Having multiple cameras as a photographer is always a good idea as it gives you security and flexibility. The good news is that you can easily add an extra camera to your arsenal for under $100.
Only a stupid photographer would go out with only one camera in their camera bag. If the worst happens and your camera dies while filming a commercial, you’re in big trouble. That’s why always have at least one support person with you. In an ideal world, it would be great if that second camera were the same as your main body, but unfortunately, many people’s budgets won’t stretch that far. The good news is that there are a lot of great cameras that are inexpensive and will also produce really good photos for you.
Enter the stage on the left, Adam Harig of the FoxTailWhipz who created an insightful video showcasing five cameras that can be purchased for under $100 and could easily become your next backup camera. Things like Canon, Nikon, Panasonic, and Lumix are all featured in this video with both Canon RebelXT and NikonD80 are notable bodies you may already be familiar with. There is a small downside with all of these cameras, which is that they are used and have been around for a few years now. For example, the Nikon D80 was first released in 2006. Try not to let that detail put you off as many of these bodies are built very well and are still capable of producing great images. great.
Videos go into detail explaining all the features of each camera, and Harig provides a good selection of example images to help illustrate the kind of images you might want to create with them. The fact that all the cameras introduced have interchangeable lenses is good news for those who already own several lenses. Just make sure to check everything you have is compatible or synaptic ring exists before you make any purchases.
The video ends with Harig ranking the cameras in his order of preference, which I think he does very fairly. I won’t spoil the end of the video but I will give you a hint and say that one of the Nikons took the crown. For the amount you can pick up these cameras, it shouldn’t cost much to buy a few and spin them around.
What do you think of these old cameras? Are any of you still shooting with them? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below.
