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50+ weddings here. The subtle jerks in the camera motion is most likely due to in-camera image or lens stabilization. It’s meant for slowing down movement to capture a better still frame, but fails when being used to stabilize video since your usually performing camera motions beyond what the software algorithm can handle. The result is these little bumps in the shot like the camera hit some invisible wall. I recommend turning these functions off as they conflict with any other attempt by the user to get a stable shot.

A solid drag head tripod is essential for getting smooth pans and are not too spendy if your shooting DSLR. Davis and Sanford have a great product on Amazon here

Don’t use gimbals if they are not properly balanced. the shot looks worse if it sways too and fro. Gimbals are only worth is when they are optimized and the shot floats, and glides through a scene.

Other than that, I would shorten up the title splash. It displays for too long and was noticeable.

Color, composition and exposure looks great!

Thanks for the tip, a slider looks handy. Is this something I can cheap out on a bit and still get decent results, or should I cough up for better equipment/consider renting? If it's more for establishing shots I'm considering going the Amazon route.

I think I've ruled out renting the DSLR gimbal. Still might get the DJI Osmo Mobile 2 - it's pretty reasonably priced and some shots with the iPhone/Pixel 2 might round things out nicely (I've been very impressed with the video I've gotten from them!).

If you can't afford the gear yet, I would look to see if there are any good rental shops in your area. At the bare minimum you want a monopod and 2 tripods.

Good audio doesn't really come cheap. The best you can do right now on a budget is probably a couple of these http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007Z7NL34/ref=s9_simh_gw_p229_d0_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=desktop-2&pf_rd_r=1QXDDNGHFAX04ZEW37C5&pf_rd_t=36701&pf_rd_p=2091268722&pf_rd_i=desktop with mics to go a long with it. Put one on the groom and one of the officiant. Eventually you will want lavs in order to be able to monitor your audio.

You will also want a recorder such as this one http://www.amazon.com/DR-40-4-Track-Portable-Digital-Recorder/dp/B005NACC6M/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1451510522&sr=8-2&keywords=tascam along with a bunch of varied audio cables to be able to record from any audio sources they may have on site. This is likely going to be your best source of audio.

I'd suggest a single source led light. Like this: https://www.amazon.com/Neewer-Reflector-Continuous-Recording-Photography/dp/B07PBG17PG

The light can be shaped more easily than with an led panel, and you can get modifiers like a fresnel. They're the best

I use the AZDEN EX503 with a H1 all the time. It is a great mic, especially for $22.

It feels pretty well built, and mine is still preforming very well after a year of use.

It depends on the mixer, but generally the outputs on offer are XLR, 1/4", and RCA. I'm not sure if the H4N Pro is any different, but I'm fairly sure the XLR input on the H4N is a mic level input and you're better off connecting to the H4N with a 1/4" connector into the combo port. Buy a selection of cables that have XLR, 1/4", and RCA at one end and 1/4" at the other for your Zoom.

For example, and RCA cable to 1/4" might look like this.

This would give you two 1/4" connections to connect your Zoom and potentially have two different input levels, though from memory, the H4N has decent auto-levels.

Get a Takstar shotgun mic: amazon (only $27 USD!!)

To anyone other than video / audio professionals, the audio quality difference is unnoticeable when compared to the rode video mic pro. Just tried it out for the first time on a wedding a couple weeks ago and it was fantastic. Incredibly useful investment.

different mixers output their LINE OUT or HEADPHONE OUT at different levels. You gotta check 'em before just leaving them there. If they run too hot you gotta use an attenuator like this one:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004YUAGFG/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I use it and it works great.

The best solution I've found that's affordable and my current hardware bag for all tripods and stands:

Gator Cases Steel Frame Rolling Drum Hardware Bag With 100 Pound Capacity (Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001ECQPY8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_AtLjzbK1XB3TP

I was actually thinking about doing it this way too, I was thinking about buying this light, mounting it on a hot shoe, and yeah, the microphone is a great addition would likely be better than with the Rode shotgun. And also the diverse backgrounds would be a big plus. Do you think the light is overkill? I dont want people to be getting blinded while I talk to them. But now that I'm imagining the edit, it would be kind of boring if all the stories had the same static background.

I was about to ask this question, but the difference is that I also purchased the Laing M30P stabilizer with the Cinemilled Universal Plate adapter (Link). The arm has a payload threshold of up to 33lbs. We will be able to attach the Ronin to the sled and have the ability to fly our cameras for much longer.
We plan on picking up the Cinemilled Steadicam arm post adapter as well (Link) to completely remove the need for the sled. Will report back when it's all said and done.

oh yea i forgot about that. I recently bought a cheap 160 LED light panel. works great! link

I'm no audio guru but I use these and I like how they sound.

I went searching in our order history, we got this exact one. :) --> http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001D85P6C/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It has been tough and plenty sturdy for the gear I listed above. We have some heavy gear in there once added up. All Manfrotto tripods and monopods. It holds three extra fairly large v-lock batteries in a side pocket. Rolls on wheels or you can carry it with two straps.

Really has worked well for us, we use that with two Incase Pro Packs to hold all lenses and cameras and once we're at a location we load up a couple Shoot Sacs that hold a few lenses and whatnot that we can switch to as we walk around.

I bought this http://www.amazon.com/X-Rite-EODIS3-i1Display-Pro/dp/B0055MBQOW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1405474564&sr=8-1&keywords=xrite

It basically hangs on your monitor for 2 minutes and tells you what settings to change. It made my drop my blue channel from 100 to 88 and adjust the brightness a little as well.

The result is a little more yellow, which apparently is normal.

Sony ICD-TX650 IC Recorder (16GB)... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NUSPQIK?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Non-mobile: Laing M30P stabilizer

^That's ^why ^I'm ^here, ^I ^don't ^judge ^you. ^PM ^/u/xl0 ^if ^I'm ^causing ^any ^trouble. ^WUT?

My Shinobi 5 inch monitor has been one of my best purchases.

Not only does it let me see what I’m recording better and more accurately than the crappy LCD’s cameras have, but it lets me know that my colors are exposed and balanced. plus loading LUTS on the monitor has helped with Slog and HLG shooting a TON.

Edit: this is the fluid head I use. The baseplate fits on the ronin S no problem.

I have been using Transcend SD Cards no problem on the 60D but have seen complaints about the CF cards which makes me think maybe I should just go with what the pros use, and the recommendation has been Sandisk.

I looked at the 5D M3 manual online and saw that for ALL I on CF cards you should use a card that is 30 MB and 20 for SD. Not sure why that is. So theoretically are you getting more quality from the CF cards?

Since the manual said 30, I have been looking at the Sandisk extremes which are 60MB. Based on what the manual says, I am guessing the PRO extreme cards at 90 are overkill.

Look at the reviews here. Some of them scare me somewhat: http://www.amazon.com/Transcend-Compact-Flash-Card-400X/product-reviews/B002WE4H8I/ref=cm_cr_pr_btm_link_next_2?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=0&pageNumber=2&sortBy=bySubmissionDateDescending

That is EVEN THOUGH I use their SD cards just fine. So I am wondering if I should bite the bullet and go Sandisk. It's what the pros are suggesting and I just cannot risk anything when it comes to weddings.