How many cameras?
For anyone pondering how many cameras to consider when planning your wedding or other live event video or film, the clip below may help you decide. It compares the same scene edited from one, two, and three camera angles.
Single camera coverage is less expensive and may be your only option if your decision is strictly budget driven. Perhaps you only need one camera to document an event, such as a wedding. But understanding the role of multiple cameras may help you determine how many you want! Three camera coverage provides the most intimate film. Using two cameras is the compromise between using one and three cameras.
Generally speaking, a single camera covering a live event, performance, wedding ceremony, etc., places the viewer of the film in a spectator role. Having three camera angles places the viewer in a participant role.
The set-up for the clip below:
The minister in the clip is the uncle of the groom (Robby). The first wedding the minister ever performed was for Robby’s parents 30 years ago. Unknown to Robby, the silver cross the minister is wearing was presented to him by Robby’s late grandfather after performing the ceremony for Robby’s parents.
- Notice in the first (single camera) edit, your perspective is that of a spectator with most of your attention drawn to the minister.
- In the second (two camera) edit, the second camera allows you to see the bride (Elaine) up close. You are drawn to Elaine’s attention to Robby, but you do not know what prompts the attention.
- In the third (three camera) edit, you are drawn completely into the scene with the perspective of a participant. The full story of the emotions evoked in Robby at the revelation of the origin of the cross is told only when the third camera angle is included in the edit, particularly moving in the last couple of seconds of the edit.
When SunDolphin Productions shot this wedding, no one, including us, knew about the pending surprise revelation. Without the third camera in position, a key moment would have been essentially lost.
If you find this information and video clip helpful, please leave a comment below! We’d love your input.