Which backup Canon?

bobiscuit

bobiscuit

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My main camera is a 50D. It does everything I want. Now I need a backup.

Budget: The cheaper the better. This will only be used if the 50D breaks so it's pointless spending too much on it, but it should still be capable.

The main competitors seem to be used 30D/40D/450D or new 1100D.

30D: Uses same batteries and memory cards as 50D. But a bit long in the tooth now. Could I cope with half the resolution that I'm used to and no live-view for tripod shots?

40D: Still the same batteries and cards, and not too old. I could happily shoot all day with a 40D. But maybe a bit big and heavy to carry as a backup?

450D: Seems almost ideal. Small/light/12MP. But I already have a pile of decent CF cards... Will I have to spend a fortune on a collection of SD cards?

1100D: IQ of this camera seems great. And I wouldn't mind video functionality (for mucking about/non-work stuff). I can actually see me choosing this camera over the 50D for day-trips where I want to pack light. But it's £100 more than a used 450D and I'd still have to invest in SD cards. Is it worth it?

Thoughts please :)
 
Just grab a used 30D or a cheap 20D. If it's really only for emergencies then whizzy bang features probably aren't the order of the day. Getting the shot is. If you want another body to record video occasionally then grab a 500d/1100D but remember you'll have two sets of cards, batteries and chargers...
 
If I decided that I could live with the features and handling of the xxx/xxxxD that's what I'd go for as they're light and cheap and those are good things for an occasional use camera, and I'd buy new. I wouldn't let SD put me off as they're dirt cheap. Go to Amazon and buy one for £8 and stop worrying :)
 
I'd go with an XXD body as backup, because they all work in more or less the same way, and I see a backup as something you grab and carry on shooting with when the first camera fails.

I'd probably choose a more modern XXXD body if I just wanted a spare camera. Not necessarily the same thing.
 
I have the 450d as my back up it was my first DSLR and I love it still totally reliable I learnt alot on that camera
Good luck with your choice
 
Choosing a second body with a different button layout means you have to learn the second camera till it became 2nd nature. You don't want an emergency and then try to think how the Hell do I operate this thing. A 30/40D would be my suggestion.
 
I'd go with the 40D. I use the 40D to back up my 1DIV.

You will find it useful to have a backup with the same button layout and crucially (for me anyway) the same menu system.

Neil
 
+1 on the 40D, and different button issues are a real pain. Also the lack of multi control for focusing for me is reason enough not to have anything less than a xxD series but that's just personal choice.
 
Another vote for an X0D series body as a backup.
 
If you can get a 550D go for it as the sensor is fantastic, same as on the 7D. High ISO capabilities are great and the 18mp give plenty of cropping leeway.
 
30D also has a larger buffer, RGB histogram, 1/3 stop ISO increments, spot metering, low burst mode of 3fps (in addition to the full burst mode of 5fps) and a little faster start-up time.

In addition to the above the Burst speed with DC motor (non-USM/HSM) lenses in AI Servo AF mode is 5fps on the 30D and 3.5fps on the 20D
 
Another vote for a X0D camera here, they'll be ergonomically similar to your 50D so they'd probably be easier to get used to. On the other hand, SD cards for the 450D are very cheap anyway these days, so don't let that put you off.
 
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