Still cameras versus camcorders for video

[Rick]

Here is a recent Highlight we did. This was shot with Sony 3com sensors. Keep in mind our clients never ask us what kind of sensor we use. We compete with allot of companies that shoot only with SLRs. I'm not knocking it I happen to like the look myself too. However we are constantly busy and get the same dollar amount they do. I think it is more of a preference in style, Story telling. What you offer as a company. A company like Sly's that can combine quality along with the story is a winner...I believe Sly agrees with me here. There are many that are just trying to show off there editing skills, to munch RF looks more like a Music Video than a wedding video. We typically win these clients. For us the change over is to much right now. Most clients don't see the difference. You can't be all things to everyone. I believe in the near future 35mm Sensors will be common on all camcorders. Also keep in mind that when your client visits your studio and you play back a wedding in HD on a wide screen they are typically Blown away. Again when we ask our clients why did you choose us over X company they say, Oh we like your style better, and we have lost clients for the same reason. Using your camcorder properly can produce beautiful pictures. I hope this helps you in your decision....

http://vimeo.com/36033037

[SYLRENAUD]

Very well done Rick !! This was well graded... just beautiful !! I understand why you are successful & I commend you for staying with what you think is best for your particular Style/Look.
I agree with you that some of the HDSLR montages are just _cool images_ set to music and do not really tell a story of the couple or what happen that day. In fact some of them look like a Resort Commercial.
I have seen stuff that looks incredible but isn't personal (hence my comment earlier encouraging producers to _personalize_ the work they do) you watch one montage then you realize after watching a 3rd one that
there is a formula in place i.e. insert shoes here, insert dress here, never use audio or in other words a cookie cutter formula that looks good but isn't compelling to the client.

Sometimes nothing passionate happens so you are left with just good looking people and cool music but I think the use of audio might be the most important part of a good Wedding Film & my goal this year is to involve audio from the day even more often in the montages.

Our first Trailer this year shows what I am talking about : http://vimeo.com/35972638

Nothing much happen on this shoot, pretty quiet couple, but there was a beauty behind the serene feeling of the day & it kept creeping up all day Nathan ends up being a very emotional guy even though you couldn't tell at first.
Up here in Canada there are 2 official languages French & English most French people are fully bilingual but most English aren't. So the way this Trailer ends is very touching. Nathan fell in love with
a french canadian girl & his willingness to put himself out there and speak french (very rare) was a huge moment. That's what I mean by personalizing work to the client.
I could of just put music to the whole Trailer with just good looking shots, this would be much easier (no audio to sync up etc) but it would be cheating.

The bigger challenge though is in creating a compelling 15-20 minute Film independent of the Trailer but it's a lot of fun !!

P.S. Rick I would love to see you mix in some 5D footage in your work

[Rick]

Very well done Rick !! This was well graded... just beautiful !! I understand why you are successful & I commend you for staying with what you think is best for your particular Style/Look.
I agree with you that some of the HDSLR montages are just _cool images_ set to music and do not really tell a story of the couple or what happen that day. In fact some of them look like a Resort Commercial.
I have seen stuff that looks incredible but isn't personal (hence my comment earlier encouraging producers to _personalize_ the work they do) you watch one montage then you realize after watching a 3rd one that
there is a formula in place i.e. insert shoes here, insert dress here, never use audio or in other words a cookie cutter formula that looks good but isn't compelling to the client.

Sometimes nothing passionate happens so you are left with just good looking people and cool music but I think the use of audio might be the most important part of a good Wedding Film & my goal this year is to involve audio from the day even more often in the montages.

Our first Trailer this year shows what I am talking about : http://vimeo.com/35972638

Nothing much happen on this shoot, pretty quiet couple, but there was a beauty behind the serene feeling of the day & it kept creeping up all day Nathan ends up being a very emotional guy even though you couldn't tell at first.
Up here in Canada there are 2 official languages French & English most French people are fully bilingual but most English aren't. So the way this Trailer ends is very touching. Nathan fell in love with
a french canadian girl & his willingness to put himself out there and speak french (very rare) was a huge moment. That's what I mean by personalizing work to the client.
I could of just put music to the whole Trailer with just good looking shots, this would be much easier (no audio to sync up etc) but it would be cheating.

The bigger challenge though is in creating a compelling 15-20 minute Film independent of the Trailer but it's a lot of fun !!

P.S. Rick I would love to see you mix in some 5D footage in your work

Yes..Outstanding I love it....I wanted to watch. You can relate to the couple..I enjoyed it and I am sure they did. This is what seperates the pros. Yes Sly I am hoping for some 35mm sensor camcorders at a resonable price soon..If not I may have to take the plundge