hatsoff2halford
Well-known member
Does anyone here use the HD100 for shooting weddings? I am thinking about it but I am nervous about the SSE happening at a horrible time and not being able to get rid of it quick enough...
-Logan
-Logan
Weddings
- Thread starter hatsoff2halford
- Start date
MatthewRyan
Well-known member
I'm getting my HD100 tomorrow for weddings. i think it should be fine. besides think about it, it really only shows up when you are shooting in low light again a solid colored flat surface. the footage i've seen where there is more going on the picuture its not as noticeable when it occurs.
absolutely do not use the hd100 for weddings. It has bit me in the ass too many times. Refunds have had to be given due to camera malfunctions, and tape jams. The split screen cannot be fixed in post, especially when you are talking about several seconds or minutes of ruined footage.
Huiy Tang said:
So just don't use it for weddings but everything else is ok? No offense but I could shoot a wedding with my eyes closed. If the camera can handle harsh Madagascar it can shoot a wedding.
If you have an older production model before the fixes were applied then demand it be updated. The current models do not have a SSE problem and tape jams don't happen when using quality tape.
Perhaps you should be more realistic with your opinions instead of just baseless bashing.
jlames
Well-known member
Huiy Tang- All cameras are prone to failure but I have to agree with FullRez that to summarily dismiss or condemn a complete make and model that has gained widespread acceptance and accolades in the harshest of environments by well-respected and highly experienced professionals simply because a single unit has failed you, apparently continually, is not in the best interests of anyone. JVC has an excellent warranty program and has replaced one of mine immediately for an audio issue that may or may not have been endemic to the system rather than localized to the headphone jack, no questions asked. Further, FullRez is spot on relative to which camera you have. There are definite differences between the first issues and the current model so perhaps it would be advisable to do what many people on dvxuser and dvinfo do and that would be to have posted your issues such that help from other members who may have experienced the same problems could help you fix them.
With all due respect, a review of your 49 prior postings reveals that while you have continually bashed the camera, you have never solicited help. This, I'm afraid, does not really fit in with the objective of this Board nor the people who populate it which is to assist both user and manufacturer in creating and using improved equipment and techniques.
With all due respect, a review of your 49 prior postings reveals that while you have continually bashed the camera, you have never solicited help. This, I'm afraid, does not really fit in with the objective of this Board nor the people who populate it which is to assist both user and manufacturer in creating and using improved equipment and techniques.
stephenlnoe
Well-known member
I see you're back Huiy. Did you replace your camera from last year? Can you post some footage?Huiy Tang said:
MatthewRyan
Well-known member
well said Jlames. well said.
athouguia
Well-known member
Please Huiy, save us from your bad experiences with this camera. All your posts are meant to bash the HD100, start posting some constructive informations. You can share your experience with us, but telling someone absolutely not to use the HD100 isn't helpfull.Huiy Tang said:
I used it for weddings and it works perfectly, no malfunctions, no tape jams or SSE. It could be more light sensible and progressive for fast movements doesn't work as well as interlaced. Also beware of which format to shoot for slo-mos.
Last edited:
hatsoff2halford
Well-known member
what would be best for slo-mo? and what settings do you shoot in? (as in 60p or 24 p)
-Logan
-Logan
myfriendimage
Carbonite Member
the jvc dosnt have 60p, it has 60i and 24p, Shoot in 60i and slow it down by 50% would be suggestion then you get slowmo 30p.
athouguia
Well-known member
Myfriend your wrong. The JVC has 480/60p but I don't know if it's the best format to shoot for slo-mo.
The NTSC version has these options for shooting: 720/24p, 720/25p, 720/30p, 576/50p, 480/60p, 480/24p, 480/60i.
And the PAL one: 720p/24, 720p/25, 720p/30, 576p/50, 576p/25, 576i/50.
The NTSC version has these options for shooting: 720/24p, 720/25p, 720/30p, 576/50p, 480/60p, 480/24p, 480/60i.
And the PAL one: 720p/24, 720p/25, 720p/30, 576p/50, 576p/25, 576i/50.
Last edited:
myfriendimage
Carbonite Member
athouguia said:
I was thinking HD.
hatsoff2halford
Well-known member
I will be shooting DV when doing weddings, I make short films frequentely and thats what the HD would be for. I would probably shoot in 60i for the weddings.
what do you guys thing
-Logan
what do you guys thing
-Logan
athouguia
Well-known member
Oh, ok. But 60i isn't also HD, it is DV. I think the best solution would be to shoot 50p, it is SD but still HDV.myfriendimage said:
I haven't tried it yet because my PC is not able to edit HDV, so I'm still shooting in DV. My next wedding will be shot in HDV I hope, I'm also interested in knowing which format is better for slo-mo.
Stevet
Veteran
I just wrote about using 480P here.
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showpost.php?p=443211&postcount=18
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showpost.php?p=443211&postcount=18
Wedding is all I do for now and the HD100 is great!!
If you get a split screen then your lighting was not workable in the first place. I light the podium, the head table and of course have a light on the cam. I don't light the entire hall because that disturbs the atmosphere of the dinner or dancing. With this configuration I haven't had a problem.
Don't listen to Huiy because failure is part of the live event coverage game. I always have a second cam person with me. The only difference in my single camera shoot price and and my dual cam package is that single cam has a trainee that is willing to learn and assist (usually no car) at a next to free price versus a seasoned professional with my dual cam package.
Why do I do this. Backup... because things always go wrong I don't won't someones special day wrecked because I didn't have plan a. plan B and C D.
In fact I still bring my little consumer Canon optura with a rinky dinky consumer camera tripod just in-case. And you don't want to know how many times that has saved the day. Hey poor footage is better than no footage.
When I can afford hard drives I will by one for my HD100 and one for my FX1 and record to both tape and hard disk for redundancy reason only.
HD100 tends to be sensitive to tape jam. In my experience this is more a taught tape issue that it is tape head cleaning. the night before when you are doing your prep routine I recommend fast forward and rewind all the tapes.
If you get this error on the field switch tapes quickly and always have a head cleaner tape in your shirt pocket. Again keep that cheap used consumer cam ready with a emergency tape in it ready to go.
If you don't have an assistant get one... With a hand signal they can be ready with the emergency cam and shoot from where ever or fix your cam while you continue to capture.
Again these things happen with any cam if you are professional you can compensate.
I recommend the Sony FX1 for weddings. This cam continues to make me happy. I prefer the HD100 in many ways but it makes you work. Constantly manually focusing all day long especially in low light where it is difficult to see definition (even with the focus assist) is mentally fatiguing. Shoulder mount is nice but sometimes I miss a mono-pod. All day shooting with the cam on your shoulder is tiring as well.
If you plan to use the HD100 on a tripod which you should remember to purchase the focus and zoom controller for your tripod head otherwise you will be hugging the cam in a precarious position because again you must constantly manual focus the HD100 and zoom and focus ring are far up on the lens.
The Hd100 has a learning curve (which makes you a better camera man) in mastering manual focus. This means you can't just give it to a trainee and expect a decent output. The FX1 reminds me of my good ole DVX100 which I had to sell to get my FX1. I can set it up (especially image stabilization) and give it to a total newbie and get decent footage.
More often when some thing like a kiss or random toast happens I will pick up the fx1 before the Hd100 just because I am lazy by the time the reception comes around.
The Sony FX1 also has decent on camera batteries which is essential at a wedding. I currently rent heavy battery belts but will eventually purchase a larger on cam bat solution like Anton system.
The imaging to me is better on the HD100 but its close enough jess HD for Weddings. You can do more depth of field tricks with the HD100 lens.
But the main thins is the dough. The FX1 is a lot cheaper. Don't bother with the H1U with the XLR inputs make do with the 1/8 inch. This way you can have 2 HD cams for the price of 1 HD100 after all the accessories you need to work properly like larger batteries and tripod controllers. You won't be so exhausted at the end of the day and your assistant will feel less intimidated.
Sorry more ideas to add...
Try to shoot Progressive scan... I promote this feature free but you can sell it if you like. Up-to 25 (usually more...) Still photos from the video can bee copied onto a CD for the customer to print out themselves.
So if the photographer missed a moment and the CX wants to add it to their album. no prob one of my two cams probably got it.
Progressive scan will make for better stills especially with motion. You can interpolate two interleaved frames into one to make a decent photo as well but prog is better. Makes sure you show them a sample of what a photo from HD looks like so they don't get the impression that they don't need a photographer and think that you produce 4 Megapixal type images. And you don't want to piss off the photographers because they are your lead bread and butter.
30P slow mo....with my style I usually don't slow mo past 65% but with Vegas super sampling on (get ready for high render times) 30 P slow mo is fine.
HD delivery...
WMV HD is the answer... Forget about BLu Ray and HD DVD for now . Their too expensive and nobody has one in their home yet.
But almost everyone has a computer.
I explain to the cx that they will get two DVD. One regular SD DVD and one DATA DVD with a huge WMV HD file on it that will play on their computer or a cost effective device like this:
http://pro.jvc.com/prof/attributes/features.jsp?model_id=MDL101546
please note the suggested retail. I am going to buy one of these as soon I get more cash.
And do yourself a favor and get really great cases even if it costs you an arm and a leg to get them customer made. My cases cost me $70.00 each with fake leather and the their names embossed in it. The Brides love it.
Remember most women will by a car based on the cup holders and the pockets that hold the sunglasses.
If you are pro don't be afraid to charge what the photographer is charging. That should be your first question.
"What photographer did you go with? ...Oh that's great he's awesome...Out of curiosity how much roughly is he charging you?" even if you know the price already. this sets you up later to say well my product is jam packed with feature videos audio menus and slide shows with two camera people for just under the photographers price.
If the photographers price is lower than $2000.00 drop the cx. CX that hire you on price and not you artistic quality are usually the ones that hassle you later simply because they need to feel like they are getting the most for their money even is you product is perfect the way it is. Your better off waiting for a bigger fish who simply loves your work than being desperate for business.
5.1 is a really big selling point as well and is so easy too achieve. simply use second cam audio for rear audio source, wireless lav for center channel and lead cam on-board mic for front. Bang you now can use the 5.1 surround sound catch word. My demo sounds great with plates clinking in the the rear and a guy shouting "kiss her you idiot" from the back.
anyway thats my extended 5cents.
If you get a split screen then your lighting was not workable in the first place. I light the podium, the head table and of course have a light on the cam. I don't light the entire hall because that disturbs the atmosphere of the dinner or dancing. With this configuration I haven't had a problem.
Don't listen to Huiy because failure is part of the live event coverage game. I always have a second cam person with me. The only difference in my single camera shoot price and and my dual cam package is that single cam has a trainee that is willing to learn and assist (usually no car) at a next to free price versus a seasoned professional with my dual cam package.
Why do I do this. Backup... because things always go wrong I don't won't someones special day wrecked because I didn't have plan a. plan B and C D.
In fact I still bring my little consumer Canon optura with a rinky dinky consumer camera tripod just in-case. And you don't want to know how many times that has saved the day. Hey poor footage is better than no footage.
When I can afford hard drives I will by one for my HD100 and one for my FX1 and record to both tape and hard disk for redundancy reason only.
HD100 tends to be sensitive to tape jam. In my experience this is more a taught tape issue that it is tape head cleaning. the night before when you are doing your prep routine I recommend fast forward and rewind all the tapes.
If you get this error on the field switch tapes quickly and always have a head cleaner tape in your shirt pocket. Again keep that cheap used consumer cam ready with a emergency tape in it ready to go.
If you don't have an assistant get one... With a hand signal they can be ready with the emergency cam and shoot from where ever or fix your cam while you continue to capture.
Again these things happen with any cam if you are professional you can compensate.
I recommend the Sony FX1 for weddings. This cam continues to make me happy. I prefer the HD100 in many ways but it makes you work. Constantly manually focusing all day long especially in low light where it is difficult to see definition (even with the focus assist) is mentally fatiguing. Shoulder mount is nice but sometimes I miss a mono-pod. All day shooting with the cam on your shoulder is tiring as well.
If you plan to use the HD100 on a tripod which you should remember to purchase the focus and zoom controller for your tripod head otherwise you will be hugging the cam in a precarious position because again you must constantly manual focus the HD100 and zoom and focus ring are far up on the lens.
The Hd100 has a learning curve (which makes you a better camera man) in mastering manual focus. This means you can't just give it to a trainee and expect a decent output. The FX1 reminds me of my good ole DVX100 which I had to sell to get my FX1. I can set it up (especially image stabilization) and give it to a total newbie and get decent footage.
More often when some thing like a kiss or random toast happens I will pick up the fx1 before the Hd100 just because I am lazy by the time the reception comes around.
The Sony FX1 also has decent on camera batteries which is essential at a wedding. I currently rent heavy battery belts but will eventually purchase a larger on cam bat solution like Anton system.
The imaging to me is better on the HD100 but its close enough jess HD for Weddings. You can do more depth of field tricks with the HD100 lens.
But the main thins is the dough. The FX1 is a lot cheaper. Don't bother with the H1U with the XLR inputs make do with the 1/8 inch. This way you can have 2 HD cams for the price of 1 HD100 after all the accessories you need to work properly like larger batteries and tripod controllers. You won't be so exhausted at the end of the day and your assistant will feel less intimidated.
Sorry more ideas to add...
Try to shoot Progressive scan... I promote this feature free but you can sell it if you like. Up-to 25 (usually more...) Still photos from the video can bee copied onto a CD for the customer to print out themselves.
So if the photographer missed a moment and the CX wants to add it to their album. no prob one of my two cams probably got it.
Progressive scan will make for better stills especially with motion. You can interpolate two interleaved frames into one to make a decent photo as well but prog is better. Makes sure you show them a sample of what a photo from HD looks like so they don't get the impression that they don't need a photographer and think that you produce 4 Megapixal type images. And you don't want to piss off the photographers because they are your lead bread and butter.
30P slow mo....with my style I usually don't slow mo past 65% but with Vegas super sampling on (get ready for high render times) 30 P slow mo is fine.
HD delivery...
WMV HD is the answer... Forget about BLu Ray and HD DVD for now . Their too expensive and nobody has one in their home yet.
But almost everyone has a computer.
I explain to the cx that they will get two DVD. One regular SD DVD and one DATA DVD with a huge WMV HD file on it that will play on their computer or a cost effective device like this:
http://pro.jvc.com/prof/attributes/features.jsp?model_id=MDL101546
please note the suggested retail. I am going to buy one of these as soon I get more cash.
And do yourself a favor and get really great cases even if it costs you an arm and a leg to get them customer made. My cases cost me $70.00 each with fake leather and the their names embossed in it. The Brides love it.
Remember most women will by a car based on the cup holders and the pockets that hold the sunglasses.
If you are pro don't be afraid to charge what the photographer is charging. That should be your first question.
"What photographer did you go with? ...Oh that's great he's awesome...Out of curiosity how much roughly is he charging you?" even if you know the price already. this sets you up later to say well my product is jam packed with feature videos audio menus and slide shows with two camera people for just under the photographers price.
If the photographers price is lower than $2000.00 drop the cx. CX that hire you on price and not you artistic quality are usually the ones that hassle you later simply because they need to feel like they are getting the most for their money even is you product is perfect the way it is. Your better off waiting for a bigger fish who simply loves your work than being desperate for business.
5.1 is a really big selling point as well and is so easy too achieve. simply use second cam audio for rear audio source, wireless lav for center channel and lead cam on-board mic for front. Bang you now can use the 5.1 surround sound catch word. My demo sounds great with plates clinking in the the rear and a guy shouting "kiss her you idiot" from the back.
anyway thats my extended 5cents.
Last edited:
athouguia
Well-known member
Sonisfear, great post. You just gave me some ideas for shooting weddings. Untill today I only had one problem, I was shooting with a DSR390 and didn't notice that the channel 1 audio was set to the rear input of the camera. There was no sound on the ceremony, fortunatly there was this guest with a video8 that recorded the most important moments. If I had a backup camera it would have saved me a lot of work.
I agree with you when you say we should charge the same photographers do, but the fact is if I do that here in Portugal they just dispense me. I still can't understand why people consider video less important then photos, why there is always a photographer and only 70% of weddings have video? In the end it's the video they are more anxious to see! Now that I can shoot progressive, I'll have one more argument to increase the price.
I agree with you when you say we should charge the same photographers do, but the fact is if I do that here in Portugal they just dispense me. I still can't understand why people consider video less important then photos, why there is always a photographer and only 70% of weddings have video? In the end it's the video they are more anxious to see! Now that I can shoot progressive, I'll have one more argument to increase the price.
It is all in your sales/presentation. Your sales presentation is the most important part of you business. The public dosen't know that video is the most important aspect of their wedding. Because Photos have been a tradition and the parents who ussually pay for the wedding don't understand video it is your job the educate them. It is good to pivote carefully off the photographers.
Be respectfully because it is still the photographers that run the game so don't step on toes. In fact I go as far as to put the photographers credit in the main intro of my weddings before my name. This is because you will be benefiting from their compositions and it is only respectful to give them credit. It promotes them and the professionals will reciprocate.
If I were you I would target tourist for video because they need to show the family back home what happened.
Anyway I start my presentation with my own wedding photos on the walls and in the album which look awesome and ask the cx "how do you feel?". They ussually say "it looks nice" to which I follow with "yes its is wonderful and nessesary ART".
Then explain to them my primary job is to professionally document the day for your grandchildren to enjoy. Then shut up and play your demo (6 minuet recap of the whole day with music and key audio clips of the vows, kiss and audience cheer) then turn on the lights hopefully you have done a good editing job and the bride is tearing up (If this happens you my as well take out the contracts for them to sign) ask them "how do you feel now?". They ussually respond with "I feel like I was there","I feel like I know them". Your response "this is how your grandchildren and new friends and everyone else is going to feel when they see your wedding video....IF....it is professional done by [your company name].
"All the investment you spent on, flowers dress and limos will lasat only a day without the video. The video captures you vows, your tears, the audience cheers, the timeless bloopers in HD, 5.1 surround sound multicam team that transports your loved ones back in time to that day. Nothing else will do that."
Then shut up and show them your creative stuff like bridal videos, engagement videos to bring their emotions over the top. Explain that these video are the icing not cake your version of art.
Then close the deal!!!
If you get the wise groom/mother in law who says my brother has a great consumer cam he was going to shot it . Pivot off the photographer again. "Would you trust the EXPERTISE of a family member to photgrapher your wedding with a disposable box camera? No of course not" (if this beomes a strong issue show them sample shaky conumer footage with bad audio. Explain "this is the kind of video that you watch once put it in a box and never see it again.
Then review your list of professional features.
-You have the experience to know where to be at the right time while staying out of the way of the photographer and not distracting your guests.
-You bring a team of people to make sure the moment capture right
-You shoot HD
-Suround sound
-bla bla bla
"Can your brother do that ?"
Actually I have not once had this level of discussion since the upgrade to HD. The demo is so mind blowing that it is rediculous to even mention a consumer comparison.
So I hope this help you inspiring Wedding videographers.
One last thing. Do it the best you can or don't bother. Don't be half ass.
Treat your customers wedding like a NBC broadcast production even if the rentals eat into your profits at first. It will pay for itself in advertisements. That bride will show and brag to everylast person she comes across which leads to more customers.
I don't need trade shows at my level right now because I work hard. And the brides promote me.
Use a tripod or at least a mono pod every chance you get.
Think of the big picture (stay out of the phtographers shot, don't bring honking 1000 wat lights that wreck the ambionce.
pay an assistant to help you.
Get (rent if you can't afford the good stuff) a good cam and microphones
plan and prepare which means showing up to the rehersal so you know what they are going to do no suprises. know before hand where you are going to place you cams.
ask the minister permission to shoot on the alter
Be smart
Work hard
You are a servant for the day. If I see the bride needs some water get your assistant to fetch one.
Bring a Tide to go stain remover stick with you. some one always gets dirty it shows you care about making thier day the best you can even outside video.
Use nice DVD cases.
Edit it nice and TRY to complete it as fast as you can.
Give the brides a reason to brag about you and they will.
Intern ask for good money $2000.00 and up. Because trust me you will have earned it. Doing a wedding video right is hard work. Knock on wood I have't had anyone asking for their money back.
Which reminds me. You need all of your dough before the wedding or you don't show simple as that. The truth is bride and grooms don't realize how much they are spending until the creditors start calling. At that point it dosen't matter how good you video is they don't have it.
I know it sounds demanding but again if your work is deserving and the bride wants it. You will get what you ask.
Sorry for the long posts I hope some one benefits from it.
Be respectfully because it is still the photographers that run the game so don't step on toes. In fact I go as far as to put the photographers credit in the main intro of my weddings before my name. This is because you will be benefiting from their compositions and it is only respectful to give them credit. It promotes them and the professionals will reciprocate.
If I were you I would target tourist for video because they need to show the family back home what happened.
Anyway I start my presentation with my own wedding photos on the walls and in the album which look awesome and ask the cx "how do you feel?". They ussually say "it looks nice" to which I follow with "yes its is wonderful and nessesary ART".
Then explain to them my primary job is to professionally document the day for your grandchildren to enjoy. Then shut up and play your demo (6 minuet recap of the whole day with music and key audio clips of the vows, kiss and audience cheer) then turn on the lights hopefully you have done a good editing job and the bride is tearing up (If this happens you my as well take out the contracts for them to sign) ask them "how do you feel now?". They ussually respond with "I feel like I was there","I feel like I know them". Your response "this is how your grandchildren and new friends and everyone else is going to feel when they see your wedding video....IF....it is professional done by [your company name].
"All the investment you spent on, flowers dress and limos will lasat only a day without the video. The video captures you vows, your tears, the audience cheers, the timeless bloopers in HD, 5.1 surround sound multicam team that transports your loved ones back in time to that day. Nothing else will do that."
Then shut up and show them your creative stuff like bridal videos, engagement videos to bring their emotions over the top. Explain that these video are the icing not cake your version of art.
Then close the deal!!!
If you get the wise groom/mother in law who says my brother has a great consumer cam he was going to shot it . Pivot off the photographer again. "Would you trust the EXPERTISE of a family member to photgrapher your wedding with a disposable box camera? No of course not" (if this beomes a strong issue show them sample shaky conumer footage with bad audio. Explain "this is the kind of video that you watch once put it in a box and never see it again.
Then review your list of professional features.
-You have the experience to know where to be at the right time while staying out of the way of the photographer and not distracting your guests.
-You bring a team of people to make sure the moment capture right
-You shoot HD
-Suround sound
-bla bla bla
"Can your brother do that ?"
Actually I have not once had this level of discussion since the upgrade to HD. The demo is so mind blowing that it is rediculous to even mention a consumer comparison.
So I hope this help you inspiring Wedding videographers.
One last thing. Do it the best you can or don't bother. Don't be half ass.
Treat your customers wedding like a NBC broadcast production even if the rentals eat into your profits at first. It will pay for itself in advertisements. That bride will show and brag to everylast person she comes across which leads to more customers.
I don't need trade shows at my level right now because I work hard. And the brides promote me.
Use a tripod or at least a mono pod every chance you get.
Think of the big picture (stay out of the phtographers shot, don't bring honking 1000 wat lights that wreck the ambionce.
pay an assistant to help you.
Get (rent if you can't afford the good stuff) a good cam and microphones
plan and prepare which means showing up to the rehersal so you know what they are going to do no suprises. know before hand where you are going to place you cams.
ask the minister permission to shoot on the alter
Be smart
Work hard
You are a servant for the day. If I see the bride needs some water get your assistant to fetch one.
Bring a Tide to go stain remover stick with you. some one always gets dirty it shows you care about making thier day the best you can even outside video.
Use nice DVD cases.
Edit it nice and TRY to complete it as fast as you can.
Give the brides a reason to brag about you and they will.
Intern ask for good money $2000.00 and up. Because trust me you will have earned it. Doing a wedding video right is hard work. Knock on wood I have't had anyone asking for their money back.
Which reminds me. You need all of your dough before the wedding or you don't show simple as that. The truth is bride and grooms don't realize how much they are spending until the creditors start calling. At that point it dosen't matter how good you video is they don't have it.
I know it sounds demanding but again if your work is deserving and the bride wants it. You will get what you ask.
Sorry for the long posts I hope some one benefits from it.