Couples often ask us about the equipment we use. It is a fair question. The tools a photographer and videographer choose directly affect the quality of the images and footage you receive. At MZ Photography, we have built our kit around Canon and Sony systems, each chosen for specific strengths that serve different aspects of wedding and event coverage.

Here is an honest look at what we carry, why we chose it, and how it benefits your experience and your final gallery.

Our Photography Cameras: Canon EOS R5 and R6 Mark II

For still photography, we rely on the Canon EOS R5 and Canon EOS R6 Mark II. These are Canon’s flagship mirrorless cameras, and they represent the best of modern digital imaging.

Canon EOS R5

The R5 is our primary photography camera. Its 45-megapixel full-frame sensor captures extraordinary detail, giving us the flexibility to crop images significantly without losing quality. This is especially valuable during ceremonies where we cannot always get physically close to the action.

Key features that matter for weddings:

• 45 megapixels of resolution: Enough detail for large wall prints and album spreads while still allowing creative cropping in post-production
• Dual Pixel CMOS AF II: Canon’s autofocus system tracks eyes and faces with remarkable accuracy, even in dimly lit reception halls
• Up to 12 frames per second: Critical for capturing fast-moving moments like the bouquet toss, first dance spins, and the recessional walk
• In-body image stabilization: Reduces blur from camera shake, especially important during handheld shooting in low light
• Weather sealing: Portland weather demands it. We shoot in rain, mist, and cold without worrying about our equipment

Canon EOS R6 Mark II

The R6 II serves as our second body and excels in conditions where the R5’s higher resolution is less important than speed and low-light performance. Its 24.2-megapixel sensor has larger individual pixels, which means cleaner images at high ISO settings. This makes it ideal for dark reception venues, candlelit ceremonies, and nighttime outdoor portraits.

The R6 II also shoots at up to 40 frames per second in electronic shutter mode, which is invaluable for capturing split-second expressions and fleeting moments. We often use the R6 II with a fast prime lens during receptions, allowing us to work in available light and create images with beautiful background blur and a natural, editorial feel.

Our Video Camera: Sony FX3

For videography, we switched to the Sony FX3, and the results have been transformative. While Canon makes excellent video cameras, the FX3 was purpose-built for cinematic video production, and it shows.

Why the Sony FX3 for Video

The FX3 is essentially Sony’s acclaimed A7S III in a body designed specifically for video work. It offers:

• 12.1-megapixel full-frame sensor: Larger pixels mean exceptional low-light video performance, producing clean footage at ISO settings that would be unusable on other cameras
• 4K 120fps: Beautiful slow-motion capability for cinematic moments like the first kiss, confetti exits, and emotional speeches
• S-Log3 and S-Cinetone: Professional color profiles that give us maximum flexibility in color grading, matching the cinematic quality couples see in Hollywood productions
• Active stabilization: Smooth handheld footage without requiring bulky gimbal systems, allowing us to move quickly and unobtrusively
• No recording time limits: Critical for ceremony coverage where we need continuous recording for 30 minutes or more
• Professional audio inputs with XLR adapter: Clean audio capture of vows and speeches without relying on external recorders

The FX3’s video quality brings a cinematic dimension to wedding films that standard DSLR video simply cannot match. Skin tones render beautifully, dynamic range handles high-contrast lighting situations gracefully, and the overall look is polished and professional.

Audio: DJI Mic 2

Great video requires great audio. We use the DJI Mic 2 wireless microphone system to capture clear, reliable audio throughout the day. The compact transmitters can be discreetly clipped to the officiant, groom, or speakers without being visible in photos.

The DJI Mic 2 offers built-in recording as a backup, ensuring we never lose critical audio even if the wireless signal drops momentarily. The sound quality is broadcast-grade, and the system’s reliability has made it our go-to for every wedding.

Aerial: DJI Mavic 3 Pro Drone

Our DJI Mavic 3 Pro drone adds a dimension to wedding coverage that no ground-based camera can replicate. Wide aerial views of venues, sweeping landscape reveals, and overhead ceremony shots create dramatic images and footage that elevate the entire production.

The Mavic 3 Pro features a Hasselblad camera system with three focal lengths, allowing us to capture wide establishing shots and tighter aerial portraits from the same platform. Its obstacle avoidance sensors and extended flight time give us confidence to operate safely over venues and outdoor ceremony sites.

Portland’s surrounding geography, from the Gorge to the Coast Range to Mount Hood, provides spectacular aerial backdrop opportunities that we regularly incorporate into our coverage.

Lenses and Accessories

A camera body is only as good as the glass in front of it. We carry a curated selection of Canon RF lenses that cover every situation:

• RF 28-70mm f/2L: Our workhorse zoom, offering a fast f/2 aperture across the zoom range for stunning background blur and low-light capability
• RF 70-200mm f/2.8L: Essential for ceremonies and candid reception coverage from a distance
• RF 35mm f/1.4L: Perfect for environmental portraits and reception wide shots with a natural perspective
• RF 85mm f/1.2L: The ultimate portrait lens, producing creamy background blur that makes subjects stand out beautifully

We also carry professional speedlights, light stands, and modifiers for receptions, along with extra batteries, memory cards, and a complete backup camera body. Equipment failure at a wedding is not an option, so every critical component has a redundant backup.

Why Equipment Matters, But Is Not Everything

Professional equipment gives us the tools to handle any situation, from a bright outdoor ceremony to a dimly lit dance floor. But gear alone does not create great photos. It is the experience, creativity, and technical skill behind the equipment that makes the difference.

We invest in the best tools so that we can focus on what truly matters: telling your story with beauty, authenticity, and emotion.

Want to see what our equipment can do? Browse our portfolio or contact us to discuss your wedding coverage.