Author Topic: You have a backup camera? (Read 9745 times)

PaulieWalnuts · « **on:** October 09, 2008, 22:59 »

I have a Nikon D80 and recently picked up a D300. Should I keep the D80 or sell it? I'm really only shooting stock and not doing portraits, weddings, etc.

basti · « **Reply #1 on:** October 10, 2008, 00:28 »

I keep backup camera, the main could just get some issues and then oyu can be in trouble. Or you just simply dont want to take your expensive main body to some places. However I shoot mainly outdoors so the chance of geting into trouble is much bigger then yours.

Clivia · « **Reply #2 on:** October 10, 2008, 01:12 »

Last year I damaged the shutter on my 5d, and it was away for repair for three weeks. I was very glad I had kept my 20d as backup, three weeks without taking a picture would be torture!

michealo · « **Reply #3 on:** October 10, 2008, 04:32 »

I would say sell it, as it becomes valueless very quickly

Bateleur · « **Reply #4 on:** October 10, 2008, 09:08 »

Quote from: michealo on October 10, 2008, 04:32

I would say sell it, as it becomes valueless very quickly

I disagree. Yes, it becomes valueless in terms of money (though it may gain value again as a collectors' item

). But it's not valueless in terms of what you can do with it.

I was using a Nikon D70s. I've upgraded to a D3 (getting serious) but I'm keeping the D70s. It's much smaller, lighter and better for carrying with me 'wherever I go'.

Keep it. You'll get much more value out of it that way.

BrokenPhotographer · « **Reply #5 on:** October 10, 2008, 09:20 »

It depends what your field is, I kept my previous camera as it's good for close up moments and my main camera tends to have the zoom lens on when I'm out and about, saves me a lot of time to just swap cameras rather than rummage through my bag, switch lenses, put caps/covers back on. I find that out and about photographers (wildlife/press) tend to carry two cameras generally, time is limited and the perfect shot could pass you by. Obviously if you are studio based then the speed probably isn't a priority and the money from it would fund other equipment that would help you work faster/better.

stormchaser · « **Reply #6 on:** October 10, 2008, 09:26 »

All depends on how much you shoot. You have to decide on whether you can be cameraless for two weeks and survive

in case of a repair issue. This can be circumvented somewhat by selling to a relative or good friend where you may have some borrowing convenience if needed.

nativelight · « **Reply #7 on:** October 10, 2008, 09:41 »

I upgraded from a D70 to a D200 earlier this year, but I kept the D70. My husband uses it when we go hiking or on a photo club field trip. We also use it for underwater photography. If I upgrade to a D300 or whatever is next in the line, I'll probably get rid of the D70 and keep the D200 for backup and underwater. In other words, I'll always have two cameras available.

Pixart · « **Reply #8 on:** October 10, 2008, 10:24 »

Me too Nativelight and let me tell you I die a little every time I have to use that D70. Now I long for the day I can replace the D200, but I'm looking at 2009 and hopefully there will be more full frame options by then.

Paulie, if you are being paid by anyone you must have a backup. If you are exlusively shooting stock - and can afford to "go down" for a few days or weeks - and if the money would make a difference to you right now I'd consider selling while the D80 has retained little value. (My D70 isn't worth much at all anymore but I have to keep it.) On the other hand, even thouh you may never use it again, a 2nd body may save your life.

I have two of just about everything and the only thing I've needed so far is the safe synch when my radio triggers died in the middle of a graduation. Also, a speedlight wasn't firing for me and I had a backup in my bag but I also have small slaves and reflectors that I can manipulate the light with. (Although they are a nightmare to use on the soccer field with the wind!)

It's nice to have a 2nd camera for quick situations like sports with different lens lengths, or a baptism when you have only 5 minutes so you can have one body set one up for natural light and one for flash.

madelaide · « **Reply #9 on:** October 10, 2008, 16:10 »

My backup for the DSLR is a compact camera. I also use it for special situations, such as canoeing (even putting a dry bag inside another dry bag, I would not take my DSLR in a canoe!) and also for recording movies. The compact (Powershot A620) has also the advantage of running on AA batteries, what can be very useful in some occasions.

Regards,
Adelaide

RH · « **Reply #10 on:** October 12, 2008, 05:04 »

I´m photographing nearly 30 years and i never used a backup camera. Maybe if my body crashes, i´ll consider my meaning.

madelaide · « **Reply #11 on:** October 12, 2008, 16:04 »

RH,

I believe it depends on the situation. If I were shooting at home, I wouldn't bother about a backup. But when travelling, I know find it mandatory to have an option. If not for stock photography - which is secondary in my trips - for my own travel memories.

When I went to Africa, my SLR (film) died the night before, when I changed batteries. I was in panic and I had nothing to do before leaving. So I took it, hoping to find a photo store along the way that could maybe find a solution. And I took the A620 with me, which I had recently purchased. It was my salvation, as the only store I found did all they could - cleaned my camera with compressed air, cleaned contacts with that special spray, tried two sets of batteries, and it remained dead. Imagine if this had happened during the trip? A photo safari without a camera?!?

Even before that, I was already taking a compact digital with me. Scanning slides is time-consuming, so I used the compact for some pictures I would send friends or put in my home page.

Regards,
Adelaide

RH · « **Reply #12 on:** October 12, 2008, 23:04 »

Hi Adelaide,
that´s absolutely correct. If you only go 3 weeks in vacation, you don´t need a backup camera for my meaning. If you travel around the world or going (i.e.) for 3 month on a trip, you should have a backup body.
Also if your´re (i.e.) a journalist, you have a backup camera.

Regards
Ralf

madelaide · « **Reply #13 on:** October 13, 2008, 12:22 »

Even for a weekend trip I would take a backup, after my experience. I would not have a backup DSLR body, because it's too much money, but definitely a good compact.

Regards,
Adelaide

BrokenPhotographer · « **Reply #14 on:** October 13, 2008, 14:12 »

My backup is a bridge camera, the Fuji Finepix S5800, most the features of an SLR combined in one. There are times it does a better job of things and I'd not be without it.

jeancliclac · « **Reply #15 on:** October 13, 2008, 15:42 »

I buy a new body every 3 years or so and always have 2 bodies and complementary ones. FF 5 D and 40 D for the time. 40D with tele and 5D for shorter & wide angle. Will replace 5 D next year after the insurance expire. Go often out with 2 bodies without needing changing lens.
Have been once in trouble with the 2 bodies failure in the same time!!!
jean

MikLav · « **Reply #16 on:** October 14, 2008, 09:10 »

After I bought my Canon ESO 40D I didn't use 350D for several month so I sold it. Then my 40D broke, and while it was at repair I bought Canon G9 as backup - it supports RAW and provides reasonable quality; and it's compact enough and easy to use by other family members.

I don't thing I need an SLR camera as backup as long as I am doing only part-time photography. However I think it's needed for full-time photographers.

kosmikkreeper · « **Reply #17 on:** October 14, 2008, 11:12 »

If you're only shooting stock, you really don't need a backup unless you get a small P&S like Miklav said.

Seren · « **Reply #18 on:** October 18, 2008, 01:59 »

Quote from: madelaide on October 10, 2008, 16:10

I also use it for special situations, such as canoeing (even putting a dry bag inside another dry bag, I would not take my DSLR in a canoe!

I take my 5D dSLR kayaking with me! It just gets shoved in a dry back in the back, and I grab it out when I want a shot! However I do have camera insurance...

travismanley · « **Reply #19 on:** October 18, 2008, 15:22 »

I recently upgraded and wondered the same thing.

I think it is always a good idea to have a backup....sure I could sell my old camera and get a new lens or something, but what if I bust my new camera? Im holding on to the old camera until the next upgrade.

hali · « **Reply #20 on:** October 18, 2008, 15:48 »

Quote from: kosmikkreeper on October 14, 2008, 11:12

If you're only shooting stock, you really don't need a backup unless you get a small P&S like Miklav said.

agree. for stock, why spend the money? if you need, you can rent.
i shoot fashion and work freelance, and i do keep a backup. still, i haven't used the backup. i think i used more backup battery and mem cards.
you don't need to produce the work right now. i think you're better investing in
a better lense or lighting equipment, instead.

hrhportia · « **Reply #21 on:** October 18, 2008, 19:39 »

I do have a backup camera, even though mine are insured. It takes 6-8 weeks for the average DSLR repair, during which time you are without a camera. I do have a couple of P & S's, but the quality just isn't there for the most part. There are "crossover" exceptions, like the Canon G11, or a couple of the Fuji models, but I wouldn't regard them as substitutes for a DSLR. Having been in the camera retail business for quite a while, I've seen everything from soup to nuts in terms of damage. I've seen DSLRs dropped onto concrete from 4 ft and sustain nothing more than a broken filter. On the other hand, I've seen relatively new DSLRs go irreparable simply from using an off-brand media card.

hali · « **Reply #22 on:** October 18, 2008, 19:50 »

Quote from: hrhportia on October 18, 2008, 19:39

... I've seen DSLRs dropped onto concrete from 4 ft and sustain nothing more than a broken filter. On the other hand, I've seen relatively new DSLRs go irreparable simply from using an off-brand media card.

good warning hrhportia, goes to show being stingy on important things like media card is silly.
it's like buying rethread tires for your porsche or mercedes, isn't it?
you save a few dollars and end up paying a whole lot more. fool's economy.

hrhportia · « **Reply #23 on:** October 19, 2008, 17:20 »

Quote from: hali on October 18, 2008, 19:50

Quote from: hrhportia on October 18, 2008, 19:39
... I've seen DSLRs dropped onto concrete from 4 ft and sustain nothing more than a broken filter. On the other hand, I've seen relatively new DSLRs go irreparable simply from using an off-brand media card.

good warning hrhportia, goes to show being stingy on important things like media card is silly.
it's like buying rethread tires for your porsche or mercedes, isn't it?
you save a few dollars and end up paying a whole lot more. fool's economy.

In my years in camera retail, I've seen horror stories that no one could imagine. One guy had his camera nuked in a microwave by his grandson, another one put the camera on the tailgate of his truck and then backed over it, and the classic: a guy with a Nikon D70 put a Sandisk III card in his camera and it totally fried. I've been able to rescue a lot of Nikon D70's that have been subject to this by doing a flash upgrade on the firmware, but this one was toast.

Most of you already know this, so I beg pardon in advance for flogging a dead horse, but Nikon tests their cameras with Lexar media cards, whereas Canon tests with Sandisk. I know of no instance where a Canon went bad when used with a Lexar card, but the reverse is endemic. If you are using Nikon equipment, stick with Lexar media! I could go on and on with horror stories, but I think I've made my point.

I shoot with Pentax cameras. I swear by the Panasonic hi-speed cards. I've got 2 that I've re-formatted at least 100 times each and they're still kickin'.

Pentaxian for 40+ years,

Portia

astrocady · « **Reply #24 on:** October 19, 2008, 18:16 »

Quote from: hrhportia on October 18, 2008, 19:39

...I've seen DSLRs dropped onto concrete from 4 ft and sustain nothing more than a broken filter.

That was mine, just last thrusday

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Author Topic: You have a backup camera? (Read 9745 times)

PaulieWalnuts

basti

Clivia

michealo

Bateleur

BrokenPhotographer

stormchaser

nativelight

Pixart

madelaide

RH

madelaide

RH

madelaide

BrokenPhotographer

jeancliclac

MikLav

kosmikkreeper

Seren

travismanley

hali

hrhportia

hali

hrhportia

astrocady

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