burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

I once used two identical Nikon FTn bodies. Later, I had two F3s. It was great not to have to remember how my second camera worked!

jwjensen356

My mostly-used camera is a Leica Vlux. My backup is the Lumix camera from which the Leica is derived. Nothing to learn and the results are the same.

drklrd Loc: Cincinnati Ohio

I use 2 Nikon D7200's with a different on each one. Beats changing lenses during a game. I shoot as a pro and carry all in a vest or attached to the vest. I like you grabbed my D5200 I was using as backup and had to take too much time remembering all of it's controls. So I bought a second D7200 body and put it in a vest pocket until while shooting baseball in a windy dusty day I decided to shoot two cameras using a different lens on each and since have continued to work that way. sure saved me from having a dusty as hell sensor this year. last year it cost me a lot to have both cleaned.

CJ2

Have 2 xt-2 Fujis - never go anywhere without them - use them both, but if one has a problem I have the other. Have always had a pair to take with me on trips, assignments, etc. And that includes Nikons, Canons, and now Fujis.

MrBob Loc: lookout Mtn. NE Alabama

Not really a backup per se but I am really anal about lens changing; I loved my 60D so much I bought a second body...... A T3i and 2 60D's give me a three Canon setup. Tokina 11-16 on T3i, vintage 28-70 L on 60D and 100 mm macro on 2nd. 60D. I knew there was a valid reason for going to M43... 3 DSLR's and lenses will weigh you down.... multiple backups are just my natural attire; can you say " Humpback of Lookout Mountain ".

Lagoonguy Loc: New Smyrna Beach, FL

It is nice to have two identical cameras with a different lens mounted on each. It saves time, confusion, sensor dust and if one ever gets damaged, has a mechanical or electrical failure or is stolen while traveling you are covered. I generally choose which combo I need for the day and leave the other combo in the room or cabin safe so as not to lug it around and worry about it. It is heavier for transport but worth it to me in the end. We did have one fail us on a trip years ago. Good luck.

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

We develop muscle memory with long term use, so yes, having an identical body as spare makes sense.

Bob Boner

I usually have 2 cameras with me, a 5DSR and a 7D II. I use the SR when I think I might a want good sized enlargement, and the 7D when I might want to shoot several frames of the same shot, usually wildlife that is moving fairly quickly. Seems to work for me.

whwiden

I use a D750 and a d7200 for travel. It can be seen as a backup, but I use them for somewhat different things--mostly for longer reach with a dx. That is to say, I have backup in a pinch but I really use them both about equally during a trip.

Alan1729 Loc: England UK, now New York State.

I used to have two Canon FD EF's and an Olympus pocket camera for a long while, Then came digital and I now have two Olympus OMD EM1 mk2's and an Olympus TG5 which goes everywhere. I have a camera on my cell phone should all else fail but it gets little use because of the time it takes to enter the password. I believe in Two of the same, it's like using one camera no extra thought required just muscle memory. I have the equipment but little time to use it so the TG5 gets more use I guess I could have saved thousands and just kept with the wonderful TG5. So now I should say that my backup camera is two OMD EM1 mk2's . Life is never simple.

kskarma Loc: Topeka, KS

Put me in the two identical body column. For me, it keeps things a lot simpler (the KISS system!) to have the same controls and menus on both cameras (D750s FYI) My 'normal' arrangement is to have a 17-35mm f2.8 Sigma on one body and a Nikon 28-300mm on the other. This means I almost never need to change lenses and expose the sensors to dust, etc. I DO have different colored Domke straps on the two bodies, this helps when I am removing either of them from my bag...no confusion or lost seconds when it counts.

Howard5252 Loc: New York / Florida (now)

You're question really got me to thinking. I have 4 Nikon bodies because I like to upgrade. I keep all of the batteries charged - and the spares. The other day I
I was holding a battery and didn't know what body it went into. I actually called Cameta Camera to ask what bodies I own. I completely forgot that I owned a Df. I don't use it very often and I just plain forgot. I do remember having a D7100 & 7200 ... had them set the same way and life was good. Since they both used the same battery, I only needed one spare. I think my next body will be another D850 and I will sell off the others. I sold the 7100 but maybe I should have kept it and stopped there. My advice is to get another similar body, you'll be glad you did.

RichardTaylor Loc: Sydney, Australia

Nowdays I shoot with a pair of Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II bodies.

Flyerace Loc: Mt Pleasant, WI

I have 3 cameras, all in the same family D5100,5200 and 5300. All are very close in features. I keep one type of lens on each one. Never need to change lenses out in public (or the wind, rain, snow) These bodies are lighter than my other camera but have large sensors that deliver great photos. I just need one more lens and I am done purchasing lenses, and or camera bodies. Good luck. The 7000 series bodies are wonderful.

Stasiu

My primary and backup cameras are chosen based on what I expect to use them for on any particular occasion. My primary is one of several Sony DSLRs, but my backup is always a much smaller camera with a fast lens that I can put in a pocket if I have to. My go-to backups are the Canon S90 and the Canon G5X. That is because even though I can use them outdoors, I primarily use them for indoor/low light shooting or where I need to use an unobtrusive, quiet camera. The S90 I use almost exclusively indoors or in low light situations. The G5X I use indoors, but because it has an optical viewfinder as well as a viewing screen, it is very useful outdoors also.

My wife is in a wheelchair, so when I am on an outing with her, I leave the DSLRs at home and use a Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ-200 super zoom and one of the above mentioned backups. That allows me great versatility without having to carry a lot of equipment, which is very useful when pushing a wheelchair.

Although not used as a back up camera per se, on occasions when my great granddaughter is going on an outing with me, I also carry a Nikon Coolpix S210 for her to use. That way I have an answer for the "Opa, can I take a picture too?" moments.