Best camera for shooting wedding

[Jeff Carpenter]

There are literally dozens of ways to answer this question, but based on those two factors (not HD and low-light) I would suggest the Sony PD-170 as an excellent choice.

I only stopped using my 170 because I DID want to go to HD. There are complications with that and, yes, it’s not in very high demand yet. The 170 should still be useful for weddings for years to come.

[Zane Barker]

[Mary Ann McClure] “Seems like HD might be overkill”

Most HDV cameras will actually shoot SD video also as well as give you the option of having the camera down-convert the HDV video to SD on playback. Most likely within a year or two you will be wanting HD anyway, so why not equip your self now, especially when the price of HDV and SD cameras is so close if not the same price.

Also most people will agree that DVD’s that are created from video that was originally shot in HD actually look better then DVD’s that where shot in SD.

Don’t let technology get in the way of your creativity!

[Boyd Mccollum]

You may want to look at the new Sony Z7. From all the reports that I’ve heard, it has great low-light capabilities, especially for the prosumer-level HD(V) cameras. It records to tape (HDV/DV) and CF cards so it might be a good transition camera for the next couple of years.

[Marty Osborne]

It should be noted that you will not see an increase in low-light sensitivity by shooting with an HD cam in SD mode. If you frequently shoot weddings/receptions in poor lighting your only choces are to add light or shoot with the best SD low-light cams. The best low-light pro-sumer cams are the Sony PD-170/VX-2100…bar none. If you can convince the bride to allow you to add light…rock on. But if that isn’t an option, its 170 or grainy video. Even the best low-light HD cams are not on this same level yet. Perhaps they are getting close but they ain’t there yet. Someday, sooner than later I hope, the HD tech will catch up with the SD tech and they will be on an equal playing field.

[Don Greening]

[Marty Osborne] “Someday, sooner than later I hope, the HD tech will catch up with the SD tech and they will be on an equal playing field. “

That day has arrived. I did a low light test between my PD170 and my XDCAM EX and the EX was the clear winner. In fact, the test was done with the EX in progressive mode which requires even more light than shooting interlaced like the PD170 does.

https://library.creativecow.net/articles/greening_don/ex1-pd170.php

– Don

[Rennie Klymyk]

What’ is your budget? I’d get an EX1 before spending about the same amount of cash on a Sony Z7. The EX1 has ½” chips and likely the better picture all around. Your final output will be dvd anyway which you can kick out of the edit system so why do you need hdv, dvcam or dv? You’ll be ready for bluray in the future.

If an EX1 is not in your budget you should look for something with widescreen so most the old dv cams are out.

You should get something with balanced audio inputs as well.

“everything is broken” ……Bob Dylan

[Mary Ann mcclure]

HD with the SD option sounds good & although they have that new sexy appeal, I am not really wanting a tapeless camera at this point in time. Call me paranoid and old school but after producing & editing for over 25 years I have seen too many drives break down & I don’t like having my master be at risk, ever. I know, I know I can do a tape back up but I don’t want to do that extra step just for wedding stuff.I need 2 cameras, great low light capability since brides are not going to let you light up the joint. XLR for audio and user friendly, not too much fiddling w/scrolling through menus. I want it all I guess. Oh yeah & under 5000 would be optimum. Also I am looking for some good training on the gear if you have any ideas on that it would be helpful as well.
Thanks for you time!
Mary Ann

[Sor Socheth]

I don’t trust dv tape either.

Last week I shot a wedding where the tape become drop.
The whole five minutes, was ruin! All the walking in ARE GONE, including the important Bride and her dad escort.

It was a disaster. I don’t trust any of them anymore.

Now I’m wating for the Bride and Groom to got back from their honeymoon to tell them the good and bad news. This beyond my control.

Blu-Ray today

[Kevin Shaw]

The Sony PD170 and VX2000/2100 are still good choices for SD video production, but are a questionable investment in the HD era. Many wedding videographers are migrating to HD cameras for their widescreen recording format plus better long-term potential, and low-light concerns are disappearing with the latest batch of HD cameras. The most popular HD cameras for event work today are the Sony FX1/Z1U/Z7U and Canon XH-A1, with corresponding consumer models (Sony HC9, Canon HV20) being used for “b roll” shots. The EX1 is also intriguing but doesn’t seem to have caught on due to the high camera price plus high price of the required memory cards.

Keep in mind that a growing number of customers own widescreen HDTVs, which are typically set to “stretch” traditional SD video to fill the screen. So if you shoot and deliver SD content to such customers they’ll likely see it stretched to make everyone in the video look wider, which isn’t an ideal option for a wedding video. Buy HD cameras and you won’t have this problem, plus you’ll be ready when someone asks whether you shoot in HD. Buy SD cameras and you’ll be increasingly stuck as customers comes to expect HD for paid video projects.

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Kevin Shaw
Always Memorable Videos

[Gigi Harris]

This is great advise.

I do shoot wedding videos and until recently shot with both the Sony DVX2100 and the Panasonic AG100a. Both are great cameras. The Sony the winner in low light but the Panasonic’s rich colors and XLR inputs were superior. That said, I have just purchased the Sony HVR-Z5U which is their newest pro HD camera. A step above the FX 1000 (no XLR) inputs. This camera is amazing and is 1.5 Lux. The is negligible difference in low light (even HD) with the Sony 2100. A bit heavier but is so worth the extra effort. It has a 20 X zoom G lens and a wide angle lens as well. The best of both worlds. I do get far more request for sD wedding than HD. And few want Blue ray yet. But I do get occasional HD weddings, and a price bump up. Just being able to offer HD has brought more people to my site. It looks good in this HD era.

If you are going to spend the money on a new camera for weddings, I strongly suggest going HD and this camera. You have the capability for hard drive (FlasH card) as well and can shoot both mini DV and Hard drive at the same time. Not bad. Back up Back up Back up. Makes you feel more confident for these no second chance to get it right events.

regards

gigi

gigih7