Equipment for legal videography?

Question

Need advice on equipment for legal videography. A camera that shoots HD and records onto an SD card has been recommended. I'll also need DVR recorder (I believe) and mics.
Anyone with experience in this field have any suggestions?
Thanks,
Terry D

Answer 1

What is legally required for depositions can vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, but the basics are:
Wireless lav mics: Have at least 4 or 5 systems available. One for the witness and one for each attorney. There will be times that a third (or fourth) attorney will be present so it helps to have extras.
Audio mixer: With that many mics, you'll need an outboard audio mixer. The output from the mixer then goes to the camera. I also recommend using a compressor/limiter.
Headphones: Use good quality headphones for monitoring the audio you're recording.
DVD recorder: In most instances, the deposition will be shown with absolutely no editing - even when objections are raised during the deposition. And many judges won't allow an edited copy to even be presented in open court. So you'll need to have an "original" recording available. Note that even today, some courts still only have VHS players so ask before each deposition what their needed delivery method will be. If it is VHS, have a VHS VCR ready to go.
Tripod: A good, steady tripod is a must!
Camera: I'd recommend a tape-based camera so the other original recording (other than the DVD or VHS) can be easily archived. Some cases can drag on for months (or even years) so you really need to have an original recording available - sometimes (but not often) a certified, unedited copy will suffice. Of course, sometimes the judge will allow certain parts of a deposition to be edited, especially when an attorney makes an objection. Since the case may not go to court for months, keeping the needed SD cards would be costly - on the other hand, tape is cheap.
The camera must also have the ability to record date/time in the recording - not just as metadata. Check the jurisdiction in which you'll be working to see if they have other legal requirements. And even though you may be recording the deposition locally, the actual trial may be held in another state. So you'll need to know the specific legal requirements for the jurisdiction where the trial is being held - not necessarily where the deposition takes place.
I highly recommend that if the client that hires you is representing the plaintiff, get your money up front. Plaintiff's attorneys are notorious for not wanting to pay until the case is settled or heard. They often don't get paid unless they win, so there's a darned good chance they won't want to pay you until they get paid. And as I said above, that could be months or years away.
The reasoning behind recording two originals at the same time is that when the deposition is over, you can hand one (the DVD or VHS) to the attorney that is paying you. You keep the other in the event that editing is needed or certified copies are requested by opposing council.
-DH