Sony PMW-350K-wedding on standard lens

[Chris Tangey]

Not a fan of shooting weddings I've got to say, so I only do one every year or two as long as the client agrees to a news/documentary style without the fog filters!

Was keen to do this one though, as it was a bit of a test for the 350K, all on the package lens, all available light. Arrived from the airport 90 minutes before it started with no idea on the church or reception set-ups so I had to trust the old girl (well...it's two and a half years old now...) to just work, wherever we ended up and whatever lighting conditions were thrown at it, see what you think.

The Wedding- Adelaide July 7 2012 on Vimeo

[Paul R Johnson]

Not too sure on the band playing but with Vivaldi - but I liked the traditional approach - nice solid colourful images, all in focus, no focus throws, no messing around with blurred foreground stuff.

Again I'm not too sure about the extended slomo, but the pictures looked good to me!

[Chris Tangey]

Yes Paul, definitely overdid the slomo and was quite repetitive with shots too, but if I can make blatant excuses for myself, you can only use what you have and that's what you can get on the day. As far as the actual wedding goes I was stuck in the one (claustrophobic) position once it started, couldn't go anywhere. This was of course, not made for you or me but for the family and they DO want to see all of those people.

My intention here was more to show the camera and lens capability as a package. I don't think there is a better one around for the price, I think the best single example for the lens is when I go from the wide tilt of the wedding waltz to the close-up of them on the dance floor, both taken from the same camera position.

[Tim Lucas]

Nice video Chris.

I too have a 350 and I think bang for buck, its the ideal camera for me. I have the Nanoflash bolted to mine for the 4.2.2 output but in all honesty shoot most of my stuff on the SxS card. The pictures are just great.

Hope you enjoy.it.

Tim.

[Chris Tangey]

Thanks Tim, After seeing your site, I'll make sure i get a quote from you on DVD duplication next time too!

[David Cleverly]

Hi Chris,

Not sure what one would call the "look" of the outside pics, but I love the pictures of the kids at 7 secs and 17 secs. outside the church. Clear, soft, even...not harsh at all.

I have always thought the 350 would be a great camera for me (I do news and corporates mainly) but have never been in the financial position to change from my P2 (HPX502).

Great camera by the look of it.

What format did you shoot this in, by the way?

Cheers.

[Chris Tangey]

David I was shooting on 1080P 25 and 1/50 shutter throughout which works well for me on most jobs.

I am a bit disappointed in the stuttery look of the vimeo file at 720P, but I was told (and this may be wrong) that the full 1080P file would look just as jumpy, but I can assure you it is smooth as silk on the original.

It is a very configurable camera and to use an old term it is hard to make it look "tapey" with harsh edges etc. Even after 2 and a half years I have a lot to learn about what it is really capable of, but yes it can be beautifully subtle, as you can see in the delicate light differences within the cathedral on some shots.
Add a nanoflash or similar and it becomes another thing again. The scene file I was using for this one was one of Alister Chapman's, I think it is called RICH from memory but maybe Alister can help on that if he's around.

It's hard to know with the much more intense competition in Sydney (we are based in Alice Springs) but my experience was that it paid for itself within a year. Another option might be a well-maintained second hand one, remember they have no moving parts so not much can go wrong!

[David Cleverly]

Thanks Chris.

I used to have Sony DSR series (300 and later the 570WSP) and have always loved the Sony cameras.

The Panasonic HPX 502en is the first Panasonic I have had and, although I am really pleased with camera, I think I am still a Sony man. I love the integration (wireless mic receivers able to be bolted in the back and so forth) which the 502 doesn't have. Yes I know the cheaper Panasonic has the facility, but there are other issues at play there.

Anyway, lovely pics. Unfortunately the way the economy is at the moment I don't think I could justify one. We are somewhat struggling even though we OWN our equipment!

Cheers,

David

[Chris Tangey]

Sorry, I should delete this post now but I don't know how! I have been asked to take it off line as there are issues with "ex's" getting upset seeing the wedding! Again, sorry about that...I will be able to supply a password though if required.

[David Cleverly]

Ha ha! You're forcing them to watch it are you, Chris??

Sheesh!! :-/

[Chris Tangey]

Weellll.... after all that...you're not going to believe this, they've changed their mind. I saId "ok I'll put it back up again but that's it." And so I have.