Backup body for dangerous areas

[Physicx]

Yes, thats right. Going backpacking. Got my 5DII. Sold my 450D for some extra cash. I got some good L glass and sigma 50 1.4. Plenty.

Now, Im going to some dangerous areas, or even safer places but places I dont feel comfortable taking out my 5DII and Sigma 1.4. Hence the idea of taking a muggable-backup body + a lens came about.

Im thinking of taking this body + lens for night walk abouts or just dangerous places during the day when I can possible be mugged lol. The ideal pair would be the 550D + Sigma 30 f/1.4 for a nice walk around. But it is pretty expensive. Esp the lens.

So... Im thinking of a 400D + Canon 50 1.8. The 400D because it is the lowest camera I can go down that has a screen big enough so I can review my photos. The 50mm 1.8 for lowlight/walk around. The whole kit is £200 2nd hand. Quite a bit, but nothing close compared to losing the 5DII and sigma 1.4.

Another idea is just bring a point and shoot as backup. That is possible, my logic is that taking a cropped body could help with telephoto shots with those lenses.

suggestions are welcome.

 

[cpsico]

A smith and Wesson would make good back up body for muggers

 

[wickidwombat]

A smith and Wesson would make good back up body for muggers

I was gonna suggest a 1D on a monopod can double as a good club but yours is better

 

[David KM]

G1X is looking very good and low profile.

I actually do quite a bit of street work in Oakland, Ca. and (seriously) carry a Springfield XD .40cal when out in questionable areas.

 

[iso79]

Just wrap your camera up with gaffer's tape and pick up a low profile camera strap. Works wonders! People are drawn to brands/logos. Funny how human psychology works.

 

[Cardad]

I just bought a 50D as a backup for my 7D. One thought for the backup is to carry the 50D with no grip, a black lens, and an unbranded strap to be a little less obvious. I have a friend who used to put black electrical tape over the "Nikon" brand on his camera.

 

[justsomedude]

7D... if only for the weather sealing and mag. alloy body.

 

[distant.star]

First suggestion: Stay out of dangerous places. There's no "LOL" after you really get mugged. There are plenty of great pictures in the world without risking your health and property.

If you're going anyway, take my nephew with you -- it only takes one punch for him to put them down. Seriously, if you go to such a place, the odds of being targeted for attack drop dramatically if you're not alone.

If you're going to persist with such ill-advised "adventure," buy a used S95 and put some black tape over the white Canon lettering on the front. Also, take a lot of small cards and swap out often -- if you lose the camera you still probably get to keep some pictures to remember the pain by.

And as a disclaimer, I am not a lawyer and this is not intended as legal advice!

 

[Hillsilly]

Are you going to have somewhere safe to keep the 5Dii and lenses while you're out with the other camera? You might find that you're burdening yourself with more gear, only to find that you don't like leaving the expensive gear back in your room. Otherwise, I'm thinking the 400D would be a handy backup option. Its low cost and compatible with your other lenses.

 

[ronderick]

Yeah, it's usually not a good idea to go to places you know have security concerns. Why risk your health and possessions if you don't have to?

Being mugged is one thing, but sometimes even the simple act of pulling out the camera may lead to over-reactions you may not be expecting.

If you really want to cut the loss, then just bring an old cell phone that takes photos...

 

[rm]

When you say "backpacking" do you mean season bus/train passes, staying in hostels, going out on the batter with fellow backpackers etc.?

If that is the kind of thing you have in mind, I'd give serious consideration to something like an 'S' series. It is small enough to fit in your pocket so it's always with you and discrete for when you want to stay under the radar. Like others have suggested, I'd also change out the standard neck strap on the 5DII.

How much gear are you planning on carrying (everything, not just cameras)? You may quickly regret all that weight/bulk of multiple bodies and lenses if you have to trek far. Also don't forget you have to carry all this when you are doing bus/train transfers, queuing for tickets while being pestered by beggars, etc.

If you are staying in hostels, give some thought to how you are going to protect the gear left in the dorm - security ranges from very little to none in my experience, no matter where you are backpacking.

 

[CanineCandidsByL]

You might want to try to ding up the camera a bit before going. If we were talking furniture, we'd use the word "distressed". But, assuming that if someone wants it, your going to hand it over (not worth your life), used point and shoots might be the best option.

 

[RC]

At the very least (and if that's all you can carry), carry pepper spray.


Edit: Gramar

 

[bvukich]

I have a couple of suggestions...

First off, and most importantly, your first backup body should be a buddy with good situational awareness. If you're anything like me once you get those "photographer eyes" going you're not aware of your surroundings in the traditional sense, and are more on the lookout for shots than danger. Also, two people are much less likely to be hassled than one.

Second. If you were in the US and in a state where constitutional rights are still intact (i.e., concealed carry is allowed), and your buddy it licensed to do so... then I'd say do so. But since you're in the UK, my only suggestion would be a sturdy tripod or monopod carried by your buddy. Normal people wont even notice it, but thugs certainly will; and will think twice about how badly they want your equipment.

Third. Hopefully the above two precautions would allow you to feel comfortable carrying your normal kit. But if not, you can still do great photography with a 400D & 50/1.8.

Remember, layers of defense. And if things do go pear shaped, your kit isn't worth your life.

 

[D_Rochat]

Put a Sony badge on it. No one will waste their time.

 

[Angryoak]

Just get travel insurance and take the good body with you

 

[Marsu42]

So... Im thinking of a 400D + Canon 50 1.8. The 400D because it is the lowest camera I can go down that has a screen big enough so I can review my photos.

If you're set on going into "dangerous" areas I guess it's clever to take something you won't miss that much. Actually, I used to take the smaller 60d + the 50/1.8 to demonstrations because it low-light capable, fits in my pocket and I only take it out shortly for point and click shooting style, so that worked for me. Hiding the big "Canon" label with some black tape and resisting to use your big Canon neck strap might be a good idea, too. Or get an insurance, but that won't replace a stolen body immediately back at your hotel.

But of course to less well-off people *any* dslr gear looks valuable, and if they really want to *rob* you (not pickpocket) my personal, but strong advice is: Don't resist and cut your losses, any weapon you have might be turned against you - gun or spray - and some hundred bucks aren't worth your health, let alone your life.

 

[briansquibb]

Put it on a wire harness so it cant be snatched - and it leaves two hands free for flee or fight. None of my cameras have a strap.

 

[tuankid]

my advice: don't go to dangerous place, even if you're not taking pictures. if you think it is dangerous, stay out of it. the fact that you're alone make you a perfect target!

 

[CanineCandidsByL]

Put it on a wire harness so it cant be snatched - and it leaves two hands free for flee or fight. None of my cameras have a strap.

I'd advise caution on this one. If your dealing with people who would hurt you, you don't want any delays in handing over your gear, or them taking it. But normally I do recommend theft reistant straps. On the plus side, a wire in the strap means you can use it to defend against a knife attack, but only if you have training or your fighting for you life.