7D Wedding Videographer - what am I missing?

Waldemar Winkler · March 1st, 2010, 06:58 PM

You are missing a video camera.

It probably won't be long before the DSLR and the pro-sumer video camera blend into one, but you must recognize the unique differences that continue to exist between the video camera and the still camera. All manufacturers recognize the trend and will be introducing new designs which I feel will capture just about everyone's hearts. Shoot with only a DSLR in video mode? No way! Not yet!

I shoot with two video cameras and one DSLR, which would overheat before capturing a Roman Catholic Wedding with Mass. That DSLR has allowed me to capture some extraordinary footage, and I would not want to be without it, but it remains a less than satisfactory video tool.

There are a bunch of issues that need to be resolved. Still camera lenses excel at shallow depth-of-field, which look great, but also take a lot of time to set up properly. While a challenging (and useful) exercise, being forced to manual focus a DSLR video is a dis-advantage. New camera designs will, and some cases, have, made this issue go away. Used as video cameras, DSLR's are horribly inadequate and user unfriendly, but fully capable of delivering useful images.

If you want to use a DSLR as the basis of your equipment inventory, do so. Just keep a real video camera around. I feel your work will benefit.

Kelly Langerak · March 2nd, 2010, 01:05 PM

@ John and Waldmer, I got my goods last week and sent them all back to B&H. Doing mostly one camera shoots and not owning a video camera yet, just didn't make sense. I'm purchasing the EX1r, I know I can't go wrong. Then next year if they introduce

1. Longer than 14min length clips
2. No overheating.
3. Bullet proof cards
4. Easier zoom
5. Better stabilization
6. and most of all better auto focus.

I will purchase one down the road or rent one for my nicer weddings.

I appreciate all the tips. I really like the camera but I did a ton of testing and found it wasn't the right time to incorporate one into my $1000 - $2000 wedding packages yet.

Waldemar Winkler · March 2nd, 2010, 07:51 PM

The EX1r is one impressive camera. I'm betting you have made a very good choice.

March 1st, 2010, 06:58 PM	#16
Waldemar Winkler Major Player Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Durango, Colorado, USA Posts: 711	You are missing a video camera. It probably won't be long before the DSLR and the pro-sumer video camera blend into one, but you must recognize the unique differences that continue to exist between the video camera and the still camera. All manufacturers recognize the trend and will be introducing new designs which I feel will capture just about everyone's hearts. Shoot with only a DSLR in video mode? No way! Not yet! I shoot with two video cameras and one DSLR, which would overheat before capturing a Roman Catholic Wedding with Mass. That DSLR has allowed me to capture some extraordinary footage, and I would not want to be without it, but it remains a less than satisfactory video tool. There are a bunch of issues that need to be resolved. Still camera lenses excel at shallow depth-of-field, which look great, but also take a lot of time to set up properly. While a challenging (and useful) exercise, being forced to manual focus a DSLR video is a dis-advantage. New camera designs will, and some cases, have, made this issue go away. Used as video cameras, DSLR's are horribly inadequate and user unfriendly, but fully capable of delivering useful images. If you want to use a DSLR as the basis of your equipment inventory, do so. Just keep a real video camera around. I feel your work will benefit. __________________ Waldemar

March 2nd, 2010, 07:51 PM	#18
Waldemar Winkler Major Player Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Durango, Colorado, USA Posts: 711	The EX1r is one impressive camera. I'm betting you have made a very good choice. __________________ Waldemar

March 2nd, 2010, 01:05 PM	#17
Kelly Langerak Major Player Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Bay Area Posts: 522	@ John and Waldmer, I got my goods last week and sent them all back to B&H. Doing mostly one camera shoots and not owning a video camera yet, just didn't make sense. I'm purchasing the EX1r, I know I can't go wrong. Then next year if they introduce 1. Longer than 14min length clips 2. No overheating. 3. Bullet proof cards 4. Easier zoom 5. Better stabilization 6. and most of all better auto focus. I will purchase one down the road or rent one for my nicer weddings. I appreciate all the tips. I really like the camera but I did a ton of testing and found it wasn't the right time to incorporate one into my $1000 - $2000 wedding packages yet.