01 — Using the Camera

Before you start

Open the screen and slide the lens cover open. Check that you can see the scene on the screen.

Make a short test recording: press the red button, film something nearby, then press it again to stop. Check that the recording indicator changes when you start and stop.

Starting and stopping

Press the red button once to start recording, and again to stop.

Watch the screen occasionally to check that REC is showing. Avoid pressing the button repeatedly if you are unsure whether it is recording.

How long to record

The ten-second tip is for ordinary short clips. A message, speech or other unfolding moment can be much longer. Let people finish what they are saying before stopping.

When you finish

Stop recording first. Close the screen to switch the camera off, and slide the lens cover closed.

Do this whenever you finish using the camera, including before putting it back in the bag.

Batteries

Two batteries are provided. Check the battery indicator during the day and use the spare when the remaining charge is low. Turn the camera off before changing batteries.

Keep the spare somewhere easy to find, and keep both batteries with the equipment.

02 — Holding, Moving & Framing

Hold the camera comfortably

Use the hand strap and support the camera with your other hand. Keep your arms relaxed and close to your body.

When someone is speaking, settle into a comfortable position rather than constantly changing your angle. You can enjoy the conversation while keeping them in the frame.

Keep movement gentle

Before pressing record, decide what you want to show. If you turn towards something else, move slowly enough for the viewer to follow.

Step closer instead of zooming

You don’t need to zoom to make every shot interesting. For nearby people, moving a little closer usually makes framing easier.

Keep a comfortable distance and avoid interrupting what they are doing.

Leave space in the picture

Check that faces are fully visible and that nobody important is cut off at the edge. For a group, take a step back until everyone fits.

Keep the camera in its normal horizontal position so clips are consistent throughout the day.

03 — Light & Sound

Light on faces

Look at the screen before recording. If faces look dark, try another position or ask the person to turn slightly towards the available light.

Indoor lamps and window light can help. A bright window directly behind someone may make their face difficult to see.

Evening filming

Choose areas where you can already see people’s faces clearly.

For guest messages, a quieter, better-lit part of the venue is often easier than the middle of the dance floor.

Recording voices

The camera records sound through its built-in microphone. Stand near the person speaking and avoid covering the microphone with your fingers.

For a message, let one person speak at a time. The person holding the camera should stay quiet while recording the answer.

04 — What to Film

Preparations

Short clips of people getting ready help show the beginning of the day. Include the people helping as well as the couple.

Guests arriving

Capture greetings and small groups together. A brief shot of the surroundings can help show where these moments happened.

Ceremony

Choose a position that allows you to see without obstructing guests, the photographer or the videographer. Avoid moving into the aisle.

If you have agreed to record a particular part, be ready before it begins. If you need to hand over the camera, arrange that beforehand.

Reception and speeches

Include people enjoying themselves as well as the main events.

For speeches, find a position where the speaker is visible and their voice can be heard.

Dancing

Record manageable clips rather than trying to follow everyone at once.

Keep hold of the camera securely, particularly in a crowded area.

The little things

Leave room for the waiting, laughter, conversations and quiet reactions between the main events.

05 — Guest Messages

Getting started

Tell guests they are recording a message for the couple. Give them a moment to think, then start recording when they are ready.

Questions to try

A simple question is enough:

• What would you like to say to them today?

• What is a memory you share with them?

• What advice would you give them?

Let them finish

Wait until the answer is finished before asking another question. There is no need to make every message the same length.

Respect anyone who would prefer not to be filmed.

06 — Sharing the Camera

Choose a main contact

It can help to choose one person to keep track of the equipment. They can do some filming themselves and invite others to take a turn.

Keep track of the essentials

Their practical jobs are to:

• Know who currently has the camera.

• Keep an eye on the battery.

• Make sure any agreed moments have someone ready to film.

• Gather the camera and accessories afterwards.

Agree on key moments

If there are particular moments you want captured, agree beforehand who will hold the camera for each one.

Keep it simple and make sure everyone involved knows their part.

One camera or two

With one camera, agree on a handover whenever the next person takes over.

If you have rented two cameras, different people can use them in different places or capture different views.

07 — Troubleshooting

The camera won’t turn on

Check that the battery is attached and try the spare.

The screen shows a black picture

Check that the lens cover is open.

You’re unsure whether it is recording

Look for REC on the screen.

A warning appears or the camera seems damaged

Stop using it and contact ISO25.

Do not change unfamiliar settings, format the storage or attempt a repair.

08 — Packing Up

Looking after the camera during the day

Keep the camera away from rain, spilled drinks and excessive heat.

Use the camera bag when it is not being used, and keep the equipment together.

Keep all recordings

Please leave recorded clips on the camera, including accidental ones. Do not delete clips or format the storage.

At the end of the day

1. Stop recording.

2. Switch the camera off.

3. Close the lens cover and screen.

4. Put the camera, both batteries and all supplied accessories back in the camera bag.

5. Make sure the designated person takes the bag with them.

6. Return the equipment as arranged with ISO25.