Purchased a T2i and HVX200, addtl. equipment for first wedding gig?

D

der4

Active member
After four years I've decided to go back in business, part time. I researched on the possible cameras and options and then decided to settle on an old HVX200P and a new T2i. I figured these two cameras would give me a lot of flexibility. The truth is I've wanted to purchase an HVX200P for a long time but couldn't afford it. I guess I missed that revolution with most of you, but am still looking forward to working with it. I think that having this combination will give me lots of options in the production field. What do you think?

I am planning on purchasing a new Macbook Pro. I'm considering the 17" versus the 15". This will be my primary machine. I also have an old Acer laptop I could off load p2 cards with. Based on the gear I have, which laptop would you buy? I have $2200 left for my computer and any additional purchases, until my first paying gig. I plan on spending the year preparing a reel and developing the company before hitting the business too hard. This is not my day job, so I can be a little patient with the start up. I'm hoping I will be ready to book and produce weddings by next spring/summer. I should add that I work at a print shop, so business cards and brochures are practically free for me. I'm also fortunate to work with D.J.'s that do weddings all the time. (I'm thinking a joint package offer. :)) I plan on shooting wedding videos, corporate videos, music videos, and my own independent shorts.

I initially plan on shooting wedding videos to get the ball rolling. I've never shot a wedding professionally, and could use your advice on what equipment you think I still need for my first wedding gig to fill in the gaps? I plan on doing a few weddings at cost to get the process down before charging standard rates. I'm also thinking about purchasing a 62gb p2 card to help with the weddings. Either that or shoot in SD w/tape or only with the T2i. Here's the list of what I currently own: (Recommendations please.)

*HVX200P (with 2- 4gb cards and 1- 8gb card, 3 batteries.)

*T2i basic package.

*Comer 1800 Deluxe Light Kit (2 batteries.)

*Libec LS-38M(2A) Professional 2-Stage Aluminum Tripod System

*Sennheiser Evolution G2 100 Series - UHF Lavalier System (B)

*Audio Technica W88 (backup system, could be used with Tascam recorder)

*Audio Technica ATR-55 Condenser Shotgun Microphone with boom pole kit.

*Oktava MK012 w/ Hyper Cardiod Cap

*Pearstone PEWSFOLM2 Foam Windscreen Package for OLM2, Sennheiser ME2 and Sony UWP-V Omni Microphones (Pack of 10)

*Tascam DR-08 Portable Digital Audio Recorder

*Glidecam 4000 PRO Camcorder Stabilizing System

*Ikan V-8000HD 8-Inch LCD Monitor Kit

*Pelican Case (Lots of plastic tubs from hardware store) but need to purchase some kind of foam for inside. Should I purchase the generic or customized foam?

*JVC 1750 SD High Resolution production monitor with blue check.

*22" Cheapo Computer LCD, 1600 x 1200

*Sony Vegas 7

*Avid Media Composer 3.0

Should I consider purchasing an HDTV? Am I missing something obvious? Your suggestions are appreciated.
 
I would get a fast zoom for the T2i, weddings aren't always the best lit venues and I think you'll find the HVX will struggle in the lower light. From experience, HVX and DSLR footage doesn't mix too well unless there's a ton of light in the venue.
If it's just you manning all the cameras, locking the HVX off as a safe to capture everything going on at the front (a large card will help, but think 64GB is a bit of overkill. Depends of you've got the cash after already shelling out on all this). Then run'n'gun with the DSLR getting all the little details, people smiling, rings being put on etc. A good zoom will mean you wont need to change lenses all the time plus give you enough range.
 
I hope this develops into a good thread. It has such promise.

I am bringing in footage right now from my first ever dual HVX/T2i wedding and my biggest word of advice is "Figure out how to make good footage out of people that think your gonna take their picture."

Also I used my HVX remote for the first time. It was my audio device on sticks during T2i roaming. This brought on another first, using the tally light at a wedding. Nothing scares Aunt Jane like a bright RED light, but I needed to know if it was recording from across the room.

Storage wise I had 2 16gb SDHC and 1 64 P2

Shot T2i 1080p24 HVX 720PN24
 
THESE REPLIES ARE FOR WEDDING VIDEOS, NOT CORPORATE:

What are you putting your G2 mic(s) into? I would suggest running them into the Tascam. Do NOT put it into the t2i. It could work for the HVX I guess, but it won't sound AS good. Rig a clip to the Tascam (if you go that way), and clip it to your belt if you need to mobilize it. Another option is to run a line from the soundboard to the Tascam. Use one of your mics to mic a speaker (object, not the person). Use this for back up. This works in the ceremony AND reception.

Also, Are you planning on having a small crew? If not, you don't even need to bother with the Glidecam for now. You'll have to build it and then be able to remove it pretty quick.

Leave the Boom at home. It will be nothing but cumbersome. You're a wedding videographer, not a production team.

Bring the light kit for the reception. Have the HVX set up for a time for people to give "well wishes" and the likes. Receptions are dark, so you'll need that lighting.

Set your HVX in the back on a bit of a wide shot at 1080. You can then zoom as needed since it seems your delivering in SD. Shoot with the t2i while roaming. Hit record on the t2i, and let it keep running. Don't keep turning it on and off. It'll help you line up the footage and keep it lined up. You'll have to do this 3 times or so during the wedding, as it will time out at 12 minutes. It's easier to align 3 clips and cut down than align 50 clips. Trust me.

Buy a faster lens for the reception. The kit lens will kill you. Get it as fast as possible. Buy a 1.4 if you can afford it. 1.8 at the slowest. You'll regret it as soon as they drop the lights.

Shoot the highlights of getting ready, the reception, etc in 60p. It'll look much better slowed down later.
 
You say this, "I initially plan on shooting wedding videos to get the ball rolling. I've never shot a wedding professionally, and could use your advice on what equipment you think I still need for my first wedding gig to fill in the gaps? I plan on doing a few weddings at cost to get the process down before charging standard rates."

Never shot a wedding...aa few weddings at cost to get the process down...

I don't think you quite understand the business you want to get into.

Never shot a wedding but will do them at cost, that sounds like you expect to make a few mistakes, and have a few problems.

No bride would hire you.
 
You can't tell them that you've never shot a wedding before, but you'll do it at cost. Shoot a few weddings for friends or family as their wedding gift. Then you'll have something on your reel.

Cover your bases well. The locked off + mobile approach is the way to go if you're soloing. And be sure to get the important shots. The rings, the cake, the toasts, etc. I'd hate to see you on Judge Judy trying to sue for the rest of your pay like so many other hapless photographers/videographers that I see on those daytime judge shows.

Oh, and never ever ever cheap out on tapes. I had a buddy who bought some cheap-o brand tapes to shoot a wedding. The tapes crapped out during capture. All but about 5 minutes of footage was lost. Luckily he was shooting for a friend, and not a paying client. But the relationship is still pretty strained to this day.

Oh and the coolest wedding video I've seen had interviews with the bride and groom the day before. It was edited really nicely too. They had the bride and groom answer the same questions and then they cut between the two of them telling the same story about their first date or when they knew their partner was 'the one' etc.
 
der4 said:
After four years I've decided to go back in business, part time. I researched on the possible cameras and options and then decided to settle on an old HVX200P and a new T2i. I figured these two cameras would give me a lot of flexibility. The truth is I've wanted to purchase an HVX200P for a long time but couldn't afford it. I guess I missed that revolution with most of you, but am still looking forward to working with it. I think that having this combination will give me lots of options in the production field. What do you think?

I am planning on purchasing a new Macbook Pro. I'm considering the 17" versus the 15". This will be my primary machine. I also have an old Acer laptop I could off load p2 cards with. Based on the gear I have, which laptop would you buy? I have $2200 left for my computer and any additional purchases, until my first paying gig. I plan on spending the year preparing a reel and developing the company before hitting the business too hard. This is not my day job, so I can be a little patient with the start up. I'm hoping I will be ready to book and produce weddings by next spring/summer. I should add that I work at a print shop, so business cards and brochures are practically free for me. I'm also fortunate to work with D.J.'s that do weddings all the time. (I'm thinking a joint package offer. :)) I plan on shooting wedding videos, corporate videos, music videos, and my own independent shorts.

I initially plan on shooting wedding videos to get the ball rolling. I've never shot a wedding professionally, and could use your advice on what equipment you think I still need for my first wedding gig to fill in the gaps? I plan on doing a few weddings at cost to get the process down before charging standard rates. I'm also thinking about purchasing a 62gb p2 card to help with the weddings. Either that or shoot in SD w/tape or only with the T2i. Here's the list of what I currently own: (Recommendations please.)

*HVX200P (with 2- 4gb cards and 1- 8gb card, 3 batteries.)

*T2i basic package.

*Comer 1800 Deluxe Light Kit (2 batteries.)

*Libec LS-38M(2A) Professional 2-Stage Aluminum Tripod System

*Sennheiser Evolution G2 100 Series - UHF Lavalier System (B)

*Audio Technica W88 (backup system, could be used with Tascam recorder)

*Audio Technica ATR-55 Condenser Shotgun Microphone with boom pole kit.

*Oktava MK012 w/ Hyper Cardiod Cap

*Pearstone PEWSFOLM2 Foam Windscreen Package for OLM2, Sennheiser ME2 and Sony UWP-V Omni Microphones (Pack of 10)

*Tascam DR-08 Portable Digital Audio Recorder

*Glidecam 4000 PRO Camcorder Stabilizing System

*Ikan V-8000HD 8-Inch LCD Monitor Kit

*Pelican Case (Lots of plastic tubs from hardware store) but need to purchase some kind of foam for inside. Should I purchase the generic or customized foam?

*JVC 1750 SD High Resolution production monitor with blue check.

*22" Cheapo Computer LCD, 1600 x 1200

*Sony Vegas 7

*Avid Media Composer 3.0

Should I consider purchasing an HDTV? Am I missing something obvious? Your suggestions are appreciated.
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First off, I'd buy the SD card version of the Panasonic HVX200. P2 cards are a pain in the neck, are expensive, and are outdated IMO. SD cards are cheap and you can fit soooo much footage on a 32gb card that costs only like $200 bucks. Also, look into buying a SMALLHD DP-SLR. Its a super high rez on-camera LCD that would fit perfect with your DSLR. Its 5.6" and is going to have the ability to use Canon batteries right from your camera to power it. The IKAN is only a couple hundred less and the SmallHD should be a little better built and give you more options such as false color and peaking (critical for focus). I'd also recommend some sort of lightweight support system for the t2i. Check out Zacuto and if they are out of your price range Redrock Micro and some other systems. I've found that lighter v.s. heavier with more features is often times better for weddings. You wanna be able to run and gun and not have to worry about breaking your back. a 20lb camera rig gets heavy very fast and ultimately ends in shakey footage. What are you doing in terms of glass for the t2i? I'd recommend Zeiss primes- maybe a 35mm and 50mm. They have all manual controls which are critical for use with a follow focus. Canon "L" series lenses are also nice but hard to focus with because they don't have hard stops on the barrel focus wheel. Make sure you also get 3-4 batteries for the Canon DSLR. It sucks through power very fast. Also, if you don't wanna buy an external monitor, you can buy a Z-finder by Zacuto. It mounts to the back of your LCD and is a viewfinder. Also is nice as it adds another point of contact to your camera. Great for use with their DSLR support units. Once again...comes down to budget. I've found LCD's are good for some shots, while the Z-finder is better for others. Also as far as the audio recorder, have you thought about using a Zoom h4n instead? Might be a little cheaper and I love mine!

Anyways, just my 2 cents on the matter. Let me know what you end up deciding!
 
Also, you need to have a second and even third camera op...its a hopeless cause to shoot a wedding solo. Yes it can be done, but it looks like crap at the end of the day because you can't gain coverage.
 
Der4 -- my name is Mike and I am going through the same thing you are (only I'm not a returning videographer -- more an enthusiast looking to get into the business). I have been collecting information on wedding videography for a while and going back and forth on a lot of things.

Here's what I've learned so far:

DSLR's -- I just purchased a T2i yesterday to be my "B" camera but have been getting a lot of "you will regret this" from people in the businesses. Apparently DSLR's overheat after constant taping. From the research i've done, it looks like it overheats after an hour and fourteen minutes (under a controlled environment). If it's in direct sunlight or other adverse conditions, it might be quicker. The 12 min HD footage capture is also a bit of a problem. if you're using this during the middle of the vows, for example, and the 12 min max cuts off an important part...you're screwed. Yes, you'll have your backup taping but if you're doing the wedding solo, there's a lot of potential for problems. It also produces extremely large file sizes so you'll need a lot of external hard drives (which get pricey). Since you're going with a MacBook Pro, you're fine w/ editing but the larger file sizes will require a beast of a machine to edit it. IMO, I think the price of the camera and the quality (especially in low light conditions) is worth the risk and headaches. I've yet to shoot a wedding so that may change.

The lenses I was recommended are:

Sigma f2.8 18-50mm
Sigma f1.4 30mm
Canon f1.8 50mm

I also am going to get the Z-finder by Zacuto. Ive heard it makes your life much easier...especially with focusing.

As for my "A" camera, I was told the Sony HDR-AX2000 is my best bet (can anyone confirm this). It's roughly $3,500, which for me, is a big investment.

For audio, I have also been told the Zoom h4n is great. I am looking into this as well.

By the way, I am doing 2 weddings for free (hoping for a tip at the end) to build up my reel. I've learned that even if a bride has to shell out 500 dollars, she will go with a more "seasoned" person. The second you are free, you will have many offers. I posted to CL and got 10 requests to shoot weddings for free. The second I asked for any money to cover my costs, 7 of them I never heard from again.
 
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Jon Chema said:
Also, you need to have a second and even third camera op...its a hopeless cause to shoot a wedding solo. Yes it can be done, but it looks like crap at the end of the day because you can't gain coverage.
Click to expand...

Wow. Those are stong words. My wedding videos are not crap. They are better than even some of the super expensive, large crew operators in my area.

It's really not that difficult to get a great looking product every time, even working alone, as long as you:

a) keep it simple - no steadicams, sliders, jibs, DSLR's etc. Just two cameras on two tripods, one wide and one close-up.

b) Cover your arse - have a 2nd camera running on a wide 'safety shot,' plug an audio recorder into the mixer, have a spare (3rd) camera in your bag ready to go in case of emergencies even if it's just a handycam. And then when doing all that, assume the worst and treat the camera you are using as though it is the ONLY source of sound and vision you have. Even though the other stuff is there, make your best efforts to capture everything with your A-camera. That way when you get to post you get pleasantly surprised by how much material you have to work with.
 
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