Don't do wedding videos...
Now that it's too late.
Wirelss Lav For a wedding I wouldn’t use the stock mic. Since your XL-1 has XLR inputs (audio), go rent a wireless lavaliere mic setup to capture the nuptials. Look for names like: Lectrosonic & Sennhesier. (rental cost approx $50-75/weekend) And please don’t end up renting (or buying) one of those cheapie Sony wireless lavs. You get what you pay for when it comes to audio.
a) If this is your first time using a wireless setup please MAKE SURE you practice with the setup before hand! (A good time to do this is during the rehearsal)
b) Make sure to use fresh batteries the day of the wedding.
c) You will need headphones to monitor the audio levels while you are shooting.
Lights If it's an evening ceremony rent a light. This is more while shooting the reception since the house lights will be on the dark side. The LED Panel (
http://www.studiobfilms.com/rentals/cameras-light_panel_rental.html ) is awesome and can be adjusted from 0 -100% brightness. (approx rental $75-80/weekend)
General A family wedding video should be fun since you already know everyone.. You will start to get the good stuff once the alcohol flows.
Also a cool thing to do towards the end of the evening (and to give yourself a break after filming all day). Set up the camera on the tripod away from reception area and then invite people to go give a private message to the bride and groom. You have to be pro-active in rounding people up, but at the end it makes for a cool bonus section on the DVD.
Oh yeah if you are a single camera setup I would setup at the back and in the middle of the isle once the bride walks down. For the most part the nuptials are boring so I would frame a nice medium shot that has the bride, groom, and priest and then only zoom in during the rings and kiss.
Other than that don't do wedding videos..
7 mins you will never get back
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