Picking the backup camera

[HKFEVER]

Since I have already sold my N*k*n and Mamiya.

I use to have 300D, 1DMKII, all I have now in DSLR is 1DsMKII and film in 1VH, Nikomat, Canon III.

I am looking for a backup DSLR, either 350D or 20D.
- I like the super small body of the 350D, it is cute.
- But I like the spec. of the 20D, a little better than 350D.
- I don't like the plastic body of 350D.
- I don't like the body shape of 20D.
- Most of my lenses are L.

Any suggestion?

[psk4363]

Get a near mint 1D. This will complement your MkII.

Barry

[Vita Rara]

I'm somewhat in this place now myself. I have had a 300D for about 18 months. I just got a 1DMkII. Now, I'm thinking about backup. The 300D is nice, but the gap is so far from the 1D that it just doesn't fit anymore. So, it's between the 350D, the 20D and a used 1DMkI.

I picked up a 350D at Best Buy yesterday. My first reaction was pretty much, "eeewwww...." It's VERY small. Too small for me, and I have small hands. Coming from a 300D, which feels like a toy camera, the 350D to me feels like it came out of a Cracker Jack box. (No offense meant to those who love it. I loved my 300D and people criticized it too.) I know it's a very capable camera. It basically remedies the issues I had with the 300D. I just don't think I could use it. Those are my initial negatives. Positives, as a backup it's LIGHT and SMALL. You wouldn't even notice it in your bag. Best Buy had it sitting next to a 300D and it is substantially smaller. If I got it though I'd be sure to get an extended warranty on it. I would question its long term durability in my working environments.

The 20D is an awesome camera, and probably the best value in the dSLR world period. I considered getting one instead of the 1DMkII, but I was done with compromises. Now, as a backup I think the 20D makes the most sense for me, 8MP, 5FPS, 9 focusing points, etc. It's a very well featured camera. My only issue with it is the depth of the buffer when shooting RAW.

Anyway, that's my take. I will probably end up selling my 300D and getting a 20D. I already have a buyer for it, so it's an easy transaction.

Take care,

Mark

[HKFEVER]

Mark. Thank you for your points.
For sure you will love your 1DMKII, it shots like a machine gun.
My hand is small, when I was holding the 350D, It feel like my N*k*n 5700, not enough grip for the right hand. But it is very cute.:p

[blackviolet]

get a 5th 1dsmk2

[HKFEVER]

get a 5th 1dsmk2
I would like to have the 5th, but I would rather use the 5th quota for the upcoming 1DsMKIII with 8fps & 22MP.
This backup that I am looking for is for pure a backup or may be for my wife & my 5yr old daughter, she has a N*k*n 2100 since 3yr old.:p

[tim]

If you get an older 1 series it'd be less to think about when changing cameras wouldn't it? Otherwise you'd have to get used to the different controls, which could make you lose shots.

How often do you think you'll use the backup camera? Is it a 2nd body to put a different lens on, or is it in case the other body fails?

[HKFEVER]

How often do you think you'll use the backup camera? Is it a 2nd body to put a different lens on, or is it in case the other body fails?
Just in case the other body fail.

[cmM]

id say 20D... Compared to your 1DsMkII, I think that's pretty "small and cute" as well :-P

IMO, the 350D is a little toooo small and light

[HKFEVER]

Sorry guys, just bought the 350D :lol:, it is so cute and light with the kit lens. I think it will always in my sac all the time. But I will use the 50mm f/1.4 instead.:p