Use a lens or editing program?

[CasualUser]

I'm a DVX100a user limited in experience (any greener and I'd be a Martian) to using the camcorder for my commercial software application in my office. I've never used it for anything else (in fact, I've never left the office with it). Somehow I got roped into shooting a wedding for my wife’s brother. I've been online a viewed professionally shot videos and while I have no aspirations in doing anything remotely professional as I saw, I did like the overall look on some close ups. I saw some samples where faces where "harsh", and some seemed "softer" and ultimately looked better. My goal is to "soften" the faces without distortion in the wedding party.

So, my question is: Is there a lens I can buy to accomplish this? Or, should I just let an editing program like VEGAS modify the final video?

Thanks...

[Alexa]

Most likely you would do it in your editing application.

You will probably not have time to be putting on a different lenses and filters on your camera, unless you are doing at least a 2 camera shoot--for the ceremony. For other parts, maybe..but you have to be good at getting people to wait for you to get your equipment together.

It sounds like it would be great practice for you..but as a warning..don't practice on THEM. Your sister in law will have a hard time forgiving you for life, if you miss a moment that she really wanted to have on video.

I would advise you to shoot in 60i and not 24p and use a tripod for everything unless you are steady.

Lastly, you are extremely generous with your time.

You should let the wedding folks know beforehand how much time this will take you. --not when you are hating life and the fact that you got roped into it...I've heard of wedding edits taking 10 hours..but most likely a PRO can do it in 40-50 hours. If you more of an artist than a business person, it will take you a lot longer.

[CasualUser]

Thanks, will take your advice. Right about being generous. Already warned all and told all this will be a no-frills video. I'll just set it on the tripod and watch, listen and wont get cute. Perhaps I'll just hack and slash it with VideoStudio as I don't have an "eye" for shooting or editing. Fortunately, they know I'm not a professional and don't expect much. I suppose I'll be in for a rude awakening! Cheers!

[BLUESPIDER]

I think you might want to look into a promist filter for your camera. This filter gives you a diffuse look kind of a dreamy look to your images. I've used it several times back in my day. Now if I ever wanted to achieve this look I would most likely do it in post. You can go out an purchase a promist filter and give it a try.

[CasualUser]

Thanks BLUESPIDER: Interesting. If I get one, should I just leave it on at all times? Well, come to think of it I'll just get one, shoot my nurses at work as usual and see what the result is. POOH's right, can't take a blind chance and screw this up. Now I fear there will be lighting issues as at the office its already set...