Wedding Video with 7D

[Kieranbennett]

Been asked at very short notice (weddings tomorrow) to film a wedding service with my Canon 7d. They have a pro wedding tog taking photos and I wasn't going to take my camera.

I've told them I've never used the video function on my 7d but they have asked me if I wouldn't mind trying.

My main concern I'd the quality/length/files size. I only have 4 x 4gb cards. As for setup I would like to set the camera up on my tripod and use my 15-85mm, but I also have a nifty fifty and 70-200 2.8, if anyone thinks that may be better? The wedding will be in an old church.

Any advice gratefully received, even if it's just to make my apologies and get out of it.

 

[danhardwick]

Hi, being a fellow 7d owner that has only tried the video function as a literally a trial I don't envy your position.

A friend of mine uses a couple of 5d's with 50mm primes and gets some awesome results.

Have a look at http://www.firstsightvideos.co.uk/portfolio/wedding-videos/

I also used to help my dad film weddings an from that experience I know that filming from one point of view is very difficult as you need some kind of continuity with sound and also you will need cut away shots of faces laughing, crying etc.

Another thing to be aware of is that while the church or venue might not charge for photography of the still variety they will charge a handsome fee for video photography.

Good luck with it but you best policy in my opinion is to be very honest about the standard of video they can get or politely say no and enjoy the wedding.

 

[big soft moose]

make my apologies and get out of it.

^^^^^
This

theres a difference between a video capable DSLR and a video camera , and while i'm sure you could do something it will be a lot of hassle , plus the wedding pro will just see an uncle bob

wouldnt you rather spend the wedding getting lashed with your mates and chatting up bridesmaids rather than viewing it all through a 7D viewfinder and stressing about sensor temperature etc ?

 

[boyfalldown]

^^^^^
This

theres a difference between a video capable DSLR and a video camera , and while i'm sure you could do something it will be a lot of hassle , plus the wedding pro will just see an uncle bob

wouldnt you rather spend the wedding getting lashed with your mates and chatting up bridesmaids rather than viewing it all through a 7D viewfinder and stressing about sensor temperature etc ?

I agree completely with you saying this, and most of your reasons why.....but I've seen 7D's used by videographers a couple of times now, and they are capable of doing a great job

 

[joescrivens]

I would have no quarms with shooting a wedding on my 7d when I had it. But I use it a lot for video.

technically with the equipment you have there will be no issue at all with getting the video.

The big issue is the amount of space you have. 16gb wouldn't be near enough space to shoot a wedding in my opinion. You need 4 times that to do get enough footage. If you are only shooting the ceremony and it's a short one- 20 mins then that'll be just about ok, but any longer with any guests arriving and the bride leaving etc and the stuff outside, forget it - you need more space.

 

[Kieranbennett]

Thanks all, going to take the camera but try to get out of it when there. Unfortunately wedding is on the missus' side so no mates and no chasing bridesmaids :-(

At least this has given me the determination to learn more about what my camera can do.