Photojournalist- Second/Backup Body

As a freelance photojournalist and receiving more assignments, I need to quit borrowing a second body and buy my own. I want to buy a used or refurbished body.

I shoot a lot of sports and low light events, so I need something capable of good files at ISO 3200 and a solid AF system. I like almost everything about my 7D including the noise at ISO 3200. I find myself shooting in adverse conditions; rain, snow, mud, dirt, sweat, gatorade, etc.-- weather sealing is desired.

My current kit:
- 7D
- 16-35 II
- 50 1.4
- 70-200 II
- Work access to really big white lenses.

The 70-200 is the lens that gets the most action, so ideally I would leave that on my 7D and the other lens on the second body. If I'm shooting a 300 or 400, then that would be on the 7D.


My options for a second body are:

- 40D/50D (~$500 - $700. A solid body either route, but I may find the 9 point AF insufficient. Cheapest route.)

- Another 7D (~$1200 used. Same as main body, batteries can be shared, great AF. Most expensive in list.)

-1D2/1D2N ($800 for a 1D2/ $1100 for a N. Top of the line at the time, weather sealed, 1D2 is a good value, 2N is not. Maybe a little old in technology; ISO, AF system, button layout. I think center AF points can only be selected by user.)


So what would should I buy? The less money I spend the better, but if another 7D is my best option, I am willing to lay it down.

My thoughts:

- the 1D3 is still too expensive
- the older ones from the 1D-series is technically not up to date
- the 40D/50D is good, but not at ISO > 1,600
- so buy another 7D or maybe a 60D

Cheers
flop

Go with the 7D. Being able to use two of the came bodies does help a lot when you're shooting. And like what you mentioned they both can share batteries, better AF system than the xxD series, etc.

Another vote for a 2nd 7D. Sharing everything is just too convenient, and cheaper in the long run.. though the initial layout might be greater. If not a 7D, i would say a 1D Mk II. Although aged, it's still an excellent sports body(fast AF/burst, rugged, hurricane-proof lol).. the AF is sweet! Actually.. ISO 3200 would be pushing it on the 1D II.

Save and get a 1D3 or go with another 7D. You won't be happy with anything else, in my opinion.

Get the 1D3, realize how great it is and make your 7D a back up

I was gonna say the 5D for a backup but by the sounds of it you shoot more zoom then wide so perhaps another 7d?

Get another 7D

It only makes sense to have as a back-up camera the same camera as the main.

Why?

Aside from what you already mentioned ( shared resources ) ........ FAMILIARITY is most important.

If your main 7D goes down for whatever reason, when you pull out your backup camera you will not have to worry about messing with controls because you will KNOW where everything is.

Just make sure the settings in you backup 7D are the same as your main 7D.

Never could understand why people who *need* a backup camera would choose something other than what they shoot with regularly.

I think it depends on how you intend to use the second body. If you are going to cover events with two bodies regularly, then by all means pick up a second 7D for the reasons everyone has listed. If it's just going to sit in your bag in case something happens to your 7D then just pick up a 50D for $600-$700.

I would just get another 7D if I were you.

In my case, I have a 7D + 5DII and will most likely replace the 7D with another 5DII. I need the best high ISO I can get and I don't need to be thinking crop factor/FF when I am swapping lenses on 2 cameras.

digitaljay wrote in post #12212548
I think it depends on how you intend to use the second body.

He stated he is a photojournalist - from that I assumed he was working in a income generating position. In that case the backup should be the same as the main.

Canon Loyalty Program

The 7D will run $1187 plus shipping and tax if you send in any old broken Canon camera - even a junker P&S. Better to buy a refurbished camera like this than to spend the same price on a used camera with no warranty...

7d, you know the camera, and having the same as a backup means no learning curve, if you switch cameras it will be much more fluid if they are the same,

harcosparky wrote in post #12212725
He stated he is a photojournalist - from that I assumed he was working in a income generating position. In that case the backup should be the same as the main.

Thank you...

I would pick up another 7D body.

On a related note, im selling my new (purchased in september) 7D.