[Stu Dwyer]

Lumix GH3 is a solid in-expensive option. – we use 3 to shoot our weddings and the results are great.

Just on the Lav mic – you might consider using the Rode Smart Lav mic, in conjunction with your iPhone and the Rode app. – just put your phone on aeroplane mode, pop the lav on the groom with the phone in his inside pocket and hit record. I find the vows come out just as good if not better than the wireless system and you don’t have any issues with wireless interference which can sometimes happen with some churches who use similar wireless systems. Of course you’ll have to sync it up in post.

Cheers
Stu

Ps. Always record multiple audio sources to cover your ass!

[Stu Dwyer]

HI there. I thought I’d chime in on this topic.
I’m a wedding videographer in Melbourne, Australia and I film approx 70 weddings a year by myself.

I set up my ‘b’ cam on the groom from the side, and capture his reaction during the bride’s arrival down the aisle and split the screen in post – my brides love this feature to be able to see their husband’s reaction.
This can be tricky as the b cam is unmanned and I occasionally loose this shot when the groom unexpectantly moves, or a bloody tall person stands right in front of my camera. But 9/10 times I can get it.

So to counter this, I always put my b cam up as high as physically possible, I always look for a position with the least chance of it being impared by the guests, and I speak to the groom and priest to find out where they will be standing during the arrival.

Once the arrival is over, I then usually set up a front and centre shot down the aisle as quickly as possible and dart over to the b cam to re-frame the shot. If its a Catholic service, sometimes I’ll have both cameras on the side until the vows start. – one camera on the couple and one on the speaker.

During the vows I will zoom in tight with my side angle to get the face of bride, and if I have the space and time I’ll get a third camera around my neck and race around to the other side to get the close up on the groom’s face. – all the while I’ve got the front and centre shot covering me.

Once the signing is over, I turn off my b cam and prepare to be mobile with my front and centre shot to exit the church. That way I can back down the aisle during their exit and not have to stress about coming in to turn off my b cam strait away.

Lately where possible I’ve been putting my GoPro up to get a wide cut-away angle during the ceremony too. – above the gazebo, or just a side shot of the whole scene. – it covers your ass in case both of your camera angles are out of position for a moment.

Yes it would be easier to work with an assistant, but we are offering a competitive price and paying an assistant would eat into our profits too much for what we’re charging.

Good luck!
Stu