Should I Worry About Flicker? at DVinfo.net

Steve Kalle · December 10th, 2009, 04:19 PM

I am setting up a little interview kit for someone, and the interviews will always be in a 10'x20' office that already has flourescents overhead. He will be using a Sony HDR-XR500V cam which records at 60i. I originally said he needs a small light setup due to flicker but I have never had a problem using my EX1.

So, should I worry about flicker?

If I do get lights, I want KinoFlos. For interviewing 1-3 people sitting at a table and with limited room on either side of the table, would this work: a 110w Kino on the left and another in front of the subjects but a few feet above and in front(attached to a C stand)?

Thanks

Shaun Roemich · December 10th, 2009, 05:00 PM

Stay with a shutter of 1/60 (or factor thereof 1/120, 1/180...) and you should be fine ASSUMING the ballasts in the fluoros were made in the last 20 or so years.

Shaun Roemich · December 10th, 2009, 05:01 PM

Oh, except for the fact that you will be mixing colour temp. Kinos are either 3200k or 5600k balanced and Daylight fluoros in the fixtures in the room are likely to be 4500 - 5500.

Steve Kalle · December 10th, 2009, 05:14 PM

The shutter speed is not adjustable on the Sony camcorder.

For flouros, how much wattage does one need for just interviews?

Shaun Roemich · December 10th, 2009, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve Kalle

The shutter speed is not adjustable on the Sony camcorder.

Then HOPE it stays at 1/60 or else you'll have "colour crawl" from the non sustained RGB fluoros.

I'll leave the "how many watts" to those that have more experience with fluoros than I.

Nathan Moody · December 10th, 2009, 11:57 PM

Steve, I just art directed a series of interview shoots that were all Kino-lit. The key was a 4bank, and the rimlight and fills were both Diva 200's. The background was infinite black, so there was no lights used on the environment. I happened to have taken notes and that yielded around f2.8 on HPX170's.

Not sure if that's helpful to you...

December 10th, 2009, 04:19 PM	#1
Steve Kalle Trustee Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 1,554	Should I Worry About Flicker? I am setting up a little interview kit for someone, and the interviews will always be in a 10'x20' office that already has flourescents overhead. He will be using a Sony HDR-XR500V cam which records at 60i. I originally said he needs a small light setup due to flicker but I have never had a problem using my EX1. So, should I worry about flicker? If I do get lights, I want KinoFlos. For interviewing 1-3 people sitting at a table and with limited room on either side of the table, would this work: a 110w Kino on the left and another in front of the subjects but a few feet above and in front(attached to a C stand)? Thanks

December 10th, 2009, 05:00 PM	#2
Shaun Roemich Inner Circle Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Vancouver, British Columbia (formerly Winnipeg, Manitoba) Canada Posts: 4,088	Stay with a shutter of 1/60 (or factor thereof 1/120, 1/180...) and you should be fine ASSUMING the ballasts in the fluoros were made in the last 20 or so years. __________________ Shaun C. Roemich Road Dog Media - Vancouver, BC - Videographer - Webcaster www.roaddogmedia.ca Blog: http://roaddogmedia.wordpress.com/

December 10th, 2009, 05:01 PM	#3
Shaun Roemich Inner Circle Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Vancouver, British Columbia (formerly Winnipeg, Manitoba) Canada Posts: 4,088	Oh, except for the fact that you will be mixing colour temp. Kinos are either 3200k or 5600k balanced and Daylight fluoros in the fixtures in the room are likely to be 4500 - 5500. __________________ Shaun C. Roemich Road Dog Media - Vancouver, BC - Videographer - Webcaster www.roaddogmedia.ca Blog: http://roaddogmedia.wordpress.com/

December 10th, 2009, 11:57 PM	#6
Nathan Moody Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: SF Bay Area, CA, USA Posts: 78	Steve, I just art directed a series of interview shoots that were all Kino-lit. The key was a 4bank, and the rimlight and fills were both Diva 200's. The background was infinite black, so there was no lights used on the environment. I happened to have taken notes and that yielded around f2.8 on HPX170's. Not sure if that's helpful to you... __________________ designer of media for eyes and ears sound design and field recording at http://www.noisejockey.net/blog

December 10th, 2009, 05:14 PM	#4
Steve Kalle Trustee Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 1,554	The shutter speed is not adjustable on the Sony camcorder. For flouros, how much wattage does one need for just interviews?