Please Help! Lighting Question at DVinfo.net

Derek Grimes · July 25th, 2011, 01:15 AM

I am looking to get a very simple 3 point lighting kit. I have an opportunity to purchase 3 par 64 LED lights used in theatrical lighting, the controller, cables, and stands for about a third of what a kit would cost from flolight. Are there any problems/issues with using theatrical lighting for video? Pros/cons of this set up?

I have a very limited budget(<$1200). If you have a suggestion, please let me know

Thanks in advance for any help.

Bill Davis · July 25th, 2011, 07:46 PM

I don't know anyone in professional video lighting who uses PAR cans.

They're designed for DJ work where tossing lumens in a general direction to wash walls and dance floors is the primary goal.

In video lighting, the design goals are generally precision control of light and shadows so that you can control what the viewer concentrates on in a given scene.

LED arrays are comparitively poor tools this type of light control since their beam spread is fixed at the individual LED level and typical light control tools such as barn doors and flags do not function with them very well.

Also, inexpensive LEDs have pretty poor color rendering characteristics - which can be a major hassle in mixed light situations.

Hope this helps.

Daniel Trout · July 25th, 2011, 10:25 PM

The only think that I would use PAR cans for in video is for background effect lighting, and with the price point you have stated, there are LOTS of options. Lowel makes a great basic 3-point kit that's in that range.

July 25th, 2011, 01:15 AM	#1
Derek Grimes Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: nashville, TN Posts: 107	Please Help! Lighting Question I am looking to get a very simple 3 point lighting kit. I have an opportunity to purchase 3 par 64 LED lights used in theatrical lighting, the controller, cables, and stands for about a third of what a kit would cost from flolight. Are there any problems/issues with using theatrical lighting for video? Pros/cons of this set up? I have a very limited budget(<$1200). If you have a suggestion, please let me know Thanks in advance for any help. __________________ tayproductions

July 25th, 2011, 07:46 PM	#2
Bill Davis Trustee Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Scottsdale, AZ 85260 Posts: 1,538	Re: Please Help! Lighting Question I don't know anyone in professional video lighting who uses PAR cans. They're designed for DJ work where tossing lumens in a general direction to wash walls and dance floors is the primary goal. In video lighting, the design goals are generally precision control of light and shadows so that you can control what the viewer concentrates on in a given scene. LED arrays are comparitively poor tools this type of light control since their beam spread is fixed at the individual LED level and typical light control tools such as barn doors and flags do not function with them very well. Also, inexpensive LEDs have pretty poor color rendering characteristics - which can be a major hassle in mixed light situations. Hope this helps. __________________ Classroom editing instructor? Check out www.starteditingnow.com Turnkey editor training content including licensed training footage for classroom use.

July 25th, 2011, 10:25 PM	#3
Daniel Trout Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Wilmington, NC Posts: 43	Re: Please Help! Lighting Question The only think that I would use PAR cans for in video is for background effect lighting, and with the price point you have stated, there are LOTS of options. Lowel makes a great basic 3-point kit that's in that range. __________________ Daniel G. Trout Fishmonger Media Consulting