Becoming a Wedding Videographer

[Drew18]

Hi everyone, I'm looking to get my first gear this week and wondering which camcorder to go with. I've been looking at Sony's HDR-AX200, HDR-FX1000 or Canon XH A1. And also would like your opinion on accessory like lights, tripod and etc. I've been alot of research and I would love to hear from Videographer. I'm open to other suggetions, my budget is around $5000.

Thank You

[video 101]

I own the Sony HDR-AX2000 and love it. To tape, it records to an SD memory card and you can get 3hrs of full 1080i HD video on it. For lights, I bought the Comer 1800 led light which has a dimmer, spot light feature and defusser. I own bogen tripods, sony wireless mic. I would recommend buying a camera that records on SD cards. Tape is on it's way out. Plus you don't have to worry about the tape messing up, drop outs, ect.

[RatVega]

IMHO, Sennheiser wireless mics are very reliable and reasonably priced. Never forget that audio is half of A/V...

[Drew18]

Thanks for the info, I really appreciate it. How about software editing? I'm really considering FCP, I really like the new IMAC.

[video 101]

Have you ever filmed a wedding before, or any event before?

[Drew18]

I have not done any kind of wedding before. Most of my filming and editing are from family events which I have done ton. I know I have alot of learning to do but I really want to get into filming. Once I get my gear, I'm going to ask around my area if they are willing to teach me. If you have any tips and suggestion, I would be great full for the info.

[Psynema]

Hi everyone, I'm looking to get my first gear this week and wondering which camcorder to go with. I've been looking at Sony's HDR-AX200, HDR-FX1000 or Canon XH A1. And also would like your opinion on accessory like lights, tripod and etc. I've been alot of research and I would love to hear from Videographer. I'm open to other suggetions, my budget is around $5000.

Thank You

XH a1 is outdated, don't get a tape camera.

If you want a DSLR, try a GH1 lumix ($1200) Zoom h4n (300) Gorilla pod Focus ($100) Calumet budget tripod ($100 gives a decent enough fluid head) Olympus Zuiko 14-54mm mark ii lens ($500) 4/3 to m4/3 adapter ($125), 20mm Panasonic 1.7 lens $400, and Vivitar 85mm Canon Mount 1.4 lens ($350) with Canon EF to GH1 adapter ($50)

$3200

Base price for a very cheap, yet still VERY capable and way better image than XH A1 kit with accessories for the cost of a 3 year old dinosaur alone and a fraction of the size and weight. You can also sell the GH1 kit lens if you want on ebay for $600

Making this a $2600 purchase...use the extra $2400 to get a second GH1 ($1200) and all the SD cards and microphones you want.

Not sure if you're into the DSLR craze, but you can be FULLY equipped with 2 GH1s for your budget (and have a few stops more of low light sensitivity).

[RatVega]

Thanks for the info, I really appreciate it. How about software editing? I'm really considering FCP, I really like the new IMAC.
FCP on an iMac is a good choice. The software is widely accepted and well supported, and so is the hardware. Any "shortcomings" in the iMac only apply to very high-end usage; by the time you arrive there at that point, the iMac will make an excellent back-up machine.

To get the best advantage, you'll want the 27" iMac with the optional "i7" quad-core processor. You'll want the screen real estate and with the quad-core, you've basically got half a Mac Pro.

Stop by the "I'm a Mac" forum here to get answers to your Mac/FCP questions. Welcome aboard!

[video 101]

XH a1 is outdated, don't get a tape camera.

If you want a DSLR, try a GH1 lumix ($1200) Zoom h4n (300) Gorilla pod Focus ($100) Calumet budget tripod ($100 gives a decent enough fluid head) Olympus Zuiko 14-54mm mark ii lens ($500) 4/3 to m4/3 adapter ($125), 20mm Panasonic 1.7 lens $400, and Vivitar 85mm Canon Mount 1.4 lens ($350) with Canon EF to GH1 adapter ($50)

$3200

Base price for a very cheap, yet still VERY capable and way better image than XH A1 kit with accessories for the cost of a 3 year old dinosaur alone and a fraction of the size and weight. You can also sell the GH1 kit lens if you want on ebay for $600

Making this a $2600 purchase...use the extra $2400 to get a second GH1 ($1200) and all the SD cards and microphones you want.

Not sure if you're into the DSLR craze, but you can be FULLY equipped with 2 GH1s for your budget (and have a few stops more of low light sensitivity).

How can you capture long run times with these cameras?

[Drew18]

FCP on an iMac is a good choice. The software is widely accepted and well supported, and so is the hardware. Any "shortcomings" in the iMac only apply to very high-end usage; by the time you arrive there at that point, the iMac will make an excellent back-up machine.

To get the best advantage, you'll want the 27" iMac with the optional "i7" quad-core processor. You'll want the screen real estate and with the quad-core, you've basically got half a Mac Pro.

Stop by the "I'm a Mac" forum here to get answers to your Mac/FCP questions. Welcome aboard!

Thanks for the info, thats just what I wanted to hear. I will definitely being using the MAC/FCP question.

[Psynema]

How can you capture long run times with these cameras?

GH1 lumix has no recording limit, it will record as long as there's memory on the card.

[MediaConcepts]

GH1 lumix has no recording limit, it will record as long as there's memory on the card.

Do you get a commission for every GH1 Lumix sold?

Joe

[Psynema]

Do you get a commission for every GH1 Lumix sold?

Joe

No, why is there something wrong with it?

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