Anyone here record a public speaking conference before?

I'm trying to figure out the cheapest/lightest solution for recording a 1 hour public speaking (1 speaker).

I'd love to have 2 cameras but I only have one right now only have one. As far as audio goes I'm thinking about placing a Zoom H4n next to the speaker for the entire hour and just using that? Not sure how good that idea is. Also the 60D I own can't record longer than 12 minutes if I'm correct, what do I do about this? It'll cut off while the person is speaking!

I've never recorded public speaking before so I don't want to mess this up. If anyone has any kind of advice on what to take, what might happen, what I need to know please share!!!

You should really have two cameras.

To "fake it" with one:

- Have the zoom set up to record the entire time. If it fails, you're screwed.

- During "down time" (read: whenever you have a chance) get b-roll shots of the audience. Those shots can cover cuts you'll have to make when you hit the 12 minute limit.

That's really your only option. I hope you're not getting paid for this.

I am getting paid for this and have told the client I can rent an extra camera for a bit more. The client knows 1 camera is not a solid option so if I have two cameras what do you think I should know about then?

Don't use an slr, I've tried it and it just doesn't work.


You need a proper long format video camera, ideally two or three, and you record the whole show in one go. No cuts.
Otherwise you will never get the sync right in post.

You can the use the 60d for more creative shots, but note, you also need someone on one of the long format cameras listening to the audio and riding the levels.
Which also means a proper mic set up for the speakers connected to the camera.

you will do just fine, have the zoom h4n next to the speaker with a red head cover or wind blocker sort of, have a 2nd camera be ready when it reach the 12 mins record marks and switch over to the other and repeat, just have more work to sync in post by using the wave audio from the zoom to sync with the camera audio.

The easiest route, camcorder with sennheiser XLR lava mic, the speaker wear the wireless mic and the receiver XLR connected to the camcorder...no worries on syncing the audio later. I own both the XH A1 and XF100 both great camcorder full HD.

thedcmule2 wrote in post #14693530
I am getting paid for this and have told the client I can rent an extra camera for a bit more. The client knows 1 camera is not a solid option so if I have two cameras what do you think I should know about then?

With two cameras you should be fine, but you're going to be going back and forth for the duration of the speech. Set one up as a wide shot and use one for a medium/closeup. Check your watch - at every 10 minute interval go to the other camera and cut the take. You'll need at least a 32GB card in each camera, otherwise you'll be switching cards too. 1 hour of time on a DSLR will eat about 20GB. Battery should be fine for an hour, but anything beyond that will require swapping out.

Synching two cameras and an external audio track is going to be a bit of a nightmare if you do it manually (scrubbing and matching). We use Pluraleyes for this and it makes it SO much easier.

My recommendation based on your questions is to rent a "real" camcorder that does not have a recording limit. Using DSLRs for this kind of thing requires experience you don't have.

@Moppie: why couldn't I sync two DSLRs if I have the Zoom H4n record audio?

Also would you recommend in the future I get something like this instead:
http://csirentals.com …products&produc​t_id=31012

Not sure if that's considered a "long format video camera"?

@Orguss: Thank you for the confirmation, will try a dual cam setup with a zoom h4n. I understand its more work in post but im fine with that.

@Charro: Yeah I figure ill be running back and forth every 10 minutes, and did plan to have one wide and the other medium/closeup. I've been reading about Pluraleyes and will look into that for the syncing. Also the majority of my experience comes from hundreds of hours of music videos, so I believe manual syncing is right up my alley. It's not the post work im worried about, its making sure I get a smooth recording without killing myself.

thedcmule2 wrote in post #14693681
@Moppie: why couldn't I sync two DSLRs if I have the Zoom H4n record audio?

Also would you recommend in the future I get something like this instead:
http://csirentals.com …products&produc​t_id=31012

Not sure if that's considered a "long format video camera"?

Because you get one long recording from the H4 and LOT of short clips from the DSLRS that you have to match over the top.
Then you will find that you need to cut from one camera to the other at the moment your restarting recording on the other camera, or that you missed it when it stopped your missing a few minutes.

The XA10 you linked to is more in line with what you need.
Put two of those on the speaker, one wide that will run all shoot and one tight that you will control, pan and zoom and monitor and ideally manage the audio.
Then its nice to have a 3rd camera pointing at the audience, this could be your DSLR but you only reset it a couple of times, you don't need 1hour of footage of people listening (unless its really interactive talk with lots of audience activity, then you need a second op).

How does the H4 handle audio with auto levels?
You may find lots of background noise when the speak stops talking gets in the way and be ware of problems with any PA system, the H4 could pick that up instead of the speaker.

thedcmule2 wrote in post #14693530
It's not the post work im worried about, its making sure I get a smooth recording without killing myself.

Then you should be OK as long as you're prepared for the post work. I recommend renting two of the same cameras (in your case, another 60D) to make sure the colors are going to match up. I know we have problems all the time with getting the 5D and 7D to cut together seamlessly; even with a manual WB the 7D always seems to have more green in it. If we're close in-camera usually all it takes is a light pulldown on the green curve, but still, it's a headache.

edit: and the H4n's auto levels are just fine, although I do recommend going manual and leaving some substantial headroom if you can't sit there and babysit it.

thedcmule2 wrote in post #14693530
I am getting paid for this and have told the client I can rent an extra camera for a bit more.

I have done dozens of these and can only comment if you are going to rent anything then get a camcorder it's really the minimum of what you need.

Wayne

I would go with renting a camcorder. As already pointed out, the time limitations on DSLR leaves too much chance for accidentally finding yourself with no camera recording. Use the 60D for b-roll or close-ups. I would run a line into their PA system if possible, recording two chanels into the H4n and also recording mic sound from H4n directly as a backup.

weareallhypocrites wrote in post #14698640
I would run a line into their PA system if possible, recording two chanels into the H4n and also recording mic sound from H4n directly as a backup.

If the OP rents a prosumer or above camcorder it should have at least two XLR audio inputs and that stated I would use the a channel on the camcorder for it's mounted microphone, cable the PA into channel b and set the H4n at the speakers position.

Wayne

Channel One...good point. Always good to have multiple audio sources as backup

I would pick up another recorder. H1 cheap option. Hide one near the speaker. Is He micd? If so you can get away with putting the recorder very close to the PA system.

Get there early to do sound check.


Rent a camcorder and leave it running in a static spot. This will be your base track. And use your slr as a b artsy roll with swipes of the crowds and different angles.

Will be a syncing nightmare without the one camera static.

Remember. You're getting paid. Which means it counts. And you want it to be easy in post so you don't work for minimum wage