Video Lights - what are you using?

[ChrisA]

What are you all using for video lights. I need to light a "classic" indoor interview. I've been aiming a big Home Depot work light at the rear wall behind the camera. I makes light but that is it.

I found some cheap soft-boxes sold by Cowboy Studios and ePhoto but all the reviews warn that the setup and tear downs take forever. Ideally I'd have a pair of soft-boxes the setup quickly.

I want to get just the basic three light setup, main, fill and back lights.

 

[arjen92]

You could look into redheads. Some sell for not that much: http://www.amazon.com/Fancierstudio...ncierustudio/dp/B005VUBNDW/ref=pd_sim_sbs_p_2

 

[boch82]

What are you all using for video lights. I need to light a "classic" indoor interview. I've been aiming a big Home Depot work light at the rear wall behind the camera. I makes light but that is it.

I found some cheap soft-boxes sold by Cowboy Studios and ePhoto but all the reviews warn that the setup and tear downs take forever. Ideally I'd have a pair of soft-boxes the setup quickly.

I want to get just the basic three light setup, main, fill and back lights.

Whats your budget like?

Softboxes are good for a quick set up, but dont give the flexibility to focus the lights on what you want, more just flood the setup.

I'm a big fan of Kinos. 2 - 4 bank diva lights and a 2 bank diva will give you a great picture. You can also get different temp bulbs so you can play with white balance and warm/cool the set

 

[ChrisA]

You could look into redheads. Some sell for not that much: http://www.amazon.com/Fancierstudio...ncierustudio/dp/B005VUBNDW/ref=pd_sim_sbs_p_2

Do you know the color temperature of these lights. I'm guessing they are very low, like tungsten lights?

I'm going to need a softer light, maybe I can bounce these or use a scrim.

But you are right, they look like they could be set up in a few seconds. The CFL softboxes are a 30 minute construction job

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I'm a big fan of Kinos. 2 - 4 bank diva lights and a 2 bank diva will give you a great picture. You can also get different temp bulbs so you can play with white balance and warm/cool the set

Yes, those are nice. Exactly what I need but 5X over budget.

 

[musique]

Used tungstens on ebay

Depending on your budget and timeframe, you could look at getting some used tungsten gear on ebay. Look at lights from Mole-Richardson and Arri. There are a lot of them and they will last a long time.

Also consider getting quality stands (also good deals on ebay). It's worth the money to not have a catastrophe on your sets.

Good luck.

 

[ChrisA]

Depending on your budget and timeframe, you could look at getting some used tungsten gear on ebay. Look at lights from Mole-Richardson and Arri. There are a lot of them and they will last a long time.

Also consider getting quality stands (also good deals on ebay). It's worth the money to not have a catastrophe on your sets.

Good luck.

I've got a Norman power pack system I use for still photos and the industrial style light stands to got with the lamp heads. I pick up stuff like stands at this photo swap meet. Some times you can find what must be 1950's vintage stands made with cast iron parts.

But I don't want "hot" lights. I used them in school back in the film era. A few thousand watts of lights can really heat up a room.

 

[musique]

tungsten heat

You're right on that. The used Moles and Arris are almost all tungsten. I think both companies are making newer and higher-tech lights today.

It is amazing though how I've seen old Mole lights and stands in television and movies from decades ago.

One other thought: Have you looked into a company called Cool Lights (http://www.coollights.biz/)? I think they're manufactured in China. The guy who sells/reps them is active at dvxuser.com. Many people there say he's great to work with, the products are reasonably priced, and good value.