Re: Time to Replace Cameras -where to now?
 

Chris,

Edit: 6/20/15 This clip is poorly compressed and does not reflect the real footage.

The more I thought about that Sony F4 G the more I think it might help you. I know it is only F4 and that is slow but you’re not going to find the lightweight fast lens your dreaming about. What makes a lens fast is lots and lots of big heavy glass to let all that light in. But you know that. The Sony 18-105 G is constant aperture, lightweight, and native to the camera so everything works and no adapter weight either. It is a good compromise. You say 90% of your weddings are outdoors. Here is one.

Here is a clip of it follow focusing and I am zooming the whole time. First I am zooming in because part of my style is to always be as tight as possible. I am an old pro sports guy. Shooting tight is pounded into us. Then she almost got away from me so I mashed it full speed wide to finish the shot. I know, bad camera work, a person walking across a frame should never get to the left side like this, you should always be leading them but she grew wheels. But the G lens zooms fast and saved me. The old kit lens would not be capable of this shot, it would fail on follow focus and zoom speed. When it cuts to the second camera that is the original kit lens so you can see the difference. This is the original untouched footage so you can see it as shot. Both cameras are in auto exposure at 24P. I hate 24P but I gave it another try because I am editing on a new rig and premier is having audio problems in 60P, my preferred frame rate. Also, with my Canon L lens I would not have been confident enough to zoom so tight and manually follow focus her moving so fast. So the Sony 18-105 G was the only lens I had to get the shot I wanted. I never thought I would sound so glowing about this lens. I was skeptical at first but take a look for self. It is NOT a kit lens.

This is from the only wedding I have ever done, it was a few weeks ago. As you guys say it was fast and I worked my tail off as a SPC. Yes, I missed my truckload of gear and a four man crew ;-)

Steve

Password is: Sony Lens
The Vimeo compression really makes it flat. I shot it with no profile so it is not that flat.

Re: Time to Replace Cameras -where to now?
 

Steve just a note about the lens comparison between the two cameras. I do agree that the 18-105 g is sharper than the older stock lens. However I wonder if the image from the second camera is softer due to the excess sun glare shooting from that angle.

I resurrected an old post the Chris posted a while back about EA50 focus issues with sunlit backlighting outdoors. I experienced the same issue with the 18-105 lens recently when i had to shoot a speech at noon in a room with windows all around. So I had to shoot the speaker with a sheer curtain pulled and backlight issues.

I shot with 2 cameras, one being a Sony NX5U which was sharp as a tack. My EA50 had an issues getting proper focus and I as even informed with peaking that the camera was focused. Got home reviewed the footage and nope not in focus. So I wonder if some of the soft image might be attributed to the sunlit angle the second camera was shooting and not being able to focus correctly.

Just a thought.

BTW I'm watching this thread closely as I am looking to add a DSLR to the mix with my EA50M, which I love,a s I finally got the form factor that I can shoot comfortable with all day long. I want a small camera for moments like preparations and detail shots (with slider, gimbal etc) where the EA50 is too bulky to use. But for me the form factor of the EA50 is a pleasure to use.

Re: Time to Replace Cameras -where to now?
 

Hi Steve

I actually tried a wedding a while back with no profile and the blacks were so crushed that I lost all the detail in the guy's black suit BUT that was an indoor wedding last July which is Winter and it was raining. I still find the camera gives me a soft image most times we do an outdoor sunny wedding ... even when it's not backlit ... maybe the answer is somewhere but I haven't found it yet! It's mainly on the fixed camera that is around 20' from the couple ...If I do cutaways much closer of the guests it's sharp. I can look at the footage with my little SJ4000 action cam and it's stunning which is somewhat annoying as the SJ4000 cost $100 and My EA-50 cost $4000!!! I even gone to the extent of swopping cameras over and making the A-cam the B-Cam and viceversa and there is no difference ... Michael has also noticed that his NX5 had much sharper footage than the EA-50 in bright light. Maybe one needs a heavy ND filter the moment you go outside ?? I have no idea ... Does the NX5 have ND filters??

When I mention "cage" that would be a simple aluminium frame just to provide somewhere to mount wireless receivers onto and that would always be on a tripod .... Handheld might have a bracket if a video light is required for the first dance but that's about it .... Currently I have a handheld/shoulder mount camera which is a delight to use until you put a fast lens up front! Then it becomes a heavy monster. The new lens however looks a lot lighter so the body would be better balanced.

For now I'm playing with options (I have 8 clear weeks before the next wedding) and annoying you guys

At least I feel a bit better that Michael has discovered the fact that his camera does have a soft focus when the light is tricky .... It would be interesting to see the EA-50 and the NX5 compared in bright light and then see if the EA-50 in fact does need something done to it in bright light or backlight??

Chris

Re: Time to Replace Cameras -where to now?
 

Michael, I am aware of that other thread and responded to you there about a week ago.

Next:
First, the clip I posted is not a fair comparison of sharpness for the two lenses because I DID miss focus a little bit. The bride and groom were not in place when I set up the shot. No one was there but the trestle. When they took their marks in front of the officiant (the guy with the beard) they were clearly soft because they were out of depth of field. The original kit lens is sharper than that clip shows. I do not consider it a soft lens. I consider it a cheap kit lens, it can not stand up next to a Canon "L" series lens or a Sony "G" lens. But if you take it for what it is I have defended it several times. It is not a bad lens, it is a KIT lens.

Second, cameras do not generally have "focus issues" because of differing lighting conditions without an explanation. Focus is up to the SHOOTER not the camera. I missed focus because I was not behind the camera as it should be! I think you guys are missing focus because you are counting to much on peaking in tough lighting. It is up to your eye to confirm proper focus through proper monitoring and tools such as expanded focus. Focus is not a function of the camera, it is up to you. You have a long thread about so called "focus problems with the camera" but no where in that thread do you say "I absolutely visually confirmed focus and then when I went to post it was soft". You are talking about the cameras focus aids in tough lighting and then blaming the camera. Focus is your job, not the cameras. There is also the real world case that you guys may be experiencing lens diffraction. That may even be likely.

Chris, You have defended your cameras picture quality and many other things for two years. I find it peculiar, now that you are done with them you are repeatedly saying your $100.00 Chinese go-pro knock off with a ultra wide angle plastic lens is out shooting your EA50. Really? I would think that if that was consistently the case you would have been on this forum screaming very loudly saying "Help my $100.00 POS out shoots my pro rig!" I have not heard you say that until this thread.

Now, with all that said, I could be wrong. Maybe my bride and groom were soft because I did experience exactly what you guys are talking about. In which case I will eat a lot of crow. But I don't think so. How can you adjust critical focus when you are not even behind the camera? I always blame myself first until otherwise proven. I have seen a million situations where guys want to blame gear for everything, not me, I look at myself first.

Steve

Re: Time to Replace Cameras -where to now?
 

Hi Steve

If you look back to April you will see I was having issues with focus. No it's not the camera or lens but I feel it might be that the peaking is inaccurate! Ok, so that's an operator error sort of but not really as I'm using peaking and checking the peaking carefully in both 4X and 8X expanded focus modes. As an operator I'm trusting the peaking to be accurate ... this is as previously said, ONLY in bright light ... indoors I have no issues at all and the focus is sharp as a tack. What do you figure the problem is??? You obviously pre-focussed before you left the camera so it was in focus as far as you were concerned.

It's not a DOF issue either as I have tested using an F2.8 aperture and high shutter right up to F16 and it all looks much the same to me. Sorry but your entire video from either angle definitely looks soft to me ..that's just a friend to friend observation ..Go indoors and I bet it's way way sharper!! Your vimeo clip with the dentist talking about not being able to make a conference? What that the EA-50?? That footage is razor sharp!!!

Re: Time to Replace Cameras -where to now?
 

I understand what Steve is saying Chris, but isn't that the whole point? If you are struggling to get what you want from the camera, it really makes no difference whether it is the camera or the operator. You only get one chance with many shots at a wedding so if you are missing or spoiling shots it may well be time for a rethink.

As I have said before, I really need to have total confidence in my cameras and my ability to get exactly what I want instantly and accurately. If you haven't got that confidence in the camera then your are constantly upping the stress levels, particularly with weddings.

Roger

Re: Time to Replace Cameras -where to now?
 

I get you loud and clear Roger and that's exactly what is going on ...I have enough issues at weddings with the couple and the guests to keep me busy so I don't want to have to worry about technical issues on top of that. Ok point and point isn't exactly frowned on here but I think people expect you to be a little bit of a tech head. If a point and shoot full auto camera allows me to get better content (and we KNOW that content makes or breaks a wedding) then I have no shame in using it in that mode.

Even on my EA-50's the camera is in full auto all the time!! The only thing I have to do is focus and push the button which is the way I want it ...If Sony had a 17-70mm F1.8 lens in e-Mount I would be using autofocus too!!! Do I care that I'm not running everything in full manual like an expert? Hell no if that gets me better content then I'll do it that way! If shooting with 4 GoPros gives me great wedding content I have no issues using them for weddings. An experienced wedding videographer with a Handicam is likely to get better footage than a novice with a Red Epic. I actually had a bride once who booked me instead of the guy that did her sisters wedding because (her words) "he spent more time fiddling with his frigging camera than doing what he was paid for" (Oops sorry I have already used that quote but it does push home a point!!)

I think that is a good enough reason for me to use the camera that suits me best

Re: Time to Replace Cameras -where to now?
 

Thanks Chris,

I just looked at the clip I posted above. I blew it someplace, it is very soft. I will have to look at my export setting and vimeo settings, that's where I went wrong, I was in a hurry and just banged it out. You can not judge anything from that clip, the footage does not look anything like that.

I do not keep that Vimeo page up to date. The testimonial video you said was sharp is about eight years old. It is from my DV tape days and was shot using two Canon XL2s. That is why there is even some really old 4x3 stuff on there.

When I get time I might start a thread and tell you what happened at that wedding. You will get a kick out of hearing all the things that fell apart. Including audio! I am the one that is always trying to be helpful here with audio because it is something I am pretty knowledgeable about. This one did not go that way but that's another story.

Focusing outside in sunlight is always more difficult than indoors. Also, I am under the impression you have a great fondness for wide angle lenses. That adds another layer of difficulty. Even though they have tremendous DOF I find it is always harder to visually confirm proper focus because of the lack of detail. For example with a telephoto you can focus on the eyes. If your wide you can barely see the eyes. What focal length are you at for the ceremony shots your having trouble with? I am sincerely trying to help you. Obviously I don't think it is a camera problem. I'm wondering if you counting to much on a huge DOF and missing it because you can't visually confirm it well enough in sunlight. Even at wide angles, out of focus is out of focus. If you miss just a little you get a big DOF that is soft all the way through. Do you have an external monitor? With a hood they can help some, even outside.

Steve

Re: Time to Replace Cameras -where to now?
 

Wow, quite the thread I missed. Chris, I'm interested to see what you sell the EA50 for. I sold mine and ended up piecing it out, smart adapter, body, Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8, lanc control, and carry bag. I got $1800 for the lot. I could have held out for more but I needed to move on and go forward.

Re: Time to Replace Cameras -where to now?
 

Hi Aaron

Not really just lots of discussion mainly about Panasonic's new bridge camera. I think you are correct about piecing the EA-50 when you sell it ...it works a lot better as people can choose what they want and you are more likely to get buyers that know what they are talking about.

It also gives me a chance to go thru my cupboards and put all the other stuff on ebay that's lying there gathering dust. Hmmm I think I MIGHT be asking a bit much for the EA-50 bodies only?? I have them up for $1800 and that's just the bodies ! I'm not too fussed about price ..as long as I'm not seriously out of pocket, I'm happy!!

Hope the FS100's are doing well???

Chris

Re: Time to Replace Cameras -where to now?
 

Hey Steve

I usually shoot the B-Cam at full wide and focus it never an issue. It's the A-Camera that was giving me issues sadly and that is the tighter shot! That cam is on the tripod about 15 -20' away and zoomed so the couple is nicely framed with the priest and then during vows, even tighter!! I always try to get focus peaking "sparkles" on eyes too!!

Chris

Re: Time to Replace Cameras -where to now?
 

Thank you Chris. Yes I love them. shot my first wedding with them... I didn't do as well as i wanted as there is a bit of a curve getting use to the full manual and positioning. I do think I made a great move for me and hope to show you guys some of my work with them soon.

Re: Time to Replace Cameras -where to now?
 

Great!

I actually took your advice and broke one camera up for sale and the one body only went today ..I advertised last week as a "package deal" with all the bits and pieces and no takers .. you tend to get more if you sell individually!!

Re: Time to Replace Cameras -where to now?
 

the 'want v need' issue will always be there but I think you have to evaluate too, I started out with two cams that I no longer have as I didn't get satisfactory use from them!
They looked the part ok but just didn't live up to the marketing and I quickly realised that i didn't need them.

I have two CX series small Sony cams that are great and I am sometimes struggling with focusing issues on my PMW 200 and a Canon 70D (which I wanted), the two small Sonys outperform the other two consistently in lots of areas, in terms of 'Fire & Forget' these cams with their internal memory and big batteries will run unattended for up to eight hours if necessary.

I wanted to get the EA50 when it came out first, but decided that i didn't need it!

Chris what are you going to want/need next?

:-)

Re: Time to Replace Cameras -where to now?
 

Hey Rob

Want just isn't going to happen .. it doesn't make economic sense .. just the same as I WANT a Lamborgini but I know I'm not going to get one. I'm getting older and feel gear is getting heavier (it isn't but it feels like it) so I need to downsize a bit. At this stage (it's our Winter "shutdown period") I have the luxury of having no weddings as it's cold and wet until August so I have a 6 week window to look at solutions.

I'm looking so far at Panasonic's new bridge camera (FZ1000) which shoots stunning video including 4K and slomo but with a fixed zoom I will struggle with dancing so would have to use a video light. The main issue with the EA-50's is that with decent lenses up front the cameras are VERY front heavy and kill my poor ageing arms and back!

Chris

Re: Time to Replace Cameras -where to now?
 

Hi Rob, do you mind me asking what are those cameras?

Thanks

Re: Time to Replace Cameras -where to now?
 

Well I'm taking a big step here - after yesterday's wedding juggling the A7s for bride prep, the CX730 to follow the bride/bridesmaids down and into the ceremony area and the EA50 for the ceremony I thought 'I must be mad!!!' 3 cameras and that's before the ceremony starts!

So I've just run a side-by-side test and I've found that my A7s with kit lens that came with the EA50, outperforms my EA50 with Canon L 24-105 F4 (shooting at 2.8 thanks to the adapter) in low light. As I've been using the Canon/Metabones/EA50 setup for ceremonies for over a year this makes me very happy - I was thinking I might have to be the very expensive full frame Zeiss 24-70. It does mean that I'll be using the A7s in APS-C mode for most of the day but that's not a bad thing as I don't really go for the ultra shallow DOF stuff.

In a nutshell then this setup will do for low light and moments that need autofocus. It's a lot lighter rig than the EA50 and stabilises nice with my eye against the cup. The downside is the 29 minute recording restriction and the fact that the A7s eats batteries and they are slow to charge. Also only one card sot is scary as my EA50 has the FMU. I'd like to have a strap on it also but it's the same camera I use on my steadicam so that's a no.

The Swivi viewfinder just about fits (was for my 5D) - I need to make a rubber gasket about 5mm to finish it off.

Another plus is power zoom if I need it - dare I take a risk at the next wedding???

Pete

Re: Time to Replace Cameras -where to now?
 

Hi Pete

Go for it!! I'm using the FZ1000 as my main camera now ..I just have to remember to reset after 20 odd minutes but that has become a habit for me anyway so I see no issues. The only thing I have done is turn continuous focus OFF on this camera so I set it up on the tripod use the half button press to grab focus and I know I will not have an issue with focus shifting from the couple to the altar during the vows. For readings and such I will just swing the cam over to the lectern and again to a half press to focus so it locks there for that duration!

My second camera has continuous focus ON so I can use it for the bridal procession and then wide shots and guest cutaways. My third cam is still the little action cam front and centre at the first pew so I get wide shots of everything as well as speakers walking up to the lectern.

I reckon you will have NO problems using one A7 for the bride and groom and then handhold the other but I would seriously turn auto focus off on the static camera. I assume you have seen my rig photos on the wedding forum ... much the same as you except one camera has two receivers attached.

It will make your life a whole lot easier !! Where did you get TWO PZ18-200 lenses ?? I thought you only had one EA-50???

I think it will work perfectly and so easy to carry too!!!

Chris

Re: Time to Replace Cameras -where to now?
 

The A7s has a little button which when you hold in overrides manual focus and engages auto for the duration it's held in - the autofocus is very smooth. I have this lens from my EA50 but I also have a VG20 which has the non-motorised version of the same lens. I may still go down the route of getting the Zeiss 24-70 F4 which will be fast enough on the A7s but I'll trial this setup first. My other cameras are still the CX730s

My next wedding is a hotel which will be a good trial but the week after it's a full Catholic mass - over an hour. Re-timing will slow my workflow down but the benefit of not faffing with several cameras (and the EA50 is not particularly light) makes up for it :)

Re: Time to Replace Cameras -where to now?
 

I understand your pain in having to deal with too many camera's :) During brideprep I now use a panasonic gh4 with a 42,5 f1.7 which is stabilized for all beautyshots and a rx10 for general stuff that is going on, non of these 2 camera's have anything added and are used as bare as they are which works fine for me, I use both handheld now all the time.

Once I do longer continuous recordings like a ceremony I use two cx730's and one ax100, they are failasfe camera's and allow me to come home with good footage from beginning to end. I also use just one tripod that has a clamp attached to it with a separate head so I can mount 2 camera's on it.

Once reception starts a gh3 with 12mm f2.0 gets a permanent place on a steadicam and I again use the gh4 and rx10 handheld maybe 90% of the time and only use a tripod during speeches.

I have managed to trim down my gear to a point where I can move to and from locations with just one bag if needed.

My ideal setup however would also be a a7s which could replace my rx10 and gh4 if it had a stabilized fast enough zoomlens with decent autofocus but I am not going to be making such an investment anymore as I plan to build down my weddings to a point where I will stop doing them altogether.

Re: Time to Replace Cameras -where to now?
 

Off topic a little but I'm tempted to loose one of my light stands (less weight to carry to and from church etc) and use my manfrotto magic arm clamped to my main tripod with a CX730 on it, it will be the same viewpoint as my main camera but set to wide. I had a PITA vicar recently that would only let me have one camera so this is how I got over it (she didn't notice) and it worked nicely but I did get a little movement in the arm and hence my CX730 when repositioning my main camera - do you get this Noa?

Pete

Re: Time to Replace Cameras -where to now?
 

@Noa, nice to see you are using a clamp on the tripod now for a second camera. I have been doing that for quite a while now and it is so useful to be able to use the main head mounted camera for the close and moving shots, without affecting the clamp camera which I usually have set up for a wider general shot. I'm really surprised that others haven't adopted this method. It's so much easier to move the setup and of course you can instantly unclamp to put the camera on something else.

I also use a clamped camera on the DJs lighting rig for the first dance overview, and sometimes during the signing of the register I will quickly clamp it on a pew or screen for an alternative view of the processional.

@ Chris, so you have promoted the FZ1000 to your main camera! I may well do the same thing, with the little Pannys covering the break in the recording time if necessary. I also have five school filming jobs over the next two weeks that I will film with 4 cameras, so I will try to use the FZ1000 to record whole stage in 4K to see if it is possible to have a one camera plus backup solution for that type of production filming. That would mean that with two FZ1000s, Claire and I could film independently at different schools, doubling the work and the income:-)

Roger

Re: Time to Replace Cameras -where to now?
 

That's the way I work now, I have a clamp on my main tripod, a very simple mefoto traveltripod which folds up very small so easy to transport yet sturdy enough to hold 2 camera's, I set my ax100 wide with teh altar and lectern in one view and use a cx730 zoomed all the way in at the lectern, then I use one other cx730 to walk around and shoot handheld. We don't have those position restrictions here like you do so that's not an issue, once I have fixed the position of that tripod I usually don't touch it anymore during the ceremony.

Re: Time to Replace Cameras -where to now?
 

It's a great way of working Noa and I wouldn't be surprised to see more adopting it over the coming months. For me, size, speed, and portability are what wedding filming is all about.

Roger

Re: Time to Replace Cameras -where to now?
 

I think it will work well Roger

You really don't need a big camera as your main unit ...the most important thing on the camera is to make sure you cover the audio side well and I'm doing that with two wireless units ... I will replace the current units when funds permit with two of the new Rode 2.4GHz systems as they have no frequency issues. The other of course is to make sure continuous focus is turned off so the camera doesn't decide to switch focus from the couple to the altar behind them in the middle of the vows and with the record limit you also need to decide when you will do a stop start. I usually do one after the readings, then a second after the homily and then a third once they are ushered to behind the altar to sign the register. My main cam stops at that stage and I do the signing on the B-Cam and then a final clip when they do a final blessing and exit. It's unusual that any of those go for more than 15 minutes at best!!

Chris

Re: Time to Replace Cameras -where to now?
 

The one thing i'll miss when the ea50 goes is the fact that the battery lasts pretty much all day and I never think about the media - with 64gb SD and FMU it was worry free - unfortunately with only one card slot on the A7s (why in such an expensive pro camera??) I'll need to change cards regulary and with the battery grip i get 2 hours max - need to be on the ball with that! It's always the way that solving one problem brings about other ones - still the right choice for me though

Re: Time to Replace Cameras -where to now?
 

Hi Pete

I was reading a post about guys with A7S cameras at weddings and they said they went thru 5 batteries per camera during the day ... To be honest I seldom shoot more than 2 hours per camera of actual footage so based on that you should get away with one more set of batteries.

OK, I'm still confused? So if the EA-50 and Canon lens goes are you using your existing A7 as a main camera? What will you use then to shoot cutaways and handhelds ...another A7S????

Chris

Re: Time to Replace Cameras -where to now?
 

In terms of batteries Chris you get max one hour per battery - I tend to have the camera turned on for a large part of the day (especially the EA50 that had a slow boot time) so I can just hit record and I'm off! What I'll need to do is plan in my battery changes so they are convenient for me rather than sweating in the middle of the ceremony/speeches as the gauge goes into the red! Also I'll need to have a series of SD cards in case one fails and I don't loose everything. I'll just have to be organised, having a system for new/used batteries and cards - something I'm not really used to.

Regarding my setup, the A7s will be my main camera for the whole day, walking around/ceremony/speeches etc - I've just bought (I couldn't help it) a used Zeiss 24-70 F4 FE lens that has nice stabilisation and smooth autofocus - this will be my main lens but I still have my canon lenses and metabones adapters if i need more range or something slightly faster. While the camera is mounted on a tripod for ceremony and speeches I can use a CX730 for any cutaways but the A7s is the one that will be in my hands for most of the day.

Last week's wedding I juggled 3 cameras before the ceremony (A7s for prep/CX730 for the bride's walk down to the ceremony area/EA50 for ceremony - including a lens change, swapping from the A7s to the EA50) I hope to make this a thing of the past, it's too stressful plus in all the juggling it's easy to miss something.

I just need to work out what to do regarding my steadicam as I used it for this but I don't want to be breaking it apart just for the odd steadicam shot - also I really don't like changing lenses too much so I might dig out my VG20 and use that for steadicam work instead - still thinking about this though.

Re: Time to Replace Cameras -where to now?
 

That's quite interesting Pete!

My main camera that sits on the tripod is used ONLY for the ceremony and the speeches ..nothing else!
Prep is done on my B-Cam as well as arrivals, cutaways during the ceremony exit and congratulations. After group photos my B-Cam goes onto the stedicam and I do a nice slomo video shoot. It continues at the reception for bridal entry, tables and comments, cake cut and dance and also does cutaways during the speeches. Then of course the action cam on the stand runs the entire ceremony and then it's put away

So in terms of use, my B-Cam is the hard working one and is handheld ..my A-Cam sits on the tripod and does just the ceremony and speeches so maybe in my case my B-Cam is the main camera ..it certainly shots a LOT more footage. Every 6 months I exchange bodies so they roughly get the same amount of use.

Re: Time to Replace Cameras -where to now?
 

My aim Chris is to get all my cameras and audio recorders in one carry case - which is this one

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/601953-REG/Kata_KT_OMB_75_OMB_75_One_Man_Band.html

It will take all my handycams/A7s/VG20 and audio recorders. I have a long case for 2 lights stands and tripod and two sandbags - this I can take to the car in one trip - as sometimes weddings are 3 locations I NEED to be agile and portable - it's key for me now as the amount of setup/tackle down/setup etc etc is stressing me out a little.

Loosing the EA50 will also relieve me of 1 large camera bag - I'll keep a spare lens (maybe my 24-70 f2.8 with adapter) and spare batteries and cards in pouches on my belt. I have extra stands and lights and stuff for the evening reception but there is always plenty of time to set this up. I also only get my steadicam out at receptions so again, there's enough time for me to do this.

I have a hotel wedding this week and my other half is coming along to help out so it's the perfect opportunity to test out my A7s on a full day - the EA50 will be sat in the car.

I bet you won't miss lugging 2 EA50 cams about!

Re: Time to Replace Cameras -where to now?
 

Brilliant Pete

My B-Cam EA-50 with the Sigma lens and battery came in at around 3.5kg and the A-Cam about 3.2kg ... bear in mind that I used to have rails and matte boxes too so I was lugging around close to 5kg units!!

The FZ1000's with the aluminium frame and mic/receivers tip the scales at a much better 1400g ..the camera totally bare is 850g so the frame/mic setup adds the rest. They are also a LOT more compact ..the EA-50 (unless you strip it down takes up a lot of space so I ended up making a fancy aluminium dolly to lug everything around ...(it was a pneumatic tyred garden trolley in the beginning and I ripped off the bin and just used the frame. Got to now figure out how I can modify it to make it more compact ... I also need to re-design my camera cradles (aluminium and foam) that allow the cameras to travel comfortably in the car!!!

At least I have some July projects as it's our barren month for weddings!!! I look forward to your comments after your next wedding without running the big camera!!

Chris

Re: Time to Replace Cameras -where to now?
 

Hello Peter,
I wasn't clear on whether you already had the OMB_75 case.
Though I find the OMB's very useful (I have a half dozen of them in different sizes and use them for a variety of gear), I wanted to caution you if you didn't already have the case -- that the fact that they are rather deep can make packing for 'quick-draw' and 'fast pack' use a bit tough - since you may find yourself stacking on multiple levels within the case. For faster access (though smaller cases) I started using the Kata Fly-By (75?) in conjunction with an (Ogio Stealth) camera backpack which travels on top of the FlyBy when upright. With that confuguration I can fit an F3, two EX cameras and an A7s with lenses, batteries accessories and a monitor.

Re: Time to Replace Cameras -where to now?
 

My wedding on Saturday was at a church where they have one wedding every hour. My wedding started at 2pm and the one before left the church at 1.45. I dashed straight into the church. spoke to the vicar, clamped one Panny on the church screen for an over view, already had main and clamped camera on the tripod, put a sound recorder in the church and another with a lavalier on the groom and was ready for the Bride arriving by 1.52. The breakdown afterwards took less than 3 minutes!

It's great what you can do with a lightweight setup and a camera backpack :-)

Roger

Re: Time to Replace Cameras -where to now?
 

I already have the OMB-75 Dave and yes - it's deep but I have it partitioned and put stuff I don't need until later in the day at the bottom :)

Re: Time to Replace Cameras -where to now?
 

Jeez that's tight - If I can't get into the church 45 minutes before the ceremony I start to panic - well done!

Re: Time to Replace Cameras -where to now?
 

My last 2 weddings the couple arrived at the same time at church as I did, the only time I had to set up was the time the master of ceremonies needed to get all family out of their car's and line them up to enter the church. :) The groom allready has a lav mike on him before they left to church and I only put a audio recorder in front of the church soundspeaker, my 2 camera's on one tripod get set up after the bride has entered the church as that first part gets shot handheld, that's really guerrilla style. :)

Re: Time to Replace Cameras -where to now?
 

I love it, really gets the adrenaline flowing :-)

Roger

Re: Time to Replace Cameras -where to now?
 

Completely off topic now Noa and Roger but with so little time how much importance do you place on getting good footage of guests arriving and that whole pre-ceremony buzz thing? I try to get as much as possible as I know that my brides like it as it's a part of the day they are not around for? Seems like you two have very little time for this when timings are so tight?

Pete

Re: Time to Replace Cameras -where to now?
 

Hi Pete, not completely off topic as speed of operation and mobility is very relevant to the camera upgrade theme of the thread :-)

My experience at the weekend was very unusual, as I arrived at the church as usual with an hour in hand. I took my usual shots of guests arriving, groom, best man, ushers etc, but just had no access to the church unti 15 minutes before the ceremony. If I was using the sort of equipment that many on here seem to have, it would have been impossible to set up in the time available, but with my equipment it was no real problem.

Roger

Re: Time to Replace Cameras -where to now?
 

Hi Pete

The answer is to leave the bride's house at least 30 minutes before she does! That way you can set up, sit outside and film the guests arriving and then the limo arriving ... I tell her before the wedding what time she has to be in her dress and if she goes over that time I'm outta there so I can setup at the Church/Venue in time ... I actually left one bride still having her hair done 30 minutes before she was due to leave (still had to do her makeup and get dressed) It's either that or explain to her "If I stay you won't have any pre-ceremony footage ..your choice"

Chris