what's your Weddings Setup ???

mctheory

mctheory

Carbonite Member
I am planning to get into filming weddings and would like to hear from everyone who shots weddings.

What basic equipment do you need
or have for your wedding set up?

Do u ready need an expense mic system or can u used the audio from the PA system.
How about a tripod or would it be best to invest in a steadicam?


I was thinking about using my dvx100b along with 2 work lights.
no money for audio yet.
 
Just a bit of advice, many churches won't allow any extra lighting. I'd go for a steadicam before a tripod because of the added versatility, as you can probably use as a monopod when you have to.
 
Do u ready need an expense mic system or can u used the audio from the PA system.
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You'll need a wireless mic. The more expensive the better, but the minimum you can expect to spend on a decent transmitter/receiver kit is $500.

How about a tripod or would it be best to invest in a steadicam?
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Yes, you need a tripod.

or would it be best to invest in a steadicam?
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I am assuming you mean camera "stabilizers" in general (term used loosely) and not an actual Steadicam. There are several different options, but you can check out the Dvrigpro, the Multirig, the Flowpod, and the Figrig to start. That said, the dvx is a very light camera and it's not outside the realm of possibility to be able to hold it rock solid steady with your own bare hands.

I was thinking about using my dvx100b along with 2 work lights.
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I'm not sure what you mean about using worklights, but it sounds frightening. The only light you'll be able to get away with is a small, dimmable on camera light.

no money for audio yet.
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You really need a good stick mic and at least one wireless kit. Sounds like you're still in the research stage, which is good. I suggest you do much, much more before you consider shooting a wedding. I'm not sure what your experience level is, but I'll guess that you're new to video production.

I'd recommend shooting for someone else for a while to learn the ropes. It doesn't even have to be weddings, but if you can get a job at a local video production company for a while, you'll have a much better idea of your proclivity for the work.

Good luck!
 
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3 GL1s (XL1 in the car as backup)
3 Bogen 3068 telescoping tripods
2 rolling dollies
1 wireless mic
2 on camera lights (reception only)
3 Battery packs
2 Headphones
1 Beachtek audio adapter (XLR to mini)
1 Shure SM58
1 XLR Cable
1 Attenuator
Some audio cabling
1 MiniDisc Recorder (reception only)
1 Wide angle lens
Gaf Tape
Ext. Cords
Cases for everything

Is the setup this company I work for provides me with. It's OK, definitley not the best, but ith good shooting and experience, gets the job done.

What I'd like to see added to that list (if my boss get's his head out from between his legs) is another wireless lav, another battery pack, another XLR cable, newer tripods, shotgun mic, and finally replace the GL1's with HVX's :)

I would not consider purchasing a steadicam or other form of stabilizer. We have one and I never use it... just extra weight. With audio receivers, lights, etc already on camera it's got some weight and can easily be smooth handheld with the OIS on. Just rent one if you absolutely need it.
 
Tripod first. Steadicams and the like really can't be run for long periods of time and belive me, when we had 2-3 cameras shooting toasts, at least one (The safety shot) was always locked down. We've had toasts last 40 mins or more. Believe me, handheld and steadicams will let you down over the course of the evening.
 
A tripod would surly make things easy.
And of course I will keep the Work lights out of the church.
 
You dont need a wireless system I use I-river voice recorder with a small azden mic one for each groom bride and minister. It records up to 8 hours of audio onto it. Its crystal clear and weights almost nothing. The only thing is that it records mono but you can double it up in post and it works great plus they are cheap as long as you get the 700 or 800 series with the voice recorder
 
any more great wedding equipment list?
I realizes that everyone has their own budget.
But tells me what works for you?
 
I would replace the battery packs and on camera light with a Led on camera light. It will last longer , be cooler and not cost as much overall.

Edit: Most of the times the church you will be in will have poor lighting. The way to get around that is the explain to the client the benefit of proper lighting and put that in your contract so that if it comes out dark it's not your fault and you told them before hand.

I also suggest getting an Re/50 Handheld mic instead of the sm58. This mic is what the news reporters use and it has a great noise rejection. Then I would get the g2 wireless kit with the plug on transmitter than way if at the reception anybody want to say anything to the bride and groom you don't find yourself running around with a bunch of xlr cables attached to you.

Also get a zoom controller for your tripod it will make your life easier.
 
These are only in the order that they popped in my head as I consider them all equally as important.

1. Tripods are a must, and I prefer the Wilderness Kit w/ the 503 heads. I've seen many people choose the legs with a midlevel spreader but I like how high the wilderness goes.

2. I use DVRig for 90% of the reception, except toast. Made that mistake before and will not do it again. DVRig is priceless if you have ever handheld for 8 hours. I don't even know why someone would consider something like the figrig for this stuff.

3. Vidled's are your friend at the reception. I recommend 2, and run them with the Tekkeon battery they offer on their site. Runs my LCD & lights for over 8 hours. And as a side note, lighting is rarely an issue for me in the sanctuary, but make sure you cover yourself in your contract.

4. You'll need many batteries for your cam. I have 5 DXVUser batteries, and still have to charge them sometimes during the shoot if I shoot from morning to night.

5. Get a shotgun for outside (Rode NTG2) and a handheld for interviews (I use an Oktava) and all the proper wind-blocking gear for both of them. I like to set aside a certain time for interviews or congrats at the reception, then you don't have people trying to yell over other people or trying to track you down. The DJ can announce it at the beginning before the bride and groom arrive and it works nicely. Although, I hate doing those...sometimes the bride and groom want them.

6. Wireless mics. I use 2 G2 sets. One on the groom and one on the pastor. I love them. Perfect for this stuff and they sound great.

That all I can think of about gear off the top of my head.

This really isn't about equipment, but always take time to get good B-roll. That is what makes your edit in many cases.

Also, never shoot with just one cam. Even if the second is static, have it rolling. Then you have something to cut to in the ceremony and a backup in case of failure. Only one chance to capture this one!

As a side comment about steadicams. I have seen some super cool B-roll before weddings and at receptions with a steadicam, but you have to walk before you can run. See if you like doing this before you drop $5k on the real deal.
 
my 2 cents-

shoot a couple weddings for free to get some experience.

audio is more important than video. wireless on the groom and celebrant. if the church has a sound system make a cassette with their system or bring your own recorder and sync in post.

tripod for ceremony, monopod for reception.

on camera light and good on camera shotgun for reception. I use Senn ME66 and Varizoom LED.
 
mctheory said:
Anyone had any problem with poor lighting conditions at the church?
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Moreso the reception. Poor lighting conditions? Like 90% of the time. Plan accordingly with an on-board light.

For your audio, I recommend the Sennheiser Evolution G2 100 series lavaliers.
 
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