Using one XL2 or XL2 & two older video cameras
 

Hi,

I plan on shooting a wedding soon and was planning on setting up two stationary video cameras while I use my XL2 as my main shooter.

Still cameras

#1 Sony TRV98 Hi-8 http://www.videomaker.com/article/8855

#2 RCA Pro Edit CC542 VHS

http://cgi.ebay.com/RCA-CAMCORDER-CC...QQcmdZViewItem

I know the above "still" cameras are lame. But, having the backups may save me when it comes to missing an important shot. Keep in mind. I'm not being paid for this. However, I would like to do a good job.

Also - I prefer to shoot 24P at 16:9. The Sony TRV offers wide screen (which is letter box) while the CC542 offers 16:9 (gotta be letter box) too with variable shutter.

Q-1) Should I shoot standard 4:3 at 60i with the XL2 to make life easier? What do you think?

Q-2) Am I better off without the two extra cameras?

Thanks...

I think you'll be better off without the two extra cameras. They won't match up at all and you might miss important shots with the XL-2 because you're spending time with the other two cameras. I would just go at it with the one camera and the understanding that you probably won't have every single second. That doesn't mean it won't edit together really well.

Ben Lynn

Ben-

Thank you for the advice. I appreciate it!

Just for fun. I think I'll test the idea of three cameras (before the wedding) just to see for myself. I'm sure Ben is 100% correct. It will be a fun experiment.

I agree with previous posts. If you need extra cameras, rent them. I am guessing you should be able to find a reputable rental agency in Albany or Boston that could give a reasonable price. I have to look at LA or SF, and the shipping fees are killers!

Yeah. I agree... I wonder if the GL2 wold serve as a good second camera to the XL2.

Since I'm not beng paid... I will not be renting an additional camera. If I was to get paid... then I think I would be the best option.

Thanks...

Tim

I think the Gl2 is a good combination of your XL2. I have same setting and I use the Xl2 as main, GL2 is for capturing a snapshot etc...

Chris

I would deffenatly use the two other camcorders also. Set them up like you said start recording then don't touch them until the wedding is over.
Try to get everything with just your'e xl2. If it looks ok, don't worry about captureing footage from the backups.
Your'e doing it for free, so unless you really mess up with the xl2 one camcorder is fine. Backups are always a good thing though.

If you expose the other cams correctly and adjust in post, it would make a nice picture in picture which can help mask the resolution/quality difference. Anything you can use an old film effect would alos work well with the other cams.