Video Camcorder equipment to hire/purchase for filming an event?

Question

Hi, The company I work for hosts a few awards / events nights a year and have asked me to look into either purchasing video equipment or else hiring some for videoing these events as I have experience with video editing.

Can anyone recommend good equipment and what equipment I should look for. I have come up with purchasing the Canon HV-30 which seems to be a good priced video camera - but what accessories would I need with this - microphones (for interviewing people), stabiliser, tripod etc? The footage would be mainly for the web and our inhouse tv monitor. Thanks in advance for any help. I am in Sydney, Australia if that helps.

The footage would be of the event of around 1500 people, the stage events and interviews with people during the event.

Answer 1

Pon is correct on ALL points.

If you have to ask this question, I would strongly suggest you contract this out to a video production business.

There is a reason why these companies are in business.

Another place to look are video production companies that do wedding video.

Answer 2

a simple Panasonic DVX-100B is fine for event stuff.  You'll want to upgrade your mic though for a Sennheiser since its the best quality, and make sure it has an XLR input.

For events, you might want to look into getting an LED ringlight to highlight the people's faces.  Its a nice soft light that doesn't produce sharp shadows and its a subtle enough light to make it look like it's not intentionally lit.

For stabilizers, you can just get a glidecam2000, works just fine.  Tripods for static shots, Manfrotto is your best bet.  Its a true workhorse.