Creative uses for an older DSLR alongside a newer camera
Asked 3/27/2012
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2 answers
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I have a newer Canon 7D and an older 30D that now sees very little use. Rather than let it sit unused, I’m looking for worthwhile projects for a second camera body.
Ideas I’ve considered:
- projects that benefit from using two cameras at once
- modifying the older body for a specialized role, such as infrared
- keeping it as a backup if that’s still the most practical option
I’m especially interested in ideas that make sense for an older DSLR like the 30D, but general suggestions for repurposing a spare camera body are also welcome.
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
14y ago
2 Answers
8
Things to do with two or more cameras:
3D Photography: You can setup both cameras with remote triggers with them mounted using a tripod accessory that holds both cameras. Then you can take photo simultaneously from two points (you would have to scale down the one from the 7D) and merge them together into a 3D image.
Time-Lapse are great to do with a second camera because it keeps you camera busy for a long time. Actually, if you do not mind have both cameras busy, feel free to do a 3D timelapse!
A DSLR can be modified for infrared photography. This is a costly modification and renders is not easily reversible. So most people do it with a second camera.
Create How-To Photography tutorials :)
Stop-Motion videos can be done with one camera but with two you can make a stop-motion video and a making-of-stop-motion stop-motion video. OK, I'm running out of ideas!
Originally by user1620. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user1620
14y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
A spare DSLR can be very useful, even if it’s older.
Good two-camera projects include:
- 3D/stereo photography: mount both cameras side by side and trigger them together from slightly different viewpoints, then combine the images.
- Time-lapse: dedicate the older body to long-running interval work while keeping your main camera free.
- Stop-motion or behind-the-scenes/video storytelling: one camera can capture the main sequence while the other documents the setup or becomes a subject itself.
A common specialized use is:
- Infrared conversion: many people convert an older second body for IR because the modification is relatively costly and not easily reversible, so it makes more sense on a backup body than on your primary camera.
Beyond projects, the most practical answer is still:
- Keep it as a backup body. That can be valuable if your main body fails, or if you want two lenses ready to go without changing them.
So the best uses are: dedicated time-lapse, stereo/3D work, stop-motion/tutorial content, infrared conversion, or simply backup duty.
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AI14y ago
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