HV30 & low light

[momoffduty]

I am getting video at a relative's reception and not sure about the lighting in the hall. I've never used the onboard light and can anyone recommend using it? If I do then I can't use the wide angle lens, but may not use it this time since it adds a lot of extra weight.

It was requested that I get the usual stuff and interview 2 great grandmas that are 95 & 99. Not sure how cognizant they are. Was thinking to have a relative talking with them instead of me directly interviewing. Any ideas?

[Steve Grisetti]

You mean you're going to make a couple of dear elderly women stare into a blinding white light set in addition to sticking a camcorder in their faces? Those poor ladies!

Any chance that, as an alternative, you can set up a nicely lit interview area (indirect and side lighting rather than flood lighting) and invite them in to talk to you on camera? (This will also get them away from all the noise in the hall.)

[Gerlinde]

I agree with Steve, the build-in light is dreadful. I have used it a couple of times, or I should say, I tried to use it, but everyone was complaining right away. It just blinds people and is not usable for an interview at all. I have my camera set to Cine Mode, that helps a lot, but might not be helpful in your situation. Maybe you can simulate the conditions beforehand and try it out. I have filmed in low light conditions and some corrections in post production with good results. But in an interview situation it might be just not good enough.

[Chuck Engels]

Most weddings that I have edited they try to get the people to a side room as Steve suggests. They also use an attached light with a defuser or defuser box when shooting the reception.

[momoffduty]

You mean you're going to make a couple of dear elderly women stare into a blinding white light set in addition to sticking a camcorder in their faces? Those poor ladies!

No, I wouldn't do that. I was referring to using the light in general at the reception. The elderly ladies are arriving early and plan to interview them when the lights are still up and before the crowd arrives.

Gerlinde, I have never used cine mode. I do shoot in neutral and color grade in PrPro with Magic Bullet and figured I would have to make some adjustments for the low light. But, good to know not to use the onboard light.

[momoffduty]

Most weddings that I have edited they try to get the people to a side room as Steve suggests. They also use an attached light with a defuser or defuser box when shooting the reception.

My brother is taking the photos and bringing his rigs. Maybe I will just follow him around.