Equipment

Just as you can't make an omelet without breaking a couple of eggs, you can't make a professional video without having professional equipment. We shoot with Panasonic 3ccd cameras, specially picked for their specific purpose. Our primary camera is the DVX100A. This camera, favored by independent film makers, will give your video a professional look rivaling any camcorder. Our secondary camera is the DVC30. This is another Panasonic Proline camera which is a little smaller and lighter than the DVX100A. The smaller form factor of the DVC30 allows it to work well in tracking shots. The DVC30 also has good low light capabilities. I will frequently use the DVC30 on a dolly to add rolling shots to your video. The DVX100A and DVC30 are placed at the back and side of your church. Typically I will keep one shooting a little wider and the other more close-up.

We also have two compact and one micro 3ccd Panasonic cameras. These cameras are especially useful for "hiding" on the stage at your wedding for front facing shots. The micro sized camera (PV150)is generally used for the procession. Because of its size, it can usually be hidden out of view, yet still have an angle straight down the aisle. The compact cameras (DV951) provide a great picture in a small form factor. I like to place one DV951 (with a wide angle lens) on the stage to get a front view of the couple and the wedding party. The placement of the other DV951  will vary based on the layout of your church and what types of shots you want in your video. If your church has a balcony, I like to have a camera upstairs to provide a different angle. I also like to use the DV951 on the side of a church to give a third primary angle.

Although I don't use it often, I also have a Panasonic DV910 camera, but it is good in low light. If lighting is a concern in your church, the 910 can be used for specialty shots, typically during the recessional or to capture a poorly lighted musician. I will also sometimes use the 910 in a church balcony as a wide shot of the crowd or with an additional microphone as an audio backup.

Note on HD video

At this time, we have chosen not to support HD video. There are two reasons. First, today's HD camcorders are still in their infancy. Second, and more importantly, there is no economical way to distribute HD video yet. As the HD-DVD and Blu-Ray formats become commercially viable, we will offer HD service.

Location Location Location

Poklop Video is based in Bensenville, IL and Dodgeville, Wi. We work primarily in the six county Chicago area, although we are happy to travel up to 200 miles to shoot your wedding. If your wedding requires an overnight stay (or two), there will be an additional fee for gas, lodging, and food.

If you want us to film your out of town wedding, let us know where the ceremony will take place and we'll work up a quote for the additional fees. Typically an extra $100 per day will cover the costs.