So I currently own a Canon 7D DSLR, lenses, shouldermount, and follow focus as well as audio recorder. I shoot events, weddings and promos as a small business. Normally when I shoot weddings, I rent a second standard HD video camera and then put an assistant on it. I use the DSLR for all the pre-ceremony highlights (ppl getting ready, etc.) and the reception highlights and then for the ceremony I roam with it on my shoulder mount and put my assistant on a tripod to capture the wide shots with the HD camera. I then normally grab a feed from the sound mixer at the venue and then set up a shotgun mic by the podium to capture the exchange of vows and pastor. Recently, I've been brainstorming ways to keep my costs down yet add better production value to my videos. I've thought about renting a Steadicam Pilot for the HD cam and then putting my assistant on the 7D. I've also thought about renting a slider for the DSLR instead of the Steadicam. A jib has jumped into my mind a couple of times too but I feel that it would probably be too time consuming to setup and might get into people's way- plus they are expensive to rent. My question is, what do you all recommend I do to up the value of my videos? Any overall suggestions as well. I'm no newbie in this field but am always curious to hear other people's ideas and suggestions!
Wedding Video w/ DSLR and HD Camera
- Thread starter Jon Chema
- Start date
handsome pete
Well-known member
I agree with you on the jib. I think that would just be too cumbersome. Any time I've done event videos in the past I've always tried to remain as conspicuous as possible. I think that helps you capture more things in the moment.
Steadicam and a slider aren't bad ideas though. They should provide some options for different looks. Though I'd be hesitant to just let the assistant run the steadicam. Unless you're sure they know what they're doing, because there is a bit of a learning curve with them and I wouldn't want to risk getting unusable footage by just handing that duty off to an assistant.
Steadicam and a slider aren't bad ideas though. They should provide some options for different looks. Though I'd be hesitant to just let the assistant run the steadicam. Unless you're sure they know what they're doing, because there is a bit of a learning curve with them and I wouldn't want to risk getting unusable footage by just handing that duty off to an assistant.
If I went the Steadicam route I'd be using it because I've shot with steadi before. I'd just put the 2nd camera op on my 7D. I think that would be the best option as the 7D on the steadicam would require me to pull my own focus and possibly disrupt the balance on the camera. I don't have the budget for a wireless FF or another assistant to pull focus for me. As far as the slider i'm wondering what shots would be best with that?
Anyone else have any suggestions for this upcoming wedding? I'm still swamped...thinking of going Steadicam route as it can also give me some cool dolly like shots.
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I think the steadycam would be a great option. I am considering using one for an upcoming wedding as well. I have used a jib before on a wedding - It was a pain in the ass but the shots turned out great and the client was blown away. I had two other shooters running around so I knew I would have good overall coverage.
The recording time limitation is what scares me about using the 7D for a wedding. Especially if the bride wants non stop coverage. It think you are right to get a second HD camera.
The recording time limitation is what scares me about using the 7D for a wedding. Especially if the bride wants non stop coverage. It think you are right to get a second HD camera.
i do a lot of steadicam but rarely use a DSLR on it unless its a wide angle and its near all in focus/infinity, unless its a deliberate shoot that give me lots of time to get it setup perfect for a shot. not run and gun though.
my opinion is to just use a regular video camera with AF on the steadicam put a thumb controller on the handle for zoom and let it AF in general. if you stay wide to medium tele and you keep the subject generally in the center area it will AF and all is good. steadicam usage is just so cool that i dont think (in a run and gun) you need to complicate it more than that.
for instance though my HMC150 has a thumb controller that will zoom and adjust iris which is sweet. on my EX1 though...only zooming.
use your 7D for vibey stuff that is more artistic with shallow DOF, plus with fast lenses you can shoot in extremely low light if you have lenses that shoot at f1.4.
david
www.davidprobst.com
my opinion is to just use a regular video camera with AF on the steadicam put a thumb controller on the handle for zoom and let it AF in general. if you stay wide to medium tele and you keep the subject generally in the center area it will AF and all is good. steadicam usage is just so cool that i dont think (in a run and gun) you need to complicate it more than that.
for instance though my HMC150 has a thumb controller that will zoom and adjust iris which is sweet. on my EX1 though...only zooming.
use your 7D for vibey stuff that is more artistic with shallow DOF, plus with fast lenses you can shoot in extremely low light if you have lenses that shoot at f1.4.
david
www.davidprobst.com
MattinSTL
Sound Modulator
I have similar ideas I'm kicking around... but the one thing I'd advise more then anything is always maintain a master shot that's 100% safe... so regardless of what other experimental stuff you have going... you'll always have something solid to keep returning to in the edit. Don't get creative with BOTH cams 
I've shot stills on a wedding that was very well shot (video) with two guys... and 2-3 cams... one (can't remember if they had two) was an HD cam (xha1 I believe) on sticks and just stationary in a safe position through the ceremony... then a 5D which spent some time on a glidecam 2000 and some time on a slider.
The results were very good.
I've shot stills on a wedding that was very well shot (video) with two guys... and 2-3 cams... one (can't remember if they had two) was an HD cam (xha1 I believe) on sticks and just stationary in a safe position through the ceremony... then a 5D which spent some time on a glidecam 2000 and some time on a slider.
The results were very good.