How many of you have backup bodies? Help me decide!

ve2vfd · 02-01-2009, 02:36 PM

Unless money is tight, I would keep the backup if I were you...

Personally got a k110d as my first dslr, and later got a k100d. I shoot with the k100d and have a k110d as backup, and I use it as second body when shooting pics at a fire scene. The k110d has my m50 1.7 almost permanently on it.

I now have a k20d on it's way and will probably keep the k100d as "second body" and may give the k110d to my sister.

Pat

CalendarGuy · 02-01-2009, 03:21 PM

I use my DS for flash with my AF-500FTZ since it has a TTL sensor. Not to start a TTL vs. P-TTL debate, but I get rock solid results with TTL.

I also dusted off my old studio heads and use those on my DS with a hot shoe-PC adapter. The studio flash voltage is 5VDC, but my preference is to continue to use the DS for the "just in case" factor. I can replace the DS for $250 or less if one of these old flashes surge.

Long and short of it is keep both bodies. Even if you never find yourself under the "professional" gun, both bodies have features that can be assigned to specific duties.

BTW - The DS's 6MP doesn't bother me one bit. I've printed 20x30" with a 5MP Olympus and was very happy with the results.

**dadipentak** · 02-01-2009, 03:33 PM

I'm a hobbyist. I started out with a K100D and kept it when I upgraded. It's my back up and knock-about.

**wtlwdwgn** · 02-01-2009, 07:11 PM

I carry both my K10D and K20D backup body.

**Lowell Goudge** · 02-01-2009, 07:46 PM

Originally posted by greenboy

I originally wanted to get into Pentax because I wanted to try some of the cheaper legacy lenses but I caught the Pentax bug and next thing I knew I found myself as an owner of a K10D and a couple of limited lenses. While I had this Pentax flu (and it isn't entirely over yet) I also purchased a brand new *ist DS. Now I feel conflicted if I should sell the *ist DS or just keep it as a backup body. Since the K10D is suppose to be vastly superior, does anyone see any point in keeping the *ist DS? For those that have more than one camera body, do you guys use both when they are vastly different on the technological front?

if you ever want to use manual apature lenses keep the DS, it meters better and can use TTL flahs for proper flash exposure on manual apature lenses, that's why I kept my *istD

HawaiianOnline · 02-01-2009, 07:51 PM

K20D - primary (wide angle, telephoto, and lower light shots)
K10D - secondary (wide angle with flash, and telephoto shots with the 70-200)
istD - tertiary (wide angle, specialist lenses like the lensbaby or the DA 10-17 FE)

EDIT: I should not that I do not carry all three bodies at once. Usually I'll leave the istD in the bag with the 10-17 or lensbaby on it. I'll rarely carry both the K20D with the 300mm f2.8 with 1.4 TC & the K10D with the 70-200 for surfing shots (which means that I'll find a nice spot to plop down on and not move much). The same for birding. I am fortunate that the trail at Hosmer Grove is not very long. If I need a lot of mobility, I'll carry only the K20D and leave the K10D back with the bag.

jon pafford · 02-01-2009, 08:11 PM

i have a k100d super two years ago, i won a k2000 on ebay for 330.00 dollars which included shipping.

heatherslightbox · 02-01-2009, 08:13 PM

The K20 is my main body and the one I go to, especially when I'm shooting in lower light situations. The K200 is my backup body, which stays in my purse most of the time, with the F35-70 attached for the unexpected "can't miss" moments--yes, the purse is fairly large.

I also like the fact that it runs on AA batteries. I also like it's grip better than I do the K20's. If Pentax could cram all the great features (including the extra buttons) of the K20 into a body that's the same size and shape as the K200, I'd definitely be interested in swapping the K20 for it.

When I'm using both at the same time, it's because I want quick access to 2 different lenses without having to change. Using both bodies can be cumbersome, though. Now that I've got a good hip pack (Lowepro Inverse 200), I'm hoping that this will make things easier--one body in the pack and the other on my shoulder or around my neck.

Heather

awo425 · 02-01-2009, 09:41 PM

2 bodies, one is always istD or istDS. Another was K10D, but I sold it and is looking to replace it with FF cam.

istD or DS are great cams , small light, take AAs .
If I am on a bike, motorcycle or kayaking I always take istD & 35mm lens with me. It makes a great cam to take on vacation. because of the size and the fact that I can get AA bats virtually anywhere. Bigger camera stays home, I just don't feel like carrying it around when hiking in the mountains or biking.

quattro · 02-01-2009, 10:12 PM

I recently purchased a K10d and decided to keep the Samsung GX-1S (*ist DS2) as a backup.
I'm now wondering if i'll ever use the DS2 again. The only thing I can think of is for the ISO 3200 (but no IS on the DS2), and the small size for travel.

audiobomber · 02-02-2009, 05:52 AM

I have a K100DS and K20D. I leave the 18-250 on the K100 all the time, so it's always ready to take a photo. The K20 has whichever lens I used last, which may or may not suit the scene.

I have a very lightweight Travor grip on the K100, so that it balances beautifully with the chunky 18-250 and Sigma flash. I never use the Sigma flash on the K20, I only use it in wireless mode, because the K20D/BG-2/Sigma flash combo is too heavy and uncomfortable (the front e-dial gets in the way of my index finger). At family events I like to use the K100 with 18-250 and flash mounted and the K20 with a fast prime.

I intend to get a super telephoto lens eventually for wildlife shooting, and I will carry the K100DS to avoid lens changes.

It's a lot of fun to have two bodies, and comforting to know I have a backup, just in case. Sometimes I loan the K100 to my wife so she has a something to do when she accompanies me on a photo jaunt. What I don't like is that she has better ideas on composition.

**Lowell Goudge** · 02-02-2009, 06:41 AM

In reading the responses, I see a few themes here,
- a "backup" camera, and many people have 2 identical units
- to avoid changing lenses
- a low cost knock about
- various other features

I will expand on the last point, I intended to stress it a little more in my initial post but didn't.

For me, the main reason to get a second body, or perhaps keep an older model, is that it offers something your present camera doesn't.

The points to consider here are
- TTL flash (*istD and DS)
- better metering with legacy lenses (any body other than K20 or K20)
- higher ISO (any 6 MP camera or the K20)
- IR performance (*istDS)
- use of AA batteries available almost anywhere (any body other than K20 or K20)

The same logic applies to film, I kept my KX ahen I got my PZ-1 because the KX only needed batteries to meter, and nothing else. You can always guess exposure or use a hand held batteryless meter. and still shoot.

greenboy · 02-02-2009, 02:54 PM

Originally posted by Lowell Goudge

The points to consider here are
- TTL flash (*istD and DS)
- better metering with legacy lenses (any body other than K20 or K20)
- higher ISO (any 6 MP camera or the K20)
- IR performance (*istDS)
- use of AA batteries available almost anywhere (any body other than K20 or K20)

After reading these posts, I feel like I should keep my *ist DS since I am planning on getting into legacy lenses (which was my original reason for getting into Pentax).

What does IR performance mean? How high can I go with the ISO and maintain decent quality? Thanks

**GaryM** · 02-02-2009, 04:44 PM

I was using a DS as a back-up for my K200D, but the autofocusing is so vastly superior on the newer body that the DS became a bit frustrating. Also, I really appreciate the anti-shake feature, and the K200D also has a much nicer shutter sound. On the other hand, the size of the DS is perfect, and it had a slightly nicer viewfinder. I reluctantly sold off the DS to a good friend, and now I'm trying to decide on a second body.

Confused · 02-02-2009, 05:17 PM

Hi greenboy

As others have reiterated before, if you seriously intend taking photographs on a professional basis (charging fees to a client), then imho a back-up body is an utterly essential requirement. However I'm not a pro myself and thus some might regard owning two identical bodies as something of a luxury. I personally waited until the price of the K10D body had come down sufficiently before purchasing a second one, as I simply find it a great deal easier to grab the body/lens combo that I require rather than continuously swapping lenses over all the time. Hope this helps somewhat.....

02-01-2009, 07:51 PM	#21
HawaiianOnline Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Hawaii Posts: 613	K20D - primary (wide angle, telephoto, and lower light shots) K10D - secondary (wide angle with flash, and telephoto shots with the 70-200) istD - tertiary (wide angle, specialist lenses like the lensbaby or the DA 10-17 FE) EDIT: I should not that I do not carry all three bodies at once. Usually I'll leave the istD in the bag with the 10-17 or lensbaby on it. I'll rarely carry both the K20D with the 300mm f2.8 with 1.4 TC & the K10D with the 70-200 for surfing shots (which means that I'll find a nice spot to plop down on and not move much). The same for birding. I am fortunate that the trail at Hosmer Grove is not very long. If I need a lot of mobility, I'll carry only the K20D and leave the K10D back with the bag. Last edited by HawaiianOnline; 02-01-2009 at 07:54 PM. Reason: Did not want to double post

02-02-2009, 06:41 AM	#27
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,891	why 2 bodies? In reading the responses, I see a few themes here, - a "backup" camera, and many people have 2 identical units - to avoid changing lenses - a low cost knock about - various other features I will expand on the last point, I intended to stress it a little more in my initial post but didn't. For me, the main reason to get a second body, or perhaps keep an older model, is that it offers something your present camera doesn't. The points to consider here are - TTL flash (istD and DS) - better metering with legacy lenses (any body other than K20 or K20) - higher ISO (any 6 MP camera or the K20) - IR performance (istDS) - use of AA batteries available almost anywhere (any body other than K20 or K20) The same logic applies to film, I kept my KX ahen I got my PZ-1 because the KX only needed batteries to meter, and nothing else. You can always guess exposure or use a hand held batteryless meter. and still shoot.

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02-01-2009, 02:36 PM	#16
ve2vfd Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Montreal, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,433	Unless money is tight, I would keep the backup if I were you... Personally got a k110d as my first dslr, and later got a k100d. I shoot with the k100d and have a k110d as backup, and I use it as second body when shooting pics at a fire scene. The k110d has my m50 1.7 almost permanently on it. I now have a k20d on it's way and will probably keep the k100d as "second body" and may give the k110d to my sister. Pat

02-01-2009, 03:21 PM	#17
CalendarGuy Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 46	I use my DS for flash with my AF-500FTZ since it has a TTL sensor. Not to start a TTL vs. P-TTL debate, but I get rock solid results with TTL. I also dusted off my old studio heads and use those on my DS with a hot shoe-PC adapter. The studio flash voltage is 5VDC, but my preference is to continue to use the DS for the "just in case" factor. I can replace the DS for $250 or less if one of these old flashes surge. Long and short of it is keep both bodies. Even if you never find yourself under the "professional" gun, both bodies have features that can be assigned to specific duties. BTW - The DS's 6MP doesn't bother me one bit. I've printed 20x30" with a 5MP Olympus and was very happy with the results.

02-01-2009, 03:33 PM	#18
dadipentak Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Baltimore, Maryland Photos: Gallery Posts: 11,590	I'm a hobbyist. I started out with a K100D and kept it when I upgraded. It's my back up and knock-about.

02-01-2009, 07:11 PM	#19
wtlwdwgn Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Billings, MT Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 13,851	I carry both my K10D and K20D backup body.

02-01-2009, 07:46 PM	#20
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,891	Originally posted by greenboy I originally wanted to get into Pentax because I wanted to try some of the cheaper legacy lenses but I caught the Pentax bug and next thing I knew I found myself as an owner of a K10D and a couple of limited lenses. While I had this Pentax flu (and it isn't entirely over yet) I also purchased a brand new ist DS. Now I feel conflicted if I should sell the ist DS or just keep it as a backup body. Since the K10D is suppose to be vastly superior, does anyone see any point in keeping the ist DS? For those that have more than one camera body, do you guys use both when they are vastly different on the technological front? if you ever want to use manual apature lenses keep the DS, it meters better and can use TTL flahs for proper flash exposure on manual apature lenses, that's why I kept my istD

02-01-2009, 08:11 PM	#22
jon pafford Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: houston texas Photos: Albums Posts: 80	i have a k100d super two years ago, i won a k2000 on ebay for 330.00 dollars which included shipping.

02-01-2009, 08:13 PM	#23
heatherslightbox Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Gainesville, FL Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,599	The K20 is my main body and the one I go to, especially when I'm shooting in lower light situations. The K200 is my backup body, which stays in my purse most of the time, with the F35-70 attached for the unexpected "can't miss" moments--yes, the purse is fairly large. I also like the fact that it runs on AA batteries. I also like it's grip better than I do the K20's. If Pentax could cram all the great features (including the extra buttons) of the K20 into a body that's the same size and shape as the K200, I'd definitely be interested in swapping the K20 for it. When I'm using both at the same time, it's because I want quick access to 2 different lenses without having to change. Using both bodies can be cumbersome, though. Now that I've got a good hip pack (Lowepro Inverse 200), I'm hoping that this will make things easier--one body in the pack and the other on my shoulder or around my neck. Heather

02-01-2009, 09:41 PM	#24
awo425 Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: NYC, USA Posts: 481	2 bodies, one is always istD or istDS. Another was K10D, but I sold it and is looking to replace it with FF cam. istD or DS are great cams , small light, take AAs . If I am on a bike, motorcycle or kayaking I always take istD & 35mm lens with me. It makes a great cam to take on vacation. because of the size and the fact that I can get AA bats virtually anywhere. Bigger camera stays home, I just don't feel like carrying it around when hiking in the mountains or biking.

02-01-2009, 10:12 PM	#25
quattro Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Edinburgh Posts: 45	I recently purchased a K10d and decided to keep the Samsung GX-1S (*ist DS2) as a backup. I'm now wondering if i'll ever use the DS2 again. The only thing I can think of is for the ISO 3200 (but no IS on the DS2), and the small size for travel.

02-02-2009, 05:52 AM	#26
audiobomber Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Sudbury, Ontario Photos: Albums Posts: 6,806	I have a K100DS and K20D. I leave the 18-250 on the K100 all the time, so it's always ready to take a photo. The K20 has whichever lens I used last, which may or may not suit the scene. I have a very lightweight Travor grip on the K100, so that it balances beautifully with the chunky 18-250 and Sigma flash. I never use the Sigma flash on the K20, I only use it in wireless mode, because the K20D/BG-2/Sigma flash combo is too heavy and uncomfortable (the front e-dial gets in the way of my index finger). At family events I like to use the K100 with 18-250 and flash mounted and the K20 with a fast prime. I intend to get a super telephoto lens eventually for wildlife shooting, and I will carry the K100DS to avoid lens changes. It's a lot of fun to have two bodies, and comforting to know I have a backup, just in case. Sometimes I loan the K100 to my wife so she has a something to do when she accompanies me on a photo jaunt. What I don't like is that she has better ideas on composition.

02-02-2009, 02:54 PM	#28
greenboy Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: New York Posts: 60 Original Poster	Originally posted by Lowell Goudge The points to consider here are - TTL flash (istD and DS) - better metering with legacy lenses (any body other than K20 or K20) - higher ISO (any 6 MP camera or the K20) - IR performance (istDS) - use of AA batteries available almost anywhere (any body other than K20 or K20) After reading these posts, I feel like I should keep my *ist DS since I am planning on getting into legacy lenses (which was my original reason for getting into Pentax). What does IR performance mean? How high can I go with the ISO and maintain decent quality? Thanks

02-02-2009, 04:44 PM	#29
GaryM Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Montclair, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 426	I was using a DS as a back-up for my K200D, but the autofocusing is so vastly superior on the newer body that the DS became a bit frustrating. Also, I really appreciate the anti-shake feature, and the K200D also has a much nicer shutter sound. On the other hand, the size of the DS is perfect, and it had a slightly nicer viewfinder. I reluctantly sold off the DS to a good friend, and now I'm trying to decide on a second body.

02-02-2009, 05:17 PM	#30
Confused Inactive Account Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: London Posts: 1,067	Hi greenboy As others have reiterated before, if you seriously intend taking photographs on a professional basis (charging fees to a client), then imho a back-up body is an utterly essential requirement. However I'm not a pro myself and thus some might regard owning two identical bodies as something of a luxury. I personally waited until the price of the K10D body had come down sufficiently before purchasing a second one, as I simply find it a great deal easier to grab the body/lens combo that I require rather than continuously swapping lenses over all the time. Hope this helps somewhat.....