2nd Body - your thoughts?

[JonAustin]

Lots of good feedback here so far, but wanted to add a couple of thoughts.

If you think you want a 2nd body, you probably won't be happy until you get one. I've had a 2nd body ever since I bought my 2nd dSLR: I keep the previous body as my backup. Currently, a 5D3 is my primary, and a 5D (classic) is the backup. I shot with the 5D for 5½ years before getting the 5D3, and I haven't had any problems switching back and forth: the 5D3 is easier to use, but the 5D mechanics are ingrained in my memory.

I only pull the backup out for a couple of applications: 1) I'm doing a professional shoot and I need redundant everything, 2) I'm hiking and don't want to be constantly changing lenses out in the elements. Fortunately, my wife is always with me on the trails, so she helps with handling the gear.

Secondly, I agree wholeheartedly with J.R.: if you don't have a flash, you don't know what you're missing!

I can certainly appreciate shooting in low light when flash is prohibited, undesirable or for strictly artistic purposes, but if you want / "need" a 2nd body with good low-light AF just because you don't have any flashes, a speedlite is much cheaper than a 2nd body. So are 2, 3, even 4 speedlites (and getting into off-camera flash is where it really gets interesting / creative / fun!).

I have 4 600RT's and if forced to choose, I'd keep them (at least 2 or 3 of them) before holding on to my 2nd camera body.

[LOALTD]

This seems like the obvious question but, shockingly, no one in this thread has asked it:
“what kind of photographer are you?”

I’d be inclined to go with the consensus here and just get a second 5D Mk III. 

I own a single Mk III and 90% of the time that’s all I need.  If I’m doing an extremely fast-paced, well-paying job (*cough*weddings*cough*), I just rent a second Mk III.  I cannot afford to be fiddling with menus/settings/etc that I don’t understand 110%!  But, I don’t do enough of these for a second body purchase to be cost-effective, personally.

If you do a lot of sports work, I could see a 7D being useful…or maybe a 1Dx.  I borrowed a 1Dx from Canon and, personally, I thought it was pretty solid but I’d never buy one, I had having an integrated grip…but most of my shooting is very weight-conscious (alpine climbing).

If I were you, I’d probably just wait till the next, latest-greatest full-frame body comes (probably 2 years)…and get that.  It doesn’t sound like your need is urgent, just that your “want” is high 

[Dylan777]

Secondly, I agree wholeheartedly with J.R.: if you don't have a flash, you don't know what you're missing!

I can certainly appreciate shooting in low light when flash is prohibited, undesirable or for strictly artistic purposes, but if you want / "need" a 2nd body with good low-light AF just because you don't have any flashes, a speedlite is much cheaper than a 2nd body. So are 2, 3, even 4 speedlites (and getting into off-camera flash is where it really gets interesting / creative / fun!).

Prior 5D III & 5D II, I was shooting with 40D then 7D with 580EX II. Since I jumped into FF 5D II + 50mm f1.4, flash didn't get use at all. Now with 1.2 prime lenses on 5D III,  I don't know if I ever want to attach flash to the camera anymore - that just my style of course

[Dylan777]

This seems like the obvious question but, shockingly, no one in this thread has asked it:
“what kind of photographer are you?”

I’d be inclined to go with the consensus here and just get a second 5D Mk III. 

I own a single Mk III and 90% of the time that’s all I need.  If I’m doing an extremely fast-paced, well-paying job (*cough*weddings*cough*), I just rent a second Mk III.  I cannot afford to be fiddling with menus/settings/etc that I don’t understand 110%!  But, I don’t do enough of these for a second body purchase to be cost-effective, personally.

If you do a lot of sports work, I could see a 7D being useful…or maybe a 1Dx.  I borrowed a 1Dx from Canon and, personally, I thought it was pretty solid but I’d never buy one, I had having an integrated grip…but most of my shooting is very weight-conscious (alpine climbing).

If I were you, I’d probably just wait till the next, latest-greatest full-frame body comes (probably 2 years)…and get that.  It doesn’t sound like your need is urgent, just that your “want” is high 

I'm just a dad with 2 kids(2yrs + 4yrs)

I agree with you on spending another $3200 2nd 5D III that might not be use as much as my first. If I do buy 2nd body, I want to make sure the 2nd body will serve the purpose.

I disagree with you on waiting for 5D III replacement. My kids only grow up once. If the needs is now, then just buy it now  

[jdramirez]

This seems like the obvious question but, shockingly, no one in this thread has asked it:
“what kind of photographer are you?”

I’d be inclined to go with the consensus here and just get a second 5D Mk III. 

I own a single Mk III and 90% of the time that’s all I need.  If I’m doing an extremely fast-paced, well-paying job (*cough*weddings*cough*), I just rent a second Mk III.  I cannot afford to be fiddling with menus/settings/etc that I don’t understand 110%!  But, I don’t do enough of these for a second body purchase to be cost-effective, personally.

If you do a lot of sports work, I could see a 7D being useful…or maybe a 1Dx.  I borrowed a 1Dx from Canon and, personally, I thought it was pretty solid but I’d never buy one, I had having an integrated grip…but most of my shooting is very weight-conscious (alpine climbing).

If I were you, I’d probably just wait till the next, latest-greatest full-frame body comes (probably 2 years)…and get that.  It doesn’t sound like your need is urgent, just that your “want” is high 

I'm just a dad with 2 kids(2yrs + 4yrs)

I agree with you on spending another $3200 2nd 5D III that might not be use as much as my first. If I do buy 2nd body, I want to make sure the 2nd body will serve the purpose.

I disagree with you on waiting for 5D III replacement. My kids only grow up once. If the needs is now, then just buy it now

I read an article that our kids, this generation are the most photographed and video taped ever.  There is so much crud being produced that will never be looked at and it is just collecting.  I thought it was interesting and a touch depressing. 

[Dylan777]

I read an article that our kids, this generation are the most photographed and video taped ever.  There is so much crud being produced that will never be looked at and it is just collecting.  I thought it was interesting and a touch depressing.

I have to admit that I haven't print any photos last couple years

However, I do select few best photos at each events and transfer them into our family 19" digital photo album

[J.R.]

I'm just a dad with 2 kids(2yrs + 4yrs)

I agree with you on spending another $3200 2nd 5D III that might not be use as much as my first. If I do buy 2nd body, I want to make sure the 2nd body will serve the purpose.

I don't think you should worry about not using the 2nd body. I thought the same when I got the 6D but since the day I got the 2nd body, I've been using both bodies together for whatever I shoot. I can't imagine myself going back to a single body system now.

The convenience of shooting with two cameras without going through the trouble to change lenses far outweigh the trouble and cost of a 2nd body - you'll use the 2nd body extensively, only you don't know it yet 

[Dylan777]

To avoid swapping lenses, I’m thinking getting 2nd body to pair it up with my 5D III.

My thoughts:
1. I’m 100% sure that I DO NOT want crop sensor. I want to shoot in low light without flash

2. I’m @ 60% on 1D X – due to high price tag, size, and I’m not shooting anything @ extremely fast.

3. I’m @ 80% on 5D III – just perfect for my needs.
 
4. I’m @ 90% on 6D – due to lower price tag. The price tag between 6D Vs 5D III is $1500 -$1700 dif. That $ can be easily go to my next DREAM lens, 400mm f2.8 IS.

Would love to have your inputs, especially from 5D III & 6D owners

Thanks
Dylan

Thanks everyone. After a well rested night, I decided to pick 5D III as my second body

Will need your guys helps on sling bag that can carry 2 bodies with lenses soon

[tron]

To avoid swapping lenses, I’m thinking getting 2nd body to pair it up with my 5D III.

My thoughts:
1. I’m 100% sure that I DO NOT want crop sensor. I want to shoot in low light without flash

2. I’m @ 60% on 1D X – due to high price tag, size, and I’m not shooting anything @ extremely fast.

3. I’m @ 80% on 5D III – just perfect for my needs.
 
4. I’m @ 90% on 6D – due to lower price tag. The price tag between 6D Vs 5D III is $1500 -$1700 dif. That $ can be easily go to my next DREAM lens, 400mm f2.8 IS.

Would love to have your inputs, especially from 5D III & 6D owners

Thanks
Dylan

Thanks everyone. After a well rested night, I decided to pick 5D III as my second body

Will need your guys helps on sling bag that can carry 2 bodies with lenses soon

Congrats! Make sure you take a lot of photos of your kids with both cameras 

[Dylan777]

Thanks everyone. After a well rested night, I decided to pick 5D III as my second body

Will need your guys helps on sling bag that can carry 2 bodies with lenses soon

Congrats! Make sure you take a lot of photos of your kids with both cameras 

Will do Tron

At their ages(2yrs & 4yrs), I can see myself photograph this journey next 10-15yrs

[kbmelb]

I'd go 5DIII.

I was in a Best Buy a couple weeks ago and could not make heads or tales of the 6D's controls (I didn't spend a lot of time on it though).

I have a 5DIII and 1DsIII. I really love the 1DsIII's feel but I know deep down I should get another 5DIII. The biggest thing I miss is the multi-controller in portrait orientation (with grip). Next would be all the AF points.

I'd say with fast primes more AF points are paramount. Shooting shallow DOF and having to recompose will certainly equal lots of blown shots.

[AudioGlenn]

I'd go 5DIII.

I was in a Best Buy a couple weeks ago and could not make heads or tales of the 6D's controls (I didn't spend a lot of time on it though).

I have a 5DIII and 1DsIII. I really love the 1DsIII's feel but I know deep down I should get another 5DIII. The biggest thing I miss is the multi-controller in portrait orientation (with grip). Next would be all the AF points.

I'd say with fast primes more AF points are paramount. Shooting shallow DOF and having to recompose will certainly equal lots of blown shots.

coming from a 60D, the 6D still feels generally comfortable to use.  Maybe that's why I'm more comfortable using a non-identical body.  If I had the money for it though, I would definitely just get another mk3.

[dickgrafixstop]

Probably doesn't really matter.  If you get a second body that is less functional that the one you currently have,
you'll probably never use it.  If the second body has more function, then that will become your primary camera and your current body will become "backup".   Either way, the second body is mostly more of a pain in the .... to carry,
handle and use unless you have a competent "assistant".     

[jdramirez]

Probably doesn't really matter.  If you get a second body that is less functional that the one you currently have,
you'll probably never use it.  If the second body has more function, then that will become your primary camera and your current body will become "backup".   Either way, the second body is mostly more of a pain in the .... to carry,
handle and use unless you have a competent "assistant".   

 have you tried it?   it sounds like you are guessing.   there are plenty of bags and harnesses which allow for relative convenience in carrying two bodies and two lenses.

 when I shoot football, I  would really like to be able to go from a Tele zoom to a wide angle between plays.   it isn't worth 3500 to me,  but it would be more convenient.

[tiltshift]

I just got a second 5D MK III, no regrets.

I like the idea of having the identical camera to switch to.