For those with multiple cameras...

[MarkBarbieri]

Why do you have more than one? Assuming that you still use more than one, which ones do you use when?

We have 5 "active" cameras in our family. Our Canon 5DM2 (DSLR) is our primary camera and it gets used most of the time. We have a Canon 7D (DSLR) that gets taken out when we want to use two DSLRs. I also have an old 1DM2 (big DSLR). It gets taken out when I don't want to risk one of the other DSLRs.

We also have two p&s cameras - a Canon G9 and a Canon D10. The D10 gets used when we need a truly waterproof camera - waterparks, the pool, etc. My youngest son (8) also uses it when he wants to bring his own camera along. The G9 hasn't really seen much use since the D10 arrived. I should probably sell it, but I never really bother to sell stuff.

Over the last 6 months, I'd estimate that the shot breakdown is 80% 5DM2, 10% D10, 8% 7D, 2% 1DM2.

 

[zackiedawg]

I basically only have two active cameras...but I have in total 4 digitals and 2 film cameras. The only reason I really have the 4 digital cameras is because used P&S cameras aren't worth anything, and I can't bring myself to sticking them in the trash, so I hold onto them. The film cameras don't get much work lately, but one is a classic that I've owned for 33 years, and the other was the last one I picked up before digital.

For me, I use my DSLR about 85% of the time. I have always been a 2-camera person, keeping an ultracompact as a carry-along camera for those times I otherwise wouldn't have a camera - it goes with me to work, commutes in my car, goes to the grocery store...and on occasion, supplants the DSLR for a lazy day (or the first day I go to Disney, when I check in the room and run out for dinner, without time to unpack and charge up the DSLR). But though it's with me all the time, it only does about 15% of the shooting.

I don't want or need a 'compact' camera - they're too big and bulky. I love ultracompacts - I want them as small and light as is physically possible. That's what makes it worth it for me to compromise on manual controls and image quality - it makes up for it in sheer convenience and stealth.

 

[gokenin]

2 DSLR 4 film SLRs 1 P&S 1 film P&S
about 50/50 split between the DSLRs don't really use one more than the other really
film SLRs
1)screwmount camera us it with my Takumar lens
2) my ME us it with my M and A series lens
3) my MZ-7 can pretty much use any of my lens
4) my PZ-1P rarely gets used may sell it one of these days

my digital P&S is my backup carry around camera

film P&S rarely used

 

[Chikabowa]

I actually had to sit and think about how many cameras we have...
We have 3 film cameras (a Pentax that I've actually never pulled out, a Nikon N90 and F100) and 3 digital SLR cameras (Nikon D100, D80, D3). We'll be adding to the family later on this year with the addition of a D3s.

In all honesty, over the last couple of weeks, my F100 has been getting quite the workout. I've been having some fun with film these days.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

It's an interesting question and one I've been thinking about as well.

I've always carried my Canon S3 IS in my purse but recently picked up an Iphone and it does a good job for quick pics and video so I'm not sure I really need to be carting the S3 around anymore. (Maybe I can finally get a real pocketbook now rather than a camera bag/pocketbook!) I find I use these more for quick shots than creative shots anyway, so it makes sense.

My main camera is my Olympus E30 and my DS has my original DSLR, an Olympus E510. When I'm shooting for fun, I use the E30. What I'd really like to do is sell the 510 and some lenses and pick up an Oly PEN micro 4/3 camera (w/adaptor so I can use all of my 4/3 lenses with it) for all of us to use and for times I just want something small, and my DS can use my E30 if he wants to. That makes most sense.

Thanks for helping me think it through.

PS I also have a second S3, slightly broken but still functional, and an S2, currently on loan to someone whose camera broke. I finally sold an old HP pns and printer at a yard sale last year, and my other HP, my first digital camera which I loved, broke, but I still have it. If I could find another one I'd buy it as DD loves that camera and so do I, even just for nostalgia's sake. It's a 3.1MP with black rubber on the outside if anyone ever sees one!

I also still have several 35mm film cameras laying around. Last night my FIL called me excitedly about some free ad he'd seen for someone giving away on old film SLR, lenses and other equipment. He'd gotten me a different one before, too, from a yard sale. I thanked him for thinking of me but I couldn't see getting any more of this stuff that I doubt I'll ever use. I felt badly, though, he seemed a little disappointed, lol.

 

[Mosca]

I have more than one because I can't bear to sell or throw away anything.

The useful digitals are Canon 7D, 40D, and G9; Nikon P5000; and Olympus E-P1. I also have 3 film cameras: a Canon AE-1P, a Canon F1-N, and a Canon EOS 1N.

I have 3 digitals that are obsolete, I don't remember what they are.

 

[photo_chick]

I have too many to list.

My 50D is my primary camera. The Rebel XT is always in my bag and gets pulled out often for either me to have 2 lenses at the ready, or for son or husband to get more shots. My daughter uses her Fuji S1000, and I keep grabbing it from her to get video... she says I need to get my own.

I still get various film cameras out when I want to play.. my darkroom is still up and I get in there every once in a while.. a few weeks ago I came across some black and white 110 film so I got out my 110 SLR to play.

 

[boBQuincy]

Why do you have more than one?

Because cameras are to buy, not to sell!

The main cameras are Canon Rebel Xsi (me and DW), backup and low-light dSLR is a Canon 30D. The Canon 10D is scheduled to be converted to infrared sometime while the Canon D30 is just too classic to part with (those large pixels just look nice).

For P&S we have a G11 for biking and a SD1100 for compact/pure snapshot use.

 

[AlbertZeroK]

I have a 50d and a T2i, both with grips, but recently I've been borrowing an ungripped T2i from the office, even got a digital hoslter for it. I often shoot with two cameras just because I like the balance of my dual black rapid straps, vs using just one.

I also have an Olympus 1030Sw which is getting repaird, it's a nice water proof camera! And I have a Nikon S220 (crappy camera, my DD normally uses it.) I also have a pair of CANON sd430 which are wifi controlled cameras although I don't use them at all. And I have a sony cam corder which I'll likely sell as the T2i can do awsome video!

When I'm shooting though, I like having multiple lenses available. typically it's my 70-200 and my 17-55, but I'm also using my 50mm f/1.4 more and more. I have also been known to put on my think tank belt and shoot with two cameras on black rapid straps and one camera in a holster. Fun, fun, fun!!!

 

[YesDear]

When you have a son that likes photography as well it is hard to keep digital slrs. I still have my F2 and FE film cameras. I probably have not shot film in 5yrs but I am not getting rid of them for anything.

I primarily use my D300. Son has my D200. Sold my D70. Still have a Nikon 995 which was my first digital. I keep that at the office if we need a camera. I also have a Fuji 50 that I carry with me for quick stuff.

When I get my next one I will hold onto the D300. Back in my film days it was common for me to carry two cameras.

 

[Bell30012]

My primary camera is now a Sony a350. I bought it a couple of years ago and have discovered the wonderful world of DSLR. I have several P&S that I take in the event I just need a quick snap. I also have found that my iPhone camera will do in a pinch.

 

[Mosca]

I use the 7D for serious photography and sports and motorsports. The 40D is a backup. The Nikon P5000 is for food in restaurants because it's small (but it is being phased out for that). The G9 was my walkaround camera but it has been supplanted by the E-P1, because of better image quality and high ISO performance.

 

[Mom2JPL]

I'm laughing as I'm reading this because it's nice to fit in somewhere! My dh was asking me just the other day why I feel the need to, as he puts it "always be buying cameras!". I don't, but I guess to him, who never even uses a camera, it seems that way. I only have 3 film cameras (bridge), an old yashika slr and 2 digitals, but I've been researching for over a month on which dslr to buy. My last digital purchase was over 2.5 years ago for a casio point and shoot which I was great for disney but I am jonesing for a dslr. Thanks for the chuckle everyone!

 

[polkadotminnie]

I'm laughing as I'm reading this because it's nice to fit in somewhere! My dh was asking me just the other day why I feel the need to, as he puts it "always be buying cameras!". I don't, but I guess to him, who never even uses a camera, it seems that way. I only have 3 film cameras (bridge), an old yashika slr and 2 digitals, but I've been researching for over a month on which dslr to buy. My last digital purchase was over 2.5 years ago for a casio point and shoot which I was great for disney but I am jonesing for a dslr. Thanks for the chuckle everyone!

My DH says that I collect cameras like other women collect shoes. I guess it is kinda true...

 

[funkychunkymonkey]

I guess i keep my film cameras on hand to loan the kids. I only have like 5 of them, one of which is a polorid land camera that was grandmpas.

 

[Mom2JPL]

My DH says that I collect cameras like other women collect shoes. I guess it is kinda true...

Right with you on that one!!

 

[Mosca]

I guess i keep my film cameras on hand to loan the kids. I only have like 5 of them, one of which is a polaroid land camera that was grandpas.

Keep them around; any kid that takes a photography class in college will probably need a film camera.

 

[LPZ_Stitch!]

I've got 3 cameras, now (not counting my wife's older Fuji Finepix); a Canon Powershot S3, an Olympus Stylus Tough 6000 and a brand new Canon T2i with 18-55 and 75-300 lenses.

The S3 (which is still a fantastic camera) was my main camera for several years. I've taken over 12,000 photos with it and it's taught me a LOT about photography. It was, IMO, the best-of-the-breed of superzooms when it came out and it can hold its own against just about any of them, still.

I bought the Stylus because it really is tough, and can take pictures underwater. I wanted a camera I could take fishing and not be worried about dropping into the stream but still take a decent picture of any trout I might catch. It will also be useful for beach pics, water rides at Disney and snorkeling. It doesn't take *great* pictures (10MP on a tiny sensor), but it's tough, flexible, reliable and a solid memory-capturer.

I bought my T2i because it was the first of the Rebel series (read:affordable DSLR) that had all of the features I wanted in a DSLR. So far, it's been an unbelievably fantastic camera ... just with the kit lens and 75-300! The expanded ISO is so far-and-above better than my S3 it's amazing!! I can't wait to get a "nifty-fifty", too, and can really open up its low light capabilities!!

 

[IndyShutterbug]

Why do you have more than one?

Because cameras are to buy, not to sell!

So true!!

Main Body - 5dmkii, I love the full frame and use this at weddings and portraits
Backup - 7D, using this for sports and wildlife(1.6 crop is great for extra reach)
3rd - 50D, old sports and wildlife body
PS - Canon S90, shoots RAW, full manual control and goes to f/2 - WINNER

All thrown in here:

 

[DawnM]

We have 4 working digital cameras.

Canon 40D
Canon SD870IS (this one stays in my purse at all times)
Sony DSC-S85 4.1 mp
Sony DSC-H5 7.2 mp

The two canons get used the most, but when we go on vacation, my older 2 boys take the Sony cameras and use them.

We also have a couple of inexpensive video cameras, the most recent being a Kodak Playsport.

Dawn