Hi there,

I own 5d and I need a back up/second camera. I was hopping for new MK3 but it is going to be available in May and it is 4.5K of $$$. I still considering it, since if I get it I won't be changing it for several (maybe 5) years for sure. The other thing is that I might be going to 2 weddings with 1 camera. So what would you suggest - get some camera like 5D, 30D, Rebel XTi, before I get my MK3 or just wait for MK3?

How do you handle two cameras with different controls like 5D and MK2/3? Is it difficult? Do you have any problems switching between them?

Don't shoot a wedding without a backup. Some people even use their old film camera as a backup. At any rate, it all depends on your pocketbook....just make sure you have a backup during a job.

If you want to wait, you could look into borrowing or even renting a camera to cover those two weddings. I would think that SOMEONE could loan you a camera for a day!

I shoot with the 5D and Mark II N and the controls are totally different, but it doesnt' really throw me off much. You get used to it after a little while.

If you've got the money for a Mark III and can borrow a camera till it comes out then I think that's what you should do. The cameras are pretty different and do different things which appeals to me.

That's my two cents.

I say skip the Mk2/3 and get another 5D. This way there in no control confusion or delay when you switch bodies.

Chris, do you use them both at the same time (with different lens) or you keep one as a back up in a bag?



I had this thought too. What is appealing to me in MK3 it's availability of cross sensors besides the center. I miss that in 5D, otherwise I would go for 5D. I love that camera.

I'm a nikon user but I have a suprising amount of clicks behind the shutter of both a 30d (my brothers) and a Rebel XTi (my fiancee's). Between the two... I really love the 30d, it's a solid camera takes great images... but for the price difference between that and the XTi... and the most important difference (for me) is the spot metering... I put the vote on an XTi if you are a bit cash strapped, and that dust shaker on the lens.. does an incredible job. My fiancee works at a farm with tons of haydust and sawdust and her sensor looks pristine and that's with changing lenses. I don't think you can go wrong with either of those. Also if you're just looking for a camera to tide you over till the MKIII is ready, why not just a Rebel XT? You can pick them up pretty cheap and they're a nice body too.

Yep. Two at one time. I always shoot with two cameras on me.

I guess the reason I vote for the different body is because the Mark II/III is so different from the 5D, one it will give you a bit of extra reach which will be nice on the long lenses and it's fast. I don't shoot 8.5 frames a sec at weddings, but I usually leave it at about 6 and for things like them leaving the church, or flower toss at the reception, or a few other instances (particularly in engagement sessions sometimes), it's really nice to be able to shoot fast and have a good size buffer. The 5D is great for wide lenses, low light, pretty much any portrait situations, etc etc.

It really depends on how you shoot and how tough the switching between the two bodies will be. For me, it's not tough at all really, it's kinda like going between an automatic and a stick shift, but for others it might be more of an issue. Personally, I love all three of our cameras (we also have a 20D that Katie shoots with), but I wouldn't want duplicates of any of them. I love the versatility that each of them has.

As an aside, the 1D bodies are great for rain and I noticed your from Washington. I've taken my Mark II out in a TOTAL downpour before and it was totally fine. If all I had was a 5D or 20D I would have ended up canceling the shoot (it was an engagement session). Just a thought.

I am really short on cash, so I am thinking of getting a second 5D or maybe a used Mark II and use it as a second camera. I can get those even cheaper then a new 5D. What is a good milage on Makr II? Then if business goes on, I would replace it with a new Mark III by the end of the year.
I wouldn't like to go to 1.6 sensor since that was a reason I got 5D. Or maybe it does make sense to get 30D temporary...

how do you do that?? i'm very curious!

If money is tight go for a 20D. I have the 5D, which is my primary camera, along with two 20D's. One 20D is for use with a fast lens for available window light shots and the 70-200 is used on this camera for close ceremony shots on a tripod. The other 20D is the backup.

The controls are identical on the 5D and 20D.

Definitely don't shoot a wedding without a backup! You just never know what's going to happen.

I frequently use both my camera bodies "at once" during really busy receptions. I put different lenses on (usually something like my 28 - 70mm for my main body and a wider lens on my backup) and hang both around my neck. when I need to, I can quickly drop my main body and grab my other with the wider lens to get shots I want. During the dancing, I often set the shutter speed slower on the backup so I can get a couple of cool motion pics, but then can immediately switch back to a faster shutter for sharp shots. So not only is it a good policy to have a backup with you at every wedding in case of equipment malfunction...it's also just plain useful even when things are going well!

I have no problems switching between my bodies but I use them a lot when I'm not working, just playing around, shooting things I want to shoot. Often its my cats. Just get used to the controls on your backup, figure out what settings you want to use well in advance of the wedding's start if you're planning to actively use it during the reception. Practice makes perfect!