Package for Family Photos and Business Video
Discussion
Probably a long post coming up, I'll try to be concise... 
My current photography and video equipment consists of:
Photography
Background
So, I've had and used the Canon for a number of years and got some pretty decent shots at family events. My knowledge is very much beginner level but probably high-end beginner. Lots of people have said, "you should totally be a photographer" but you know the score, they know bugger all about photography and shoot on an iPhone 4. For lighting I have relied on bounding the flash of the ceiling and walls. I had no massive desire to change my equipment and, if anything, I've been more reluctant to get the DSLR out in recent years.
However, my first child is now a few days overdue and I told my wife I wanted to get some professional photography when he/she is 3-6 months old. We investigated reputable photographers in our area and it was clear that we'd be about £800 for the session and digital copies of all pics. We could probably save a little by choosing a few prints but I'm 99% certain heart rules head in these situations and we'd probably end up spending more.
So, I was starting to think £500-800 might be better invested in upgraded equipment and more importantly, upgraded lighting. That way I can set up studio sessions at various ages and with a dash a skill and a whole lot of trial and error, I'd probably get some really decent shots to take to print.
At about the same time I decided that I want to do some video content for my business and quite possibly a weekly video blog. The iPhone just won't cut it; I need something that looks [and sounds] reasonably professional or, at the very least, isn't utterly s
t. This got me thinking that the solution to my problem could be:
1. Buy up-to-date DSLR that shoots video
2. Buy a microphone set up
3. Buy a lighting set up.
Hey presto, I have a studio for photographs/video and equipment that is fairly well suited to both applications (although favours photography, which is fine).
My Research
As I have a fairly expensive (for me) 15-85mm Canon lens that I use for every day stuff, I opted to research the current Canon range. I'm leaning towards the Canon EOS 750D as it seems like a decent all rounder and is significantly updated from predecessor models in the Canon beginner DSLR range. The consensus seems to be that the d5500 is slightly better at images but has some usability and video drawbacks. I'd consider it, but a very strong case would need to be made as I'd then need to start again with lenses. I'd welcome other suggestions and/or confirmation that the 750D is a good base to work from for what I need. Please also note that I'm thinking of going body only on the 750D as I never used the 18-55 kit lens on the D400 after I got the 15-85mm. In addition to the camera, I think it's high time I got myself a prime lens as well. I'm therefore thinking the Canon EF 50mm f1.8 STM. Thoughts on that also welcome.
I've done less research on the lighting and microphone side of things. However, on the lighting side I note cheap so-called 'starter' kits such as this on Amazon. Maybe I'm being super naive here, but I'd like to think this would be a vast improvement on bounce-flash only and it's £60. Equally, I'd welcome input on this and will happily spend more if stepping up the budget would give proportionally greater gains.
With regards to the mic it seems very obvious I cannot rely on on-board sound. I see a lot of YouTubers use clip on mics and I can see some advantages. However, I'm wondering if I can get away with something like a Rode Videomic Go. It's inexpensive at £50 and can be mounted on the camera for when I want to shoot candid family video, etc. I'm also thinking with an extension cable I might be able to get the mic close to the speaker for studio stuff but out of shot. I have literally zero experience of video and sound so I'm open to suggestions and, again, will up the budget if it is necessary and will give an appreciable return. Just remember that I'm only aiming for decent and semi-professional video and sound here - nothing crazy. I just don't want the company to look mickey mouse or anything like that.
Finally, I'd plan to buy the new camera brand new but I'd be open to the idea of going to the second hand market for the lighting and mic if that was going to allow me to get a much greater bang for my buck.
Wrapping Up
If you've read this far, thank you
I basically want you to give me your opinions on:
1. Canon 750D [or other] for family studio shots, general shooting and video and some business video stuff (in studio and outside)
2. Lighting system for the photography/video studio
3. A mic set up to cover all bases [or as many as possible]
4. Prime lens....good shout?
If you need any further information to advise and assist me, just let me know.
My current photography and video equipment consists of:
Photography
- Canon Rebel XTi (400D in UK)(note: I sold the kit lens)
- Canon EFS 18-85mm USM Lens
- Canon Speedlite 430EX II
- iphone 6
Background
So, I've had and used the Canon for a number of years and got some pretty decent shots at family events. My knowledge is very much beginner level but probably high-end beginner. Lots of people have said, "you should totally be a photographer" but you know the score, they know bugger all about photography and shoot on an iPhone 4. For lighting I have relied on bounding the flash of the ceiling and walls. I had no massive desire to change my equipment and, if anything, I've been more reluctant to get the DSLR out in recent years.
However, my first child is now a few days overdue and I told my wife I wanted to get some professional photography when he/she is 3-6 months old. We investigated reputable photographers in our area and it was clear that we'd be about £800 for the session and digital copies of all pics. We could probably save a little by choosing a few prints but I'm 99% certain heart rules head in these situations and we'd probably end up spending more.
So, I was starting to think £500-800 might be better invested in upgraded equipment and more importantly, upgraded lighting. That way I can set up studio sessions at various ages and with a dash a skill and a whole lot of trial and error, I'd probably get some really decent shots to take to print.
At about the same time I decided that I want to do some video content for my business and quite possibly a weekly video blog. The iPhone just won't cut it; I need something that looks [and sounds] reasonably professional or, at the very least, isn't utterly s
t. This got me thinking that the solution to my problem could be:1. Buy up-to-date DSLR that shoots video
2. Buy a microphone set up
3. Buy a lighting set up.
Hey presto, I have a studio for photographs/video and equipment that is fairly well suited to both applications (although favours photography, which is fine).
My Research
As I have a fairly expensive (for me) 15-85mm Canon lens that I use for every day stuff, I opted to research the current Canon range. I'm leaning towards the Canon EOS 750D as it seems like a decent all rounder and is significantly updated from predecessor models in the Canon beginner DSLR range. The consensus seems to be that the d5500 is slightly better at images but has some usability and video drawbacks. I'd consider it, but a very strong case would need to be made as I'd then need to start again with lenses. I'd welcome other suggestions and/or confirmation that the 750D is a good base to work from for what I need. Please also note that I'm thinking of going body only on the 750D as I never used the 18-55 kit lens on the D400 after I got the 15-85mm. In addition to the camera, I think it's high time I got myself a prime lens as well. I'm therefore thinking the Canon EF 50mm f1.8 STM. Thoughts on that also welcome.
I've done less research on the lighting and microphone side of things. However, on the lighting side I note cheap so-called 'starter' kits such as this on Amazon. Maybe I'm being super naive here, but I'd like to think this would be a vast improvement on bounce-flash only and it's £60. Equally, I'd welcome input on this and will happily spend more if stepping up the budget would give proportionally greater gains.
With regards to the mic it seems very obvious I cannot rely on on-board sound. I see a lot of YouTubers use clip on mics and I can see some advantages. However, I'm wondering if I can get away with something like a Rode Videomic Go. It's inexpensive at £50 and can be mounted on the camera for when I want to shoot candid family video, etc. I'm also thinking with an extension cable I might be able to get the mic close to the speaker for studio stuff but out of shot. I have literally zero experience of video and sound so I'm open to suggestions and, again, will up the budget if it is necessary and will give an appreciable return. Just remember that I'm only aiming for decent and semi-professional video and sound here - nothing crazy. I just don't want the company to look mickey mouse or anything like that.
Finally, I'd plan to buy the new camera brand new but I'd be open to the idea of going to the second hand market for the lighting and mic if that was going to allow me to get a much greater bang for my buck.
Wrapping Up
If you've read this far, thank you
I basically want you to give me your opinions on:1. Canon 750D [or other] for family studio shots, general shooting and video and some business video stuff (in studio and outside)
2. Lighting system for the photography/video studio
3. A mic set up to cover all bases [or as many as possible]
4. Prime lens....good shout?
If you need any further information to advise and assist me, just let me know.
Can't comment on the 750D, I have a 70D and that would cover most of your needs.
The link to the Amazon kit isn't working, but if it's like one I got with continuous lights, stands and backdrops with holder don't waste your money. The lights are not powerful enough for photography. You'd be better off with a couple of speedlights (aka flashes) to use off camera. I use a couple of YN600s. Around £80 each but with every penny.
I've dabbled in video, the camera handles it well, with the STM lens you get pretty much silent focusing. Don't rule out the kit lens as zoom is handy for video, and the quality is much better than previous kit lens. Having said that, I use L series lenses now with USM motors. Quick focus helps with moving kids.
I also use a Rode external mic, still get slight hiss issues though these can be reduced with the right settings (phone video sound is generally better, I find, this really shouldn't be the case).
Sample shot below, loads more on Flick.
IMG_5079 by -Ian J Bradshaw-
The link to the Amazon kit isn't working, but if it's like one I got with continuous lights, stands and backdrops with holder don't waste your money. The lights are not powerful enough for photography. You'd be better off with a couple of speedlights (aka flashes) to use off camera. I use a couple of YN600s. Around £80 each but with every penny.
I've dabbled in video, the camera handles it well, with the STM lens you get pretty much silent focusing. Don't rule out the kit lens as zoom is handy for video, and the quality is much better than previous kit lens. Having said that, I use L series lenses now with USM motors. Quick focus helps with moving kids.
I also use a Rode external mic, still get slight hiss issues though these can be reduced with the right settings (phone video sound is generally better, I find, this really shouldn't be the case).
Sample shot below, loads more on Flick.
IMG_5079 by -Ian J Bradshaw-For these shots I used a shoot through umbrella, close (1' away) and just above his head height, with a reflector below. The umbrellas and stands are all I really use from the cheap kit. The later shots with white background had a bare flash on the background. The reflector was a sheet of polystyrene (from washing machine packaging). These are the result of lots of practice, and some good advice on photography forums on another site.
Checkout: http://wistia.com/library
Tells all.
I'm about to go out, but I run the video department at my work, drop me a PM and i'll tell you how it's done
Tells all.
I'm about to go out, but I run the video department at my work, drop me a PM and i'll tell you how it's done
Splats, you mentioned in your original post about how to use a diffuser or flash when taking family portrait pics and quite coincidentally I had been posting on the macro sub-forum about how to light up small objects and chanced upon this video tutorial which perhaps provides what you are looking for and will cost hardly anything, is well worth watching: http://www.photographycourses.biz/videos/creative/...
There are some very useful video tutorials on YouTube by Matt Granger that may help you: https://www.youtube.com/user/thatnikonguy/videos including one for creating a studio anywhere: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1Xf4cd4u3g he seems to offer straight-forward information plus plenty of tips and tricks. In one of his tutorials he also compares the use of Speedlights vs Studio Strobes which is quite interesting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eq2u8-lbU9U
Also, you mentioned upgrading your existing camera to a 750D though from what I can gather, if you're going to go to the expense of an upgrade then perhaps consider the superior 760D which doesn't cost a lot more money, most of the reviews between the two suggest the 760D is the preferred option.
There are some very useful video tutorials on YouTube by Matt Granger that may help you: https://www.youtube.com/user/thatnikonguy/videos including one for creating a studio anywhere: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1Xf4cd4u3g he seems to offer straight-forward information plus plenty of tips and tricks. In one of his tutorials he also compares the use of Speedlights vs Studio Strobes which is quite interesting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eq2u8-lbU9U
Also, you mentioned upgrading your existing camera to a 750D though from what I can gather, if you're going to go to the expense of an upgrade then perhaps consider the superior 760D which doesn't cost a lot more money, most of the reviews between the two suggest the 760D is the preferred option.
Hi Rich,
That first video was really good - knew a lot of that but he really rammed home the theory in a way that makes it stick. Also gives some great ideas for solutions when you are stuck on the go and need to rely on the pop-up.
It's funny you mention the 760D, throughout the day I have been slowly leaning towards it from the point of view that if I continue to push my knowledge and increasingly seek manual solutions the display and section wheel are going to prove very useful.
That first video was really good - knew a lot of that but he really rammed home the theory in a way that makes it stick. Also gives some great ideas for solutions when you are stuck on the go and need to rely on the pop-up.
It's funny you mention the 760D, throughout the day I have been slowly leaning towards it from the point of view that if I continue to push my knowledge and increasingly seek manual solutions the display and section wheel are going to prove very useful.
OK I am just in the process of setting one of these up, so this is what I have learned so far :
1. DONT GET A CONSTANT LIGHTING KIT - they are not bright enough, the colour temp is iffy.
2. Do get a background rail, however ignore the backgrounds they normally sell with them, they are Tyvek and although they are very strong they have a honeycomb pattern that catches the light and takes ages to photoshop out, and they crease very easily. A paper roll or heavy cotton sheet is much better.
3. Lighting - I use 3 Yongnuo 568 flashes on light stands, with bowens attachments and softboxes/umbrellas, all bought from ebay. I like softboxes as they give a nice square catchlight in the eyes and it is easier to control reflections from glasses. 1 softbox for main light/catchlight, one umbrella for fill, and one pointed at the background to wash it out /provide a rim light.
4. Safety, the lights on stands, the backgrounds are all heavy and high up, and kids will want to play with them. I used plastic bags of sand I had left over from a building project, wrapped in bin liners as ballast at the bases of the stands. I am also lucky enough to have a large area in my kitchen diner I have put a 4 meters childproof fence across, so I was able to setup in this area and leave it setup with out risk of the kids damaging/hurting themselves.
5. Triggering the lights. I used the Nikon Creative lighting system which is built into the camera and triggers the speedlights remotely via the popup flash, and allows you so set compensated TTL for fast setup ( I used +1.7 on the softbox, +1 on the rim and -1.7 on the fill ) from the menu on the back of the camera. The worked perfectly. Highly reccomended.
6. Camera settings. I used Manual mode on the camera, 1/200 shutter, f5.6 to f8, Manual ISO set at lowest. The nice thing about TTL is that it ensures the correct exposure without having to fiddle about, which is key because once you have herded everyone into the studio you may only get a few shots before the kids get bored and start playing up.
7. Staging/compositing. For group shots, I have found the best way is to take a group shot with everyone bodies in the right place, and try to make each adult and child laugh/smile separately with the aid of a helper roughly in the same postion ander the same lights( throw child up in air/ make funny face etc ) and then composite the smile in photoshop afterwards.
1. DONT GET A CONSTANT LIGHTING KIT - they are not bright enough, the colour temp is iffy.
2. Do get a background rail, however ignore the backgrounds they normally sell with them, they are Tyvek and although they are very strong they have a honeycomb pattern that catches the light and takes ages to photoshop out, and they crease very easily. A paper roll or heavy cotton sheet is much better.
3. Lighting - I use 3 Yongnuo 568 flashes on light stands, with bowens attachments and softboxes/umbrellas, all bought from ebay. I like softboxes as they give a nice square catchlight in the eyes and it is easier to control reflections from glasses. 1 softbox for main light/catchlight, one umbrella for fill, and one pointed at the background to wash it out /provide a rim light.
4. Safety, the lights on stands, the backgrounds are all heavy and high up, and kids will want to play with them. I used plastic bags of sand I had left over from a building project, wrapped in bin liners as ballast at the bases of the stands. I am also lucky enough to have a large area in my kitchen diner I have put a 4 meters childproof fence across, so I was able to setup in this area and leave it setup with out risk of the kids damaging/hurting themselves.
5. Triggering the lights. I used the Nikon Creative lighting system which is built into the camera and triggers the speedlights remotely via the popup flash, and allows you so set compensated TTL for fast setup ( I used +1.7 on the softbox, +1 on the rim and -1.7 on the fill ) from the menu on the back of the camera. The worked perfectly. Highly reccomended.
6. Camera settings. I used Manual mode on the camera, 1/200 shutter, f5.6 to f8, Manual ISO set at lowest. The nice thing about TTL is that it ensures the correct exposure without having to fiddle about, which is key because once you have herded everyone into the studio you may only get a few shots before the kids get bored and start playing up.
7. Staging/compositing. For group shots, I have found the best way is to take a group shot with everyone bodies in the right place, and try to make each adult and child laugh/smile separately with the aid of a helper roughly in the same postion ander the same lights( throw child up in air/ make funny face etc ) and then composite the smile in photoshop afterwards.
ExPat2B said:
4. Safety, the lights on stands, the backgrounds are all heavy and high up, and kids will want to play with them. I used plastic bags of sand I had left over from a building project, wrapped in bin liners as ballast at the bases of the stands. I am also lucky enough to have a large area in my kitchen diner I have put a 4 meters childproof fence across, so I was able to setup in this area and leave it setup with out risk of the kids damaging/hurting themselves.
I'd recommend using pebbles/stones instead as sand will spill out and get everywhere!Using flashes and umbrellas/softboxes seems to be a recurring theme for the photography side of things.
What are the thoughts on video, would I be able to achieve a cheap (possibly home built) solution using the stands, umbrellas and softboxes to achieve a daylight balanced lighting solution for video? What are the thoughts on this?
What are the thoughts on video, would I be able to achieve a cheap (possibly home built) solution using the stands, umbrellas and softboxes to achieve a daylight balanced lighting solution for video? What are the thoughts on this?
Splats said:
Using flashes and umbrellas/softboxes seems to be a recurring theme for the photography side of things.
What are the thoughts on video, would I be able to achieve a cheap (possibly home built) solution using the stands, umbrellas and softboxes to achieve a daylight balanced lighting solution for video? What are the thoughts on this?
See: http://wistia.com/library/lighting-on-the-flyWhat are the thoughts on video, would I be able to achieve a cheap (possibly home built) solution using the stands, umbrellas and softboxes to achieve a daylight balanced lighting solution for video? What are the thoughts on this?
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