I need a backup camera

So my 50D's little trip to the camera hospital (otherwise known as the Canon Canada repair centre) has me really regretting selling my XT and going crazy without a backup. I have a Panasonic DMC-FZ18 which takes nice snaps, but it's a p&s with all the limitations therein. So I want a backup DSLR. I end up taking lots of super long shots, and want the ability to crop when needed.

And here is where I'd appreciate some opinions. I can get a new XSI body or a used 30D for about the same price. Or I can pay about $250C more and get a new T1i. OR I can bite the bullet, and pay twice as much as the T1i for a refurb 5D Classic. (Which would likely make my 50D the backup... :lol

Or maybe I just need a 20D? Or just another XT? I'm thinking this to death - help!

I think a 5D and 50D would be a very nice combo. FF and crop. I just sold my xsi and got a 5D and im planning on picking up a 40D as a second body for weddings and sports camera. If all you are looking for is a backup incase your main goes down, then id say just go cheap... I did get some good results with my xsi. However, if you think your shooting requires two bodies, one FF one crop, then go all out and get the 5D.

All comes down to how much you want to spend...

I assume you have a specific price range in mind - in that range I would go for the XSi. I had one, it had great IQ. The body is a little small and plastic but other than that I think it would make a nice backup.

K6AZ wrote in post #8639687
I assume you have a specific price range in mind - in that range I would go for the XSi. I had one, it had great IQ. The body is a little small and plastic but other than that I think it would make a nice backup.

My price range is to spend as little as I can while not compromising quality. This will be a camera that I don't use every day, so I don't need to invest as much as I did for the 50D. (The only exception to that is if I eat noodles for 3 months and spend everything on the 5D.) I want enough mp to be able to do some cropping. Video isn't important to me.

Remind me - is the XSI the one that is even smaller than the other Rebels? Or was that a different model? I can live with the plastic. And everything I've read about the IQ with the XSI was good...

I only had the XSi (no other Rebel bodies) so I'm not sure if it was smaller than the others. It was definitely smaller than my 50D. I was quite impressed with the IQ, using the same lens and shooting the same subject with both cameras produced images that were difficult to tell apart.

K6AZ wrote in post #8639929
I only had the XSi (no other Rebel bodies) so I'm not sure if it was smaller than the others. It was definitely smaller than my 50D. I was quite impressed with the IQ, using the same lens and shooting the same subject with both cameras produced images that were difficult to tell apart.

Cool! That is great to know - thanks.

The 20D makes a fabulous back-up/second camera. Going from a 50D to a Rebel series camera will drive you nuts.

DDCSD wrote in post #8639970
The 20D makes a fabulous back-up/second camera. Going from a 50D to a Rebel series camera will drive you nuts.

I agree,,I have a 20D as a back up for my 50D.. Accessories like battery grip, batteries, lenses etc are all inter-changeable..

30D or 40D are also a good choice..

DDCSD wrote in post #8639970
The 20D makes a fabulous back-up/second camera. Going from a 50D to a Rebel series camera will drive you nuts.

yogestee wrote in post #8640195
I agree,,I have a 20D as a back up for my 50D.. Accessories like battery grip, batteries, lenses etc are all inter-changeable..

30D or 40D are also a good choice..

You both make good points - decisions, decisions... If I could get a 20D for $400CA or less it would be worth my while. The 40D is going for too much money...

If you don't mind refurbished cameras, Adorama has some great deals on both, 20, 30, and 40D's I've heard good things about the quality of their used cameras as well.

Message from Helen, Adorama Camera Customer Service Ambassador

GwagDesigns wrote in post #8640336
If you don't mind refurbished cameras, Adorama has some great deals on both, 20, 30, and 40D's I've heard good things about the quality of their used cameras as well.

But the warranty on a refurb is 12 months - on used it's only 90 days

K6AZ wrote in post #8639929
I only had the XSi (no other Rebel bodies) so I'm not sure if it was smaller than the others. It was definitely smaller than my 50D. I was quite impressed with the IQ, using the same lens and shooting the same subject with both cameras produced images that were difficult to tell apart.

that's why I bought the XSi (450D), while you can't get the higher FPS the image quality and ISO performance is fantastic - better than the 40D and 30D! (www.dpreview.com)

GwagDesigns wrote in post #8640336
If you don't mind refurbished cameras, Adorama has some great deals on both, 20, 30, and 40D's I've heard good things about the quality of their used cameras as well.

Unfortunately Adorama is out of my price range in Canada because their cost for international shipping is so high. I looked at getting a lens from them and the cheapest shipping to BC was right at $100US. They must have a terrible arrangement with UPS - the shipping cost for the same lens using the same method at B&H (UPS Woldwide Expedited) was $32US...

hi there, you may be interested in my 20D, its just like new, i live in moose jaw, sask. i have a 50D as my main camera and used the 20D as my backup. its very nice to be able to use the same acc, ie: battery grip remote.... im still thinking about keeping it, but i was also thinking about getting a 40D as my backup, i find more and more that its not so much a backup i need as a second body(dont want to loose time switching lens), and the 40D is almost identical IQ wise as the 50D other then features. the 20D is awesome too, but not as good at the higher ISO's, which i need. send me a PM if your interested....
Cheers!

My wife and I buy one car every decade and keep it until it disintegrates into rust, so we always have a "backup" that's at least 10 years old. We now have a 1990 Olds and a 2003 Saturn. Starting next year, we can look for a replacement for the Olds. But it is the best running car we've ever had, so it might last to mid or late decade.

Almost the same thing with cameras, except that I have to "juggle" a pair of bodies (one 1.6 crop and one FF) and a 5-year plan. I just got my 5D2 this year, so won't replace it until 2014. The XTi is a problem: I bought it in 2007 and should replace it in 2012. It's a great camera and makes a perfect back up. BUT, I am lusting for a 7D

I might have to wait for the 7DmkII.