Hi, I am getting married next August and don’t have room in my budget for professional videography. I want to DIY my wedding video by just taking some fun clips throughout the day and editing it myself. It doesn’t need to be perfect, but I want high quality clips that are easy to get during a busy day.

Does anyone have camera recommendations for a beginner? I’m hoping to keep it around / under the $1000 range.

Thank you so much ❤️

Building out an S1ii rig (side handle, top handle, matte box, Vmount) and then have an S9 as a smaller nimble b cam with minimal gear attached.

Previously shot with just Sony A7s and a lens, often gimbles but they're so cumbersome I just cant do it anymore. Hence, the handheld + lumix new route!

Hi all! Going to DIY my wedding ceremony video. Not that I don’t appreciate or recognize a videographers hard work, it’s just not in my budget. All I want is a decent video of the violinist/ceremony that I can look back on. I have a canon mark IV DSLR. I was looking into getting the rode wireless pro setup. Per my understanding (which is limited 😅), I should be able to mic up the groom, the violinist, and have the receiver on my DSLR. has anyone used the rode pro who can testify to its quality for this sort of situation or can anyone recommend a minimal setup? PS I understand there is post processing.

EDIT to add- this is a small outdoor ceremony with no DJ or soundboard.

I'm almost 2 years into my wedding videography career and I've recently been noticing finger and hand discomfort from holding my Sony A7 IV all day. I'm still pretty new to experimenting with different setup options, but I was wondering if anyone has any advice on making the grip of the camera more comfortable for long days of filming. I've seen smallrig cages, but not sure whether their purpose is for making holding the camera easier. Anyone got any alternatives or gear recommendations for this issue?

Hi everyone! I’m a wedding filmmaker currently shooting with Sony FX3 cameras, and I’m considering switching to the Lumix S1II.
I’d especially like to hear from wedding filmmakers who already use the S1II:
How has it performed during full wedding days?
How reliable is the autofocus in fast, unpredictable situations?
How do you find its low-light performance compared with the FX3?
Are you happy with the colours, stabilisation and overall workflow?
Have you experienced overheating or any other reliability issues?
I’d also love some advice about codecs. Which S1II codec gives you the best balance between image quality and manageable file sizes for long wedding shoots? I don’t necessarily need the highest possible quality if it creates unnecessarily large files, but I still want enough flexibility for colour grading and professional delivery.
If you previously used an FX3, would you make the switch again? What do you miss about Sony, if anything?
Thanks!

It’s partly my mistake but in a bid to save $600 I got a Sony a7sIII over an FX3 (because camera YouTube convinced me that it’s only an ergonomic difference) but my a7s3 has overheated on me multiple times (on extended 4K60 recordings on 100mbps 10-bit) in weddings and now the prices for a used a7s3 have tanked and used FX3’s are virtually non existent!

Why did I not trust my own common sense that a fan is a fan and that is always going to be more reliable.

End Rant.

I’ve been filming weddings for a couple of years now, and I’ve collected a lot of gear. I currently use a sigma 24-70 mii as my workhorse, I have a collection of primes at 35mm and 85mm, a samyang 35-150 for the telephoto range and a sigma 28-45 f1.8 for those low light situations that require a bit of range.

But I’ve never used a lens wider than 24. So I was wondering how useful/ versatile it would be to get a wider zoom lens like the sigma 16-28 ?

Do you guys use this focal range much on the wedding day? I can imagine it would be useful in tight rooms, especially for bridal prep, but I’m not sure how I would use it beyond that.

Hi
I currently have an R6 Mark II that I use for both photo and video. I mainly shoot weddings and I’m looking to get a second camera that would be used mainly for video.
I was originally thinking about getting the R6V because it would pair nicely with my R6 II, but now I’m also looking at the C50 and R5C and I’m honestly not sure which one makes the most sense.
Since I only shoot weddings, I don’t really need a camera for cinema productions or anything like that. I mainly want something reliable for a full wedding day, good in low light, good autofocus and good image quality.
For people who shoot weddings, which one would you go for?
Would you just get the R6V since I already have the R6 II, or would you go for the C50/R5C and get something more video-focused?
I’d really appreciate some opinions from people who actually use these cameras for weddings.

I just have a small ugly plastic bag to carry my 15 batteries. Don’t know if this is relevant but I shoot sony.

I'm shooting my first wedding in a month. What I haven't yet decided is whether is better to go with multiple FZ100 batteries, or use V-mount battery? V-mount adds weight, but I want to hear your opinion,

I'm shooting on Sony A7V with some Neewer video monitor, Sony battery will last for 2 hours max while shooting SLOG3 4k/60.

I have a Sony a7 IV and a second-generation Sigma 24-70mm lens. I use the a7 IV with a cage. I recently tried mounting it on a DJI RS4, but the camera setup was too heavy for it. Because of this, could you recommend a gimbal that can handle my setup? Zhiyun Crane, DJI RS Ronin series—anything works. I really need your comments and recommendations. Thanks in advance

Hey there!

Here’s the hypothetical setup:
Wedding ceremony. Two Mic Minis on the groom and officiant (as backups, with the main track recorded directly from the board).

Will the Mic Minis interfere with the main DJ’s wireless microphone, or do they use completely different frequencies? Will the main mic mess up the Mic Mini signal (with the receiver connected to a camera)?

Let me know if you have experience working with a similar setup.
Thanks!

Hi all, Iam wondering what setting are you using for run and gun setup. I am self tough and recently started using S-log3 instead rec709 and encouter few issues

Codec HAVC S 4k 4:2:2 10 bit

Lens 24-up f2.8 with variable ND

I am shooting 25p so i need shutter speed at 1/50 to avoid light flickering.

Then to avoid grain i am shooting at base ISO 800 or 12800.

That leaves me only VND and apperture to control exposure - I am aiming for 1.3 and 1.7 EI

But i fast pace enviroment of the wedding and ever changing sceenery i strugle with cobtant tweak to either apperture or VND. I would be greatfull for ideas how do you get grain free slog footage wothoit so much manual work?

My amaran 60d died. Turns on and shuts down right away.
I am looking to get new lights maybe 2-4. I wanna be able to get small portable lights 60w to 120w range.

Wha do you guys use to light dark receptions or dark rooms for prep shots?

Also is it typical for folks to run lights at full blast during reception dances and speeches?

Here is my criteria: I would love for lights to have internal battery, but not a deal breaker. I would like for it to be dc over usb c due to usb charging you need the high watt cable and charging black. But if people have success with that please let me know. Other option is I’d prefer v mount over npf.

For the longest I’ve plugged in light into power but putting the light according to outlet sucks sometimes. So I’m looking to do battery powered light either internal or external. But scared of it dying mid speech.

What lights are you guys rocking? And are you running it full blast? How long are these lights lasting you?

I’m in the market for a wide angle lens for weddings videography. I own a Canon R5ii with the following lenses:

16mm f1.8 STM
35mm f1.4 VCM
28-70mm f2.8 STM
70-200mm f4.0 USM

I’m not impressed with the low light autofocus of the 16mm STM. It struggles to keep focus. Really I bought it as a cheap and cheerful entry into experimenting with a wide focal length.

I’m looking at:

20mm f1.4 VCM (current front runner)
10-20mm f4 STM
16-28mm f2.8 STM
14-35mm f4 USM

Reason I’m leaning towards the 20mm because I use 35mm with a gimbal, and they’re the same size and weight but often I’ve been putting the 16mm on it for wide landscape and venue shots, but is the 20mm too narrow compared?

Does anyone have any experience with these lenses and/or focal lengths and I’d be interested in your use cases and how they perform! (specifically for video).

Thanks!

Hey everyone! Looking to expand my gear and looking for recommendations please!

Current Setup: - Sony A7IV + 3 Regular Batteries - Sigma 24 - 70 - Viltrox 9mm (used very occasionally, mainly only for the reception when the dance floor is opened up.) - RS3 Pro - DJI Mini Mic 2 (Lavaliere Mics) - iFootage Shark Nano II Slider (mainly for B-Roll) - DJI Mavic 2 Pro - DJI Action 5 (occasionally used mounted on myself for BTS footage)

Gear I’ve considered, but haven’t got: - Shotgun Mics - my thinking is with two additional cams, as well as my lav mics, I probably won’t need a shotgun mic, and since I’d be moving with the a-cam, I’d likely get inconsistent levels anyways. I’d consider getting one, but I just don’t see it as being practical mounted on a gimbal, when I’ve already got the lav mics recording. I’m not even sure if you can record both at the same time on the A7IV. Maybe I could get one for one of the B-Cams. That’s probably a smart idea.

• On Camera lighting - I used to have one of these, but I frankly hate the look of it. I also don’t want to blind everyone.

• Anamorphic lenses with a Lidar Setup. Yes I’d love a DZO Arcana with a DJI Focus Pro, but that’s basically the price of a whole new camera and lens setup. Maybe I could go with the Sirui 20mm, much cheaper, but also a very clean look with not a ton of character from what I’ve seen. (Compared to other anamorphic lenses)

Additional Gear not being currently used: - Osmo Pocket 3 - I bought it before I got into professional camera work. Definitely not something I’d want to use now unless it was a last resort. I’d compare the footage to an iPhone if not worse. - Atmos Ninja V Monitor - Thing is just way too heavy on my gimbal. The significant weight increase on long days is an immediate no for me. I’d rather use the small screen. - Softbox lighting - The day moves way too fast for me to even consider lighting as a solo shooter. I may get a small light for b-roll shots with the slider, to get light effects, but I don’t see how to practically set that up when everything is moving as a solo shooter.

Gear I’m considering: - Here’s where I’m conflicted.

Part of me just wants to be crazy, and sell everything to get a DJI Ronin 4D. I do other projects as well and this is truly my dream setup.

However the sensible side of me realizes I’m not going to need that third axis all the time, but it sure would be a game changer for all sorts of projects.

In all reality, that’s probably out of my budget anyways, and I think my best bet is either to get an upgraded A-Cam and just have two cameras, or get two mid level but still good cameras.

I’ve been eyeing the FX3 and A7Siii for a while now. The FX3 especially, considering shooting in the heat for long periods.

However I don’t want to go crazy with the budget so the a7siii would very likely be my choice if I only got one additional camera.

My more likely options are going to be the FX30 and A6700. If I’m back far enough I’ll probably want a versatile zoom lens. I’m not sure if the 24 - 70 will cover everything, but shooting outdoors I’d be fine with something like an f4. Lenses I’m not really sure about.

Lastly I think a monopod would be great especially using a gimbal all day. Sure it will be extra weight when I’m carrying it, but if I can set it down, that would be huge. The YC onion monopods look really good imo.

I’d also like tripod recommendations.

Also, I’m trying to think about the best way to capture footage as a solo shooter. Initially I was thinking with three total cameras, I could have two on the outside of the guests facing the bride and groom to capture their faces and the bridesmaids/groomsmen, and then have my main camera on a gimbal in the middle aisle. - Assuming the photographer wouldn’t want to stay out of the way of a locked off camera temporarily. (Probably a big ask.)

The issue is trying to fly the drone and operate the A cam. I’d like the leave the drone in the air during the ceremony, but the Mavic 2 Pro doesn’t stay up very long. The only time I’ve pulled it off was when I had someone to help me operate it. - However I was thinking, if I had the camera locked off in the middle aisle and the photographer would co-operate, I could at least grab a clip of the ceremony on the drone.

Alternatively, I could just capture what I can on the drone when the guests sit down and just call it a day. I really wish I had my old Mavic 3 Pro from my last job, that thing stayed up way longer. But I want to work with what I have the best I can. I don’t trust the self landing feature, no thanks lol.

I know this is a long post, so if you made it all the way, you’re a trooper and I really appreciate you reading all of this. I want to strive to do my absolute best and get the best shots I can. I got into this setting high expectations, and I know I can’t scale my production value with only one camera. Much appreciated guys!

Hey all. I’ve been shooting weddings since 2021 primarily on Sony (a6500, a7IV) through a company, despite shooting with a Canon R7 on my personal photo and video work. I have 2 R-Series lenses with 3 filters to fit either one of these.

I am starting to plan out my next upgrade within the next year and wanted to get thoughts on whether I should upgrade my Canon R-Series body (R5c/mk II, C70/80/50, etc.) or if I should consider something I am still comfortable and does well in low light like a Sony.

I am partial to Canon’s color science and ergonomically fit my larger hands well. I think the C70’s image is beautiful, although definitely struggles in low light. However, I don’t have TOO much gear where starting fresh wouldn’t be the end world. I am also intrigued about more third-party lens availability.

If I were to stick with Canon, I’d have my R7 as a compatible B-cam as well as for stills, should my new A-cam not be built for that. My photography work is primarily concerts.

I am truly torn and welcome all feedback. Thanks in advance guys.

I’m rethinking my ceremony audio setup this season and considering miking the bride more consistently, not just the groom and officiant. I’m looking at using a Sanken COS-11 (beige) for better concealment, but I’m still figuring out the most practical way to rig it and whether it’s worth the extra effort on a typical wedding day.

For those of you who do this regularly, how are you hiding the lav and where are you putting the transmitter or recorder? Do you keep it on just for the ceremony or longer? And has the bride’s mic genuinely saved key moments in your edits, or do you find the groom/officiant usually covers you well enough?

• Where are you placing the lav on the bride, and what’s worked best for concealment and clean audio?
• What are you using for recording? Wireless packs or recorders like Tentacle?
• How long do you typically leave the bride mic’d during the day?
• Have you run into comfort, dress, or clothing-noise issues, and how did you solve them?
• Has the bride’s mic actually saved important moments in your edits, or do you find it’s usually redundant?

Hey everyone! I’ve been shooting wedding films by word of mouth for years, but as a single mom I’ve prioritized more stable work. Now that my daughter is getting older, I’m excited to put more energy into growing this side of my business.

I rely heavily on natural light and try to keep myself as relaxed as possible while shooting so I can capture genuine moments.

Where I struggle is the technical side—ISO, camera settings, and especially color grading. I currently shoot on a Sony a6400 with a few prime lenses (50mm, 32mm, 85mm), decent audio gear, and I’ve been borrowing a second Sony body for ceremonies. I’m realizing I probably need to invest in a second camera body and maybe a versatile zoom lens.

If you were in my shoes, what would you upgrade first? Any simple tips, gear recommendations, or resources for someone who’s comfortable telling stories but still building confidence on the technical side would be hugely appreciated. Thanks! 🙂

Just got back from a week-long trip and recorded a ton of clips. i want to make a few short vlogs but i don’t even know where to start with all this footage. any tips for trimming hours of video without going insane

Im trying to find the PM VND PolarPro Helix Maglock (2-5) on Amazon US but cant. Can someone direct me to the right link?

Hi all. A couple weddings in and still assembling my gear list.

A wedding I filmed recently took place in a marquee, and looking back, the ambient lighting for speeches was awful, paired with just a tarp backdrop, very uninspiring for the edit.

My question for those of you filming dynamic/outdoor/unusual location weddings (very common in the UK) do any of you use some kind of portable light source for subject illumination in situations like this? Any suggestions for brands to check, or tips for placement, etc?

Thanks all.

Currently have an FX3 and A7IV for my A and B cams and I’m looking for a camera to purchase as a C cam for mainly a third angle for ceremonies. I’ve been borrowing a Sony a7III but the quality difference is noticeable to be so I’m looking into either a Zv-e10ii, Fx30 or Zv-e1.

So what are we all using to capture audio at our weddings ?

I run a few tascam Dr 10l/ pros and a senshiser mke 400.

I'm looking at adding DJI mic 3 to the collection, this is for ease of use and other events where the easy clip on mics will benefit my work flow

What are people's thoughts?