Tips for Handheld + Shooting Wedding

F

femmedirector

Active member
So I am shooting a wedding soon as I need money for post on my film...ouch!

I would like tips for shots I can get while shooting the wedding. Also strategy. I am thinking of going handheld with the HVX, however, my hand hurts when I try to hold it at eye level.

Anyone recommend something for handheld that really works and allows flexibility to shoot holding camera up in the air at times for overhead shots.

Thanks!
 
I would use it on a tripod if you only have one camera. The bride and groom would probably prefer seeing the whole ceremony as apposed to just highlights. Or you could just get a steady-cam, but that probably won't help much with getting the money for post.
 
Spiderbrace is good, but I don't know how good it would be with an HVX. I used it with my DVX and it worked great, but on my A1 it's more difficult to handle and doesn't work at all. It might just be the layout of the camera and since the HVX is similar, then it might work. I just purchased a Merlin from a member on this site and think it will be fantastic for handheld wedding footage.

I'll post back with my results when I do get it.

-Kegan
 
Kegan Sant said:
Spiderbrace is good, but I don't know how good it would be with an HVX. I used it with my DVX and it worked great, but on my A1 it's more difficult to handle and doesn't work at all. It might just be the layout of the camera and since the HVX is similar, then it might work. I just purchased a Merlin from a member on this site and think it will be fantastic for handheld wedding footage.

I'll post back with my results when I do get it.

-Kegan
Click to expand...

works fine for me, and i use the letus extreme on it too.
 
If you're trying to go handheld the best thing I can suggest is gym workouts :-) In all seriousness I really wouldn't shoot anything handheld at a wedding besides the dancing at the reception and maybe the toasts if you were rock steady. You can check out something like this to help
http://www.antonbauer.com/egripz.htm
I tried one of these things out at a convention and it was pretty nice.
 
Kegan Sant said:
Spiderbrace is good, but I don't know how good it would be with an HVX. I used it with my DVX and it worked great, but on my A1 it's more difficult to handle and doesn't work at all. It might just be the layout of the camera and since the HVX is similar, then it might work. I just purchased a Merlin from a member on this site and think it will be fantastic for handheld wedding footage.

I'll post back with my results when I do get it.

-Kegan
Click to expand...

I'm trying to find something for my XH-A1. Right now, I'm trying a DVMultiRig Pro, but I was thinking of trying something simpler, like the SpiderBrace instead.

Can you tell me what in particular you found difficult about handling the A1, with a SpiderBrace?
 
Well because the camera is longer, it sits awkwardly on the brace itself. It's harder to screw on (even though Spiderbrace's website says it fits the XH-A1). It also makes it harder to operate the iris, zoom and focus rings because it is a front heavy camera.

Also, with the body further back it makes pressing the buttons on the body harder as the positioning is different (at least from my DVX).

How do you find the DVMultiRig Pro? What's your reasoning for trying something simpler? The whole reason I went for the Merlin is because I like shooting handheld and quite frankly I'm tired of mediocrity. My business calls for smoother shots and so I have to respond with such. I head good things about the MultiRig..

Simpler isn't always better.

-Kegan
 
Kegan Sant said:
Well because the camera is longer, it sits awkwardly on the brace itself. It's harder to screw on (even though Spiderbrace's website says it fits the XH-A1). It also makes it harder to operate the iris, zoom and focus rings because it is a front heavy camera.

Also, with the body further back it makes pressing the buttons on the body harder as the positioning is different (at least from my DVX).

How do you find the DVMultiRig Pro? What's your reasoning for trying something simpler? The whole reason I went for the Merlin is because I like shooting handheld and quite frankly I'm tired of mediocrity. My business calls for smoother shots and so I have to respond with such. I head good things about the MultiRig..

Simpler isn't always better.

-Kegan
Click to expand...

I just got the DVMultiRig Pro. My first impression is that I like it. I'm not sure that something like a SpiderBrace wouldn't work about as well though. The DVMultiRig Pro does interfere with getting to the iris, focus and zoom rings, like you mentioned with your SpiderBrace. I haven't tried the stabilizer bar yet, which is one of the main reasons I got the DVMultiRig Pro. If that makes a big difference, I will probably keep it. I also need to try things like mounting a mic on the MultiRig. I'm thinking of mounting a 7" LCD on it too. I may wind up getting a SpiderBrace, and keeping both.
 
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my very first wedding, I shot on a monopod thinking I might need to move around. big mistake. its tripod all the way. for just one camera, set up just off the center aisle, make sure the celebrant makes the couple face each other (not away from you) and you'll get a good shot. use the church sound board to tap off a feed to the camera, and use wireless on the groom and celebrant.
 
a fig rig would be a good option for that. i have found it good for pivot and tracking. and it really works well for holding the camera above your head. however, contrary to many opinions it is NOT a steadying device a la steadicam. if you walk with it - youre gonna see the bounce. it's best suited for pans and tilts

the biggest problem is that it (like and similar device) will be pretty conspicuous in a wedding situation.

i use a zactuo rig for carrying the hvx on the shoulder like a full sized camera - but thats gonna cost nearly as much as you'll make on the shoot... ; )
 
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