New Equipment
 

Hi Guys,

I need to upgrade some of my equipment, mainly my camera.
I have a budget of around €2000 and am looking at the Canon XF105.

I just wanted to get your thoughts on the camera for filming weddings and if you think there is anything better out there for around the same price.

Thanks

Mike

Re: New Equipment
 

Perhaps the Sony AX100 that also does 4K ???

Re: New Equipment
 

If you don't need the timecode and SDI, the XF100 is cheaper than the 105 and has the same picture. I've owned and enjoyed the XF100 since May 2011, but am now looking to upgrade. I'm looking closely at the just-released X70 that is based on the AX100/CX900. It has a better codec than the AX100, but includes all the picture controls I've used on my XF100. Compared to the XF100 the X70 has a longer zoom, slightly better low light, a larger sensor, etc. It should be sharper than the XF100, and is slightly cheaper. The XF100 will never have 4K, but the X70 will have an optional upgrade to that in the next few months.

Just sayin' it's worth a look.

Re: New Equipment
 

4K is where it's happening. I am looking seriously in the new Samsung NX-1 , especially if the BSI sensor does great with low light and for the fact that it has the H265 codec.. But if you need the video cam look rather than DSLR, then there is a lot to choose from, especially if 4K is not your priority.
I've bagged 14 clients already for 4K next year. If it is affordable, why not ?

Re: New Equipment
 

I'm about to retire from the wedding scene and sell 'some' of my gear, including my 3 XF100s.

Honestly, these are great cameras and just work out of the box. They've never given me a moment's concern and honestly I'll be very sad to see them go. I'd recommend then as a great camera to anyone.

Are there alternatives? Sure, there always were, but the XF100s have served me very well.

Re: New Equipment
 

That's awesome, may I ask what you're quoting your 4k clients at for price? If you're in Jersey I'd imagine you can snag a lot of NYC money.

Re: New Equipment
 

I really don't charge much at all, rather affordable for my area. I have a steady flow of clients, mostly referrals that I am affordable and delivers quickly. There are many that charge much more but they do a lot less jobs. In the end, they actually make less on the bottom line as extra work editing means extra hours spent which also means that the clients tend to be more picky as they pay more. My average wedding is like in the $1300 to 1500 range which includes very little editing on my part. This also means my clients have minimal expectations. Like they won't expect a movie with all the jazzy stuff, sliders, bokeh and all that time consuming adjustments. I offer 4K BluRay upgrade for only $350 more that includes 3 regular HD BluRay copies as well as a 4K BluRay master. Whenever the 4K player becomes available, at least they have the content for it. Seeing that the 4k cameras are readily available and affordable, I started offering that and seems everyone is interested in getting it. My competitors charge way more without 4K. I still edit my HD in iMovie 6 believe it or not but I will change that soon to a faster MacPro and software to match. My shooting and editing style will remain the same though. Sure, I can snag more money from the NY clients but the travel over the river to NY and the parking headaches along with having to do a more complete editing job which takes up more time and effort is not for me.