{"id":63643,"date":"2015-09-28T11:03:00","date_gmt":"2015-09-28T16:03:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/?p=63643"},"modified":"2015-09-28T11:03:11","modified_gmt":"2015-09-28T16:03:11","slug":"the-camera-gear-you-need-for-shooting-wedding-videos","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/the-camera-gear-you-need-for-shooting-wedding-videos\/","title":{"rendered":"The Camera Gear You Need for Shooting Wedding Videos"},"content":{"rendered":"

Shooting a great wedding video requires as much gear as shooting a small film. Here are some considerations for everything from camera stabilization to screwdrivers.<\/h2>\n

Cover image via Pack Config<\/a>\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

When shooting a wedding video<\/strong>, you may be overwhelmed by the amount of gear you actually need. Here are some of the best items for shooting the big day. These camera gear options are not only compact, they’re ready to be used in the fast-paced wedding<\/strong> environment.<\/p>\n

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Camera (and Lenses)<\/h3>\n

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Obviously the most important thing you need to shoot a wedding is a camera. Cameras deserve a post of their own, like\u00a0what kind of camera is best for a startup company<\/a>,\u00a0or the best cameras under $1000<\/a>, or\u00a0what questions you should ask when purchasing a camera<\/a>. The same goes for\u00a0choosing to buy lenses over cameras<\/a>. In this post we will be focusing on the support gear<\/strong> you will need.<\/p>\n

As far as cameras and lenses are concerned, just have a backup camera ready. While shooting wedding video<\/strong>, you should at least have two cameras. Three is the best option, which gives you\u00a0two to shoot with and a backup.<\/p>\n

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Stabilization<\/h3>\n

Just like any video production, camera stabilization is key. If the couple wanted shaky camcorder footage, they would have just asked that random family member who has a camcorder. Since they hired you, you’ll need to make sure your footage is as steady as can be. Here are some considerations for camera stabilization.<\/p>\n

Tripod<\/h4>\n

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\nImage via Manfrotto<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

The tripod is the golden standard of all stable footage. Users think they need that latest and greatest stabilizer toy to get the best footage, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. A solid tripod and fluid head will do more for your video<\/strong> than practically any of the following suggestions.<\/p>\n

The added benefit is the ability to setup a tripod and let a camera run while you attend to other shots. It also makes a great assistant during the ceremony. You can set a tripod in the back of the venue and just let the camera roll<\/strong> while you work on another camera angle.<\/p>\n

Monopod<\/h4>\n

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\nImage via B&H<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Now that you have a camera on a tripod recording the ceremony on its own, you will need something to hold the\u00a0other camera you should be shooting with. One of the best (and often cheaper) options is a monopod.<\/p>\n

Monopods are great for a multitude of reasons. They are compact, lightweight, and very versatile<\/strong>. Many carbon fiber monopods can hold an incredible amount of weight. With the ability to quickly adjust the height, you can go from a low-angle shot to a high-angle shot in seconds.<\/p>\n

They are also great for maneuvering through crowds<\/strong>. In very limited space, you can still shoot incredible footage and then get out of the way in an instant.<\/p>\n

Handheld Stabilizer<\/h4>\n

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These tools are the\u00a0Steadicam<\/a>, Glidecam<\/a>, Grip Handles<\/a>, Merlin<\/a>, etc. This category includes pretty much any stabilizer that does not go over your shoulder and does not require battery or computer assistance to operate. Obviously they are handheld.<\/p>\n

Handheld stabilizers are best used during the reception<\/strong>. They capture fantastic dancing footage. You can work your way in and around the dance floor. The handheld stabilizers are also good to use during portraits, as you can follow the couple and photographer as they\u00a0take\u00a0pictures.<\/p>\n

Also, here’s a pro tip: DO NOT FOLLOW A BRIDE DOWN THE AISLE WITH ONE OF THESE! There is nothing worse than a videographer or photographer getting in the way of the ceremony. This is not your moment! Stay out of the way! You are supposed to capture<\/em> the wedding, not be part of it.<\/p>\n

Note that this category did not include 3-axis gimbals<\/strong>. While great for filmmaking and indie productions, 3-axis gimbals are not the best for wedding video<\/strong>. There are multiple\u00a0reasons why gimbals are not always the best choice<\/a>. Based on the size alone, you cannot\u00a0discretely move around a dance floor with a MoVI<\/a> or\u00a0Ronin<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Slider<\/h4>\n

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\nImage via Kessler Crane<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

A camera slider performs magically when it comes to b-roll. You can easily attach it to a tripod and run around the venue capturing everything from exteriors to table centerpieces.\u00a0Adding the slightest amount of movement can make footage much more intriguing.<\/strong><\/p>\n

You can slide along the entryway table capturing the signature book and photos. You can slide into an entryway to help transition from one location to another. You can even use a slider to capture a jib shot.<\/strong><\/p>\n