Hello, I am looking at a second camera to go with my RP. I have several prime EF lens, plus 2 L zoom lenses. There are several used cameras available here in Louisville, offered by reputable sellers. I am thinking something in the 5 or 6 series would do. I can get either a 5D mk ii or 6D mk i for around $500. 6D mkii is available, but they want $800 for it. Any recommendations, or is there another option in the $500 range that may be more cost effective? I want a FF sensor.
I can also get at 5D original for about $300. Thanks for your help/recommendations!
BTW, I am tempted to just wait until I can swing it, and buy a new 5Ds for $1300.
I've always enjoyed pairing bodies for my wedding work. Sometimes, I have used the same or similar bodies in the interest of "back up", and sometimes two rather different ones for two contrasting uses. Both approaches have something to offer. I'm going to offer a brief history of my pairs in order to illustrate how some have worked better than others and what type of pitfalls or advantages you might encounter.
In the earliest days of DSLRs, beyond the again Kodak systems, we had two choices: Nikon D1 and Canon D30. I used them side by size for a season. Horrible. Different color. Different controls. The neither complimented nor contrasted effectively. I'll NEVER mix two brands again.
Not too long after, Canon released the D60 and I decided that Canon would be my future direction. I paired a D30 and D60; the latter for portraits where the higher resolution was most needed while the former did everything else. In those days, the larger files really taxed our computers and even a "mere" 6MP raw file could mean a long wait time. Either body, however, could have taken over for the entire wedding in the event of a failure of the other, an important consideration.
Later, I used a pair of identical 20D bodies. I liked this setup.
Next was a 1D Mark II and 1Ds Mark II. Again, resolution for portraits and 8MP for everything else. In every respect except speed and resolution, they were IDENTICAL, making for easy set up and use.
Then a 6D for portraits (and really low light) paired with a 1D Mark IV. This was the most different pair I ever used. By this time, I was accustomed to having instant backup files, and I missed that on the 6D. I tried several backup routines, but none was as convincing as dual drives. And so the 6D was replaced with a 5D Mark III. Again, two very different bodies, but not a problem with my experience level by then. The biggest pain was having two different BATTERY systems.
As much as I loved the 1DIV, it was not compatible with Canon's new radio-based wireless RT system. So just use the 5DIII for flash work, right? No. Remember, a second body should be able to do an entire job in the event of failure of the other body. The 1DIV became my "personal" body (until now, the 1DsII had retired to personal use) and I picked up the then-new 7D Mark II. The similarities in form and function between it and the 5DIII were remarkable. In fact, aside from Canon's new DPAF for LiveView focus, I readily considered the 7DII to be simply an APS-C mirror of the 5DIII. I LOVED this combo. (Plus, it was GREAT having the same battery system again!) Some time later, the 5DIII was stolen and I quickly replaced it with the brand new 5D Mark IV. For weddings, this was a FANTASTIC combo, the primary difference being just the touchscreen. Both bodies were robust, offered dual slots, had amazing AF systems, full-compatibility with accessories, and virtually the same form and function. It was my favorite combo since the two 1Ds/1D II bodies.
If you notice, I actually like using two different form factors: full-frame and APS-C. Why not two full-frame bodies? First and foremost, I like was APS-C offers for telephoto work. A good body like the 80D or 7DII plus a 55-250 STM can easily substitute for what I do of a second 5DIV/100-400 L, and do it with half the size, weight and cost. Either a 5DIV or a 7DII could be used to capture an entire wedding, if needed, while they each bring something unique to the table, as well.
So that's about it. Your second body should certainly COMPLIMENT your first somehow. Two brands are a no-no. The same battery system is a major convenience, just as lens compatibility. Do you like similarity or contrast? What are your needs?
Good luck
