Bob's blog post about taking the Sony a5000 as a backup camera

 Why Bob Is Taking His Sony a5000 as a Backup Camera

Bob always says, “You never go to a wedding with just one camera.” He’s learned that the hard way — once a shutter froze on him during a downtown photo walk, and he promised himself never again. So, when he packs for a wedding shoot, alongside his Sony a6000 and the lenses he trusts most, he quietly slips in his old Sony a5000 with the 16–50mm kit lens.

📸 A Camera That’s Been Everywhere

The a5000 might not be the newest camera in Bob’s collection, but it’s been with him through countless stories — markets, festivals, rainy street corners, and ferry rides to the Islands. It’s light, dependable, and familiar, like an old friend who still knows exactly how Bob shoots.

He likes that the flip-up screen makes it easy to shoot at odd angles — perfect for catching candid moments on the dance floor or quick behind-the-scenes shots without interrupting the main action.

 Why the Kit Lens Still Matters

The 16–50mm lens may be small, but it’s practical. Bob knows it covers a useful range — wide enough for group shots, close enough for portraits, and easy to carry when things get busy. With Optical SteadyShot, he can shoot handheld during the reception without worrying about blur from shaky hands.

If his main camera runs low on battery or memory, or if he needs to switch quickly between wide and zoom without changing lenses, the a5000 steps in. It’s ready to go, no fuss.

 The Safety Net

To Bob, the backup camera isn’t about fear — it’s about being prepared. Weddings move fast. A battery dies, a card fills up, or the lighting changes suddenly. When that happens, Bob just reaches for the a5000 hanging on his second strap, already powered on and focused.

“It’s peace of mind,” he says. “If something happens to the main camera, I’m still in the story.”

 The Simple Truth

The Sony a5000 might not have the speed or custom buttons of the a6000, but it still captures light beautifully. And when Bob looks at the photos later, he can’t always tell which camera took which shot — and that’s exactly the point.

Sometimes, the best backup is the one that feels invisible — small, quiet, and always ready when the story needs it.