I love the simplicity of a minimal setup for recording weddings and events. But after eight years, I've learned that building the right rig is crucial. Let's dive into the challenges I faced and how I tackled them.

Challenge #1: Storage

For years, I relied on three 256GB SD cards, a decent setup for many. However, I often found myself pushing those limits.

Enter the Atomos Ninja V. This 5-inch monitor is a game-changer. Not only does it provide accurate footage previews with LUTs, but it also records directly to SSD. Slap in a 2TB SSD, and you're good for hours of continuous recording – no more mid-ceremony card swaps or missed shots.

Plus, editing directly from the SSD saves a ton of time. And since we're recording high-res files on the Ninja V, I can simultaneously record a backup internally in the camera, ensuring redundancy.

Challenge #2: Power

Wedding filmmakers know the pain of juggling multiple batteries, hoping they're charged. Swapping to a dead battery is a nightmare.

My solution? V-mount batteries. The K&F Concepts 99Wh V-mount powers both my camera and Atomos Ninja V for roughly three hours. And if it dies, the internal camera battery kicks in, preventing any lost footage. Carrying two of these means I'm covered for the entire event.

Challenge #3: Audio

If you're only using background music, audio gear might not seem essential. But for interviews and speeches, you need quality sound. I use the Rode Wireless Go II, Sennheiser MKE 400, and Zoom H4N Pro.

The Rode Wireless Go II lets me split audio inputs, using one transmitter with the Sennheiser shotgun mic and the other as a lav mic on the subject. This gives me both scratch audio and clean lav audio.

The Zoom H4N Pro connected to the soundboard records all-day, capturing speeches and music perfectly. Redundancy is key!

Challenge #4: Ergonomics

Adding a V-mount battery and monitor increases the rig's weight. With a cage and handles, you're looking at around 9 pounds versus the usual 3.

While heavier, this setup provides steadier shots and a comfortable grip for two-handed operation, even in underslung mode.

It's a trade-off. If you prefer a light setup, stick with it. But if you want stability and a comfortable grip, consider rigging it out. A bit of gym time helps too!

Gear List:

Here’s a list. Does the camera matter? No, not at all. If you look at specs, my camera might even seem to be subpar, just a matter of how you use it and what your goals are. For the most part, you can find similar parts from either the same manufacturer or from a comparable one.

Ultimately, do you need all this? Probably not. But for me, it solves a ton of problems and streamlines my workflow. It's about creating a smooth experience, so work feels less like work.

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