I am a Canon user and I am gathering suggestions for a backup camera for weddings and other events, particularly semi-pro models. I'm looking at Powershot G7 or something like Pro-1.

Any suggestions?
Thanks so much.

Get the same brand and model of what you are using at present.

what is your primary camera model? get one that you can use both accesories or might as well get the same.

thanks for the suggestions... im using a 20D.

Since you're already using a 20D, I would actually suggest trying to find a Powershot G6 rather than the G7 because the former uses CF cards and the latter uses SD. That way, you can just stick with one format of storage rather than two (unless of course you already have SD cards readily available) The G6 lens also has a faster aperture which may come in handy for weddings.

Jun and Marcos have good points with sticking with the same brand. You can use the Canon Speedlites with the G-series, for example. Other option maybe is to get a secondhand 300/350D.

Get a 300D at least so it won't only serve you as a back-up but you can also use it as your 2nd camera. You'll have 2 bodies with 2 different lens. Makes your life easier when shooting weddings and events =)

Basta don't get the G7. It lacks features that made its predecessors popular. I say get one of the Rebels.

A canon 350D or a 400D would really work well as a backup camera if your working with a budget. But if you have some spare cash get the 30D and make your 20D as a backup camera. :)

Being able to use your speedlite and other lenses on another body would really be the best option in maximizing your gears during an event :)

350D or 400D would be a good choice. Or if you want to switch, get a 1D series and make the 20D your backup-perfect combo.

Get the same camera you have now for compatibility with gears you already have and no learning curve.

thanks for all the suggestions...
i will weigh all these, esp. G6 vs. Rebels (thanks for the comment on G7). but as of now, for sure, i still cannot afford to have my 20D as the backup and buy say a new 30D or MKII, hehe! :)

thanks guys...

I have two 30D bodies... :D just to be sure!

@jondexter, having exactly 2 30D's sounds convenient/ practical.

im also considering getting a second body. my first is a 30D. ideally i would want a 5D as my first body but thats suicidal (i think i heard tho its 90K now -grey).. so i may settle with a 30D or 400d (both used)...thats if i dont slide to the dark side...then more lenses, more speedlights... it gets pretty crazy i know.. or is it just me.

sherwin,

i'd like to suggest getting a Fuji Finepix S5 Pro, its about to hit the shelf by february of next year...below is an excerpt from popphoto.com review.

Confirming Fujifilm's commitment to professional photographers, the FinePix S5 Pro carries a number of features that appeal to wedding, portrait and studio photographers. One is an expanded dynamic range from the double pixel technology (6.17 million S-pixels and 6.17 million R-pixels) of the camera's Super CCD SR Pro sensor that is approximately 400% wider than that of a CCD working on a single-pixel design. In addition, the FinePix S5 Pro goes a step further by coupling the new Super CCD SR Pro sensor with Fujifilm's new RP Processor Pro for smoother tonality from brightest light to the darkest shadows. An ISO equivalent sensitivity of 3200 is also available on the FinePix S5 Pro, thanks to the RP Processor Pro technology.

and then there is more...

sherwin,

i'd like to suggest getting a Fuji Finepix S5 Pro, its about to hit the shelf by february of next year...below is an excerpt from popphoto.com review.

Confirming Fujifilm's commitment to professional photographers, the FinePix S5 Pro carries a number of features that appeal to wedding, portrait and studio photographers. One is an expanded dynamic range from the double pixel technology (6.17 million S-pixels and 6.17 million R-pixels) of the camera's Super CCD SR Pro sensor that is approximately 400% wider than that of a CCD working on a single-pixel design. In addition, the FinePix S5 Pro goes a step further by coupling the new Super CCD SR Pro sensor with Fujifilm's new RP Processor Pro for smoother tonality from brightest light to the darkest shadows. An ISO equivalent sensitivity of 3200 is also available on the FinePix S5 Pro, thanks to the RP Processor Pro technology.

and then there is more...

Wow! Thanks Arnel.
S5 would be an SLR and Nikon mount, right?
It sounds good, yeah, with some new technologies :)

but im a canon user...

Wow! Thanks Arnel.
S5 would be an SLR and Nikon mount, right?
It sounds good, yeah, with some new technologies :)

but im a canon user...


yes its a dslr w/ nikon mount.
no problem...just a suggestion:)