In the ever-changing, innovative world of video production, making a new camcorder-purchasing decision requires up-to-date knowledge of the latest features available, along with an understanding of tried-and-true technology. Even seasoned professionals will need to take some time to research the myriad choices offered, then carefully determine which camera fits their needs. The specific requirements of wedding videography add another dimension to the process.
Reliability, exceptional video in low-light conditions, and high optical zoom range are some of the more important features you should be looking for when selecting a video camera suitable for wedding coverage. In addition, consider media format, audio inputs and the size and “look” of the camera. A handheld camera might shoot HD video, but will you stand out as a "professional" videographer without a decent-sized camera on your shoulder, or a solid tripod?
A Note on Weddings
As you look over the wide range of cameras, you will, no doubt, be taking your clientele into account. Will you be covering high-end weddings with multiple cameras, are you currently at the entry level or perhaps shooting your very first wedding for a family member? Do you want all the bells and whistles or are you a purist who prefers sticking to the basics and keeping life simple? Ultimately, your list of preferences is unique to your work style and ergonomic requirements. In order to assist you with your decision, we have reviewed a variety of models selected specifically for capturing a couple's wedding-day memories.
Advanced and Intermediate-Level Camcorders
The Sony PXW-Z280 records up to 4K video at 60p using the efficient XAVC Intra and Long GOP codecs with 4:2:2 10-bit sampling. To fit into existing workflows, MPEG HD422, HD420, and DV recording options are available. Dual SxS memory card slots are provided, while simultaneous recording to two cards is possible for instant data redundancy and backup copies of your files. With 4 channels of high-quality, 48 kHz, 24-bit LPCM, you will have all the audio capabilities needed to cover every element of a wedding weekend. Shooting in low light is no problem with this camcorder. Three 1/2" Exmor CMOS sensors and a fast maximum aperture (f/1.9 on a 17x optical zoom lens) will thrill you with the exceptional video you can capture under the chandeliers, in dimly lit reception halls. The camera also supports S-Log 3 for improved dynamic range, and HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma) which allows you to shoot and deliver footage compatible with both HDR (high dynamic range) and SDR (standard dynamic range) without needing laborious post-production work. Weighing only 6.6 pounds, this camera is heavy enough for stability, yet won’t wear you out during hours of shooting. For a more compact solution and a sensor with nearly twice the effective pixel count, as well as a 1” sensor, the Sony PXW-Z200 is also worth considering.
Canon’s XF705 4K 1" Sensor XF-HEVC H.265 Pro Camcorder is a strong choice from a much-loved brand. It weighs in at just under 6 pounds, sports a nifty flip-up LCD, and has an ergonomic handle with Record button and zoom controls for those essential low-angle shots. It has a single 1" CMOS sensor that can produce sharp, colorful imagery, and comes with a lens hood for blocking sun rays as well as a handle-mounted mic bracket for your shotgun mic of choice.
The JVC GY-HC500U Handheld Connected Cam 1" 4K Professional Camcorder is an excellent choice for the cameraperson on-the-go who also needs built-in live streaming capabilities. The camera features a lightweight and user-friendly design, and the capacity for fast, efficient, and high-quality shooting. The camera records up to 30p to the built-in media card slots or 60/50p to an optional SSD. The camera supports HDR by recording in HLG or JLog1 (10-bit). The camera can also live stream HD while recording 4K and outputting 4K via the HDMI output.
Sony’s HXR-NX800 is another solid performer. Its versatility in capturing different formats may fit nicely into your profile, as well. It’s able to record 3840 x 2160 at 23.98/50/59.94/100/120 fps with data rates from 30 to 280 Mb/s. It can also record 1920 x 1080p video at speeds up to 240 fps. The zoom range gets extremely high marks (20x G-Lens, optimized for advanced image processing) and you can choose to record on CFexpress Type A or SD UHS-II cards.
If you are looking for a camera that records and outputs 10-bit 4K video but is also is IP ready, Panasonic may have built the one just for you: AG-CX20PJ Professional Compact P2 4K Camcorder with XLR Audio Inputs. The AG-CX20PJ supports NDI HX2 IP connectivity for high-quality, low-latency live streaming without the need for external converters. In addition, it supports RTMP, which enables users to stream content live to social media platforms and video sharing sites.
Entry-Level and Intermediate Camcorders
The variety of options in this class are surprisingly good. Beginning with the Canon Vixia HF G70 UHD 4K Camcorder, the camera features a 20x optical zoom when recording 4K, as well as a DIGIC DV 6 image processor, an 8-blade circular aperture, and 5-axis image stabilization. You can record 4K at up to 30 fps, and stream directly from the camera’s USB-C port.
If you are looking for an easy-to-use, entry-level camcorder with a professional look, the JVC GY-HM180 Ultra HD 4K Camcorder packs multiple pro features into its compact form, with updates including a 3G-SDI output in addition to an HDMI out. Its single 1/2.3" 12.4MP CMOS sensor captures UHD 4K images in 24 or 30p, at bit rates of 150 or 70 Mb/s, Full HD up to 60p/50 Mb/s, and HD up to 120 fps. It features an integrated 12x optical zoom, two XLR inputs for professional microphones, internal ND filters, and hot swappable SD card slots.
With the HC-VX870 4K Ultra HD Camcorder from Panasonic, but you can capture Ultra HD video and superimpose a secondary video image from your smartphone's camera via a Wi-Fi connection. In this way, covering two camera angles at once within a single recording becomes possible. Other notable features include a 20x optical zoom lens with a 29.5 to 626mm equivalent focal length - giving you a wide angle when zoomed out, a strong telephoto image when zoomed in, and a lot to work with in between. For slowing down fast action, the HC-VX870 can capture 120 fps at 1080p resolution, which can then be slowed down even further with in-camera digital interpolation, producing a wow-worthy 240 fps final video.
As you can see from this diverse sampling of excellent camcorders, the variety of file formats, lenses and audio packages can be quite a bit to digest. You will likely see one or two cameras that pique your interest and will serve your clients’ needs as well as your own. When you reach that point, come into our NYC SuperStore, you can also visit us on the Internet for a live chat, or contact us by phone at 1-800-606-6969.
