Backup body for an enthusiast 6D user

[bereninga]

Hey folks,

I'm wondering if it's worth getting a backup for a 6D. I'm an enthusiast; not a professional. I've been on a few trips already w/ one body so far and haven't had any issues (knocking on wood). I'm wondering if I even need a backup or not. I've been using my 6D for almost two years now w/ no issues. I also don't want to have to switch to CF cards. I wanted to get some opinions on second bodies for a 6D user who's an enthusiast. Is it worth having one or should I just save my money? Thanks!

 

[candyman]

I have two cameras. None is the backup of the other. I don't believe in that (my opinion). Those two cameras I have I use for different purposes. What they do have in common is both are FF with similar IQ. That is - what you may call - the backup spec.


So it depends what you need. If you need a 'backup', then get another 6D
Otherwise look for what another camera can add for your needs.

 

[Coldhands]

Nominally, my backup is 7D, but in reality it is more of a complimentary body than a backup one. Its strengths are generally in areas where the 6D shows weakness (build/weather sealing, AF, burst rate), and vice versa, creating a very capable two-camera kit.

Regarding whether you actually need a second body, as an enthusiast it depends entirely on how much you personally value the ability to keep shooting when things go wrong. I don't earn anything from my photos, but when a two-week holiday in the southwest US began with a broken lens mount (thanks WestJet!) on my primary body, I was very glad a had a second, since I came away with some of my all-time favourite shots.

Only you can say whether it's truly worth it.

 

[chasinglight]

In my opinion, as an enthusiast you either need 2 bodies (to save on lens changes or different features) or you don't. A backup is likely to sit unused for a LONG time. Personally I would say either get another 6D so that you can effectively use two bodies. Or spend the money on a lens or speed light. Or save the cash! By asking if you need a backup body it just sounds like you have some cash burning a hole in your wallet and you are not sure what to do with it...been there. That's just my 2 cents.

 

[Deleted member 7828]

You will probably be most comfortable with a second 6D.

 

[dak723]

If you want a 2nd camera, then I agree with those that say get a different camera that serves a different purpose. I had my first Canon digital rebel for 9 years and never needed a backup. I now have a 6D and I bought the SL1 as a second camera because it is smaller and a crop. So it serves different purposes than my 6D. If you aren't a pro, then having two identical or nearly identical cameras seems like a waste of money unless you are in situations where you absolutely need a backup camera in case your primary camera fails. That's my opinion, anyway.

 

[Sporgon]

Don't get a 5D or 5DII. The controls on the camera will begin making you feel dissatisfied with your 6D - a perfectly fine camera in its own right of course, but very 'soft' ( in controls) compared to the 5 series.

As others have said, the best 'back up' or second camera body is one which is exactly the same as the one you already have.

(This is very much do-as-I-say-not-as-I do, because I got a 6D to go with my 5DII. IMHO they don't mix and match very well).

 

[sunnyVan]

Hey folks,

I'm wondering if it's worth getting a backup for a 6D. I'm an enthusiast; not a professional. I've been on a few trips already w/ one body so far and haven't had any issues (knocking on wood). I'm wondering if I even need a backup or not. I've been using my 6D for almost two years now w/ no issues. I also don't want to have to switch to CF cards. I wanted to get some opinions on second bodies for a 6D user who's an enthusiast. Is it worth having one or should I just save my money? Thanks!

I think if you wonder whether you need a second body then you don't. If you truly need one you'll know automatically and won't need our opinion.

My 6d never had a single issue. Very reliable.

 

[Valvebounce]

Hi bereninja.
I can't tell you which body will be a good backup to a 6D, I'm still all crop, but after having my 40D Err99 me on holiday in the USA, I was so glad I had my old 300D with me, did it miss shots (much lesser AF and frame rate) yes, did I get more/better shots than I would with a phone, heck yes!
Basically if all you want is an emergency backup device, any DSLR would do, if you want a complementary device, what suits your needs with a different feature set from the 6D?
Hope this rambling helps you!

Cheers, Graham.

 

[untenchicken]

Nominally, my backup is 7D, but in reality it is more of a complimentary body than a backup one. Its strengths are generally in areas where the 6D shows weakness (build/weather sealing, AF, burst rate), and vice versa, creating a very capable two-camera kit.

I am using the same set up and it works as a charm!
And Coldhands forgot to mention the 1,6 'extender' you get for free.(hope I'm not going to get flack for that) but it is true!
I leave my EF24-105 at home most of the time as the EF17-40 on the 6d covers wide and on the 7d that lens becomes my standard.
Add an EF70-200 and you're covered!

Cheers!

 

[casperl]

I usually carry my 70D everywhere, but recently just got a M2 for situation where a 70D feels a bit awkward/too bulky. When I travel I will bring both with 70D being the main so I guess M2 with adaptor ring is my backup.

 

[coldsweat]

I have a 5D as a backup to my 5D3.

In your situation you'd ideally want another 6D, although if it's a 'general backup' body & the budget doesn't quite stretch, look at a 60D or 70D - the control layout will be similar to your 6D so you'll feel immediately at home.

 

[Dutchy]

My main camera is a 6D. I also own a 7D (was my main camera before I got the 6D) and a 100D (SL1).

I now use the 7D or 100D as a second body depending on the situation.
If I shoot motorsports I take the 7D as a second camera (where I need fast AF and the crop factor is a benefit for extra reach).
If I'm out shooting urbex, in a city or events I take the 100D as the second body (because it is light/small and I haven't yet gotten around to replacing my Samyang 8mm fisheye and Canon 10-18 with full frame equivalents).

You could pick up a 7D used or get a 100D, real-life image quality won't differ much between these two. A 60D is also an option, it is the "crop-sister" to your 6D layout wise. If I had to choose again now, I'd get the 100D, that'll give you portability that no other camera body offers and will still fit all the lenses you already have. For you it'll all depend on what you shoot and if the size/weight matters much.

 

[dcm]

In reality a backup is just a form of insurance. Only you can decide if you need it. A second body can be more than a backup, allowing you to use 2 lenses without changing or have different capabilities like FPS and AF. Or it can be your previous body when you upgrade.

I am an enthusiast and have a 6D as my primary body. I've never had an issue with body or lens in 30+ years of shooting - mostly with a single body and a couple of lenses. I don't shoot for an income so a backup is mostly for convenience. My backup varies, but I will usually have a second body with me in case my primary fails. Sometimes I will use two bodies with different lenses mounted for events. Sometimes my backup normally serves a different purpose. My current situation is somewhat overkill.

I have a second 6D which is primarily a loaner for my daughter - a refurb sale a year ago that cost less than current street prices. She does portraiture with it. I borrow it back I when I need it to shoot with a second body. She attends many of the same events so we both have a backup if needed. She also inherits my old lenses like my f/4 zooms when I upgraded to f/2.8 zooms. So I guess I have some backup lenses as well. All lenses are calibrated to both bodies so they are interchangeable.

I have a M as a compact travel / snapshot camera that can double as a backup or second body in a pinch, particularly when traveling. The images will not be the same quality but I would still have something. I finally gave my T2i away to my nephew and his wife that were interested in photography after I had done baby and baptism pictures for them. It was a backup until I got the M. I used a G or S series in this role previously. My wife carries the S now so I guess that's another level of backup. I'm not sure I consider my smartphone a backup, but you never know. You need to consider all of your options versus needs.

With overnight shipping I am self insured, even if I only had a single body. I could have a new body tomorrow if one failed today and that would be sufficient in most cases. I recently had a new lens overnighted to me while traveling so I know it's possible. I might not have the second 6D if my daughter wasn't interested in photography or I chose not to encourage her. I'd still be waiting for the next 5D or 1D body that might make the 6d my backup.

 

[IgotGASbadDude]

In my opinion, as an enthusiast you either need 2 bodies (to save on lens changes or different features) or you don't. A backup is likely to sit unused for a LONG time.

+ 1

This is very true. Now that I have a 1DX my 5DIII only gets used when I am shooting with the need for two lenses. The GX 1 Mark II I purchased sits permanently in its case.

bereninga, I suggest you get a 1DX. That would make a GREAT backup

 

[gsealy]

My suggestion is to consider a refurbished t4i. This is a great camera for the money. I use it a lot even though I have a 1D and 2 5DIIIs. It is lighter and smaller. You can use it 'small' for street purposes with the 40mm pancake, or you use it 'large' with a battery grip and extended viewfinder. It handles all the Canon lenses and takes 18MP pictures. It takes good quality video too.

 

[DennyF]

I'm strictly an enthusiast. I bought a Canon-refurbed 70D to complement my 6D...and to serve as a backup, if needed. The 6D is for general use. As a result, it's used the most. But for zoos and wildlife, I use the 70D for extra reach. Both bodies use the LP-E6 battery and both bodies weigh approximately the same.

 

[verysimplejason]

6D user here. My backup camera is a G11. Reason is, I don't want to bring another big camera. I prefer bringing some other lenses. Another is that my G11 gives me another different perspective to my photography since I can almost bring it anywhere. I've also fitted it with an underwater housing for those super wet/underwater conditions. Initially I'm thinking of a GOPRO but comparing its image quality to a G11, I'm not satisfied. For me, a backup body is something that has some uses other than being a backup. You can check my flickr. A lot of the pictures I love the most is taken by G11. I'm thinking of replacing it with a used G1XII in the future. I'm just waiting for that camera's cost to be less expensive.

 

[JoeKerslake]

Is it not worth backing up an FF with an APS-C? Especially as an enthusiast, both will get used as they both have different uses.

Personally I only have an APS-C censored body in the SL1, but should I eventually go FF I'd still keep my SL1. It's great when you need that extra reach, or a smaller body.

 

[NancyP]

I consider my cameras to be complementary. 6D = landscape, night, some macro - wanting top image quality, I use mostly with primes. I generally have specific shots in mind when using the 6D, and choose prime or primes to carry accordingly. The 6D is my second ever DSLR. My first DSLR was the 60D, which now is used only for birding (crop factor, used with 400 f/5.6L), some macro (crop factor and/or that tilt screen), travel, and "general hiking"/ location scouting (because I have a 1-lens solution in the EF-S 15-85).

I am planning to add the 7D2 for birding and the other uses I currently have for 60D, and perhaps turn the 60D into an all-spectrum camera with a set of clip-in filters. But I am not in a huge hurry with the 7D2, because first I want to buy a new laptop and then do clean installs of the various softwares first. I am waiting on the new MacBookPro 15" this summer or fall (new processor). My current laptop is 5 years old and has some rather minor screen problems, I could use it for another year or two or three, but I am not convinced it will last.