Shooting a Wedding, 2nd Camera?

I posted this in the Cameras Forum. I'm needing some advice on getting a second camera. You can read it HERE

I can't read your post as I've hidden that forum. Yes you need two of everything at a wedding, or three, or four. The Wedding FAQ is a bit old but covers the basics well - just ignore the model number of camera and exact lens names and the advice is still good.

Tim,

• He's not a pro, nor anticipating being a second shooter part-timer for someone
  
• He's doing it as a favor for a relative on a low budget getting married at a courthouse
  
• He has a 70D and a Tn, but does not consider the Tn to be a backup to the 70D because its UI is too different from the 70D
  

tim wrote in post #18767823
I can't read your post as I've hidden that forum. Yes you need two of everything at a wedding, or three, or four. The Wedding FAQ is a bit old but covers the basics well - just ignore the model number of camera and exact lens names and the advice is still good.

I apologize Tim, that post is rather lengthy, and wasn't sure if I posted in the correct forum. Thank you for replying.

Wilt wrote in post #18768380
Tim,

• He's not a pro
  
• He's doing it as a favor for a relative on a low budget getting married at a courthouse
  
• He has a 70D and a Tn, but does not consider the Tn to be a backup to the 70D because its UI is too different from the 70D
  

"My dilemma, is the T4i is ruled out, too different from my 70D for me to rely on being able to quickly change settings. So I'm wanting to replace it with either another APS-C or go ahead and pick up a FF."

I told him not to buy/rent a different model (from his 70D), as it does nothing for the too-disimilar UI issue

Yes Wilt that is one of my major concerns. I'm well aware of how a body works when under stress. I know when I have used both, and even though I have shot the T4i a lot, I find myself struggling to get the settings I need. I fairly certain I'll just run with my 70D. I've since learned more about the event after talking to my granddaughter this evening. I really won't have much to sweat. I've done these types of weddings before.

Oh and yes your spot on, I'm not a pro, and at one time wanted to be, but due to recent life happenings, it just not in the game plan for me. Getting too old, and after 2 heart attacks and severe pneumonia within 1 year, it's taken it's toll on me for awhile.

Thanks Wilt.

Well, I would say you can count on a few things

1. horrible color cast.
2. horrible light.
3. not a lot of time to play with settings.

If I was you, I would rent a newer full frame, and a fast prime. Keep it simple. If you have too much going on, or too many options. It's going to be hard to decide what to do. I would go with a 5D3/4 and a 50 1.2/1.4 and call it a day. You can do ALMOST everything you will need to do with a 50. its super versatile. When the reception starts, the flash goes on and does not come off. Most receptions, venues, etc will be really dark. And if there is a DJ, chances are that their lights are going to color cast some really horrible light. So you will need that flash to overcome all of those color casts.

Since you are not trying to do this full time, or part time. Renting a body and lens won't cost a ton, but give you high end results. and a 5D4/50 1.2 will give you incredible results.

That is what I suggested as well. If 75.00 to 100.00 is in any kind of budget for this event, then I would always suggest going with a better tool, and a late model FF is much better than the old 70d. Flicker control, better DR, fully working auto ISO in manual mode, more pixels on target when framed identically between the 70D and the 5D4 for example, low light AF acquisition, and better ISO make for an easier time shooting a wedding, with better results.

If a person had a 70d and a 5d4 in their bag already and asked which should they use for an indoor event such as this, the answer would invariably be the 5d. The only decision then is whether $75 is worth it or not for this young lady and her special day. It isn't whether one could learn to use the new camera, because it doesn't take long at all to figure out the important stuff, maybe an hour or two, it isn't whether the late model FF is capable because we know it is, so it just comes down to budget really, and then perhaps a lens if there is a need there.

If the budget is a concern, or weight of a FF is a concern then by all means use the 70D over the rebel. If IQ and ease of post processing later is a concern, then no one is going to reasonably and logically argue that the 70D is better than something like the 5D4, or even 6D.

Couldn't agree more. I think for the cost of a 5D4 and a rented prime, its a no brainer.

Thank you to all that have replied with your experience and advise. Due to life stepping in big time, (nothing major, all happening within 2 days of each other, mom in hospital with cancer issues, son in hospital on east coast) I must just stick with what I have and do what I can.

Thank you to all

I posted to the original thread and suggested OP stick with his equipment he is familiar with. He has two bodies but they have slightly different controls which he thought was a concern. The likelihood of a breakdown is somewhat rare but still you need to be prepared. I don't shoot weddings anymore but do events and conventions which is similar in nature. What I've found out works for me is two bodies - one with a 35 1.4 lens and the other with an 85 1.4 lens. I keep a flash in my pocket as needed (which is minimum). This simple combo covers about 90% of my work. A seldom mentioned but (to me) valuable feature is the wi-fi connectivity of the Canon 5D4 to a smartphone. I can mount a body on stage or anywhere it's needed and can control it from my phone. Can change camera settings or switch between still and video mode - all remotely. Wedding photographers could put this to use on the altar and run video or stills while still shooting from the main sanctuary.

Yes a remote might be the ticket for the typical "conventional" wedding. While the 70D has built in WiFi, I don't use it much because it's so unpredictable.

Tomorrow is the big day, and it's going to be challenging, but fun. Not even close to conventional or traditional. Mind you, this is my granddaughter getting married. I'll attach an engagement photo from the shoot on Sunday in freezing cold temps. This was a last minute decision (on their part) to do one. That said, this is the itinerary;

• 12:00pm Bride prep at her house SE side of town around noon.
  
• 12:00pm Groom helping to carry items for reception into venue (recreation center) at about that same time. Then he goes to his grandfather's house (on NW side of town) to prep.
  
• 3:00pm Bride then goes to recreation center to help/finish with reception setup. Just hair, makeup done. She will dawn the dress there or at the courthouse.
  
• 4:20pm To Courthouse for wedding in front of judge, 4:30pm
  
• 4:50pm To Reception, which is only going to last until 6:00pm
  

Good luck! The picture looks promising and they certainly will be happy. I think it is great that you are putting yourself through this intense gig for them. Certainly a memorable wedding present!

That rental cost peaked my interest and I found it rather funny.

I used to shot weddings for friends back in the 80's and 90's with FILM cameras and the film processing alone cost more than $100 in 1980's dollars. Enlargements I did in my own color dark room to make the albums.

So renting a camera and lens with zero processing costs is a bargain at $100. by todays dollars.

Just saying...

Mike

I hear you Aronis. Back in the day when I shot weddings I would go through maybe 6-10 rolls of 220 (medium format for the youngsters) and the associated cost of developing. That equates to a bit over 200 shots so I'm always amazed by the comments of shooters taking 1000 or 2000 shots at a wedding. But since its digital it's a no-cost issue. The only thing I had then that was automatic was my Metz flash. Life is good in todays digital world.

I would second renting a backup camera