Same lighting for photography as video? at DVinfo.net

Michael Le · June 8th, 2004, 10:11 AM

I have a Canon 10D I use for photos and I just bought a Canon GL2. Before the GL2, I was planning on buying some Alien Bees for lighting my photographs. Now that I have the GL2 it would make sense to buy lighting that I can use for both.
I know that flash photography is different than video, but what can I share so I can cut down on costs?

Jeff Donald · June 8th, 2004, 10:22 AM

Video needs continuous lighting, whereas stills can benefit from flash photography. If you want to share anything other than the light stands, soft boxes, umbrellas etc. then you'll need to light both mediums with continuous light sources (hot lights). Hot lights present their own set of problems for still photography (try photographing a bowl of ice cream under hot lights) but can be used for most applications. There are numerous discussions concerning the cost, benefits and drawbacks of various different brands of lights. Browse around a little bit, or use the search function and you'll find many discussions on the subject.

Scott Balkum · June 8th, 2004, 10:23 AM

I can tell you from my experience, I prefer to use strobes for photography and hot-lights for video. I shoot 800-1000 pics at a time with my D-100 and the strobes do not heat up the room near as much as hot lights. This can be unfomfortable for the model if a 500 watt bulb is placed 2 feet from their head. Plus, a strobe allows a more relaxed eye. The model doesn't squint as much.

My 2 cents.

Michael Le · June 8th, 2004, 12:49 PM

Thanks for the reply. I guess I can save on the accessories, but for the lights themselves it's better if I get ones dedicated to the functions they were made for.
Thanks.

Patrick Gault · June 19th, 2004, 12:12 PM

If your shooting interviews, portraits, and small commercial stuff kinoflos may work for all the above. Flexible color temps by changing bulbs, dimmable, and best of all, they don't get hot.

Draw backs: the light falls off fast and they are a bit pricey. But if your using for both it may be a cost savings.

Michael Le · June 21st, 2004, 07:41 AM

Thanks, I will check those out.

June 8th, 2004, 10:11 AM	#1
Michael Le New Boot Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 22	Same lighting for photography as video? I have a Canon 10D I use for photos and I just bought a Canon GL2. Before the GL2, I was planning on buying some Alien Bees for lighting my photographs. Now that I have the GL2 it would make sense to buy lighting that I can use for both. I know that flash photography is different than video, but what can I share so I can cut down on costs?

June 8th, 2004, 10:22 AM	#2
Jeff Donald Warden Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Clearwater, FL Posts: 8,287	Video needs continuous lighting, whereas stills can benefit from flash photography. If you want to share anything other than the light stands, soft boxes, umbrellas etc. then you'll need to light both mediums with continuous light sources (hot lights). Hot lights present their own set of problems for still photography (try photographing a bowl of ice cream under hot lights) but can be used for most applications. There are numerous discussions concerning the cost, benefits and drawbacks of various different brands of lights. Browse around a little bit, or use the search function and you'll find many discussions on the subject. __________________ Jeff Donald Carpe Diem Search DVinfo.net for quick answers \| Where to Buy? From the best in the business: DVinfo.net sponsors

June 8th, 2004, 10:23 AM	#3
Scott Balkum Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 67	I can tell you from my experience, I prefer to use strobes for photography and hot-lights for video. I shoot 800-1000 pics at a time with my D-100 and the strobes do not heat up the room near as much as hot lights. This can be unfomfortable for the model if a 500 watt bulb is placed 2 feet from their head. Plus, a strobe allows a more relaxed eye. The model doesn't squint as much. My 2 cents.

June 8th, 2004, 12:49 PM	#4
Michael Le New Boot Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 22	Thanks for the reply. I guess I can save on the accessories, but for the lights themselves it's better if I get ones dedicated to the functions they were made for. Thanks.

June 19th, 2004, 12:12 PM	#5
Patrick Gault Major Player Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Cereal City USA Posts: 286	If your shooting interviews, portraits, and small commercial stuff kinoflos may work for all the above. Flexible color temps by changing bulbs, dimmable, and best of all, they don't get hot. Draw backs: the light falls off fast and they are a bit pricey. But if your using for both it may be a cost savings.

June 21st, 2004, 07:41 AM	#6
Michael Le New Boot Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 22	Thanks, I will check those out.