Breaking into the world of wedding videography takes a bit of networking, some publicity of your services, and an arsenal of top-notch gear to gain your business momentum. Without the right camera gear, you won’t be able to capture the beautiful cinematic visuals that your clients will expect. In this guide, we’ll cover the cameras, lenses, lighting, and accessories that will put you on the path to taking breathtaking wedding videos.
Best Cameras for Wedding Videography
It’s important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all when choosing a camera for wedding videography. Although, there are a few key features to consider when buying or renting camera gear. Here is a list of a few important aspects to keep in mind:
- Resolution
- In-camera colors
- ISO sensitivity
- Autofocus capabilities
- Longevity and kind of battery
- Camera weight
If you prefer a cinematic feel, you should aim for a camera that can shoot in more than 1080p, such as 4K, 60p and also at a higher frame rate such as 120fps to include slow motion shots. I recommend playing around with the camera before the wedding day to see if you like the in-camera color science. Of course, this can be adjusted doing post-production, but having a camera with the look and feel you’re looking for will save you a lot of time.
On the day of the wedding, you’ll also be thankful for a camera with good low-light performance. Many venues will be poorly lit for video, or you’ll be capturing footage long into the night when natural light is no longer an option. Make sure your camera has an optimal ISO range to avoid unwanted noise. This same mindset applies to your camera’s autofocus capabilities. A camera that can easily find and track subjects, even in unforgiving lighting, will make your life much easier.
Finally, consider the battery life and weight of your camera to optimize your workflow. When you’re lugging multiple cameras on your back for hours, you’ll be grateful for a lightweight camera with a long-lasting battery.
Here are our recommendations for best wedding videography cameras:
Sony Alpha 7S III
The Sony Alpha 7S III’s full-frame sensor and advanced image processing algorithms allow it to perform exceptionally well in low-light conditions. It can shoot 4K video at up to 120 frames per second, making it an excellent choice for wedding videographers who want to capture slow-motion footage. And its advanced autofocus system makes it easy for wedding videographers to track moving subjects (and faces!), such as the bride and groom, during the ceremony and reception.
Key features:
- 1MP Exmor R sensor
- BIONZ XR processing engine
- Shoots 4K at 120p
- 759 phase-detection AF points
Canon EOS R5
The Canon EOS R5 can shoot 8K video at up to 30 frames per second and 4K video at up to 120 frames per second. This means that wedding videographers can capture high-quality footage with incredibly high resolution and detail. It’s in-body image stabilization allows wedding videographers who shoot handheld to work without worry of camera shake. Plus, it has a compact and lightweight body, making it easy to carry around during long wedding shoots.
Key features:
- 45MP Full-frame CMOS sensor
- DIGIC X Image Processor
- Shoots 4K 120fps, or 8K 30fps
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF with 1,053 AF Areas
Panasonic LUMIX GH5
The GH5 has a sophisticated autofocus system that can track and focus on subjects with incredible accuracy. Its excellent dynamic range can capture both the bright and dark areas of a scene, resulting in footage with vibrant colors and high contrast. You’ll be able to shoot at shoot 4K video at up to 60 frames per second, or 6k at 30.
Key features:
- 33 MP Live MOS sensor
- New Venus Engine processor
- Shoots 4K 60fps or 6K 30fps
- AF with face, eye, body detection
Best Lenses for Wedding Videography
Wedding days are a bit hectic, particularly if you’re solo shooting, so you need a couple of good lenses to give you flexibility with your shots. Starting out, I would invest in a variable zoom, a wide, and then other prime lenses to ensure you can reach every angle.
A wide-angle lens will allow you to capture the exterior of a venue in a more landscape-style establishing shots. I also like to use it as a backup angle for the ceremony and speeches.
A zoom lens is my go-to on wedding day, particularly for those key moments like vows, speeches, the first dance, etc. I like to be a “fly on the wall” for my couples. A good zoom lens gives me the opportunity to stand back while still getting those key close-up shots. Consider a lens with a focal range like the Sigma 24-105mm f/4.0 DG OS HSM ART Lens.
A 50-56mm prime lens is my favorite lens to use for bridal prep. It gives that beautiful, crisp shot with a nice bokeh background. Consider a prime lens like the Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lens.
Wedding Videography Audio
I was drawn to wedding videography for the storytelling opportunities, and you can’t tell a couple’s story without crisp, clean audio. That’s why it’s important to invest in audio equipment that will catch all the special moments of the day. Here are a few options to consider:
Lavalier Mic
You can mic up the groom before the ceremony to capture his vows. Since the couple is standing close together, it will also capture the bride’s vows, too. A great option is the DJI Compact Digital Wireless Microphone System, which has a magnet for easy attachment to the groom’s suit, or bride’s dress if necessary.
Audio Recorder
If there’s a sound system at the ceremony, I’ll plug in a recorder as a back-up audio source. Then, you can always plug it in (with permission from the DJ) to the soundboard at the reception. It’s a good idea to email the DJ ahead of time to determine what cords you’ll need. I recommend the Sennheiser Camera Lavalier Set W/Zoom H4n Recorder for this purpose.
On-Camera Mic
You can also keep a shotgun mic — like the JOBY Wavo PRO Directional On-Camera Shotgun Microphone — on your main camera at all times to have a backup during key moments and to capture natural sounds. For example, you’ll want to capture the audio of the bridesmaids cheering when they see the bride in her dress. This will also help with audio matching in post.
Wedding Videography Lighting
My lighting kit is very simple because I only really use it on the dance floor at the reception. I recommend having two lights on different parts of the floor. Then, you can shoot into the light while the couple and friends are dancing to get those striking, cinematic lens flares.
You can use a video spotlight like the NanLite FS-300B Bi-Color LED or the Flashpoint XPLOR300 Pro Monolight 2-Light Kit with modifiers like a softbox or filters to match your desired effect.
For footage of the parties getting ready, and for the reception, I try to avoid using harsh artificial light to avoid calling attention away from the event.
Wedding Videography Accessories
Along with your primary gear like your camera and lenses, there are a few extra things that you’ll want to bring along for wedding videography to make your life easier throughout the day. Here are some examples of accessories to consider:
Gimbal or Other Stabilizer
When you’re working all day, moving across different locations, and capturing different subjects, camera shake is bound to happen. You can alleviate this pressure on yourself by investing in a good gimbal to mount your camera. The DJI RS 3 Mini is a great option because it comes in a compact yet efficient form factor. It can be paired with just about any mainstream mirrorless cameras via Bluetooth for wireless camera control.
Extra Memory Cards
The last thing you want on the big day is to run out of memory in your camera. Bring more memory cards than you think is required — just to be on the safe side. Angelbird has cards in CFExpress Type-A and Type-B to meet your specific needs. You can even purchase 4-packs of the same cards for even more back-ups.
Gear Protection
Whether you’ve decided to rent your gear or use equipment of your own, it’s imperative that you keep your cameras, lenses, and lighting safe and secure. Oftentimes on wedding days, you’ll need to move through multiple locations — the first-look photos, ceremony, reception, etc. During this, you’ll be thankful to have a durable camera case or bag to lug your gear around. Nanuk and Pelican offer waterproof hard cases that can withstand just about anything.
Battery Charging
Make sure your camera lasts the whole day by having extra batteries, and a way to charge them if necessary. Green Extreme offers various charger kits that are sure to help.
Final Thoughts
After reading this guide, you now have a good understanding of the wedding videography gear that is needed to capture the best content. Be sure to rent your equipment before purchasing your own. This will allow you to try out different cameras until you find an option that works best for you.
If you’re planning to shoot during the warmer months, check out Tips for Filming Hot Summer Weddings to learn more.
And if you’re looking for more tips on how to shoot your first wedding video, check out Pye Jirsa’s video at AdoramaTV below:
