Anyone tried automotive xenon lamps?
 

I saw in many places in the net some very affordable automotive HID xenon kits. It comes in several color temperatures from 3000 to 12000 Kelvins with many in between values. This lights have a good light output/watt ratio.
I wonder if anyone have some experience using this lamps.
Some years ago I shoot part of a movie in 35mm all lighted by car lights and the result was great.
Sorry this is not a good day for my english.

HID's are used in some video lighting. The kind used for autos will probably be very low CRI. You will want to check that specification to see what the CRI is. Many don't quote it because no one cares for car use. My guess is the CRI will be very very low and unsuitable for video use. G.E. "Constant Color" type are CRI 90 and would be very suitable for video lighting though. But, as you might guess, they will be more expensive too.

good point

thanks

Check this out
http://www.dailyrushes.com/Xenon%20portable%20light.htm

Alzo has a ballast system where you get the ballast and bulb for 125 i think.

http://www.alzovideo.com/alzo_800_BB_hmi_cool_lite.htm

Slightly off topic, but related, if you want cheap affordable remote lighting without doing a lot of electronic surgery, try the 15M Candle Power Searchlights that you can buy at Target or Costco for $35. The battery lasts for a long time, and the thing is super bright. I add a little diffusion, and I have a working studio lamp for about an hour. Extra batteries can enhance the life, or just buy more of the searchlights. They are so cheap.

Here is a sample of it in a studio with at least 2 650W instruments working:
http://www.digitalcinemacourse.com/pics/Spotlight.jpg