Diving Back In...Need Some Advice
 

First off, let me start by saying I love these boards and really appreciate all the time put into the answers.

Sorry if this is long winded, but here goes...

About 5 years ago, I began helping a friend of mine with his Videography business. I was already into video..doing music videos for local bands, short films, etc. I really enjoyed helping him out...I got to see first hand how exciting and profitable it can be. Having this firsthand look I also saw how stressful and crazy it can get. I did a few small weddings on my own after he moved and still enjoyed it very much.

I just moved back to my hometown and I'm looking to get back into the wedding game. As far as equipment I have a Panasonic DVX100a and a fluid head tripod and do my editing on FCP and use DVDSP. I know I'm gonna have to get some new equipment so that's where the questions come in...

- Should I continue using my DVX100a? I know I need at least another camera, so should I ditch the DVX and get two HD cameras? if so, which one? Basically should I add another camera to go along withmy divx or just get two new ones?

- wireless mic suggestions?

In my immediate area there are no videographers, there are two decent size towns close by with numerous florists and photographers. It's actually very weird around here...it's very small but it's an uber competitive area..."if that family thinks their wedding was nice...we'll out do them"...lol . I think I could really get a good thing going here. Even with what I have, i did a small $1,500 wedding on the spot.

I appreciate any info, thanks in advance

Hi Dwain, welcome aboard. There's nothing wrong with the DVX
and you should keep on using it, *unless* there's a demand in
your market for HD deliverables on Blu-Ray.

Networking with other wedding vendors and developing good
relationship with them were key to my business back when I
was shooting weddings. The best thing we did was to partner
with a very good wedding photographer, that and a yellow
pages ad brought in a lot of business in those days.

Thanks so much, Chris.

If I add a second camera, what would be a good route to go...should I go with another dvx? Is there problems with matching footage with two different cameras?

In my opinion cameras should be matched from the start -- sure you
could do it in post but why put yourself through the extra work? Buy a
used DVX in good condition, they're a bargain. One battery type, one
charger type, etc. Matching cams is super-convenient. And affordable,
since it'll be another DVX.

Hi Dwain,

I'm with Chris, getting a second DVX makes the most sense. If your DVX was wearing out and needed to be replaced or you were starting fresh, then maybe it would make more sense to go with an HMC150, but I don't see an advantage to dumping your DVX, expecially since there doesn't sound like you have any competition.

I made some audio suggestions on the post titled "What to buy". Here's the link.
http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/wedding-...-what-buy.html