The camera
Nikon D800
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Price: $3,000
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Website: www.nikon.com
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FX-format CMOS sensor renders incredible detail
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Optical low-pass filters gives sharp results
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Autofocus sensor module detects plenty of detail
in low light
Canon EOS 5D Mark III
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Price: $3,499
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Website: www.canon.co.uk
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ISO capabilities expandable to 102400
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Greater control over depth of field
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41 high-sensitivity cross-type sensors for fast
AF
Olympus E-5
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Price: $1,700
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Website: www.olympus.co.uk
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Alternative to full frame
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Built-in image stabilizer
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Live View for family portraits and other posed
photographs
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Weather sealed and dust-proof
The lenses
Canon EF 24-70mm f2.8L USM
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Price: $1,399
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Website: www.canon.co.uk
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Versatile zoom range
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F2.8maximum aperture
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Fast, quiet and high-speed autofocus
Nikkor 35mm
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Price: $1,800
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Website: www.nikon.com
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Great for reportage
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F1.4 aperture for extreme low-light situations
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Silent Wave Motor for discreet autofocus
Tamron AF 70-200mm f2.8 Di LD
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Price: $1,623
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Website: www.tamron.com
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Telephoto for getting close to the action
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Reasonable price
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Good portrait option
The memory card
SanDisk Extreme SDHC 16GB
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Price: $80
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Website: www.sandisk.co.uk
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30MB/s transfer speeds
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Class 10 specification
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No moving parts for extra safety and security
Sony SDHC 32GB
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Price: $90
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Website: www.sony.com
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Free recovery software
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Write speeds of up to 20MB/s
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Solid build from a trusted manufacturer
Transcend 64GB
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Price: $120
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Website: transcendusa.com
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High-volume storage
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Efficient storage with exFAT file system
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Transfer rates up to 25MB/s
Pro advice Rik Pennington
A good wedding camera has to have it all -
fast autofocus, high ISO capability, full frame and ideally twin card slots.
Weddings are fast-paced and you need a top camera to match, I'm not a fan of
zooms, they make you lazy - mentally and physically! But if you could only take
one lens it would have to be a 24-70mm. Renting lenses is a great option too. I
always have my main camera, a Nikon D3S and lenses, plus a backup body (D700)
and two flashes. Plenty of memory cards and camera batteries are essential.
Know your equipment inside out. so that if something goes wrong you can correct
it. If you rent a body, go through all the settings thoroughly to ensure it's
set up how you want. I had a rental camera once that was bracketing - took me
the whole service to figure out what was going on and how to stop it!
Handy accessories
Well-thought-out kit can see you through
even the toughest wedding situation
Make room in your kitbag for more than just
a camera. When facing what is essentially a live shoot, it's wise to pack some
goodies that may come in handy when an unexpected situation arises. We bring
you a list of handy accessories to take with you. Some you'll find
indispensable and others you'll hope you never have to use. Make use of your
car as a giant handbag to house the bigger items such as umbrellas and step
ladders, but be sure you're able to get to them at any time.
Bride shots
The pride may request some portraits are
taken before the service. Ensure you pack a flash for these indoor shots.
Problem – Rain
Keep a collection of same-coloured brollies
in your car to give you shooting options if there’s some drizzle.
Problem – Headache
A stressful day can easily trigger a
pounding head. Know which paracetamol products you react to quickest and keep a
pack with you. Drink plenty of water too.
Problem – Happy snappers
If trigger-happy guests are competing with
you for the best angles, be polite but firm with them to ensure you aren’t
sidelined. You’ve been paid for a job so be sure you deliver.
Problem – Poor lights
Always assume the light will be poor and
pick your equipment from there. Either be comfortable with using flash options
or have a high ISO matched with a fast lens.
Problem – Car trouble
It may not just be the bride having
troubles getting to the church. Leaving early and having a plan ready in case
old faithful loses steam means you can stay calm and be ready to shoot.
Problem – Blisters
Wearing old comfortable shoes is the best
prevention, but keeping an extra pair of socks and some blister patches in your
camera bag is a quick and easy cure.
Problem – Got the lurgy
If you’re ill, have a backup who can cover
for you. Ensure that you communicate your contingency plan with the couple so
there are no surprises on what will already be a stressful day.
Problem – A grumpy vicar
To avoid altercations at the alter, be
clear beforehand what photography is allowed in the church. Always introduce
yourself and be polite so he won’t direct his frown towards you as you shoot.
