Since I was young, I’ve always had the dream of having two cameras. Just the thought of having two lenses always at my disposal seemed like a huge advantage.
Now that I can afford two cameras, the convenience of having multiple focal lengths and extra storage is useful, but that also comes with extra weight and an organizational nightmare.
Currently, I shoot with both the Sony a6700 and ZV-E1 and while the pros outweigh the cons, there is still something to be said about having a one camera setup.
Pros
Video View Angles
One of the primary advantages is the ability to capture various perspectives simultaneously. When filming, having two cameras enables a range of views without repositioning or altering settings, enhancing the storytelling potential. This is especially beneficial for interviews when you want to make the video more dynamic.
Convenience
The convenience of utilizing two cameras can’t be overstated. It’s convenient to have a camera for different frame rates, focal lengths, and camera settings. You also get the benefit which means you’ll get less dust and other elements on your sensor when you’re changing out your lenses less.
Diverse Lens Options
Pairing two different lenses (such as a versatile 24-70mm and a 70-200mm or a combination of a 35mm prime and zoom) offers the best flexibility. It caters to varied shooting needs without compromising on quality or creativity.
YouTube and Thumbnails
I make videos about photography gear, and I find it helpful to have a camera to make a video about another camera, so for my job it’s essential to have two cameras.
Dual Functionality
Combining a dedicated photo camera and a video camera means that I don’t have to rely on the limitations of one camera over an another. I use my a6700 for landscapes and portraits while mySony ZVE-1 allows me to get more dynamic range for those low light moments.
For me it’s just makes sense to have two different cameras for different needs. When I need images of the night sky or low noise I reach for the ZV-E1. When I’m shooting landscapes, wildlife, or portraits I generally need a more telephoto focal length to reduce distraction.
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And for when I need extra wide and dynamic range I reach for the ZV-E1 and shoot panoramas which also increases the megapixels.
Size Adaptability
Whether for travel or professional use, two cameras offer adaptability. From compact setups suitable for travel to larger, more comprehensive systems for professional shoots.
It makes sense to use a compact camera like the Sony A7Cii for travel and the Sony A7RV for professional shoots. Larger cameras just work better with larger lenses, and if I’m traveling I tend to want the smallest setup I can find. That happens to be both the ZV-E1 or a6700 in my case. When I can only take one, I just have to decide if I’m focusing on taking more photos or videos.
Backup Assurance
The redundancy provided by a second camera serves as a built-in backup, offering peace of mind in case of technical failures or unexpected mishaps during shoots.
This is a pro and a con. It’s beneficial because if a memory card fails, you’ll have a backup camera. But it’s also a nightmare remembering what memory card was used and in what camera. That’s why every camera really ought to have internal storage.
Cons
Increased Risk
With two cameras in hand, the risk of accidental drops or damage significantly rises, potentially leading to costly repairs or replacements. It’s just more probable that you end up dropping one or leaving one behind.
With two cameras, you’re also less inclined to provide as exceptional care for one over another.
Higher Potential Loss
Losing two cameras to theft or misplacement poses a more substantial financial burden compared to losing a single device. If I have two cameras in my camera bag, and it gets stolen, both those cameras are lost forever along with the lenses, memory cards, and images that I captured.
Mastery Dilution
Juggling between two cameras may hinder the mastery of one over the other. That’s why most photographers who primarily shoot photo or video will use a back camera that is identical. The problem, however, is the changes that take place switching from one camera to another.
You may have two identical cameras with identical settings, but if you have different lenses, you’re going to have different apertures and shutter speeds, and you may be shooting on a different mode.
I’ve been shooting on two cameras for years, and I still lose my mind a little when switching from one camera to another.
Organizational Challenges
Managing and organizing SD cards for two cameras can become a logistical headache, leading to confusion and potential data mix-ups. As a write this, I have 4 memory cards on my desk, and I have no idea which cards were used on each of my cameras. I now have to go through each card and manually upload it to my computer before I can go onto the next project.
Conclusion
The choice between using one or two cameras ultimately hinges on personal workflow. While two cameras opens up a realm of possibilities and conveniences, it also introduces complexities and challenges that warrant careful consideration.
The duality of a two-camera setup is my preferred way of shooting both photo and video, but I honestly think that for landscape photography you really only need one camera.
For sports or action, that’s a entirely different story.
One camera alone can achieve the same success, and in most situations it’s really just better to have a second shooter. Relying on one camera, you also know your settings which changes from lens to lens.
That’s why I primarily use one camera for photos and the other for video. For me, it’s just less confusing this way.
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