Professional photographer or friend with a good camera?

It really depends on what you're looking for and your budget. If it's for a big event like a wedding, communion, or something professional, honestly a pro photographer is better. They don't just have a good camera, they have the experience to handle crappy lighting, fast movement, and most importantly they know what to do if something goes wrong. A friend with a decent camera can totally miss the key moment because they don't have the technique or experience working under pressure.

On the other hand, if it's casual stuff, family photos hanging out at home or a walk around, your friend can definitely manage fine. The difference between a decent camera and a recent phone is more subtle than it used to be, honestly. Your friend will probably take decent shots and you'll have a better vibe without someone shooting constantly all day.

The thing to check with your friend: has he actually practiced with his camera or did he buy it the week before? Does he know how to edit afterwards? And most importantly, do you have the kind of relationship where he can actually say no if he's not comfortable, or are you going to feel obligated to ask him just because he has the gear. Sometimes a pro costs a lot but it takes away the stress.