Enticingly this video is often beautiful and 'cinematic' as it is shot through lenses similar to those used on movies. In fact a number of television shows and short films have been shot using dSLRs to achieve this cinematic look. Indeed a number of wedding videographers are now using them in their professional ventures.
Should you then use these cameras to film your wedding? The answer, as always, is both yes and no.
Before we begin you should address the following questions, these are the no questions:
1) Are you happy with the sound recorded from the camera's microphone?
- If you answer yes to this move on.
- If you answer no to this:
- a) Can you plug-in an external Mic? Are you happy with the sound from the external Mic?
- If you answer yes to this move on.
- If you answer no to this:
- b) Can you use an external sound recorder? Can you synchronise the recorded sound with the recorded video later?
- If you answer yes to this move on.
- If you answer no to this you should not use a dSLR to record your wedding as sound is a key component of any video.
2) Does your dSLR suffer from Jello cam?
- If you answer no to this move on.
- If you don't know what I mean google your camera model and Jello cam. If your camera has this issue people will be complaining about it.
- If you answer yes to this:
- a) Can you correct it or limit the amount of movement in the recording by using a tripod and no panning?
- If you answer yes to this move on.
- If you answer no to this avoid using your dSLR to record your wedding.
3) Do you have someone who knows how to operate the camera as a video camera? Are they comfortable with manual focus? Are they comfortable with Manual Exposure Control?
- If you answer yes to this move on.
- If you answer no to this get them some lessons or use a video camera with autofocus etc.
4) Do you like the look of dSLR video?
- If you answer yes to this move on.
- If you answer no to this use a standard video camera
5) Will the camera be able to capture the ceremony without overheating?
- If you answer yes to this move on.
- If you don't know the answer to this check the manual or try and record a video that is as long as your wedding ceremony/speeches/point of interest will be. Note that many dSLRs can't record for more than 20 minutes at a time.
- If you answer no to this consider using multiple dSLRs, perhaps from different angles, to allow the sensors to have breaks. Alternatively consider using a video camera.
There we have it. If you've made it this far it looks like dSLR video will be a good solution for your wedding :)
Last month I was at my wife's cousin's wedding, and they had a videographer there using a dSLR (maybe a Canon 5d MK II, but I'm not certain). I was chatting with my wife after the ceremony, and she said something about there being three photographers. I said, Oh no, that third guy was doing video!
ReplyDeleteShe had no idea, since he was just walking around with what seemed like a normal camera. It was fairly obvious, though, the way his eyes were glued to the LCD screen that he was watching the video.
These cameras definitely have come a long way...