First time using a camcorder

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esaglik

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Eren
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I've been asked to use a camcorder to do some video for a wedding next weekend. Any tips? It's just a Sony handy cam. Nothing fancy.
 
Is this the first time you've used a camcorder, or the first time you've shot video at a wedding?
 
A lot of the following depends on how much you know about photography so if there is anything you dont understand then feel free to ask. This isn't a complete list, just some tips off the top of my head.

  • Use manual mode or if the camcorder doesn't have a manual mode put it in shutter speed mode and fix the shutter speed at 1/50
  • Once you have an exposure you are happy with lock the exposure. You can change the exposure setting manually later if you need to.
  • Set the white balance manually before you start shooting
  • Use a tripod
  • Dont zoom too much while recording.
  • Get an external microphone and/or some tie clip mics
 
Ohh wow I'm glad I asked a week before the event! Right um
There doesn't appear to be any settings like that. This is just a budget handy cam the groom asked me to use so I'm not sure exactly what to do. I'm reading through the manual still but haven't come across anything like that. As for the tripod, yes I definitely agree. Just trying to think what else. Also this is not my first time using a video camera, but it's certainly the most important occasion.
 
As for White balance and exposure, no settings for those. No mic input so I have no choice but to use the built in mic.
 
Get one of those camera stabilisers from Stedicam or glidecam or any the other clones. They may be deceptively simple but they will produce much finer footage, especially when zoomed in.

How much of a weirdo one might look using one of those at a wedding is a different story though!
 
This won't be a regular use! Haha it's not even my camera, it's the grooms and he's asked me to do this. I can't see myself investing in additional equipment ;P!
 
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