Backup camera question

[SilverBullet07]

I have a 5d Mark II with several L lens. I'm starting to book some weddings next summer and I'm starting to plan for a backup camera. I had thought about getting a good 5d to use as a backup. That would keep the cost a little lower. I hate to purchase a new 5d mark II with a newer version coming out "maybe" next year. If I could hould off maybe in a year or two I could update the mark II then that can be the backup.


What do you all think? Is a 5d mark I good enough for a backup camera?

Thanks

[private]

It is good, however I would get the 7D (or any crop camera) or something like that - that way you will have waaay more range - especially for weddings - your 70-200 lens will have even MORE reach.

And the 5D original is a great camera.

[SilverBullet07]

Originally Posted by private

It is good, however I would get the 7D (or any crop camera) or something like that - that way you will have waaay more range - especially for weddings - your 70-200 lens will have even MORE reach.

And the 5D original is a great camera.

I've thought about the 7d, my only reservation on a 7d would be if I had the right lens and do not need to buy another lens. I would hate to buy a 7d and a lens which would cost about the same or more then anohter 5d mark II

[RichardTaylor]

A 5D is my main camera. It is a good camera.

The only downside to using it is as a backup is that is uses different batteries to the 5DII so you will need to take that into account when on shoots.

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by SilverBullet07

I've thought about the 7d, my only reservation on a 7d would be if I had the right lens and do not need to buy another lens. I would hate to buy a 7d and a lens which would cost about the same or more then anohter 5d mark II

All your lenses will work on a 7D. I dont understand the issue.

[SilverBullet07]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

All your lenses will work on a 7D. I dont understand the issue.

Just thinking about focal length. If I have the 24-70 on the 5d mark II and the 70-200 on the 7d. I'm missing between 70-111mm

or if I have the 16-35 on the 7d I'm really seeing 25.6 mm. so If I have my 24-70 on 5d mark II, I might would want a wider lens on the backup.

That's all I was thinking.

[OsmosisStudios]

Well thats kinda the point. Putting the 70-200 on a 7D means you get just over 300, still at f/2.8. You use the 5D for wide angle (like the 16-35 or 24-70) and the 7D for telephoto work (24-70 and 70-200).

Missing between 70 and 111 isnt a huge gap and it likely wont affect your ability to get the shot.

[SilverBullet07]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

Well thats kinda the point. Putting the 70-200 on a 7D means you get just over 300, still at f/2.8. You use the 5D for wide angle (like the 16-35 or 24-70) and the 7D for telephoto work (24-70 and 70-200).

Missing between 70 and 111 isnt a huge gap and it likely wont affect your ability to get the shot.

You know thinking about that you have a good point. Plus I get some new features and the prices for a new 7d are not to bad. I can use the same bateries and it's a fast action camera. I rather pay 1400 for a new camera then 1100 for a 5 year old camera.

You may have me sold.....

[inkista]

.... and since you're in the USA, I should bring up the Canon Loyalty Program. Again.

If you haven't heard about this, Canon is currently (we guess) getting some kind of corporate tax break for recycling old cameras, so if you have a busted Canon camera (either digital or film, SLR or P&S), you can trade it in, and get an additional 20% off the current refurbished models (both SLRs and P&S cameras). These models only come with a 90-day warranty, not a full year, but they've all been fully serviced by Canon. The vast majority of these white box cameras are new. When my CLP 5D Mark II arrived, it had 12 clicks on it and it was in pristine condition. A few folks on POTN haven't been as lucky and have said theirs had a few thousand clicks, so just remember: "refurbished" can also mean a repaired camera.

When they have the 5D Mark II in stock, the CLP price is (with tax) about $1700. The 7D's price on the CLP is about $1100. The 50D comes in around about $750.

So, if you have a busted Powershot (or snag one off the 'bay for a few bux), you could equip yourself with a second 5D Mark II for the same price as a new 7D body (or, ok $100 more than the price as a new 7D body now that the fall Canon rebates have kicked in).

Checking the refurb page on the Canon website will let you know what's in stock when [the 5D2 and 7D are both out of stock at the moment, but over the last month, I've seen that happen twice]. To do the CLP thing, you have to call them directly (866-443-8002) and give them the serial number of the camera you're turning in, and you'll only have about a week after receiving the new camera to pack up your old one and send it back to them (they'll email you the label for prepaid UPS). If they never receive the camera, they'll charge you the full refurb price.