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What is meant by broadcast quality?
A general rule of thumb, broadcast quality is measured by the
cameras and editing equipment that produces national television
programs. This is a standard of production used in the television
industry. There are several parameters that must be met to
qualify. The video camera must be capable of delivering at least
750 lines of resolution. Any taping and editing must be performed
on equipment that retains nearly all of the video and audio
quality, such as a component video recorder (Betacam SP for
example) or low compression (3 to1) digital recorders and
non-linear 4:2:2 system computers.
Many videographers claim to deliver broadcast quality, when in fact they cannot. This is because the quality of their system can not perform to these standards. TAKE-2 has digital cameras that exceed 850 lines of resolution, and are at the top of the industry standards. Our work has appeared on national television in TV commercials, NBC Today Show, Inside Edition, and many others.
Are 3 chip cameras all the same? (The myth revealed)
It used to be several years ago that a 3 chip optic camera was
referred to as broadcast quality. This is no longer true. There
are many different levels of 3 chip cameras that range from upper
end home video, to true broadcast quality. A low price 3 chip
camera will produce a soft look video when compared to a high
resolution 3 chip camera.
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Many videographers are using low budget 3 chip cameras such as the Sony VX1000 or Canon XL1. These cameras only produce about half the sharpness and contrast of our JVC digital KY-29 cameras. We own all three models, and offer the best cameras in our premium Storybook Video Packages. The higher quality JVC KY-29 camera will allow stunning 5x7 still photos to be captured directly off the videotape, while the lower quality Sony or Canon will produce a fuzzy photo by comparison, and is not recommended.
Our simple lower budget packages utilize the Sony or Canon, which is the same model as most of our competitors. Above are three popular video cameras, all digital, and all owned by us.
We captured a video still frame from both the Sony and the JVC inside a church, both cameras recording side by side at the same time. Both cameras are 3-chip. You can see that the JVC produces a superior image. The JVC KY-29 is a true broadcast camera. The Sony and Canon (which perform about equal), are classified as industrial, or Prosumer models.
 JVC KY-29 |
 Sony VX1000 |
These photos are unretouched and show the difference between two 3 chip cameras.
What kind of cameras are used by TAKE-2?
We currently have over 12 different video cameras, ranging from
industrial to broadcast quality.
Our premium
Storybook Video Packages contain the highest quality broadcast
cameras, JVC KY-29 digital. KY-29 cameras contain over 850 lines
of resolution and produce the finest quality available. We use
two or three of these cameras depending on the particular
Storybook Package.
Depending on the package you choose, we will provide a camera that will be competitive for that budget. Our simplest package is shot by staff and is not edited, therefore it is shot in VHS and handed to you at the end of the event. A near Broadcast quality camera is used, and the video quality will besuperior to high end home video. Other packages include industrial 3 chip optic cameras such as the Sony VX1000 or Canon XL-1. Both cameras produce good quality and are often used by our competition, but do not produce true broadcast quality. We have several JVC X2-B's which are 750 line 3 chip cameras that are also used in our basic packages. The X2-B camera provides marginal broadcast quality, and is superior to the Sony or Canon.
How many weddings have you done?
We have videotaped
over 500 weddings within the past 11 years. Ceremonies includes
Jewish, American Indian, Traditional India, Spanish, Croation,
Greek, Traditional Black American (southern), as well as most
American religions.
How do I select the right package?
By taking the time
to consult with the videographer and express your concerns and
expectations. Budget may play a large part of this decision, but
remember that your video will be all you have to relive the
emotion of the day. Don’t short change yourself with a
choice that falls short of your expectations. You only get one
chance to do it right. The majority of packages chosen by brides
utilize two or three cameras to get full coverage.
How much should I budget for my video?
This depends on how important the video is to you. Most brides tell us they budget 10 percent of their entire wedding budget, which they say produce over 90 percent of their memories. If you want the same quality in your video in comparison to your photographer, then you should budget an amount equal to your photographer.
We are seeing more brides choosing to have the photographer stay only until after the portraits are completed at the church, and not attend the reception. This is because the video has more emotion to remember the event than a still photo does.
We also have videotaped many weddings where NO photographer was employed. We do however, recommend you have a photographer at least for the formal shots.
Our highest quality Storybook Video Packages utilize very expensive cameras, so we have to charge more than our lower budget packages, which includes lesser quality cameras.
One bride stated
it best, "shopping for a video is like shopping for a
wedding ring. You can choose a simple band or you can purchase
one that really sparkles".
Do you need to attend the rehearsal?
Rehearsal attendance is included in our Storybook Video Packages, and is optional with our Basic, staff packages. Attending rehearsal is extremely helpful in location of cameras, electrical power, windows, formation of bridal party, location of singers or musicians, etc. It also lets us familiarize with the minister or priest, being sure not to violate church rules as to lighting or videographer placement. Our best results come from events where we attend rehearsal.
We offer an
opportunity for your family and friends to help pay for your
video through our bridal registry program. It has been very
successful, and offers a quality choice for a gift. This will
help your budget, and many times the video is nearly paid for, by
your family and friends. We give details of this free service
during your consultation.
Why should there be 2 cameras?
Packages with two or more cameras allow us to switch between cameras giving added dimension to the video. If a camera becomes blocked or requires relocation the second camera is used until the primary camera becomes available. With one camera you only see half of what is going on. The addition of the second camera allows the primary camera to get extreme close-ups that give the video the emotion of the day. These close-ups would not be practical with a single camera coverage.
With the addition of a third camera your guests reactions, parents, bridesmaids, ringbearer are captured as well.
Depending on the length of the ceremony the average video will be between one and a half to two hours. With a very short ceremony the video may be thirty minutes long. A long ceremony can push the video to over two hours.
Can my video be tailored to fit my style?
All of our packages include a wedding day worksheet. You will be asked to fill this out and return to us prior to the wedding day. The worksheet allows you to point out what is special to you and alert us to pay special attention. After all, this is your day!
We are flexible and will discuss your ideas of what you would like your video to show.
How long after the wedding will we get our video?
It normally takes two to four weeks for your video to be finished.
On our custom packages it is possible to make arrangements for editing the following day. This is done when a bride or groom may be having a reception in another city or state and would like to show their wedding video.
Book your videographer as soon as possible. Good videographers, like photographers book well in advance. By making a selection soon as possible you avoid getting stuck with second choices. It is common for us to book 1 year in advance. A deposit will hold your wedding day.
What if our reception runs long?
All of our contracts have the option of adding overtime. The contract you receive will state the overtime rate for the package you have selected.
Approximately 30 minutes prior to the time we are to scheduled to leave we will advise you or the wedding coordinator that scheduled time is nearly completed. It is then your decision to keep us overtime for any events that may be missing.
Are all videographers the same?
There are many differences between videographers. A good videographer will have many years of experience and have the artistic ability to capture the emotions of the day. It is important that you compare workmanship. A good videographer's work is truly a work of art. Watch for smooth camera work, smooth editing, much like watching a television show. You will see quite a difference in style. For example, some may shoot it to look like MTV using strobe and weird effects. Others videographers may reflect on the romantic moments by using slow dissolves (fades) or slow motion. If you don’t look at their work, you may wind up with a wedding rock video! Brides have told us that some videographers were intrusive and showed little or no respect for the rules of the church, nor for the comfort of their guests. TAKE-2 honors the rules of the church and works well within the comfort level of everyone. The best way to avoid this situation is to check referrals.
How do I select the right videographer
It is important to view an example of the videographers work. Check for smoothness in camerawork and editing. Also be aware of what type of camera he/she will be using. Since you basically get what you pay for, be prepared to accept a lower quality video that may look like Home Video, should you select a bottom budget package. If you are shopping for a quality video package, then ask for referrals from recent weddings, and make a point of contacting several of them.
What will the videographer wear at my wedding?
Our videographers wear suit and tie. Tuxedo is optional upon request.
The cameras we use require very little light to
produce a wonderful image. It is normally not necessary to use
lighting during the ceremony.
We do however, light the first dance, cake cutting, and any shots
at night that may require fill in lighting. The lights used for
this are between 10 and 50 watts.
What are your editing capabillities
TAKE-2 uses three non-linear editing systems and we have three tape editing bays. Our equipment is State of the Art and is routinely serviced and maintained in top working condition. We support 12 tape formats including BetacamSP,DV-CAM and digital D-9. The package selected determines which of these formats will be used. Our staff has over 30 years experience in editing.
My family lives in Europe. Can they watch our video?
In the United States we use the NTSC standard which requires conversion to Pal or Secam for Europe. TAKE-2 is able to convert your wedding video to formats that can be viewed in virtually any country. We have a complete listing for the formats used in any country.
Will the microphone the groom wears be heard in the church?
The wireless microphone that the groom wears is for the video only. No one in the church will hear any amplification from the microphone. The microphone will pick up clearly anything said in about a ten foot radius. During editing if anything objectionable is said we would edit the offending audio out if desired. In addition, in our Storybook packages where several cameras are used, we employ up to four microphones which may cover, singers, readers and musicians. We mix the audio from these microphones during editing.
Can you make photos from video?
Yes we make stunning 5x7 color prints from our Storybook Video Packages directly from the videotape. This is due to our highest quality broadcast cameras used in this package. TAKE-2 can also produce PC Floppy file photos for addition to the web as well as CD-Rom and DVD. We do not try to replace the photographer, but offer you additional choices should you see something on the video that you would like to capture in still form. We do not recommend making photos from our lower budget video packages however, since lower quality cameras are utilized, and do not produce the detail or sharpness suitable for photographs.
Size Does Matter!
Who ever coined that phrase must have been talking about the difference in video camera quality. In this photo, both are Digital 3 chip cameras. The smaller camera is widely used by many wedding videographers. Even though the smaller camera is digital, it does not produce the sharpness, picture detail or contrast that our larger broadcast camera is capable of. We would love to reduce our camera weight, by using the smaller cameras, but your wedding video is too important to sacrifice quality. Oh by the way, we do own and operate the smaller digital cameras. We use them for seminar videos, inventory videos, and occasionally as a fixed back camera for our budget videos.
Yes, with our Storybooktm packages we offer a DVD option. Chapters are set for the special moments such as, vows, ring exchange, toast, cake cutting, and first dance. The DVD option allows you to view your wedding at the highest quality available. There is a compatibility issue with dvd players. Not all dvd players will play DVD-R disks. DVD-R disks are a type of DVD format. Please check our DVD-R Player Compatibility List to see if your player will play DVD-R's.
