Still cameras versus camcorders for video

[methuenbill]

So your saying, you need to have a seperate mic or something you can mount to a hot shoe and another place to set up a video light. You may as well buy a camera made for video.

[LouBruno]

If I can chime in. In my personal opinion, using a HDSLR requires time to set up audio, lighting and a big negative for me is the lack of a servo zoom lens thus follow focus is challenging. I don't believe these cameras were originally meant to be used for serious video production but as it turned out they are awesome cameras producing the best low light quality when in the hands of a professional. The DOF is outstanding though a bit overused by some wedding videographers in my area.

By the time one adds accessories and numerous lens configurations,Zacuto items etc., the pricing is equal to a high quality video HD camera. Also, when the accessories are added, the cameras are cumbersome and look like UFO's with all the attachments.


It is my opinion again, that the HDSLR's are and should be part of an arsenal for the serious videographer but can not replace (yet) a true video camera. This will change in time.

[SYLRENAUD]

NIce to see more peoples discussing HDSLR's here on the BB.
Here is my opinion on the matter.
I just sold my Canon XF300 a couple months ago, an incredible HD camera, the best picture of any camera I have ever worked with but one of the worst in _LOW_ light... terrible. I do not miss it at all. I mean from a creative point of view, panning right & left zooming in & out from a tripod _can_ be good coverage of a wedding event but it is not an artistic/wedding film presentation in my humble opinion. I have seen montages done with regular 3 chip cams that look good/ok but nothing like the "drop dead gorgeous look" of the 5D that Len is talking about.
I now work only with multiple HDLSR's because it improves the production value if used properly & its easier to put these cameras on a Steady Cam, Slider, Monopod or Tripod without all the extra gear attached to a 5D that Lou is taking about you will see this on a Movie Set/Corporate commercial. In a wedding/uncontrolled environment you don't have time to constantly hook up all these attachments (unless you have a crew doing it for you). So the cameras are extremely small in comparison to a regular HD camera. Is it cheaper ? its definitely debatable. I could purchase 2 HDSLR cameras with lenses for the price of one good regular HD cam.

All my weddings are shot with 4 HDSLR's using only the Z-Finder/Viewfinder as an attachment (I do change lenses throughout the day though but its a simple procedure) & yes I have to record some of my audio separately just like a real mini movie you could say. It's _just_ a different workflow that's all. Maybe its more work but I charge 4 times more than when I use to shoot Weddings with the FX-1.
The market here in Ottawa will pay extra for an artistic presentation & thats what matters most. I am making a good living using these cameras + I am rejuvenated as a producer because of what can be done with them.

Would I use HDLSR's to shoot full events like Sports, Dance Recitals, Plays or any regular stuff where an artistic film look
presentation is not involved ? No way I don't think its the right tool for that job.

Syl

[methuenbill]

Well, I like to keep an open mind about all thats going on in the photography and video world. I hear the old time photographers complaining about the MWAC (mothers with a camera) taking alot of their busness. I have seen the same with video, with the low cost of video cameras (uncle harry can do the video) I think its all in what you end up with for a finished product that counts. I think both stills and video will merge into a single camera.

[SYLRENAUD]

It already has merged between photo and video ! if uncle Bob can shoot plain Jane video with the new HD cameras on the market and can deliver something using iMovie then he is making even a better case for me to upgrade my production value and offer something different to the higher end market.

Syl

[methuenbill]

So when you do a wedding you have the camera on a tipod or monopod and a seperate audio system to capture the sound? If you take the camera off the support do you have a hard time keeping it steady, especially when the action is moving? When you do a reception how do you capture the sound and move around while holding the camera steady? Is there a limit to the amount of shooting time? How does the camera handle low light, and if you need a light where do you mount it.

[LouBruno]

A member of our association shoots strictly with HDSLR's and he does an outstanding cinematic job! Just outstanding. He uses 5 HDSLR's as not to miss any shots-hires four other cinematographers ( not called videographers), he also runs several H2N's for audio. Three Glidecams, slider on a tripod, LED lights for the cameras as well. One camera is used for long shots but Ray shuts down the camera every 12 minutes or so because of overheating-but the other cameras are also covering the event. The lowlight and the finished product looks like a Hollywood movie-nothing short of spectacular.

http://vimeo.com/31040464

http://vimeo.com/33251985

So when you do a wedding you have the camera on a tipod or monopod and a seperate audio system to capture the sound? If you take the camera off the support do you have a hard time keeping it steady, especially when the action is moving? When you do a reception how do you capture the sound and move around while holding the camera steady? Is there a limit to the amount of shooting time? How does the camera handle low light, and if you need a light where do you mount it.

[SYLRENAUD]

Wow Outstandingly beautiful work by Ray !! tks for sharing Lou.
I love his style & very unique presentation.
I think multiple HDSLR's is a must for proper coverage of a wedding event. The 12 minute limitation is no big deal once you are use to it, there is always a camera running.
BTW one could simply use a tripod and a monopod and produce something very professional.

This was made by two friends Paul Hamilton & Caleb Vinson from Chicago. Wedding cinematography is not what they do for a living !! This was done with just Tripods & Monopods 2 7D's and a couple lenses.
So they were basically winging it... this is such a great testament to their outstanding talent as artists to be able to see it in their minds eye... very intuitive

http://vimeo.com/23230087

[methuenbill]

Those shots are nice, but my brides like to hear their vows ect...

[SYLRENAUD]

I think you are missing the point... these are just wedding trailers... this is not the full package. Trailers are an add on to the wedding film pkg, usually either a next day edit or a few days later it could even be a same day edit whatever you like. There is usually also a wedding film montage music/audio between 12 and 20 minutes of the whole day. I also offer a full mix of the whole day with just audio - Bride, Groom, Ceremony, Park, Reception. If they want their Trailer to have the vows included why not ?
I decided to start this particular Trailer with the most emotional part of the vows because it was a big highlight of the day. But every couple is different and I recommend not following _any_ formula. I suggest trying to be original with every couple. Personalizing the montage. Sometimes the vows are the worst part of the day.... just saying... but they will still get everything with the full DVD pkg.

http://vimeo.com/28387805

This is for the couple to share usually on Facebook while everyone is still in the wedding buzz. They get the rest of the full DVD pkg in a few months. (usually DVD 1 is the Trailer & wedding film and 2 to 5 with approx an hour on each is the full reality show of the whole day)
This is what the cinematography wedding industry is doing right now & what the higher end market will pay more for.

I am not saying your market will pay more for this look but mine and thousands of other markets will. You might also not be able to relate to this type of presentation and thats ok too but make no mistake that this look
is embraced by the 20 something generation. I personally also prefer this look to the 4 to 6 hours of videos panning right left zooming in and out only that I use to produce back from the late 80's to just a couple years ago. And I'm 50 yrs old lol Now I produce less wedding projects but get paid more without any hassles about getting paid on time. These clients have lots of money !