A professional photographer who goes by the name u/wildyouth116 on Reddit has posted their setup, with many surprised to find that they regularly use a whopping 10 bodies. But what’s even more curious is the cameras in question.
Despite having a cutting-edge Nikon Z8, the photographer also uses five DSLR cameras: two Nikon D850s, two Nikon D780s and a Nikon D200. As well as four film cameras: Nikon FM2, Nikon F100, Nikon F6, and what appears to be a blacked-out Nikon N80.
One commenter suggested that a second Nikon Z8 would replace the four DSLRs, but the professional photographer explains that they use two bodies at a time for events and commercial shoots, so they like to have backups if the worst should happen.
Interestingly, the pro mentions that they “prefer DSLRs for lowlight events, and most every day work [sic].” Presumably the Nikon D780 wins out here, but only because of its lower-resolution sensor. The Nikon Z8 is still a monster camera in low-light situations.
One commenter mentions gear acquisition syndrome (GAS), but the pro explains that they have completed 700 jobs in three years. That certainly takes its toll on kit, and indeed, the original poster says that during a seven-year career, they “have burned through at least 5 camera bodies,” continuing, “It's more of an expensive insurance policy in case one breaks, I have to send it in for maintenance, etc”.
Having at least one backup body is essential for professional photographers, and many do have more. If you’re shooting a wedding and your primary camera breaks, you’re expected to have a backup. And while 10 cameras might seem like overkill, four are film cameras. The meat of the setup is a pair of D850s and D780s and a Nikon Z8. A sensible collection of cameras, if you ask me.
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