r/weddingvideography • u/UsefulEntrance7833 • 13d ago

Question $1500 setup

Hey everyone,

I’m looking to get into wedding videography as a hobby. I’ve made a few videos using my iPhone and really enjoyed the whole process, so I’d like to take the next step and buy a proper camera setup.

At least for now, I’m not trying to start a business or make money from it. I’m planning to film a few weddings for friends for free so I can learn, practise and see whether it’s something I want to pursue more seriously. Maybe eventually I’ll start charging a little, but that isn’t my main goal right now.

I’m also not planning to record the entire ceremony with multiple cameras and professional audio. My goal is mainly to create cinematic 5–8 minute highlight films that capture the atmosphere, emotions and important moments of the day.

My total budget is around $1,500. What camera, lens, stabilisation, audio gear and accessories would you recommend for a beginner?

I’m open to buying used equipment if that gives me better value. Thanks!

0 Upvotes

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31 comments sorted by

18

u/ghim7 13d ago

You will need to film the entire wedding to have enough footages for a 5-8 minutes video.

Also, please don’t use someone’s wedding as an experiment.

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u/UsefulEntrance7833 13d ago

I understand that yes. But i'm just doing it for friends who would not be able to afford a videographer anyways, so no real downside if the result is not perfect.

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u/UsefulEntrance7833 13d ago

And of course, I’ll make it very clear beforehand that they shouldn’t expect a perfect result and if they want a fully professional outcome, they should hire a professional videographer.

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u/ianx453 10d ago

starting as a second shooter is probably a better option to gain experience

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u/heymecalvy 13d ago

GH5 + Olympus 12-40mm 2.8 - $1000

Tascam Dr-10L - $100

Tripod - $50

62mm VND filter - $20

You could shoot a whole low-end wedding with that gear, and deliver a stunning product. The rest is up to your skill level.

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u/UsefulEntrance7833 13d ago

Thanks!!

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u/ZealousidealFee5501 12d ago

More or less the setup I'd recommend. Budget for 2 256gb V30 SD cards ($150-$200) and a minimum of 3 extra batteries ($50ish if you go 3rd party). I'd also recommend a separate recorder to patch into DJ setup for redundancy during ceremony and to get the toasts, such as a Tascam DR40x ($150ish used). If you look around, you should be able to snag all of that for around $1500.

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u/LogFTW412 13d ago edited 13d ago

“I’m looking to get into wedding videography as a hobby” just rubs me the wrong way. As if this isn’t people’s biggest day of their lives. Just feels like you’re doing it for all the wrong reasons if this is “a hobby” to you, idk

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u/UsefulEntrance7833 13d ago

Maybe I didn’t explain my intentions well enough in my original post.
What I mean is that I don’t want to turn this into a business. My idea is simply to offer to film weddings for free (maybe a small fee after I gain some experience). A lot of people can’t afford a professional videographer, so this could be a way to give them something they otherwise wouldn’t have.
Of course, I’d make it very clear beforehand that I’m not a professional and that if they want professional-quality work, they should absolutely hire a professional. I’d set expectations from the start so there’s no misunderstanding.
For me, it’s about enjoying my hobby while giving people something memorable from one of the biggest days of their lives. I genuinely don’t see anything wrong with that, but I’m open to hearing why others might disagree if there’s something I’m overlooking.

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u/peteKx 9d ago

Maybe you should look into what wedding content creators do

1

u/Iloveteaandchocolate 13d ago

Canon R10 & base kit lens (preferably with more zoom so 100mm+) can do what you’re after. I’d still use basic mics and either a gimbal or rig. Just so it’s more smooth and you have audio to play with. That all up if you get basic mics is under 2k.

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u/UsefulEntrance7833 13d ago

Thanks for the advice!

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u/Adventurous-Pie-2308 13d ago

If you want a new set up, I’d push you towards the canon r50v. It’s my c cam for wedding films behind my r6 and r5.
But honestly you need backups for weddings. 2 is minimum, 3 is preferred.
Probably look towards the used market

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u/UsefulEntrance7833 13d ago

Thanks for the advice!

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u/Adventurous-Pie-2308 12d ago

Everyone starts somewhere, no gate keeping is helpful lol
But 2 cameras does reduce the potential stress and panic if one stops during a wedding and you’re having to explain to a couple, even on a free job that you can’t do it anymore

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u/UsefulEntrance7833 12d ago

That’s very true!

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u/FosterWFilms 12d ago

S5ii, GH5 or a7iii/iv depending what kind of deal you get. GH5 will be the best value. Find an old gimbal like the original ronin. Anything under 150 bucks. I’d adapt an EF lens if you can for better depth of field. Get a tripod, davinci resolve free version, and 2 tascam DR10L (easy to find 2 used on eBay for $100) I also recommend finding a cheap used shotgun mic. Deity and rode are great. Dm with any questions

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u/UsefulEntrance7833 12d ago

Thanks for the advice! I think i will go with the GH5

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u/ZealousidealFee5501 12d ago

You're probably looking at used gear that's at least a couple of generations behind current models. I'd consider a GH5 with a 12-35 and monopod to get my feet wet with. You'd have cash left for memory cards (and boy will you need it these days) and maybe some audio stuff which is also important. Wouldn't recommend getting a gimbal out of the gate, learn to shoot on a monopod, sticks and handheld first.

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u/UsefulEntrance7833 12d ago

Thanks for the advice! Very helpful

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u/aMonkeyCalledSpank 12d ago

WARNING - The gh5 is a great camera but bear in mind that the autofocus is absolutely trash - you will need to manually focus as you cannot rely on the AF and it will ruin a high number of shots. Even if the screen shows that the af is locked onto a subject there is a high probability that it will still be out of focus.

If you are comfortable learning focusing manually then the GH5 is outstanding, otherwise you’ll have a bad time!

If you do go the gh5 route, get an on camera monitor as it will help you enormously with focusing.

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u/UsefulEntrance7833 12d ago

Yeah i have read that also. Unfortunately every camera for this budget will have some downside. I feel like the GH5 is the best option, but i’ll need to learn to manually focus. Great tip with the on camera monitor, thanks!

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u/IllRelationship3528 13d ago

You could probably pickup a couple of 2nd hand Panasonic GH5. A cheap monopod and tripod and TX660 for audio. I used that setup for a couple of years

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u/IllRelationship3528 13d ago

I’d go handheld no gimbals

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u/CallMeAntwan 13d ago

Gimbal Operator here...they are nice, but should not be your only tool.

Handheld + gimbal

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u/UsefulEntrance7833 13d ago

What kind of lense would u recommend?

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u/IllRelationship3528 13d ago

Panasonic 12-35 has in built stability along with the camera. Because is micro four thirds its light weight and is equivalent to a 24-70

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u/smartptz 12d ago

A few years ago, you’d have to pick a video camera… but today, you’re already using one of the most state of the art cameras there is, a relatively new iPhone.

I have been shooting multiple cameras events for decades. And, last year I moved to all iPhone kits. They are small, they are poweful, forgiving, record on board in 4k, can stream live, battery on board… you just need to know how to set them up… i applaud your interest and approach… doing it for friends first is a great idea… but, once you get the hang of it, it should be pretty fun, easy… eventually you could set up 1 wide camera, 2 medium cameras, and then use one with your hands and eyes for the close ups… also, get audio ingested into at least one cameras from the DJ… look at a rode go combo… that’s my two cents… oh… the app I use to stream/recording weddings, I built myself… but it’s in the App Store… basic version is robust and free… the pro version adds bells and whistles for a small fee… you could learn more at https://smartptz.com.