Backup

[aam1234]

You hear many people say they have this cam as a backup, or they need a backup cam. What exactly does that mean, and why would they need a backup.

[mickle]

I would assume if shooting something important, such as a wedding, it would be nice to have another cam to fall back on if your main cam fails.

Mike

[scottbergerphoto]

There are at least three reasons to have a back up camera:
1. Sh*t happens! You are about to start a wedding and your camera won't work. You can't just sit there or borrow someone's camera. No matter how much preparation you do, things happen.

2. You are shooting an event that requires two camera bodies. I don't like nor do I have the time to constantly change lenses between a zoom and a semi wide angle like the 24-70. I carry two camera bodies, one with each of my two lenses for the event.

3. As time goes on, you accumulate cameras. It's worth more to me to keep them then to try to get something back on ebay. If one's on the fritz or I don't feel like lugging a 1 series body, I grab another camera.

Regards,
Scott

[CyberDyneSystems]

When my 10D's shutter died.. I did not have a backup..

Thus, two weeks with no camera. :(

I'd like to avoid that ever happening again :shock:

[DocFrankenstein]

When my 10D's shutter died..
Just curious... how many actuations was it approximately?

[12345Michael54321]

In addition to the valid observation that it's nice to have a spare camera in case of equipment failure during an important shoot, and the very true consideration that with two cameras one can avoid having to constantly change lenses, there are other reasons for the backup camera -

Back in ancient times, when images were still captured on film, it was often convenient to keep one body loaded with color film, and one with b&w. Or one with fast film (for poorly illuminated shots) and the other with slower (and finer grained) film.

This "two body" habit has probably stayed with many photographers, even though the film issue is now moot.

Next, many will opt for two or three cameras on a shoot because (1)they think it makes them look more "professional;" and (2) compared to the amount of money many serious photographers have in lenses, buying an extra body or two is a fairly minor expense. Yeah, I know there are $7000 camera bodies out there, but traditionally it's been glass - and not bodies - that cost the lion's share of the equipment budget.

Besides, if you've got a spare camera or two anyway, why not toss it in the equipment bag? I mean, if one is shooting with a 1D Mark II (or two), one might as well toss the old 300D in the bag, since it's not worth enough that one would feel compelled to sell it on eBay, even if it no longer sees much use.

Then there's the "environmental danger" issue. It might be nice to have a "beater" camera and lens, to pull out of the equipment bag when the weather turns nasty, the sand starts blowing, etc. Since if conditions trash that camera and lens, it's much less of a loss than the good camera and lens would be.

Also, different cameras have different strengths and weaknesses. For example, I could easily imagine a photographer who normally shoots with a 10D or 20D, keeping an EOS 1 in his bag, for when he needs to capture an image on film (as opposed to digital), or when he needs a very wide angle shot (which the 1.6x crop factor of his digital cameras makes it difficult to manage).

Much does depend on the situation, too. For some events, the most I'm willing to tote around is a Canon G3. For others, I'd bring along most of what I own, and try to rent $20,000 in additional equipment.

I guess I'd reverse the question, and ask you - Why not carry along a spare camera? Assuming the minor additional weight isn't a factor, and the expense isn't important, what's the downside?

[BearSummer]

Hi Folks,

Totally agree with what has been said, but you have missed one thing.

Buffer

If you want your wide to be wide then until recently you shot either film or a 1Ds. With a 1Ds you get 3.3 frames per second and a 10 frame buffer, you then have to wait for a few seconds whilst the buffer empties until you can add another frame. It's far easier to pick up your spare and shoot with it until you have filled its buffer and then swap back to the now buffer empty camera. Not hugely uncommon to see a brace of 1Ds's with matching lenses.

All the best

BearSummer