What are the cameras used in wedding videography?

camera for videography

Video production equipment, and more specifically, what you'll need to launch a video production company, is a topic often asked about.

There is some truth to all of that. Even yet, running a successful video production company is impossible without some sort of equipment, be it rented or purchased.

If you're in need of equipment, you should be able to go someplace and get the scoop on what's available and what's best.

In this section of the site, we detail the equipment we recommend for various forms of video creation. We believe it will aid you in selecting the most appropriate tools for your video productions.

Putting together your own video production equipment package might be one of the most thrilling parts of shooting a film.

Please keep in mind that there is no "one size fits all" equipment bundle due to the various factors involved (budget, project kind, location, professional vs. amateur, etc.).

If you’re looking for the best Video Company in Melbourne, look no further. Check out Vines of the Yarra Valley’s ultimate list. 

Table of Contents

FAQs About Wedding Videography

In terms of autofocus for video, mirrorless takes the lead. Because mirrorless cameras have phase-detection focus sensors while many DSLRs cannot use it with the mirror flipped up during video, DSLR video quality is often blurred during focus. DSLRs have to use the slower, contrast-detection focus method.

In turn, some of the best wedding photographers in the world use mirrorless cameras. Some of the naysayers' concerns are valid, some are ignorant.

The biggest reason why one would shoot a wedding with a 50mm lens is that it gives consistent results in all kinds of lighting. You can use a 50mm lens at a wedding with similar ease both indoors with ambient light and outdoors after sunset, without having to worry about not having enough light.

Full Frame (FX) – Weddings are notoriously unpredictable lighting environments. Shooting in dark, sometimes bizarrely-lit venues requires a full-frame camera for its ability to pull in every pixel of light from scene. There's also more data to work with when it comes time to edit. High ISO ability with low noise.

As the name suggests, mirrorless cameras capture images without the use of a mirror in the camera body. This is different from DSLR cameras, which reflect images into viewfinders via mirrors. Instead, mirrorless cameras often use electronic viewfinders (EVF) to display images digitally.

 

What’s Your Budget, Skill, and Team Size?

Yes, we know people aren't equipment. However, the size and quality of your team will determine the stuff you bring. Is this the first shot for your team, or do you have a seasoned video production manager? Do you have separate teams for strategy, direction, scriptwriting, and design, or do you wear all those hats yourself?

camera for videography

Example Video Production Teams

  • Video editor novice (one or two people wearing all the hats)
  • Production staff (often two persons), camera crew, and writer
  • Proficient: Video Director, Camera Team, Sound Team, Makeup Artists, Editor(s), Graphic Designer(s), Storyboard Artist(s), Copywriter(s), and Storyboard Artist(s)

Video Production Equipment

Camera

A high-quality camera is essential for any kind of video production. And if you've done any research on video creation software or video promotion, you know many different viewpoints.

Our discussion will begin with elementary concepts. A DSLR camera can be used to capture footage. You can't expect the same quality as you would with a high-end professional camera. Still, the price is much lower, and the video quality keeps becoming better.

Online video sellers often utilise high-end DSLR cameras because of the superior video quality they produce. All DSLR cameras nowadays have the capability to record in 1080p, the universally accepted format for HD video streaming online. A lot of them can even record in 4K resolution.

Investing in a sturdy tripod and a separate microphone will be vital if you go for a DSLR. In a second, we'll get into those.

Spending more on a high-end video camera will get you better results and more in-camera options. In what ways will a video camera benefit you? A few examples might be enhanced image stabilisation, sharper zooming, and clearer audio recording.

There is a logical price increase associated with increased quality. However, a video camera is indispensable if you intend to make money from your videos.

Highly Portable Camera

Why buy another camera if you already have a high-definition still or video camera?

Simply put, you can't predict when genius or luck will strike. The video captured with a smartphone or tiny camera can be used for advertising, documentation, and other purposes.

You should be able to record videos whenever you want if that's what you're really into. And if your phone or compact camera has good video recording capabilities, you can shoot, edit, and share your video in a couple of minutes.

These days, most smartphones also have decent video capture capabilities. Although, a tiny camera could provide superior results. The Sony DSCW800/B, a 20.1-megapixel camera that costs less than $90, is a great entry-level option.

If you want to edit your movies before uploading them, your phone will be more useful than a tiny camera because so many editing apps are available.

Not everyone will consider this a top priority. It's essential if you want to record videos whenever you want.

Tripod

A tripod is required regardless of the quality of your camera's stabilisation. In particular, if you're using a DSLR with a zoom lens, the slightest movement will be amplified in the final product.

With the addition of a tripod, even the most entry-level camera becomes a far more capable instrument for making videos. Any camera's video quality can be vastly improved by using a tripod.

When you begin shopping for a tripod, you may be taken aback by the seemingly infinite price tag. While not ideal, tripods like the Mactrem PT55 should suffice for most novices.

When you upgrade to professional-grade gear, better planning, less weight, and more portability may all be yours.

Without a tripod, it doesn't matter how steady your hands are. It doesn't have to be perfect to serve its purpose. And yet, it's a necessity.

External Microphone

Despite improvements in audio capture over smartphones and DSLRs, video cameras still have a long way to go. The sound quality will suffer greatly if you use a more compact device. No one should expect professional-quality audio recordings from such gadgets.

If possible, use an external microphone to capture audio. This is crucial when recording video lectures, seminars, interviews, or spoken dialogue.

Thankfully, a high-quality external mic is available at a reasonable price. The Rode VideoMic Pro is a well-known option.

You should give some thought to the kind of microphone you'll require. While shotgun and directional microphones are able to zero in on a certain direction, omnidirectional microphones pick up sound from all around. What you're recording will determine the optimal setting.

Later on, we'll also discuss lavalier microphones worn close to the mouth.

Looking for a Video Company in Melbourne? Check out our ultimate list of videographers here. 

Lighting

The quality of your final film will greatly benefit from proper lighting. Distracting, as anyone who has seen a video with a sick interviewee can attest.

Getting the illumination just right is difficult. Light sources, lighting positions, shadows, and props all need to be taken into account.

Furthermore, such apparatus might be quite pricey. Natural light is a good first step, and a reflector can help. All that needs to be done is to adjust the reflectors so that the light is correctly reflected. (You'll also require an assistant unless you invest in a reflector holder.)

Inexpensive beginner reflectors might be a great first step toward producing higher-quality video content. Some reflectors have five colour options: transparent, white, black, gold, and silver.

A softbox can provide a more powerful and flexible lighting solution. These massive fabric boxes concealing brilliant bulbs provide a diffused background glow.

They're bulky, but there's a good reason that professionals rely on them: they throw the most desirable light.

Starting costs less than $100, but a more expensive set will provide superior performance and durability over the long run.

Ensure that the lighting in your film doesn't cast any unflattering shadows or unwanted glares. Changes things for the better.

Gimbal

An analogous device for a camera is a gimbal. You can get a gimbal to fit any camera, from a compact smartphone to a large, professional video camera.

A gimbal, which uses pivots and weights to steady the camera, is indispensable while filming on the go. A tripod can support your camera while it remains motionless. A gimbal will be required if you plan on doing any sort of travelling.

A wide range of models is available, each with its own benefits and price tag.

The lighter and steadier the gimbal, the higher the price. How often you intend to move your camera while capturing video will determine how much money you should invest.

Don't stress too much if the majority of your shots will be static. It's money well spent if you intend to create many dynamic videos. There will be a noticeable improvement in quality.

Do not forget to ensure that the gimbal you purchase is compatible with your camera. Multiple attachment mechanisms exist, and the vast majority are ubiquitous. It's usually a good idea to check, though.

Editing/Production Software

An introduction to video editing software for beginners is a topic we've covered before. We'll leave it at that for now and claim it's essential. Learning the fundamentals of video editing will greatly improve the final product.

No need to learn complex methods like colour grading or intricate editing. Taking your video from amateur to professional is as simple as cutting out your speech pauses and adding text.

Learning to use software for editing and production takes a lot of time. The good news is that you can improve your videos' quality after watching only a few simple guides.

Thankfully, it won't cost an arm and a leg. Shotcut, Photos, and VideoPad are all excellent alternatives to more expensive programmes like Adobe Premiere Pro.

Will there be dialogue in the videos you produce? A lavalier microphone is what you need then. This high-quality microphone is small enough to attach to a lapel or collar. It filters out unnecessary sounds, so only the talker's voice is captured.

Putting this on the back burner is fine if your videos won't have much dialogue. If you plan on making videos frequently, you should probably stock up on a few lavalier mics.

A wireless lavalier mic like the Saramonic SR-WM4C that connects to the hot shoe of your DSLR camera is an excellent choice for filmmaking.

Video Editing Hardware

All you need is a device with a video editor app installed. Capable video-editing programmes are available for download on most smartphones and can be installed on almost any PC.

However, you may want to think about updating your hardware if you intend to edit videos frequently. Though many professionals prefer Apple products for video editing, Windows PCs now have comparable graphics processing capabilities.

Make sure your computer has plenty of graphics processing capability so you can edit at full speed. Modifying really large files could be challenging on lower-end graphics cards and laptops. This will cause your computer to run more slowly.

If you're like most people, you can get by just fine with whatever gadget you already have to do your editing. As soon as you realise the procedure is too long, and you may profit from something more rapid, it's time to think about making a switch.

Transcription Service

No matter where you plan on releasing your video, adding text is a terrific method to enhance engagement. Without subtitles, you risk losing many views because many people watch videos on social media without sound.

Having captions available for viewers with hearing impairments is a good idea regardless of whether or not you want to share the video on social media (and those who like to read along as they watch).

However, if you plan on making a large number of films, you should know that transcription is a time-consuming process. That's why it's smart to use a transcribing service. You can expect to receive the video's transcript far more quickly than you could. You'll have to shell out some cash, but after having a few films translated, you'll see why the investment was well worth it.

Your transcript (or a portion of it) could also serve as a content update or supplementary piece to the embedded video. It's a win for your site's visitors and search engine rankings. The market is flooded with potential service providers.

Video Editing Software

In order to get the most out of your new hardware, you'll want to make sure you have the right software to edit your footage into compelling and informative video clips. You should put some thought into whether or not you'll use Adobe Premiere before shelling out the cash to get a licence for it.

QuickTime, which comes pre-installed on every Mac, and Vidyard's GoVideo, a Chrome application, are free options if you only need to share your screen for a product demo. In most cases, your webinar service will allow you to share your webinar with others.

To modify the video in any way (by removing sequences, adding subtitles, or inserting music), however, you can do one of three things:

Beginner: iMovie or Windows Movie Maker (free on most computers)

These bare-bones alternatives nonetheless take care of the essentials. Clips can be trimmed, scenes rearranged, still, images added, voice recorded, titles and credits made, and some (very) rudimentary transitions and effects added.

These effects are about as subtle as PowerPoint's infamous star-wipe fade, so proceed with caution. They can destroy your video if utilised too much or not at all, as Mat puts it.

Intermediate: Camtasia or ScreenFlow

Although not free, these features provide greater flexibility when editing your movie. You can modify the music and lighting, cut out unwanted parts of the video, zoom in or out, and even annotate your creations.

Camtasia includes features that the Vidyard team finds useful, like annotating videos, adding watermarks, and freezing action. However, any tool is a superb choice. You won't have a lot of room for revision, but for the most part, they should suffice for your marketing needs.

Advanced: Adobe Premiere and Adobe After Effects, Final Cut, or Avid

The price of advanced video editing software doesn't increase dramatically, but the capabilities it offers do. It'll open the door to more advanced visuals, animations, and sound effects.

Intermediate software users may find an advanced tools like the wall of gauges in an aeroplane cockpit. Someone leading a small team isn't likely to pick up complex software on the go, especially when pressured by a tight deadline. But if you give yourself enough time, you'll figure them out.

Check out our post on Should I hire a wedding videographer?

Remember That Content Comes First

The quality of the video is quite good. Therefore, video creation equipment is required. Remember, though, that even the most polished video production values won't guarantee success if your videos don't have anything to say.

Having figured out what you want to say in your films, the next step is to consider how actually to make the videos. And with these ten resources, you can make videos that appear professional.

You don't need to run out and get all ten right away. It's possible to get started with a high-quality camera and video editing software. On the other hand, you'll need to improve if you want to make any real money off of your films.

Conclusion

Equipment, whether hired or bought, is essential to the operation of a video production company. Due to the numerous variables at play, there is no universally applicable set of tools (budget, project kind, location, professional vs. amateur, etc.). What you contribute to productions depends on the size and calibre of your crew. If you want to monetize your videos, you absolutely need a video camera. Smartphone and other tiny camera video can be used for promotion, documentation, and more.

If you want professional-quality footage and advanced control choices, you should invest in a high-end video camera. However good your camera's stabilisation features are, you still need a tripod. If you need to record sound, a separate microphone is your best bet. From the smallest smartphone to the largest professional video camera, there is a gimbal available to meet your needs. If you need a more robust and adaptable lighting solution, a softbox is the way to go.

Transparent, white, black, gold, and silver are the five colour possibilities for some reflectors. Keep a few lavalier microphones on hand if you intend to make videos frequently. The price of a gimbal increases as its weight and stability improvements. Taking the time to learn the principles of video editing can yield much better results. Every modern smartphone and computer comes with a plethora of video editing software.

The capacity to quickly make edits requires a powerful graphics processing system, which can only be provided by a computer that meets the recommended specifications. Low-end graphics cards and laptops may struggle with editing really large files. When you need the video's transcript soon, a transcribing service is a way to go. The cost may seem high at first, but once you've had a few movies translated, you'll see why it was necessary. With today's state-of-the-art video editing software, higher-quality images, animations, and sound effects are all within reach.

The Vidyard team appreciates the ability to annotate videos, apply watermarks, and pause the action using Camtasia. If your videos don't have something to say, it won't matter how well they're produced. You may create videos that look like a pro shot with these tools.

Content Summary

  • The question of what is required to start a video production business and what tools are needed for video creation is common.
  • The fact is, though, that video production equipment, whether rented or acquired, is essential to the success of any video production business.
  • You should be able to go somewhere and get the inside scoop on the greatest and most readily available equipment.
  • One of the most exciting aspects of filmmaking could be putting together your own video production equipment package.
  • Whatever you offer, though, will depend on the strength of your team.
  • A digital single-lens reflex camera can be used to record video.
  • Online video vendors widely use professional-grade DSLR cameras because of their excellent quality output.
  • If you want professional-quality footage and advanced control choices, you should invest in a high-end video camera.
  • To be expected, higher quality results in a correspondingly higher price.
  • Still, you'll need a camera if you want to monetize your videos.
  • Smartphones and other tiny camera footage have many potential applications in marketing, documentation, and other fields.
  • Shooting, editing, and uploading a high-quality video may be done in minutes with the right equipment, such as a smartphone or a small camera.
  • But even a little camera could provide better photos in some situations.
  • This is a must-have if you want to be able to record videos whenever you want.
  • No matter how good your camera's stabilisation features are, you still need a tripod.
  • Even the most basic camera may be transformed into a professional-grade video production tool by adding a tripod.
  • Using a tripod can do wonders for the video quality of any camera.
  • You may be shocked by the seemingly unending price tag when shopping for a tripod.
  • Gaining better organisation, lighter weight, and more portability may be yours when you switch to professional-grade equipment.
  • A separate microphone is your best bet if you need to record sound.
  • Fortunately, you can get your hands on a decent external mic at a fair price.
  • You need to give some thought to the type of microphone that will be needed.
  • The best configuration will vary depending on the content of your recording.
  • LightingImproper lighting can drastically lower the quality of your finished film.
  • It's not easy to find the ideal lighting balance.
  • Starting with natural light is ideal, and a reflector can aid in this process.
  • A softbox can create a more robust and adaptable lighting system.
  • Take care that there are no harsh shadows or glares in your movie.
  • A gimbal is a device similar to a tripod that can stabilise a camera.
  • From the smallest smartphone to the largest professional video camera, there is a gimbal available to meet your needs.
  • The price of a gimbal increases as its weight and stability improvements.
  • The cost depends on how frequently you anticipate repositioning your camera during filming.
  • If you know that the vast majority of your images will be stationary, that's fine.
  • The investment will pay off if you plan on making many exciting videos.
  • You should expect a considerable quality boost.
  • Make sure the gimbal you buy is suitable for your camera before making a purchase.
  • We've talked about some basic software for editing videos before.
  • Taking the time to learn the principles of video editing can yield much better results.
  • No need to master advanced techniques like colour grading or elaborate editing.
  • It takes significant effort to learn how to use editing and production software.
  • The good news is that you may enhance the quality of your movies by simply watching a few tips.
  • Thankfully, the price tag won't break the bank.
  • You may clip this high-quality microphone right onto your lapel or collar.
  • You can put this off for now if your videos don't feature much talking.
  • Keep a few lavalier microphones on hand if you intend to make videos frequently.
  • You need only access to a device with a video editing programme installed.
  • The capacity to quickly make edits requires a powerful graphics processing system, which can only be provided by a computer that meets the recommended specifications.
  • Inevitably, this will slow down your machine.
  • If you're like the vast majority of individuals, the device you're presently using to conduct your editing will suffice.
  • A great way to boost interest in your video's release anywhere it is posted is to include text overlays.
  • Whether or not the video will be shared on social media, it is still a good idea to provide captions for viewers with hearing difficulties (and those who like to read along as they watch).
  • However, keep in mind that transcription is time-consuming if you plan on generating a lot of films.
  • That's why it makes sense to employ the help of a transcription company.
  • Quicker than you can imagine, you'll get the video's transcript delivered.
  • A section of your transcript could be used as an additional resource or content update for the video you've embedded.
  • Having the correct software to edit your footage into appealing and instructive video clips is essential if you want to get the most out of your new hardware.
  • Before splashing out the cash for a licence of Adobe Premiere, you should carefully consider whether or not you will utilise it.
  • You may usually invite others to join your webinar through the provider you use.
  • These rudimentary options nonetheless take care of the fundamentals.
  • Although not free, these capabilities allow additional versatility when editing your movie.
  • You can alter the music and lighting, clip out undesired areas of the movie, zoom in or out, and even annotate your creations.
  • However, any instrument would do admirably.
  • You won't have much wiggle room, but they should be adequate for your marketing purposes.
  • Premiere Pro CS6 with After Effects CS6 or Avid Xpress Pro CS6 or later
  • In contrast to its increasing capabilities, high-end video editing software prices have remained relatively stable.
  • It will allow for the incorporation of more complex graphics, animations, and audio features.
  • In order to make a video, you need video production gear.
  • Remember, though, that even the most professional video production values won't ensure success if your videos don't have anything to say.
  • Once you've decided what you want to convey in your movies, you can start thinking about how to put together the footage.
  • You may create videos that look like a pro made with the help of these ten tools.
  • You can get started with a good camera and some editing software.

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