[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OfTsw3zHVS8[/embedyt]
In the video above, I detail the gear I used for shooting my first wedding. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the gear used, and popular alternatives.
Cameras
Perhaps one of the more contentious points, because if you ask 10 different people, you might get 10 different answers.
Truth is, there are a lot of capable cameras out there, the only thing I would say is understand your limitations… and perhaps build a kit around that.
So if you’re using a Micro Four Thirds camera like I am, which sensors aren’t quite as good in low light compared to full frame sensors… perhaps think about using lenses that let in a little more light.
If you want to go full frame, which won’t have the stabilization like Micro Four Thirds… perhaps think about using stabilization tools that help you get smoother footage.
Here are a few options around $1000 that I like:
- Panasonic G85 (Popular Upgrades: G9 or GH5)
- Sony A7S (Popular Upgrades: A7S II or A7 III) – Around $1000 used on eBay
- Sony A6300 (Popular Upgrade: A6500)
Lenses
Again, I shot 98% of it with the Panasonic-Leica 25mm f1.4… for those unfamiliar, that’s equivalent to 50mm in full frame, about 55mm if you factor in the 4k crop factor on the G85.
And shooting at f1.4, that’s a depth of field equivalent to f2.8 in full frame. So I can let in a lot of light, but I also have the depth of field I need to make sure people are in focus, but I also have a little bit of background blur to create a little bit of separation.
So as far as lens choices, without getting too technical, one tip I learned a long time ago from Zach Arias, is that two prime lenses, one short and one long can take you a long way. And primes tend to let in a little more light than zooms.
I tend to use primes, but if I were to shoot full frame, I’d probably use a 24-70mm f2.8 and 85mm f1.8, an option all the manufacturers have.
Cameras I prefer to buy new, especially with Panasonic, because you usually get a 3-year warranty. But I like to buy lenses used, they’re often much cheaper and I’ve personally never had an issue with a lens breaking – ever. So it’s one of those things you don’t have to worry about being burned. The obvious thing to look out for would be cosmetic damage, especially to the glass. So below are the eBay prices, along with my personal opinion on a targeted price you should buy at.
Micro Four Thirds (Olympus/Panasonic)
- Panasonic 14mm f2.5 – Current price on eBay (Try to buy under $200)
- Panasonic-Leica 25mm f1.4 – Current price on eBay (Try to buy under $425)
- Panasonic 42.5mm f1.7 – Current price on eBay (Try to buy under $300)
These are all very good value options, for a more complete list checkout my guide on the best Micro Four Thirds lenses:
Sony Full Frame
Since this post is about the best value, it’s a little tougher with the price of full frame lenses. Especially Sony’s native full frame options, since it’s still relatively new. But they do have a few value options out there:
- Sony 50mm f1.8 – It’s only $250 new, but if you can get it used at $200 on eBay, I’d do it.
- Sony 85mm f1.8 – A new addition to the Sony lineup at only $600 new, but I would try to find it for around $500 used on eBay.
I’d use the 28-70mm kit lens for wide shots, the Rokinon 14mm f2.8 is another option if you want to go ultra wide.
Another value option, especially if you’re used to manually focusing, is to buy an adapter and look at some of the best vintage Canon FD lenses.
Audio
Again, I mention this in my video, there are a lot of audio engineers out there that might pick apart my argument… but I didn’t have $2000 just to spend just on audio… so I think I did pretty well with $200.
Here’s the wedding I shot with $200 worth of audio equipment, and the gear will be listed below:
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9u4_RfsJAE[/embedyt]
The most important thing I’ve learned about audio that’s always stuck with me, is proximity to the mic, because you can have a $500 mic, but if it’s too far, a $50 Rode SmartLav plugged into your phone will probably sound better.
- Rode VideoMicro Shotgun Mic – Rode gear is faked a lot, be sure to buy from an authorized distributor. On Amazon, that means make sure it’s Sold and Shipped by Amazon (and not a third party).
- Rode SmartLav – Plugs right into your smartphone
- Zoom H1 – I have a discontinued recorder, if I were buying one on a budget today it would probably be the Zoom H2. Plus, when not on use on your camera you can use it as a USB mic for your computer.
Accessories
Must Haves
ND Filter – A must have, especially if you plan to do any shooting outdoors in daylight. This is one I wouldn’t skimp on, as cheap ones can make your footage look bad. Don’t trust the reviews on this one, I bought a well reviewed Tiffen and it’s no match for good quality B+W or Hoya ND Filters. I find a 6-stop ND filter to have the most flexibility. Thankfully, most of the lenses I use have a 46mm filter thread. If you have multiple lenses with different size threads, consider buying the ND filter size for your biggest filter thread, then buy step down rings for your other lenses.
Camera Bag – I used a Tenba DNA Messenger Bag, I honestly bought it because it was aesthetically nice and doesn’t quite have the “camera bag” look. It does come in multiple sizes but there might be some cheaper options out there. But what I like about this is it sits right on your hip, and has a quick zip for easy access. It sure beats taking off and digging out of a backpack.
Batteries – YMMW on 3rd party batteries, but I still tend to stick with them because they’re often so much cheaper. I’ve found luck when I stick with the more well known 3rd party makers – such as Wasabi and MaximalPower (they’re both on Amazon).
Memory Cards – Memory is something I never think about because I’ve never filled up a 128gb SD card… until I shot a wedding. Luckily I was prepared and had extra memory cards. Be sure to buy through an authorized retailer because high-end SD cards are faked so much. On Amazon, this means make sure it’s Sold and Shipped by Amazon (not a third party). For 4k, anything from Sandisk’s Extreme Plus/Pro line should be good.
Tripod – I essentially shot that wedding entirely handheld, or at least with the help of the Manfrotto Pixi, a mini-tripod. Just having that to hold onto gives you a little little bit extra as far as stabilization and it just gives you that option of being able to set it down, which you saw me do with some of the speeches.
If you have a second camera, I’d also recommend another tripod, any ol’ sturdy one will do.
If you’re using a camera without in-body stabilization, I’d recommend using a video monopod, I really like this Benro monopod as a good value option.
Optional Accessories
Sliders – A good option, especially if you have a second camera. I don’t have a particular recommendation because I’ve never used one. Personally, I feel like for the price, a gimbal is a better investment:
Gimbal – I use the Zhiyun Crane-M with my G85 and Olympus 12mm f2.0, a combo that weighs in at 635g, barely under the 650g weight limit. For most people, you’ll want the bigger Zhiyun Crane V2.
Accessories for Recording the DJ’s Audio – Again, I didn’t do this because (a) I didn’t know if it was an option and (b) I didn’t want to rely on someone else. But, in the future I would definitely plan on doing this, at least as a back-up. Wedding Film School has a video on how to do it, and what you’ll need.