Help Please..Looking for Advice on Backup Camera

Hi everyone, I am going on a trip to photoraph wild horses in 2 weeks and am looking for a decent but inexpensive backup camera body (used market). I currently use a 1D MIV and would love to get a 5D MIII, but don't have the resources for one right now (unless anyone wants to buy a very expensive pool cue ). Looking to spend just a few hundred (if possible). Needs to be a Canon DSLR. With my limited resources...probably going to be a Rebel.

The problem is...I don't know anything about the Rebel models and which would be best. It seems they have a hundred of them and come out with a new one every 2 months. I would like to get the most bang for my buck. Most important feeatures would be good megapixel count, lowest noise available and best overall image. Speed isn't a concern since I will be using the backup mostly for the one off shots with a shorter lens (while I am using my very fast MIV with the big telephoto lens).

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
Kurt

I presently use a 7D as backup - gives me the APS-C option against my primary full frame. But that is not in your budget.

However, a couple years ago I broke my primary - then the 7D - and a fellow photographer let me borrow a T2i. As it turns out (I was told), the T2i has the same sensor as the 7D. The T2i is far more limited in interface and exposure range, as expected from the xxxD to xD - but if that is accurate, the T2i might be a ticket for a couple hundred on eBay.

I would suggest a 7d. I use that as my primary camera and it will surely be my backup once I get my full frame (whenever that may be). With 18mp and 8fps it would serve very well as a backup for the 1d4. You could probably even find a used 50d for the same price as t4i which would be similar to the 7d as well. I've shot with both and have had no complaints. I've found ISO 3200 to be usable on the 7d in most cases, but have not used the high ISO on a 50d, though I would think 1600 would be a good bet.

Thanks for the comments guys. I actually used own both of those bodies (7d and 50d). 7d is out of the price range right now and thought a used 50d would be an option, but the couple I am finding used are surprisingly asking over $400 for. I'm just looking for something to hold me over for this trip, so want to stay cheap. That's why I was thinking rebel. I plan on getting a 5d miii as my second body, but really am waiting until I can sell my cue to get one. Trying to pay cash going forward and not credit.

I still use a 40D as my primary, but will be buying a 6D in the next few weeks as my new primary. I still love my 40D! There's a "like new -" (LN-) on KEH right now for $379 and an "excellent" for $349. http://www.keh.com/search?store=camera&brand=Brand&category=Class&k=canon%2040D&s=1&bcode=Brand&ccode=Class&grade=Grade&sprice=0&eprice=0&r=SE&e

Kurt,

I've got a spare 5D II and 7D that you're more than welcome to borrow if you'd like...that's pretty inexpensive

Richard, I'd be stupid to not take you up on that. Thats is extremely gracious of you. I will email you separately so we can discuss. Thanks a TON!

My b/u is a 7D and I like the crop sensor and the 8fps. Very enjoyable and sometimes my primary depending on the subject.

Kurt,
Why not rent if Richard's generous offer doesn't work out?

Kurt, Don't know if you belong to Canon Professional Services or not but you can get an evaluation body from them. Its a two week loan with 2 days of shipping both ways. Your only cost is the return ship. I'm leaving tomorrow for Cody to shoot the horses and I use a 50D for backup. I'm receiving from Canon a 400 f2.8 version ll today that I'll be taking with me. Don't know if your shooting the Pryor and McCullough herds or not but its a great shoot. If you haven't been there before the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation area near Lovell where the Pryor horses are located has some great backdrops and Canyon scenic opportunities.

Thanks Don. Really appreciate the information. I am not a CPS member. The way I understand it, you have to do this full-time to qualify and right now, I still keep a regular job to survive. If that isn't the case, please let me know, because I would love to join CPS. I have the equipment to qualify for the Platinum membership and do this at least 40+ hours a week if you include processing, but not sure my "regular" job disqualifies me or not.

Kurt, The rules have changed over the years. Don't believe you have to be a full time photographer any longer. I believe its based on equipment owned. The Gold membership as far as I'm concerned is the best bank for the buck. Two free cleanings a year, fast turnaround on repairs, evaluation loans, free stuff etc. Don't know for sure if you need a business license, website etc any more.

I would certainly check it out I've been a member for years and it has certainly paid off.