Backup for 6D for Wedding Photography

[tron]

Don't spend money on something you will not use later. Plus, you are the second shooter. Let the primary shooter worry.

Again, save your money.

[bvphotography]

Should I spend once I have enough for another 6D or keep saving and buy a 5DM3 since I am hoping to eventually first shoot my own weddings?

The 5d3 has dual cf/sd card slots for on-site backup in case your card breaks. Other than that, how do you feel your 6d does for weddings concerning the af system (what lenses are you using)?

So far I have had very little focus issues with the 6D even in low light as long as I use the center focus point. Outside and in good light I can use the outer focal points reliably but in low light I pretty much have to stick with the center focus point.

For lenses I own:
Sigma 35mm f/1.4 Art
Sigma 50mm f/1.4
Canon 85mm f/1.8
Canon 100mm f/2.8 Macro
Canon 24-105 f/4
Sigma 70-200 f2.8

[zlatko]

You know my answer already, save for the 5D MkIII, it has to be the "best" wedding orientated camera out there.

I agree about the 5DIII -- the best for weddings in my view too.  The "best" is relative to what a photographer wants & needs, so there is no objective best.  But the 5DIII is pretty brilliant for weddings.  There are some bigger cameras (1DX, D4S) that are awesome, but their weight makes them more of a burden for a wedding day.

Good options for a 2nd camera are (in order):
1.  5DIII if budget allows (and make it the main camera)
2.  Another 6D (possible to find one used or refurbished?)
3.  60D or 70D

[thismercifulfate]

You can pick up a refurbished 6D body for $1291 from Canon right now… what are you waiting for?

[Chosenbydestiny]

What lenses are you shooting if I may ask? If you have the "kit" lens with it already, the 24-105mm F/4, I wouldn't even think about getting another body yet. I'd pick up two solid primes, or a 24-70mm, and a 70-200mm before that happens. I agree with the majority this time, save your money until you can justify big purchases. It's really rare that a camera becomes unusable during a wedding, unless you're careless, accident prone, AND like to hang out right by bodies of water like pools and fountains, or even a very tall staircase. I have a couple of 6Ds and both are past warranty already, peeling, fading, scratching, etc. One of them even has over 200k actuations. Both are still shooting like the day they were bought. And like you said, the main shooter has a backup already. The chance of both of you needing to use that backup as a main camera at one event are so slim that there's actually a much better chance that the bride leaves the groom at the altar.

[DRR]

Based on what you've said so far I think the most prudent strategy is,

Long term, save for the 5DIII. If you're at < $1k now, save that money and put it towards the 5DIII. That will be your primary camera.

Short term, shoot with your 6D until you have a 5DIII and then make the 6D your backup.

If if makes you feel better to have a second body while you're second shooter, rent one. Charge $60 more. Instead of keeping it in the case as a backup, use it as a second camera so you can switch focal lengths without having to swap lenses.

[Chosenbydestiny]

Oh and I totally forgot the most important thing. You need a flash. Chances are, as a secondary you'll be taking group shots, and a lot of the reception shots which if at night... will need a fill light.

[Dylan777]

I agree with many posters. Go for another 6D. Shooting an even with 2 bodies make the job much easier.

[schulein]

It's really fun to shoot two bodies as a second shooter! Fortunately, you really can't go wrong with any Canon body. It just makes it harder to make a decision  It all depends on how much you want to shell out.

As has already been suggested, if you stretch your budget a tad you can grab a refurb 6D direct from Canon for $1290 + tax here: http://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/cameras/refurbished-eos-digital-slr-cameras/eos-6d-body-refurbished

The 60D is an attractive option for you as it handles very similarly to the 6D and the swivel screen could open up some new shooting opportunities (wide angle above the dance floor shots for instance). Used bodies go for $500 - $600.

A rebel would also be a very capable second cam. t2i's are going for $250 - $350 used and have virtually the same sensor as the 7D/60D/t5i. Ergonomics suffer a bit but these are highly capable cameras. That would leave you a lot of room to purchase flashes or other accessories that could take your game to a new level.

-Bob

[spacetimeroger]

The best thing to do at this point would be to rent either a 2nd 6D or a 5DmkIII. If you're just starting out and not making much money yet, you're much better off renting a 2nd camera for the gigs that require it than laying out the cash to buy one.

If you really want to buy a camera, then I'd either pick up a pre-owned Canon 40/50/60D, or a 1DmkII/1DmkIII/1DSmkII as a cheap backup that you won't have to worry about too much, and then buy something better as you start to make more money. I wouldn't necessarily expect a 2nd shooter to have a backup body when I hire them, however it's something that I would definitely take as a good sign. Aside from your photographic ability, what will make you attractive to primary shooters who would be hiring you is your reliability and professionalism—having a backup body hits on those last two points.

[Valvebounce]

Hi.
I would second, third or fourth, or whatever we are up to, the advice to let the first photographer worry about backup gear, though I do get your discomfort at the risk of getting forced to learn to use a Nikon in a high pressure situation.
If you must have a spare how about a 40D, a very capable body and cheap! I would also say I'll  bet you do have a flash, but if you don't, you really should, and maybe a remote trigger or long ETTL cable so you can get the flash away from the body.
I had to hold my flash way up high to get pics of the dance floor with any illumination at the back. (my cousins wedding and I was asked to mingle and get pics, but I still cleared it with the pro and stayed the hell away from the formals!)

Cheers Graham.

Hey everyone,

I am new to the forum and this is my first post here. Up until this year I have mainly shot family portrait sessions but this year I decided I wanted to start second shooting weddings. I shot one a week or so back and had a blast and I have quite a few more scheduled now for this year for that photographer. I want to purchase a backup body for my 6D but I am unsure of what to purchase. Any advice appreciated :

[Chuck Alaimo]

id say save for another 6d or save more for a 5d3. 

[Wildfire]

The 6D is a fantastic wedding camera. If it works for your style of wedding photography then don't spend money on a 5D3 (use that money to improve your lighting setup instead!)

As far as a backup, I picked up my 60D last year from Canon Direct (refurbished) for less than $475... it shares the d-pad control with the 6D and is pretty much the same size so you'll find it to be a good backup camera at less than half the price.

[giltaminphotography]

I had this debate when I had my 5d2 for wedding photography and got the 6d as my backup and then I ended up selling my 5d2 because for me,the 6d was outstanding for weddings. I love using my primes and it is such a light combo carrying the two 6D's all day. I got the 6d for half the price of the 5d3(which has the same sensor) and instead invested in top primes. As long you can handle center point focus, for me it works well and nails all my shots. It's just way more cost effective getting the 6D's instead. Unless you are doing 20-30 weddings a year which I'm not then the 5d3 is worth it. The lenses to me are much more valuable.

Good luck with your choice!

[bvphotography]

I have 2 flashes. I have a 430exII and a 580ex. If I were to get a crop sensor camera just for now until I can save up for another 6d what should I get then? 40d,50d,60d? Is the 60d much better than either the 40d or 50d? Just sorta want something that will get the job done if by chance my 6d decides to break on me (doubtful).