Wedding Videography 101: Single-Camera versus Multi-Camera

If you’re in the market for a wedding videographer, you’ve probably noticed by now that most wedding video companies will offer either one or two cameras with their packages. Some higher-end companies might offer even more than two cameras.

So how many cameras are too many? Or how many cameras are not enough?

Single-Camera Shoot (Pros and Cons)

If you opt for a single-camera shoot, and your shooter needs to zoom in or out or re-locate for a better angle, your editor will not have alternative footage to cut to in order to mask the “bumps.” This is why your edit will be smoother and more polished if you opt for a multi-camera shoot.

The fewer cameras you have, the less coverage you’ll get, and the less angles you’ll have to edit between. However, a single-camera shoot is definitely less costly and also less obtrusive.

That said, if you are having a smallish wedding (less than 50 guests) in an intimate venue, consider having just one videographer. Because once you throw your photographer into the mix, you and your guests might start to feel a little outnumbered by the “paparazzi.”

Multi-Camera Shoot (Pros and Cons)

The more cameras you have, the more angles (close-ups, wide shots, etc.) and coverage you’ll have, and the more dynamic an edited finished product you’ll end up with.

You’ll also be able to cover two separate locations at once. For instance, after your ceremony, when you and the bridal party go to a park to get your photos done, one camera can come with you while the other camera hangs back at the reception venue and gets footage of the guests during cocktails.

The only drawback of adding cameras is the increased cost. Obviously, more cameras mean more people and more equipment, so higher costs.

Another thing to consider: adding a camera means adding several more hours of footage, which means even more hours in the edit suite. See how it all quickly adds up?


Ready for your close-up?

Bottom line, there is no “right” or “wrong” way to produce a wedding video, because we all – vendors and clients alike – have our different sets of priorities. Decide what is important to you, and budget accordingly. A wedding video is a tremendous keepsake of your special day; so choose wisely.

This article was written by Nishi Dias of Night Day Productions: a Toronto-based video production company. If you'd like to publish this article, please credit, link-back and contact Nishi at:

Night Day Productions
www.NightDayWeddings.com
416-821-8669
NightDayPro@aol.com


© 2009 Night Day Productions

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