No - keeping alignment hand-held would be a pain, and
I think you would need to reverse the image in post. I
favor a wide-angle lens, used fairly close-in, for easier
sound pickup and "unobvious" camera aiming (with a
long lens, it is painfully obvious to the "shootee" who is
being shot...;-) - I get less self-conscious results with WAs...

On 26 May 2002 18:35:21 GMT, frantzunlimited@aol.com (FrantzUnlimited) wrote:
>
>Have you ever tried one of the adapters (a long lens hood, with a mirror built
>in at 45 degrees and a hole in the side) from Porters that lets you shoot
>whatever is 90 degrees from what you are pointing the camera at?
>David Frantz
>Frantz Unlimited & DVD Video

>>>When I was taping the reception at the last wedding, I had troubles getting
>>>the guests to pay attention to the fact that I was taping them for the
>>>record. They were too busy talking, etc.
>>>
>>>So I flipped the LCD panel forward (the viewfinder continues to function
>>>when one does this on a PD-150) so they could see themselves. The first
>>>person to view the screen would get everyone's attention and they would all
>>>straighten up and pay attention to the camera. Worked for the folks at the
>>>tables and the folks dancing.

>>Interesting, but whether or not you want this attention
>>depends on your style/approach... Mine is "fly on the
>>wall observer" - I NEVER interrupt or attempt to
>>direct/arrange conversations, activities, etc. at a
>>wedding for the video (my job is to record what happens,
>>not to organize/create/interfer-with what happens at
>>the event...). There is plenty to show without expecting
>>people to interact with the camera...
>>David Ruether