Wedding Videography

Video Madness has been a part of more than 2500 Bay Area Events. We are committed to preserving memories by marrying The Art of film and documentary with the Technology of cutting edge digital tools. Your special moments deserve to be filmed through the prism of Art & Emotion, not the sterile eye of techno-centered Videography. We also believe that our job is to capture your day, not create a spectacle with huge light trees, intrusive presence, or searchlights that blind your guests. We strive to become less visible so that you become more so. Arrange to see the difference. Contact us today...

FAQ

What does quality Videography cost in the Bay Area?

Times change. Quality doesn't. It is hard to make a case for quality video in 2010 that is not HD. HD is here to stay. We adopted it early, in 2004, and have shot and edited more than 600 events in this new format. We are also delivering HD content on Blu-Ray High Definition discs and Media Streaming files as well..

We have also added the new, premium HD Cameras. For those who want the very best we are proud to be the first company to offer true 1080p filming of your event.

In addition, DSLR Video, like utilization of the Canon 5D & 7D cameras add tremendous value to any package.

For an instructional video that explains 1080i, 1080p, etc try: http://tinyurl.com/2tyuc9

Stripped down packages with simple editing will cost about $1000 - $2,000. Packages that include more extensive editing will be about $2000 and up. Premium packages will be $3000 or more. Can you find cheaper? Yes. But in Weddings, one Golden Rule is always true - "You get what you pay for".

What about HD and Low-Light Filming??

Very good question. With great light, HD is incredible. However, when it comes to filming churches like The Mission at Santa Clara or Carmel, Stanford, Grace Cathedral, Old St. Mary's, St. Peter & Pauls, and many others, many HD cameras fall short. Professionals learn to work with this shortcoming in creative ways. We have filmed over 400 events with this limitation and make it work. Currently the only great low-light HD camera is the Sony EX1/3. There is no better camera available for your event. Let's rank the low-light performers:

Sony EX1/3 - this is the low light champion. If you can afford it, there is nothing better. (3) 1/2 inch cmos chips make it a powerhouse. On a scale of 1-10 for low light performance it is a 10. It also is the only camera whose chips are true 1920 by 1080 resolution. Note: the Canon 5d Mark II photo camera has low light video capability and a sensor size that surpasses even the EX. But it has limited usefulness for filming entire weddings. We discuss this in detail below.

Panasonic HVX200 - this camcorder, like the EX1 above, is tapeless. It also has the ability to record 1080p. While its low light performance is better than the cameras below, its smaller 1/3 inch chips just aren't big enough to deliver the low-light performance you need in challenging churches, etc. Its chips are 1440 by 1080. On a scale of 1-10 for low light performance it is a 7.

Sony Z7 - this camcorder is equal to the Panasonic in low mlight ability. While its chip size is somewhat small, and it still records to tape, it is a good low light choice when the EX series is not available. On a scale of 1-10 for low light performance it is a 7.

Sony Z1U & FX1 - these cameras also use (3) 1/3" 1440 by 1080 chips but are somewhat less light sensitive than the Panasonic above. They handle the low light with less noise than many cameras which helps. On a scale of 1-10 for low light performance they are a 6.

Canon XL H1, XH G1, and XH A1 - these cameras take great images in good lighting. Very sharp. But in low light performance they are sub-standard. With a great deal of custom tweaking these 1/3 inch 1440 by 1080 chips cameras have a low light performance of 5.

Sony FX7, V-Series, All Single Chip Models from any Manufacturer - in typical low light churches the rest fall tragically short and should not be considered.

What should I expect from a Demo DVD?

Much is made in planning books about seeing "whole tapes". This makes very little sense, and we never send out someone's entire wedding. Your wedding may be entirely different. A small piece of major features in a variety of locations is far more useful. Indoors, outdoors, bright light, low light, one camera, multiple cameras, you should see the Videography company in a diverse range of situations. A sample of your own location may also be useful. Watching entire productions is rather tired advice, is less than exciting, and does not serve you as well as a broader based sample. Length should be 30 to 60 minutes. It is also suggested to visit the Video Company and/or have a DVD mailed to you. You will learn much more.

How many cameras should I utilize at my ceremony or reception?

Multiple cameras are most useful in restrictive churches or temples. These facilities often restrict camera positions so having more than one camera can be a plus. This has little to do with the number of guests you invite. Multiple angles are always a plus, so decide how many angles you wish to pay for. Be aware that many home-based companies feature one spouse that can shoot reasonably well but often feature a very inexperienced spouse for your second camera. Also, the spouse's camera may be cheaper or less capable. This is no bargain. Stationary unmanned cameras are also worth something, but not much.

Are all digital cameras alike?

No. Small, 3-chip digital cameras were introduced in 1996 (models like the Sony VX-1000, Canon XL1, etc.). These cameras are vastly inferior to later models (Sony PD150/170, VX-2000/2100, DSR300/500, Canon XL2, JVC500, Panasonic 100/80, etc.). Now the reigning champions are HD. Standard HD Cameras, like the Sony Z1 & FX1, the Canon XHA1, Panasonic HVX200 are excellent, film in 1080i, and use (3) 1/3 or 1/4 inch 1440 by 1080 chips and film 1080i. The new Premium Cameras use (3) 1/2 inch 1920 by 1080 chips, are much better in low light, and film in 1080p. And the new DSLR's are exciting but limited. Cameras are just tools, and art is in the hands of the artist. But a company providing the latest technology AND artistic excellence is the best of all worlds.

Should I hire a studio owner/editor or use a larger company?

Medium sized companies (approximately 4 or so shooters) seem an ideal choice. One-person companies may have less capable second camera persons (like spouses, etc). Also, if they should take ill they are without regular backup. Very large companies are prone to loss of quality control. Medium sized companies tend to have better equipment and specialists at work. Shooters are trained to shoot, editors are highly trained experts, second cameras or backup personnel are available and trained. Quality is more easily maintained by keeping staff small. But for the entire production to be in the hands of one individual and one mind is a risky strategy.

What kind of coverage hours should I arrange?

Your wedding video is a priceless family heirloom. Arrange for as many coverage hours as you can afford.

Are big screen presentations a good idea?

Yes. They add another entertainment feature for your guests, can elicit powerful emotions from everyone present, and will be one of the most unforgettable moments of your day.

Should I feed my Videographer?

Well, not until the wedding day, of course, but the cost of one more meal will allow your Videographer to remain in your ballroom while eating. This makes him available for any spontaneous moment. Also, it never hurts to treat your vendors like guests. The stronger the bond, the more personal the work. You make the call.

What should I know about lighting?

Avoid obtrusive, overpowering lighting. Top notch digital cameras don't require massive lighting to produce a quality picture. Making your guests more comfortable will produce better content and only a slightly softer picture than dramatic, intense, lighting.

Can't a friend tape my wedding for me?

Sure. He can cook your meal, take your photos, and perform plastic surgery for you as well. Don't go there.

What are Master Files/Tapes and should I purchase them?

These are the digital tapes or files recorded in the camera the day of the shoot and the digital tape master version of the edited, finished product. No better version of your footage exists. Buy them OR your masters in HD format. Absolutely.

DSLR Video

The latest development in videography is capturing HD Video from high end Photo Cameras. These DSLR's produce some very beautiful and unique images. The 5D is great in low light, and the very shallow depth of field is a great look. But there are real limitations. Recording is limited to 12 minutes at a time. Audio must be gathered in a different way. Stability and focus are very challenging. Hence, the best use of these cameras if in addition to capable HD cameras never instead of.

5D MII HDSLR Video Sample from Video Madness

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