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TOP KIT FOR FILMING THE BIG DAY
MIRRORLESS AND DSLR CAMERAS For ease of use, high-ISO performance, built-in image stabilisation and ideally twin card slots for redundancy, small and compact mirrorless cameras lead the way. They are also less stress on a filmmaker who’s likely to carry kit all day. Full-frame cameras often have the edge in performance, especially when it comes to low-light, such as filming inside houses of worship or reception venues. If the camera has on-sensor phase detection autofocus with face detection, then even better. And decent battery life is essential, too. For something that ticks all those boxes, look at the Sony A7S III or FX30, which share the same sensor and spec in many ways. The Canon EOS R5 C is also an excellent choice, or the Nikon Z 9. These are all current, high-spec cameras, but buying used saves significant cash. If you don’t mind older-style AF, the Panasonic Lumix S1 is incredible – and a great second-hand buy. If you require vertical video, then look for a camera with a screen that flips out or actually has a vertical mode built in. These include cameras like the Nikon Z 50, though this feature is often aimed at vloggers. But the Fujifilm X-T5 has it, and it’s a great APS-C camera. Alternatively, something that shoots in 4K or higher can be cropped to a vertical HD shot in post if you are careful with framing. That way, you have the footage in 16:9 mode, too. Check out the Canon EOS R6, a great all-round full- frame mirrorless, as well as the Fujifilm X-H2S which uses an APS-C sensor. CINEMA CAMERAS AND CAMCORDERS If you like the form factor of a larger, pro-style camera, along with benefits such as full-size XLR audio inputs and massive battery life, then
like a Sennheiser MKE 600 or Rode NTG5. You can also use these on mirrorless cameras with an accessory adapter like Sony’s XLR-K1M or Panasonic’s DMW-XLR. MPB has all these in stock at big savings. You likely will need to capture the speeches and often the vows, too. An omnidirectional lav mic can be used on the celebrant and one of the couple, as this should also pick up what the other is saying. These can be plugged into small recorders, or more often into bodypack transmitters to wirelessly send the signal to a camera or recorder. Look for something reliable and small like the Sennheiser XSW wireless kit, Rode Rodelink or Wireless Go II kit. There are plenty available second-hand at MPB. ACCESSORIES A compact, but sturdy video tripod is essential, although many wedding professionals prefer
buying a used version is sensible. Most have hour meters, so you can see how long they have been used for. MPB details this on its website for every camera listed. Again, a full-frame cinema camera with phase detection would be ideal, but this is limiting and includes only a handful of high- end, sought-after models like the Sony FX6, FX9 and Canon EOS C500 Mark II. Instead, Super 35 Sony cameras like the FS5 and FS7 make ideal used buys as they are rugged, not too big and in plentiful supply at a great price. Both are available in Mark II versions. Canon’s Cinema EOS range is a great choice for all-day filming. Take a look at the C300 Mark II and C200, if you don’t mind shooting in Canon Raw Light. This gives amazing quality, but eats up card space. If you don’t want an interchangeable-lens model, look for an all-in-one camcorder, which has plenty of the other advantages of cinema cameras. They are available in various sizes and budgets, so go for a 4K model like the Canon XF205 or XF605, or a Sony Z90 or Z180. LENSES Speed and flexibility are important, so a fast- aperture AF telezoom like a 70-200mm f/2.8, plus some fast primes, is an ideal combo. Or possibly a quick standard zoom like a 24- 70mm f/2.8. The lens obviously depends on the cameras you are using, and all the big brands like Canon, Sony and Nikon have their latest- generation lenses to tempt you. The latest lenses are relatively rare used, so look out for previous-generation models as these are much cheaper and often virtually as good. The Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 G Master is typical of this, as well as the Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L DSLR lens that can be used with an adapter on many brands of camera. AUDIO Audio is crucial, especially at weddings, so you will need a camera-mounted shotgun mic with a wind muff, such as the Sennheiser MKE 400 or Rode Videomic NTG. If you use a cinema camera or camcorder, you’ll want an XLR shotgun mic
a monopod as it takes up less room and can be quicker to use. Sliders can add to the production values, and a motorised gimbal is fast becoming a must-have for smooth shots, especially during the reception. Look for models from DJI and Zhiyun, among others. If you have the necessary permissions and insurances, a drone shot is something many couples want now – especially if the venue is picturesque. DJI offers a selection of models at a wide price range. MPB has a massive selection of used accessories in stock – and that is one place you can certainly save cash.
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