How to Create a Backup Plan for Your Photo Shoot

As the unexpected can always occur, I decided to discuss how to create a backup plan for your photo shoot. Depending on the type of photo shoot you are doing, you most likely will have a limited amount of time with the clients or venue that you have booked that day. To start, focus on what could go wrong on your photo shoot. For instance, what would happen if your camera didn't work or you left your memory cards at home. Below are a couple of items that I include in my backup plan for photo shoots.

Backup Camera

Having a backup camera that is the same as your own make and type of your primary camera is great in emergency situations. For example, if your primary camera is a full-frame model like a Canon 5D Mark III, you should have a secondary camera that is also full-frame.

Camera Rental Stores

In addition to having a backup to your camera, you should also have a backup for the lens you are using. However, you often won't have the same type of lens that you are using for the photoshoot. Being familiar with a nearby rental store can save your photo shoot in case something happens to the lens you're planning on using.

Extra Memory Cards & Batteries

There have been a few occasions where I have forgotten to bring memory cards for my cameras when I'm planning on taking photos. LensRentals and BorrowLenses are two popular rental shops that are really reliable.

Hard-drives

Having several hard drives available to back up your files is great to have. Especially since some cameras only have one card slot. Immediately backing up your photos after a photo shoot is a good practice to adopt.

Summary: How to Create a Backup Plan for Your Photo Shoot

In conclusion, having a solid backup plan will assist if any issues arise in your shoot. To recap, the items in this list include:

• Backup Camera
• Camera Rental Stores
• Extra Memory Cards & Batteries
• Hard-drives

I hope you enjoyed this article. Feel free to let me know if I missed any items that should be included in a backup plan for a photo shoot.

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Review of the Sony A7 ii

[sc name="affiliate disclosure"]The Sony a7II is Sony's entry-level Full Frame Mirrorless Camera. I choose to review the Sony a7II because I was looking at affordable Full Frame cameras. Sony has emerged as a third contender to the two big camera manufacturers: Nikon and Canon. In addition to the price, the Sony A7 line of cameras benefits from its small size. Hence, here is my review of the Sony A7ii.

Sample Images

[gallery ids="1518,1512,1510"]

Price:

At the time of this writing, the Sony a7II retails for $1,098.00 for just the body. Released in late 2014, the Sony a7II competes with others entry-level cameras: the Nikon D750 and the Canon 6D Mark II. It also has a compact body weighing in at 599g. This seems like one of the great benefits of mirrorless camera bodies.

What You Get

Here is a quick summary of some of the features you get with the Sony a7II:

• 5-axis Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
• 3" Tilting Screen
• Built-in Wireless
• Weather Sealed Body
• NFC Connectivity
• 599g Light Body
• 117 Focus Points

In addition to these feaures, the main strength of many Sony Cameras is the Image Stabilization in their bodies. At this time, Nikon and Canon rely on image stabilization just through lenses. Therefore, Sony is the only maker of full frame cameras that puts image stabilization in the majority of their cameras bodies. While Panasonic is another manufacturer that is adding image stabilization to their new line of cameras. Yet, Panasonic doesn't make full frame cameras.

Disadvantages of the Sony A7ii

• Timelapse with optional downloadable app
• Low Battery Life: 350 shots
• GPS
• No Silent Shutter
• Expensive and Limited Lens Selection

Most noteworthy among the disadvantages of the a7II is its battery life. The battery of the Sony a7II will last around 350 shots. This is a short battery life compared to Full Frame cameras from other manufacturers such as Nikon and Canon. Almost all of Sony's previous generation of cameras have this issue. Sony has made strides in some of its newest cameras such as the Sony a7R III and the Sony a9.

Summary: Review of the Sony A7ii

In conclusion, the A7ii might be the best option among entry-level Full Frame cameras for its size. Because of the Sony a7II small size, it makes a great travel companion. I used the Sony a7II on a trip to New York and did not experience the shoulder strain common to carrying a DSLR. In addition to its size, the added image stabilization and focus points mean your photos will be sharp. Therefore, if you don't mind the short battery life, the Sony a7II is a great camera to pick up.

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Canon 80D Review

[sc name="affiliate disclosure"]Lately, I have been missing the benefits of cameras that have a fully articulated screen. Because the 80D has been out for some time, I decided to rent and test it out. The Canon 80D was released in early 2016 and replaced the outgoing 70D. Hence, below is my Canon 80D Review.

Who this Product is For:

The Canon 80D is a mid-range DSLR that I think is best suited for experienced users. It is the next step before moving to a professional full-frame camera, such as the 5D series.

Price:

At the time of this writing, the Canon 80D falls under $1000. However, because Canon is planning on releasing their full-frame mirrorless camera, expect this price to drop. Click here to view the latest prices for Canon 80D.

Sample Photos:

[gallery ids="3453,3447,3449"]

Video Sample:

I was using a 24mm f2.8 lens that didn't have image stabilization. Because the 80D doesn't have in body stabilization and I was shooting video handheld the footage came out very shaky.

What You Get

Here are a few features that you get with the 80D:

• 7.0 fps
• 24 Mega Pixel APS-C Sensor
• Weather Sealed Camera Body

Canon's strengths lie in its autofocus both for video and for photography. The fully articulating screen is helpful when trying to capture shots at extreme angles.

What You Won’t Get

I think the Canon 80D does have a few shortcomings compared to its competitors, the Nikon D7500 and Sony A6500. While the Sony A6500 and Nikon D7500 has 4k Video, the Canon 80D is limited at 1080p.Also, if you're planning on doing slow-motion for your videos you will need to do that using video editing software in post-production. Finally, the last negative is that both of the 80D competitors, the A6500 and D7500 both have in body stabilization, making them better cameras for video.

Summary: Canon 80D Review

In conclusion, if you are looking for a rugged camera body with an articulating screen and great autofocus, the 80D is a solid choice. If some of your projects require handheld movement you may want to look at the competitors. However, if you're on a budget, you might find some good deals available as Canon has finally released its full-frame mirrorless camera, the EOS R.

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Nikon's Two Full-Frame Mirrorless Cameras

Over the past several weeks there have been rumors about Nikon releasing their first full-frame Mirrorless Camera. Today, Nikon Introduced Two Full-Frame Mirrorless Cameras, the Z6 and Z7. Additionally, as the cameras have a new mount, Nikon will offer new lenses to use with the Z6 and Z7. Dpreview has published a video about Nikon's Two Full-Frame Mirrorless Cameras:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrWv6D3v95g&t=0s

Z6 & Z7

Nikon's two Mirrorless Cameras will be called the Z6 and the Z7. The Z6 appears to be Nikon's entry-level choice priced at $1995. The Z7, is the higher end of the two cameras priced at $3400. Based on the photos that were released, I found that these new cameras slightly resemble the Sony A7 line of cameras in appearance. The only exception is that the Z6 and Z7 have a bigger grip and are weather sealed.

Features to Be Excited For:

Among a few of the features coming to these cameras are:

• 4K Video
• Image Stabiliazation
• Silent Shooting

While these are great features, one feature I wish these cameras included was a dual card slot. Because there is a risk of a memory card failing in the field, having dual card slots help in preventing a complete loss of your footage. I do wonder why Nikon choose to omit this feature as they have it in the D850 and D500.

Adapter for Existing Lenses

As the new Mirrorless cameras will have a new mount, new lenses will be needed. However, Nikon has released an adapter for existing lenses to be used with these new cameras.

Summary: Nikon's Two Full-Frame Mirrorless Cameras

In conclusion, I am very excited about these two cameras. Sony has been dominating the camera world for some time now. It is really interesting to see Nikon now introduce new products to compete with Sony. I would have like to see a fully articulated screen. With this release, I'm expecting Canon and Sony to release a camera to compete with Nikon's new offering. The Nikon Z7 is expected to go on sale the end of September while the Z6 will be released in November.

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