Help me select a backup body!

Hey guys-
I'm finally back on my feet and looking for a backup. I have a few hundred bucks to spend, but more importantly, want it to serve a purpose in my lineup. Currently I have a 1dmk2N and absolutely love it. I'm debating between picking up a 1dmk2 or a lighter 20d/30d/40d or rebel line.

I primarily do automotive photography, but now getting more and more into portrait and wedding work. The reason of getting another 1dmk2, well, basically it's the same sensor, same guts same everything. I'm extremely comfortable with it, know how to use it properly, know I can do EVERYTHING I need to do with it, and it's built like a tank. problem there is weight and cost.

a 20d-40d or rebel would be much lighter, but i'm also afraid of IQ especially if i have to use higher iso. BUT BUT BUT!! I can use this LIGHTER camera for my rig shots. What's a rig shot? basically where you attach a huge arm to a car, dangle the camera a few feet out, push the car and take a long exposure picture making the car look a magazine cover. very cool, but also very scary when holding a 1d off the side of a car so the less weight will be more beneficial.

sigh... oh i forgot, if there isn't a 7d or 5dmk2 in the title, people wont open it.

:shakes head at forum:

IMO 1D Mark II is better camera (than 20D/30D/40D) as far as IQ goes.

btmlinedan wrote in post #11094682
sigh... oh i forgot, if there isn't a 7d or 5dmk2 in the title, people wont open it.

:shakes head at forum:

Haha seems that way.

My opinion is different between backup and rig shots. For the rig shots I'd go the absolute lightest you can like one of the rebels. I mean really you'll have a fair exposure time to work with so low ISO, the IQ out of them is still great and the worst part of them as far as I'm concerned is ergonomics - which simply don't matter for rig shots.

If primary purpose is as a backup then I'd instead go for whatever is closest to your primary camera, if not the same.

If you need video in a light body for the rig then the T1i is calling, if you need a backup body for the 1DIIN then a 1DII is the right answer unless you want the body to be smaller and lighter in which case the 40D is right. I used to own a T1i but sold it as I took about 10 videos total with it and watched 2-3 of them once. I prefer the controls of the 40D so when I want a smaller backup, I take the 40D, when I want a rugged one I take the 1DII. Didn't really answer your question but hopefully that helps...

alpha_1976 wrote in post #11094718
IMO 1D Mark II is better camera (than 20D/30D/40D) as far as IQ goes.

but ... the OP is talking L I G H T weight camera to hang off the rig.

alpha_1976 wrote in post #11094718
IMO 1D Mark II is better camera (than 20D/30D/40D) as far as IQ goes.

go back to sleep

5d. full frame goodness.

5d is out of my price range.

i have rigged my 1d before. it can be done. just not the best feeling ever. but shooting an xti at an event isn't the best feeling ever, so just trying to decide whats best of both worlds in my prince range? 40d then? does the 40d conquer the 20d in high iso?

I would also look at a 5d classic. It would give you a different perspective with your lenses and also a different DOF to work with. Cheap and light to carry.

SmuckerS2 wrote in post #11095497
go back to sleep

Just woke up what's the q again

In that case I'd suggest a 40D. It has some features 1D II lacks. If money is no issue then have a look at 5D as well.