24p or 60i for weddings?

R

roentgen

Member
Hi. I am shooting 2 different co-worker’s weddings this summer. What’s better for weddings, 24p or 60i?

My preference is 24p but I notice every wedding videography vendor in the area has 60i as samples. Is this just because they don’t have 24p abilities or is 60i preferred for weddings? Appreciate your opinions!
 
I can only speak for myself. I have two DVX100's (one 100 and one 100A) I've shot weddings in both, plus I also shoot some weddings using my two anamorphic adapters.

Weddings are extremely difficult to shoot because you only get one shot. If you make a mistake, it's not like doing film or corporate shoots. You don't get "a do over"!.

24P and PA don't take kindly to panning any more than shooting with film. With weddings, panning is really part of the game unless you happen to have ten cameras in order to limit your movement.


After a lot of experimenting and some very bad experiences shooting and editing at 24P and PA, I've decided to only shoot at 60i. for my weddings.

Another problem that I've been confronted with is shooting and editing in 16x9 using anamorphic adapters is the dreaded "dark church's". You can't zoom all the way in. PERIOD!!!!!
The only way you can is to remove the anamorphic adapter and use the squeeze mode.

Hope this helps with your decision.

eric
 
In a mockup for "wedding video packages" I made last year, I included widescreen or 4x3 option...

I would ask the client what type of TV they have currently and shoot to get the best possible image for that gear. Makes sense to me. Shooting 4x3 for someone with a Widescreen HDTV probably isn't the greatest idea.

And if they wanted a more "filmic" look I would opt for 24p. Otherwise it would be 60i, for 4x3 tvs... 30p for widescreen HDTV's... or 24PA for Widescreen TV's....

although I don't think I would ever directly ask them "What frame rate would you like?" just give them a choice of "looks".

but as I said, this was a mockup plan... my partner and I's business plan kinda fell apart... so I have yet to put this into practice.
 
It's an artistic choice. Of course, a dreamy film-like look done well can make a wedding video look GREAT, so 24p is quite a viable option.

However, there are technical limitations, not the least of which being the decreased low-light sensitivity in 24p, and weddings are inherently low-light. Of course, there are ways around that (like a camera light).

I always shoot 4x3 and then crop later for widescreen.
 
Thanks everyone! These are not my first weddings, just my first shooting with the dvx. My plan was to shoot 2 cameras in 24p in squeeze with no anamorphic adapters. One camera mounted on tripod, one run and gun (maybe steadycam). If I understand you correctly, your recommendations to shoot 60i are based more on the technical challenges of 24p (low-light, panning, and focus) than a bride’s preference for the video look over film?

Hadn’t considered 30p. Forgive my ignorance, what would be the advantage of 30p over 24p?

Anyone else want to weigh in? I’d truly appreciate your thoughts. I figure out of 5000+ followers, a few of you shoot weddings in 24p. Even more yah’s or nah’s would be helpful. If I’m completely nuts for considering it, please spare me from ruining my friend’s wedding keepsake! Thanks!!
 
You'll be stressed enough with the event. If you wish to do 24p at a wedding, then I suggest you plan, practice, plan, practice, plan... and did I mention practice? One of the reasons why 60i is preferred is because it will allow you to shoot more freely without worry. Well, you know what weddings are like, I don't have to tell you. As for 30p, you'll experience some of the same technical difficulties as with 24p. Although the "flim-like strobbing" will be less noticeable... somewhat. I personally like anamorphic over 4x3, and I'll choose that format any day... unless the B&G says otherwise of course. With the anamorphic, you must be proficient with the manual focus. Otherwise, if you rely on the autofocus most of the time, use squeeze mode.

Just my 2-cents,
 
I've shot many weddings, and tried 24p for the bridal prep and photoshoots, the only bad thing is if your slowing down the footage your going to get a stuttering effect almost.... Although it didn't really look terrible, I don't think I'll ever use 24p for a wedding shoot again just 60i... besides the 60i with the dvx looks amazing, I've watched the footage on a couple different tv's at clients homes and there alway's amazed at the color and resolution....

Edit: if your using vegas like I do, it's real easy to toss on some black bars, so if I were you I'd shoot 4:3, instead of limiting yourself
 
Thanks again folks. You have sufficiently scared me into 60i for he weddings. I’m bummed, but I guess it’s better to be safe than sorry …
 
You don't have to stick with one frame rate for the entire video. I mix 60i, 24p and 30p all the time in FCP.

So, you could shoot 60i for the low light scenes and switch to a progressive scan frame rate (24 or 30) for other scenes.
 
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