real look at hobbyists in action, check a web site like nikonians.org. These guys are gadgeteers. It’s all about equipment: having the latest stuff and having more of it than the next guy. I’ll never forget one evening in St. Augustine, Florida, a place where half the people you see are carrying cameras and shooting pretty stuff. A guy walked through with a harness and belt upon which he’d clipped three large DSLRs. It struck me that if he pulled one of the cameras off the belt he’d probably topple over to the other side. That’s gadgeteering and hobbyism at its most intense.