is a D600 capable for wedding photography?

R

rocketman122

Active member
Hello everyone
Im a pro wedding stills photographer wanting to learn the video side of the weddings. I live overseas and there seems to be a big demand for video photogs (DSLR) from the different facebook groups I see. so I want to take advantage of this and offer video as a freelance for other photogs. add more income. If I have the bulk gear then why not. im not taking this lightly and not jumping. maybe start with small family parties and see how that goes.

I have the following
D3/D600
tokina 16-28 2.8
28-70 AFS 2.8
70-200 VR1
50 1.8D
85 1.8D
105 VR

I am considering getting another vid camera for the ceremony part and a backup. basically have the camera sit on a tripod in a wider shot JIC while I use the one in my hand for the main work. im not jumping into this right away. just basically want to do a lot of practice first.

cameras im considering are the D7100/5300 (yes I know dx cameras) or another D600 or a D800 which would kill my pocket.

questions:
-how much better is the D800 compared to the D600?
-does the D800 also have the LV aperture issue where you cant change aperture on the fly via the dial in LV mode?

not sure if I should go DX but if the D600 is a capable camera, maybe I can get 2 of those and be done with it. not many wedding videographers use FF. most of them are using DX gear. ive only seen a handful use FF. so was wondering if I can get away with a D5300 for a backup camera. If I get the D600, I can use that for my stills as well but as far as DX for stills, it leaves a lot to desired. ive been there.
-if I buy a DX camera then I would probably get a WA zoom like the tokina 11-16 so adding that to the D5300, is basically the same as just getting another D600.

just wondering how bad the D600 is, not how great it is.

besides the camera, I know I need to invest in led lighting (2), a slider, a monopod with those feet, a tripod and a recorder to record from the DJ/band. can you recommend models that are good (not the best) quality and wont kill my pocket? anything else im forgetting? must I invest in an expensive stabilizing system?

just a newbie videographers feeling out this part of the business. thank you for your time.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mekudeshetlee/
 
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I have a D600 and I video the occasional wedding. But, up till now I have only used my Panasonic HMC150 on weddings. For the next wedding I am hoping to use the HMC150 for the ceremony, and the D600 for the reception. My reasoning: the D600 is much better with low light which is typically found at the reception. But the D600 has a maximum continuous recording time of about 20 minutes, which could be a problem for the ceremony. That could also be a problem for your idea of using it as a stationary unmanned cam. AFAIK, all DSLR cameras have a similar limit on the length of continuous video.

One big issue for the D600 is the fact that you can't set the aperture when in video live view, so it takes a few extra seconds to reset for any lighting changes. Also, before I do actually use it for a wedding I will want to be sure I can achieve focus in lower light. I have used the D600 to take some night video of restaurants for a recent assignment and the footage is beautiful. I had no problem getting focus on these shots.
 
I went to a video expo yesterday and brought my D600. I was able to try out the Atomos Ninja Blade external recorder. It costs $995 (you'll also need a 2.5" ssd) and will allow you to shoot in Prores without the 20 minute limit. It also gives you the benefit of a larger, higher resolution screen to nail your focus, WB, etc. Runs on a couple of Sony batteries. Maybe you would add a Tascam DR60 and a Rode NTG3 shotgun mic for improved audio. Of course this all turns into a rigged out version of your camera, but if you have it running on a tripod, that would be ok.

For more run and gun operation, maybe something like the next version of the Sony RX10 would be good. It's small and easily moved around in tight spaces, has a lot of video features (nd filters, constant f/2.8 24-200 Zeiss zoom lens, relatively large 1" sensor that yields highly detailed video, tilting high res lcd, can shoot 60p, etc.) Downside is a slow zoom, a not top-of-the-line OLED evf, and inferior codecs. Lots of promise for the next iteration.

The Panasonic GH4 also looks very promising. We'll have to wait for the reviews.
 
Not interested in any camera besides the nikon D7100/D5300/D600/D800. I want to stay with nikon gear only. the atmos is way too much for my pocket now. possibly down the line. although I havent seen a single videographer use it. not even 1. 20 minutes is fine. basically, only time I will use it on a tripod is for the ceremony as a backup, JIC. and stopping/starting again is not a problem. besides, Im not jumping right in. I have some ways to go. im doing my research instead of just plunking down the money and then regretting.

I wouyld appreciate if you guys replied to my questions/concerns/product recommendations. thank you.
 
The d5200/5300 or 7100 would all be a great compliment to your 600.

They have the same issue of the aperture control in liveview for your lenses without rings, but the ones that do can be changed at anytime.

The 7100/5200 have a Fixed Pattern Noise that can show up in blacks and underexposed areas. The 5300 is free of this.

The 5300 would probably be my choice on that alone.

I own and love my 7100, but the fpn is my only issue with the camera. It doesn't show up all the time, and the camera is awesome, but if I can have something very similar where the problem never shows up, why not go that way?
 
The D5300 or an expeed 4 update to the D7100 will be much better for video, no moire aliasing and two others things that will be very important for weddings at least 1 to 2 stop better low light and 60p, very nice for wedding slow motion.
 
thanks for the help guys. but why go for a DX at $1200 when I could get a FF D600 for $1500? if I go for the D5300 (which I am looking at closely) then ill have to get a tokina 11-16 (even if I get the D7100) since nothing from my gear will be ultra wide on it (widest is tokina 16-28). and thats $800+$500 for $1300. I think it would be better to get a FF camera for another $150 more and I dont need to buy the lens. also, once you break your gear to DX/FX it causes too many flow issues.

im simply curious how the D600 is compared to a D5300 or a D7100. how much better is the D800 than the D600? is the D600 an acceptable camera for weddings? I do plan on getting some old school nikon manual focus lenses (AI/AIS) but even my 85 and 50 and 28-70 have aperture rings which I can use by setting the menu to allow me to use the aperture ring for exposure.
 
We're saying the d5300 is the best Nikon for video yet, followed closely by the d5200/7100.

I would think your tokina 16-28 at 16 would still be wide enough for a lot, but you'd know that better than I would.

You own a d600. Do you think it's capable enough for the work you want to do?

People are out there using it, so it's enough for them.

If I were buying a nikon body right now, it would be the d5300 hands down.
 
thanks for the reply. Im a pro stills photog, not a videographer so I dont see what you vid guys might. as far as stills go, FF vs DX, hands down, FF all the way. the dynamic range, the grain, the color depth, the fine detail. keeping detail at high iso with no chroma noise or smear. the image is bright and alive and crisp. dx looks flat to me stills wise. on the dance floor I shoot at iso 4-6400 all night. (I use flashes with slaves firing in to the dance floor to give the picture extra depth)

I came back to the photography world in april 2013. I bought new gear after mine was stolen a few years back. I bought a D7000 and I had a D300 as well. I used a friends D3 and after downloading the pics to the computer I was shocked at the difference. DX is flat. DX cant be shot at high iso without heavy smear and chroma noise. im hesitant to buy DX again. so im asking about the D600. ive shot video footage with it but have no idea whats good or not. but for stills vs DX there is no comparison.

see my work in the above link. I am considering the D5300, but logically it makes no sense as Id have to get a WA zoom and then the price is just about the same as another D600. and another FF camera is much more useful to me as it can also be a stills camera. truthfully, I dont want to shoot any wedding (stills) with a DX again. for video it may be great(I dont know I dont have one) but IQ is different with FF.

the D600 is very capable for stills. IQ is even better than the D3( a bit). better resolving power for sure. problem is ergonomic and speed isnt its strong features but in favor of better IQ, I suffer and use the D600. although I do want to upgrade to a D3s, but the 12mp is a step back . the plus is it does allow me to go to extreme high iso over the 6400 of the D600/D3. I havent seen anyone use a D600 for weddings here so asking.
 
I have a D610, D7100 and a Panasonic GH3. I've used them all at weddings and they all have something great to offer.
I have to say that the GH3 is by far the easiest of these cameras to use for video. Being able to use the evf whist filming is so good. The D610 s amazing in low light coupled with say a 50mm F1.4 but I hate the lack of tilt screen, lack of aperture control in live view, 20 minute record limit (Yes I have forgotten to press record again) and no usable auto focus.
As stills cameras there is no comparison ... the D610 then D7100 then daylight to the GH 3. For you coming from a stills background I understand your desire to us the Nikons but you just can't use them the same way for video. They require a rig of some sort or a tripod. Also using the Nikons all day in live view chews up batteries big time. The video image is beautiful but keeping everything in focus is challenging. I have used an LCD loupe on the D610/D7100 and still struggle to nail focus.
Using these amazing Nikons for video requires a re-education but it can be done. Having said that the GH3 is smooth as butter for video ... it just works.
 
thanks for the reply Rich!

the D610 then D7100 then daylight to the GH 3.

I apologize for dumnassness but dont know what that means.

can you please recommend a screen loupe that wont break the pocket and works well? Only time ill need it is for the dance floor where it gets extremely dark at times.

also a tripod head (I have the manfrotto 3221- good for a 2nd camera for the ceremony?)/monopod and slider options that are proish level but wont kill my pocket? I can always upgrade later when my skills get better and want more from myself. right now, I dont know whats needed.

im sure the limits are going to be challenging with the D600 but using a different brand/different sensor size will be more problematic. I can also use the 2nd D600 as a backup for my stills work. I couldnt use the GH3 as id need a new line of lenses.

the 20 minute issue is the biggest problem but if I time my recording, I should be ok. and battery life, im not sure will be. I can add a battery grip, no? the aperture dial can be set with a menu configuration so no issue as long as I have lenses with aperture rings.
 
Sorry for my Aussie expression of the English language ..... D610 then D7100 then nowhere near as good for stills is the GH3.

I use a battery grip on both my D610 and D7100 and for stills they last all day and then some, but when using the live view for video they last a fraction of the time.

The loupe I have is the Carryspeed VF4 but you will need the extension bracket to fit on the D600 with battery grip. Using the loupe gives you the added advantage of a third point of contact with your body to help stabilize the camera when shooting.
I use fairly low end Manfrotto tripods and they are ok.
 
I got extra lithium batteries for the D600 and I have 2 grips (3rd party are so cheap so I buy extra JIC) so ill be ok.

crap those loupes cost $180! anything cheaper? in the $130 area?
 
I'm using the Kamerar loupe from Amazon, about $80, with the D7100. Works great, pops off quickly, and uses a baseplate vs. sticky magnets. Unlike many baseplate loupes out there, it doesn't leave the camera off-center (you can't use a matte box with loupes like the Carry Speed 3, don't know about the 4 - they offset the camera 15mm to the side). BTW, the Kamerar baseplate is also a manfrotto-style QR plate, so if you use manfrotto heads or use their very popular video quick release, you can ditch one more screwed-on-damn-it's-loose part from your setup

Some baseplate loupes don't allow you to use a battery grip; fine for me, since they make a bad video form factor even worse and make matte boxes and follow focus about impossible to use. Just make sure your rig allows you to get at the battery door without tools. I've actually chopped hunks off cheese plates with an angle grinder for battery access.

The carry speeds let you use a battery grip, since they have "arms" that slide the loupe up higher. On the models I tried, the arms and loupe block too many buttons to use on a paying gig. I like the Kamerar since it lets you access every button very easily.

I can't do the magnetic frames - (A) I don't like gluing stuff to the camera and (B) no adhesives I know of will survive a day shooting outdoors in Texas. The glue that held the rubber eyepiece to my Cavision loupe actually melted all over the lens one August day.

There's no one-perfect loupe, but it's the one thing I can't shoot without, so shop around. Hope that helps!
 
hey Michael thanks for your post. I agree, that sticking things to the camera and possibly ruining the finish (if/when removed down the line) is not acceptable. it gets very hot here in the summer (middle east) and that adhesive will melt like nothing. truthfully, Ive only seen a few wedding videographers (ive worked with) use a loupe. today and wednesday im shooting 2 weddings so will speak to them regarding loupes. theyre friends of mine but are not too happy ive decided to enter the video market as well as doing stills as ill be competitive.

on another note, the D5300 is out, only 1 memory slot. big no no for me. I saw 2 wedding videographers had currupt files because they used 1 slot. big law suits now. not taking any chances. cheap is expensive and the money I invest to get a camera with 2 slots outweighs the loss of revenue from bad rep and the damages I might have to pay. no way. only 2 slots.

and the D7100 is out. not worth it for me to buy a $1100 camera and have to add another $500 nfor a lens and then Im only with DX in the end. so its down to D600/610 or D800 but most likely its another D600. the high iso capability is a huge plus for me. the sensor is excellent. beautiful resolving power. maybe the moire is not the best but for weddings (which is in low light most of the times) its great. the low prices from the class action law suits brought it to a reasonable price and I will add mack vip diamond warranty which is an all risk type of insurance. the shutter will go during 3 years and its not a matter of IF, its WHEN. everything fails sooner or later. for $170, its cheaper than what the shutter costs and im covered for impact damage as well.


btw, did not see the Kamerar loupe on amazon. is this a discontinued item?
 
rocketman122 said:
on another note, the D5300 is out, only 1 memory slot. big no no for me. I saw 2 wedding videographers had currupt files because they used 1 slot. big law suits now. not taking any chances.
Click to expand...

The 7100 has two slots, but you can only record video to one - make sure what you buy actually goes to both cards. Or get a Ninja2, which is one of those things that will outlast several camera bodies (the new blade even moreso, which looks to be a really great monitor whether you hit "record" or not).

I really love the loupe, but I do use the marshall 5" DSLR monitor frequently. The loupe is more tripod/planned shooting, but also shoulder mount for me, I feel much more confident of focus with it and it helsp stabilize the shoulder shots, third point of contact & all. I tend to keep one hand under the rails by the lens and one on a grip and manual focus that way, pressing the rig to my eye keeps things a little smoother.

I've started keeping magnifying reading glasses in all my camera bags - they're a great cheat for shooting with a monitor, even if your eyesight is decent. And they make you look smarter!
 
I've been using a D4 & D800 for a few wedding videos.
having the ability to adjust aperture while in live view is invaluable. There are key moments that only happen once and you must be quick to get the proper exposure. If you jump into live view and see you're two stops under/over exposed, you would have to exit live view, adjust the F stops and re-enter. by then, the moment is half way passed or gone. I would not recommend a camera which you can't do change settings while in live view.

On that note the D800 is not acceptable for me in low light video but much sharper than the D4. I'm planning on heading to my local camera shop to compare the D5300, D7100, D610 for low light and sharpness to use as a static camera on the tripod where changing live view is not critical.

I plan on using the D800 in lighting conditions above 1600 for best sharpness, D4 below 1600 and D4 in mixed lighting conditions. a DX camera would be great with my long lens for those static angles.

Hope this helps.
 
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