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Home: Video University Forums: Wedding & Event Videography:
Any Advice for first HD wedding shoot?

 
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lkrountree
Novice

Nov 16, 2009, 8:43 AM

Post #1 of 27 (1266 views)
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Any Advice for first HD wedding shoot? Can't Post
Hi Everyone,

For the past several months I've been sifting through all the posts on the Panasonic HMC150, both here and on other available forums. Just anywhere that a discussion has taken place. So, I'm about to go out and tape my first HD wedding (a freebie) with the new cams.

Any advice for me before I head out? Anything you wish you'd known before your first HD shoot?

Thanks for any words of wisdom and experience!

Kay Rountree
(previous Sony VX2100 owner)


PenWeddings
User


Nov 16, 2009, 10:30 AM

Post #2 of 27 (1248 views)
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Re: [lkrountree] Any Advice for first HD wedding shoot? [In reply to] Can't Post
Not sure what you were using before, but we recently made the switch from XL2s to the HMC150. The biggest thing I noticed is that I'm having to make a more conscious effort to make sure my gain is on 0 (unless of course I'm in a dark setting and actually want to boost it). On the XL2 the gain knob was flush with the camera body, and in order to adjust it you had to push on it so it would pop out. Same with the white balance. On the HMC150 both gain and WB are just little "switches" you flip. Twice I've noticed my gain was on low instead of off, when I never put it there intentionally.

Sarah Pendergraft
www.penweddings.com


Brackish
Veteran


Nov 16, 2009, 11:49 AM

Post #3 of 27 (1230 views)
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Re: [PenWeddings] Any Advice for first HD wedding shoot? [In reply to] Can't Post
In Reply To
Not sure what you were using before, but we recently made the switch from XL2s to the HMC150.
 Pen, I've considered the XL2s for the widescreen option; I'm currently shooting 4:3. Could you give any impression of the low-light capability of the XL2 compared to the HMC? Do you find that one cam needs more light than the other, say at the reception, to get a picture that's not too dark? Is one cam grainier than the other at the reception when you turn up the gain? Thanks.



------------------------------------------------------------
"still motion is who everyone else is trying to be like"


Kenneth
Veteran


Nov 16, 2009, 1:17 PM

Post #4 of 27 (1213 views)
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Re: [lkrountree] Any Advice for first HD wedding shoot? [In reply to] Can't Post
It's really the same except you must pay special attention to your framing and rule of thirds. At 4:3 a subject in the center doesn't look too bad. In 16:9 it looks like ass, because of all the room behind them.

I don't know if you were shooting 16:9 in SD or not, but that's about it as far as I was concerned. Everything else was the same.



Philadelphia Wedding Video
The Kenneth Stillman Blog



lkrountree
Novice

Nov 16, 2009, 1:23 PM

Post #5 of 27 (1210 views)
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Re: [PenWeddings] Any Advice for first HD wedding shoot? [In reply to] Can't Post
Thanks for your reply, Sarah, I know this topic has been talked about a lot.

Yes, that switch is something to watch. I had the same thing on my Beachtek XLR adapter, which tended to get knocked to a different setting from time to time, switching the audio from stereo to mono. I'll keep that in mind and watch the gain and WB switch.

I have yet to figure out my Zoe zoom controller and how that'll connect to the camera. The "zoom S/S" doesn't accept it though a guy from B&H told me the Zoe would work before I made the HMC150 purchase. I love my Zoe on the tripod arm so would love to have that working, at least for the ceremony. I work mostly hand-held at reception, moving to a monopod at times.

Kay
www.KayRountreeVideography.com


PenWeddings
User


Nov 16, 2009, 2:40 PM

Post #6 of 27 (1199 views)
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Re: [Brackish] Any Advice for first HD wedding shoot? [In reply to] Can't Post
In Reply To
In Reply To
Not sure what you were using before, but we recently made the switch from XL2s to the HMC150.
 Pen, I've considered the XL2s for the widescreen option; I'm currently shooting 4:3. Could you give any impression of the low-light capability of the XL2 compared to the HMC? Do you find that one cam needs more light than the other, say at the reception, to get a picture that's not too dark? Is one cam grainier than the other at the reception when you turn up the gain? Thanks.
I've not done a side-by-side comparison of the two, but I would say the 150 does much better in low light. I especially notice a difference with the gain. On the XL2 I hated to ever go above 3... could live with 6 if was absolutely necessary, but you could already see the grain. On the 150 I have my low gain set at 6 and high at 9. Again, not a direct comparison, but I'd say the 150 on 9 still looks better than the XL2 on 3. BTW, we did our last 6 weddings on the XL2 in 16:9.... did like it better than 4:3 but doesn't hold a candle to the 150 (aside from SD vs. HD) because of the 150's wide angle lens.

Sarah Pendergraft
www.penweddings.com


lkrountree
Novice

Nov 17, 2009, 6:04 AM

Post #7 of 27 (1166 views)
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Re: [lkrountree] Any Advice for first HD wedding shoot? [In reply to] Can't Post
Answering my own question:

I'm late in discovering that the Zoe won't work with the HMC150. Wow, this is painful, I have 2 of the Zoe so will have to sell them now. I just ordered a VariZoom to replace the Zoe. Sure hope I like it as much. Darn. Darn. Darn.


MLiebergot
Veteran


Nov 17, 2009, 6:36 AM

Post #8 of 27 (1164 views)
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Re: [lkrountree] Any Advice for first HD wedding shoot? [In reply to] Can't Post
I thought that the HMC150 doesn't have normal LANC control ability.
I believe that you have to purchase and use the Panasonic remote for the HMC150.
You might want to check into this further, as you may be disappointed again.

Michael

Cameras: (3) Sony FX1, Canon HV20
Audio: Marantz PMD620, Edirol R44, ZoomH4N, ZoomH2, Sennhesier G2
Mics: Rode NT5, Rode NT3, Rode M3, Rode NTG2, Shure SM57, AT822
Software: Sony Vegas, Final Cut Studio
Computer: MAC BABY! MacPro, MacBook Pro


lkrountree
Novice

Nov 17, 2009, 6:54 AM

Post #9 of 27 (1162 views)
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Re: [MLiebergot] Any Advice for first HD wedding shoot? [In reply to] Can't Post
Here's the info from B&H's site:
VariZoom VZRockPZFI Rocker Controller
  • Compatible HVX200 Series, HPX170, and HMC150

Looks like the one to use. Thanks for your reply though! I'm soaking everything in right now.



Timothy Harry
Veteran


Nov 17, 2009, 7:25 AM

Post #10 of 27 (1159 views)
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Re: [MLiebergot] Any Advice for first HD wedding shoot? [In reply to] Can't Post
In Reply To
I thought that the HMC150 doesn't have normal LANC control ability.
I believe that you have to purchase and use the Panasonic remote for the HMC150.
You might want to check into this further, as you may be disappointed again.
You are correct. it is not lanc capable. in many respects it is better than lanc even though you have to buy a different adapter. the controllers seem a lot more responsie than the lanc controllers, and also add the ability to control the iris which I never had on a lanc controller.

Tim Harry

Dallas, TX


MLiebergot
Veteran


Nov 17, 2009, 8:06 AM

Post #11 of 27 (1151 views)
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Re: [lkrountree] Any Advice for first HD wedding shoot? [In reply to] Can't Post
Thanks for the correction.

I found the controller on the Varizoom site as well.

Michael

Cameras: (3) Sony FX1, Canon HV20
Audio: Marantz PMD620, Edirol R44, ZoomH4N, ZoomH2, Sennhesier G2
Mics: Rode NT5, Rode NT3, Rode M3, Rode NTG2, Shure SM57, AT822
Software: Sony Vegas, Final Cut Studio
Computer: MAC BABY! MacPro, MacBook Pro


lkrountree
Novice

Nov 17, 2009, 8:23 AM

Post #12 of 27 (1145 views)
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Re: [MLiebergot] Any Advice for first HD wedding shoot? [In reply to] Can't Post
One more post and then I'm done bothering you good folks.

Someone wrote in on another forum to say that the Zoe has a small switch on the back that changes it from LANC to Panasonic compatible. Wow, it works now! I'm thrilled. For anyone purchasing the HMC150 and already owns a Zoe, turn your Zoe over to its backside and look--there is a tiny switch that's easily missed.


PenWeddings
User


Nov 17, 2009, 8:28 AM

Post #13 of 27 (1141 views)
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Re: [lkrountree] Any Advice for first HD wedding shoot? [In reply to] Can't Post
Here is what we use with the 150.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/...ontrol.html#features

Sarah Pendergraft
PenWeddings | Blog | Facebook | Twitter


Mark Von Lanken
Veteran


Nov 21, 2009, 9:24 AM

Post #14 of 27 (1050 views)
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Re: [lkrountree] Any Advice for first HD wedding shoot? [In reply to] Can't Post
Hi Kay,

I just noticed your post and I hope I am not too late.

The single biggest difference in shooting HD is focus. In HD you cannot cheat focus like you can in SD. There is nothing worse than thinking the shot looks in focus on the LCD screen only to get back to the studio to realize the shot was out of focus.

I always shoot manual focus, so I use the focus assist, and manually zoom in to check focus. Another aide you can use is the distance readout. Set it to feet or meters, whichever you prefer. That way if you can't zoom in to check focus you can at least see the distance readout.

All My Best,
Mark Von Lanken
www.VonWeddingFilms.com


lkrountree
Novice

Nov 23, 2009, 8:57 AM

Post #15 of 27 (1017 views)
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Re: [Mark Von Lanken] Any Advice for first HD wedding shoot? [In reply to] Can't Post
Focusing was indeed much different than what I'm used to with the SonyVX2K. I think it was the biggest challenge of the night. It'll take some time to decide which focus assist is the best to use--great that there are several. Not sure that it matters, but I use the viewfinder to focus rather than the LCD screen. I'm wondering if there's any advantage or disadvantage there?

Thanks for all the great information you've provided on this camera on several forums, all of which I've studied closely and saved to a file.

Kay


leethomas1225
Enthusiast


Nov 23, 2009, 1:11 PM

Post #16 of 27 (1006 views)
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Re: [lkrountree] Any Advice for first HD wedding shoot? [In reply to] Can't Post
Quote
I use the viewfinder to focus rather than the LCD screen. I'm wondering if there's any advantage or disadvantage there?
Kay,

I have thought about purchasing a HMC150 but, at present time, am still using Sony cams. So, while I can't comment on the 150 directly, I can say that I usually find it much easier to focus using the viewfinder vs. the LCD. To my eyes, the viewfinder is much sharper. My wife favored the LCD. However, when several scenes she filmed were slightly out of focus, I persuaded her to use the viewfinder for checking focus. Problem solved.

When I'm filming with the zoom wide, the LCD is great but when going tight, I generally use the viewfinder to make sure of focus.

Lee
Lee Thomas Films
The Website
The Blog


Mark Von Lanken
Veteran


Nov 23, 2009, 3:19 PM

Post #17 of 27 (994 views)
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Re: [lkrountree] Any Advice for first HD wedding shoot? [In reply to] Can't Post
Hi Kay,

You are welcome. Since I wear glasses I use the LCD most of the time, but I do know others who wear glasses that prefer the Viewfinder. It really comes down to personal preference. Use what works best for you.

Lee brought up a good point about using the viewfinder, but unlike the Z1, the HMC150 has a featured called EVF DTL, which sharpens the detail of both the LCD and the viewfinder. The Canon XH-A1 has a similar feature which they call peaking, but when it is used, it disables the zebras Frown, but with the HMC150, the zebras still work when using the EVF DTL feature.Smile This is a huge deal when shooting an outdoor wedding with the sun going in and out of the clouds...well I guess it's the other way around, but you know what I mean.

When you use Focus Assist, do have it set to expanded, graph or both? I really like using both, but both only shows up in the LCD, not the viewfinder. However you use Focus Assist, it is awesome that it works while recording. The only other cameras that can say that cost nearly twice as much.

All My Best,
Mark Von Lanken
www.VonWeddingFilms.com


Brackish
Veteran


Nov 23, 2009, 3:24 PM

Post #18 of 27 (988 views)
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Re: [Mark Von Lanken] Any Advice for first HD wedding shoot? [In reply to] Can't Post
In Reply To
However you use Focus Assist, it is awesome that it works while recording. The only other cameras that can say that cost nearly twice as much.
Which are those other cameras that focus assist while recording?



------------------------------------------------------------
"still motion is who everyone else is trying to be like"


Mark Von Lanken
Veteran


Nov 23, 2009, 3:41 PM

Post #19 of 27 (985 views)
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Re: [Brackish] Any Advice for first HD wedding shoot? [In reply to] Can't Post
Hi Brackish,

I thought you would know this one...Sony EX1/EX3, Panasonic HPX170...to name a few. I'm sure there are others, but they are out of my price range, well that is if I want to make a profit.Smile

All My Best,
Mark Von Lanken
www.VonWeddingFilms.com


DGates
Veteran


Nov 23, 2009, 7:22 PM

Post #20 of 27 (952 views)
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Re: [Mark Von Lanken] Any Advice for first HD wedding shoot? [In reply to] Can't Post
Mark, while I really like the focus assist on the 150, I'd love it if I could move the expanded image left or right, instead of dead center. During the vows, using it just zooms in between the couple. It would be cool if I could simply use the joystick to bump it in either direction.



"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power."

--Abraham Lincoln


lkrountree
Novice

Nov 24, 2009, 4:23 AM

Post #21 of 27 (937 views)
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Re: [Mark Von Lanken] Any Advice for first HD wedding shoot? [In reply to] Can't Post
Yes, I appreciated what Lee had to say since my own experience is much the same; I'm looking through the viewfinder, my husband is watching his LCD screen.

Whatever one chooses, the focus assist is pretty amazing. I found myself using the expanded option for most of the evening and am pleased with the result--for the most part--but days of testing are nothing like a live shoot, when the immediacy of the moment requires choice. I kept going for the expander, trusting that most because I can actually see the subject.

With the many options for focusing and gain, and that it was our first shoot with these cams, we both felt really exhausted after it was over, having been so vigilant. That said, it's very exciting to be shooting with these new cams!

Kay


Mark Von Lanken
Veteran


Nov 25, 2009, 8:12 AM

Post #22 of 27 (873 views)
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Re: [DGates] Any Advice for first HD wedding shoot? [In reply to] Can't Post
Hi Dirk,

That is a great idea. I will pass it on...and I love your quote.

All My Best,
Mark Von Lanken
www.VonWeddingFilms.com


KevinShaw
Veteran

Nov 25, 2009, 1:15 PM

Post #23 of 27 (859 views)
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Re: [Mark Von Lanken] Any Advice for first HD wedding shoot? [In reply to] Can't Post
Out of curiosity, how's the autofocus on the HMC150, especially in low light? You can PM me about this if you don't want to get the usual responses about how no self-respecting professional would ever use autofocus...


Mark Von Lanken
Veteran


Nov 25, 2009, 1:38 PM

Post #24 of 27 (856 views)
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Re: [KevinShaw] Any Advice for first HD wedding shoot? [In reply to] Can't Post
Hi Kevin,

To be totally honest, I don't use auto focus and I have not tested the auto focus feature. The HMC150 has a "Push for Auto Focus" button, but I have never used it. I find that a combination of the Focus Assist and the focus readout numbers are what I rely on for manual focus. Sorry.

I know others use the auto focus feature on the HMC150, at least occasionally. Maybe they can tell you how it does.

All My Best,
Mark Von Lanken
www.VonWeddingFilms.com


DGates
Veteran


Nov 25, 2009, 6:36 PM

Post #25 of 27 (838 views)
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Re: [KevinShaw] Any Advice for first HD wedding shoot? [In reply to] Can't Post
I use the auto-focus on it, but usually just for processional or other quick-moving instances when the camera is going to do a better job than I will. In low light, it's decent.



"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power."

--Abraham Lincoln

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