Why a back up camera for hobbyist?

[oaktree]

I was reading a thread in which someone asked (paraphrasing):" Why should a hobbyist have a back up camera? If you can afford it fine, but it's not like your income depended on it".

I have 3 cameras that I use: 5DmkII, XTi and SD600. When I thought about it, none backs up any other. They are just 3 cameras I use for different purposes. 5dmkII for most stuff, XTi when I want more "reach" or a lighter load, SD600 when I'm tired of carrying the DSLRs around and really want a light load. Yes, they can back each other up if one breaks, but that's not why I keep all 3.

When I buy my next camera, it won't be the one camera to replace the 3 I already have. Each new camera will replace one of my old ones. I'll replace the SD600 probably with a G11 or G12, the XTi with a 7DmkII and the 5DmkII with a 5DmkIV.

So, as a hobbyist, are your "extra" bodies back ups or just another camera you use for other purposes?

[Mark1]

Back ups do not have to be the exact same camera. They can be as different as yours are. Back up is really nothing more than a second body that can get the job done with the resolution needed for the job when the primary one gives out. In other words shooting the kids in the back yard, something like the the SD600 is fine as a back up. But if you are shooting the next Guess ad campaign it is not realy a back up.

As far as it concerns a hobbyist. Again if your hobby is really only shooting the kids birthday party and christmas....well a back up is kind of silly. But a hobbyist can also be more of a shooter then a lot of "pros". And this is the kind of hobbyist I would thing they are reffering to. For them captureing the image is more important then getting money for it. So while their ncome is not dependant on it, gettin gthe image is just as important to them.

[DStanic]

I still consider myself a hobbyist, but occasionally I second shoot weddings or do other things, and it's nice to have 2 cameras each with a different lens on. For example indoors I like to have my 24-6- f/2.8 on one camera and 85mm f/1.8 on the other. outdoors I'll switch the 85 to the 70-200 and have all my range covered at all times.

[SOK]

So, as a hobbyist, are your "extra" bodies back ups or just another camera you use for other purposes?

I don't think the 2 are mutually exclusive...

I see my 400D as 'another body' that can have a different lens mounted more than I see it as a backup to my 50D. It's also a good option if I'm trying to travel a little lighter.

That said, it is something of a back up in the sense that I'd switch to it if I ran into problems with the 50D.

[FlyingPhotog]

Across my three bodies and associated lenses I can go from 17mm (17-40mm on a 5D Classic) to an effective field of view of 960mm (300mm + 2X TC on a 40D) and I can mix/match anywhere in between.

It's not so much about redunancy but flexibility with what I take into the field. For one thing, on airport grounds, it's a b*tch to be changning lenses when your frequently working back and forth between aircraft in flight and static or taxiing shots.

[S30L28]

I have 3 cameras that I use: 5DmkII, XTi and SD600. When I thought about it, none backs up any other. They are just 3 cameras I use for different purposes. 5dmkII for most stuff, XTi when I want more "reach" or a lighter load, SD600 when I'm tired of carrying the DSLRs around and really want a light load. Yes, they can back each other up if one breaks, but that's not why I keep all 3.

I think you've answered your own question. A majority of us 'hobbyists' shoot a variety of things. Though most of us own more than one body, usually we'll (atleast I do) name the body that we use infrequently - the backup body. In reality, this body might serve a different purpose, but it is there for use just incase your main camera decides to quit functioning.

The rest, I suppose, like all of us - are passionate about photography. While our income does not depend on the photos we take, we do like to capture the moment - And you cannot capture anything with a non-functional camera.

[bacchanal]

I keep a 20D around as a backup/other camera mainly because:

1) It was inexpensive
2) I'll have something if my main camera goes down
3) I've shot a couple weddings for friends, which requires a backup
4) I can let friends borrow it
5) The wife and I can go shoot together
6) Multiple FOV options/less switching when shooting w/ two bodies

[jimmeh]

i use my 400D now mainly when i want a bit more reach on my 70-200 or 100 macro. I very rarely, if almost never, use my 17-85 now though because even if i'm using my 400D i'll attach the 24-105 to it.

[natalieegbert]

I dont really consider my second camera as a backup, I use them both just about equally. But if I were out taking pictures of an important event I would definatelly be glad I had more then one camera if one broke.