Backup for 6D for Wedding Photography

[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).

 

[Wildfire]

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).

The 50D is a good choice if you want something cheap and durable. The reason I recommended the 60D is because it is a similar size/button configuration to the 6D, which should make it easy to switch to should you have to use your backup.

If you'd like to use your flashes off camera more, I'd recommend selling both of them and picking up a set of 600EX-RTs. Expensive, but paired with a 6D you can take some gorgeous event photos... I was stunned with the ease of use and fantastic images I got the first time I shot a wedding after selling my 430EXs and bought 3 600EXs,

 

[bvphotography]

In terms of image quality and higher ISO noise is there much difference between the 50d and the 60d? It looks like I will be shooting a few weddings for family myself this year as well so wouldn't mind owning a second body just incase. I could rent but by the time I rent a couple times I could have probably bought a cheaper body. Where I am it looks like the rental on a camera body is 100-150 for a weekend.

 

[bosshog7_2000]

Hmm...seems like there is no love for the 5D2. If you don't want to spend the money for a 6D or 5D3 I would buy a used 5D2 which are pretty cheap and with 95% of the image quality of a 6D. That said....as others have already mentioned I wouldn't even bother with a second body unless you were the primary shooter.

 

[bvphotography]

Where I am the 5dM2 is only about 500 less than the 6d. Seems to me that most people think I should just stick to the one 6d I have and if I need to shoot a wedding by myself for family then just rent a second 6d. As far as flash goes aren't I further ahead betting wireless radio triggers for the flashes I already have than switching over to the 600rt system? What advantage does it have over using say pocket wizards with my current flashes?

 

[Shane1.4]

Get a 60D. It will use a SD card just like your 6D and will have much more similar button layout. You can pick one up used on ebay for about $500. It was my backup for a long time and it worked just fine.

 

[cpsico]

You won't be happy with a lesser camera. It will be money wasted because you will be very unhappy with image quality. The 6d is mighty little camera IQ wise. Save the money you make for something next level. In the mean time learn how to use your mentors nikon.

 

[Chosenbydestiny]

I'd get a 60D if I absolutely needed it right now and that was my budget. It's very much like the 6D. However, it won't take the same kind of images and you'll still need to adjust to it a bit, especially in post. The 60D is a great camera nonetheless, but if you own a 6D the 60D will live in it's shadow. If I were you I'd skip the idea completely and get another 6D in the future, for workflow and productivity reasons. Keeping technical hassles and delays out of your workflow will help you concentrate more on being creative.

 

[StudentOfLight]

I agree with many replies so far. The 60D is a good option a can be gotten for a good price 2nd-hand/refurb. It uses the same batteries & memory-cards, its ergonomics/handling is very similar to the 6D... it will all be very familiar and much easier to switch over if you need to in a stressful situation.

The low light performance will obviously not be on the same level as the 6D. (e.g. ISO-800 on the 60D is similar to ISO-3200 on the 6D.) I consider my 60D more for use in "good natural light" or with flash, whereas the 6D allows for much more flexible shooting conditions.

 

[Menace]

Save up and get a 6D

 

[brad goda]

1Dx