Lightning newbie need advice on buying a kit at DVinfo.net

Anders Risvold · December 20th, 2006, 03:58 AM

Ok, this is my scenario and limitations:

- I don't know how to light propperly, other than in theory.
- I want to learn, but need something to learn with.
- There is no local place to rent, try out or hire a grip for some days that will cost me less than buying lights
-Buying local is about double the cost than buying from BH (a 1000$ kit from BH will cost me 1250 with taxes+ shipping, but the same kit from local dealer is 2000$+ taxes, ending up at 2500)
-Buying one and one piece as I need them will also make it a LOT more expencive, due to transport fees (I have to pay shipping rate+tax on shipping rate for each shipment).
- I don't really know what I need, but I will never know unless I get some hands on.
-I know there is no 'perfect small kit'. I do small video jobs, such as wedding, house sale promo, small company promo, as well as shorts for my own enjoyment, and want to enchance with better lightning.

With these limitations, many of the sage advices do not apply. It is more a 'get something and learn using it' or 'keep using lamps from home depot'.

i want it small, portable and varied, I also want it in my home so I kan spend free time learning how to use them for better results than what I have today.

For these reasons I singeled out the lowel DV creator kit 44 or 55, as they contain varied lightnings to play with, and seems more than good enough for me based on the few reviews I have seen. They also contain various gels, barndoors, umbrellas etc. I have to throw out the bulbs, and also buy socket converters, but still a mileage away cost-wise.

So my question is: Lightning newbie needs a set of lights, budget about 1300$ to learn and use. Complete set from the start or no dice. Is Lowel creator good enough, or should I put together a custom kit for same ammount, that also gives me various lightcontrolls and lamps for various tasks ?

Im greatfull for all input.

Gareth Watkins · December 20th, 2006, 04:36 AM

Hi Anders

There are a few basic techniques you need to bear in mind for nice lighting, once you know these the sky's the limit, you just have to experiment with what looks good... there are no hard and fast rules...

Check out John Jackman's excellent talk on the basics of lighting here:http://www.pqhp.com/cmp/dvxe05/topic3.htm

they are long but well worth watching.

Finally I have one of the Lowel kits and they are ver good to start off, compact and get you started... You may want to add more lights as time goes on.. but for interviews etc, you can get some nice effects with these lights...

By the way it will certainly be cheaper to purchase in Europe.. you can get these in London, which should get round the TAX for you.

I can't post the link as the shop in question is not a sponsor.. but if you PM me I can give you the address and phoner of the shop in the UK that is very professional..

Regards
Gareth

December 20th, 2006, 03:58 AM	#1
Anders Risvold Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Norway Posts: 72	Lightning newbie need advice on buying a kit Ok, this is my scenario and limitations: - I don't know how to light propperly, other than in theory. - I want to learn, but need something to learn with. - There is no local place to rent, try out or hire a grip for some days that will cost me less than buying lights -Buying local is about double the cost than buying from BH (a 1000$ kit from BH will cost me 1250 with taxes+ shipping, but the same kit from local dealer is 2000$+ taxes, ending up at 2500) -Buying one and one piece as I need them will also make it a LOT more expencive, due to transport fees (I have to pay shipping rate+tax on shipping rate for each shipment). - I don't really know what I need, but I will never know unless I get some hands on. -I know there is no 'perfect small kit'. I do small video jobs, such as wedding, house sale promo, small company promo, as well as shorts for my own enjoyment, and want to enchance with better lightning. With these limitations, many of the sage advices do not apply. It is more a 'get something and learn using it' or 'keep using lamps from home depot'. i want it small, portable and varied, I also want it in my home so I kan spend free time learning how to use them for better results than what I have today. For these reasons I singeled out the lowel DV creator kit 44 or 55, as they contain varied lightnings to play with, and seems more than good enough for me based on the few reviews I have seen. They also contain various gels, barndoors, umbrellas etc. I have to throw out the bulbs, and also buy socket converters, but still a mileage away cost-wise. So my question is: Lightning newbie needs a set of lights, budget about 1300$ to learn and use. Complete set from the start or no dice. Is Lowel creator good enough, or should I put together a custom kit for same ammount, that also gives me various lightcontrolls and lamps for various tasks ? Im greatfull for all input.

December 20th, 2006, 04:36 AM	#2
Gareth Watkins Major Player Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: France Posts: 578	Hi Anders There are a few basic techniques you need to bear in mind for nice lighting, once you know these the sky's the limit, you just have to experiment with what looks good... there are no hard and fast rules... Check out John Jackman's excellent talk on the basics of lighting here:http://www.pqhp.com/cmp/dvxe05/topic3.htm they are long but well worth watching. Finally I have one of the Lowel kits and they are ver good to start off, compact and get you started... You may want to add more lights as time goes on.. but for interviews etc, you can get some nice effects with these lights... By the way it will certainly be cheaper to purchase in Europe.. you can get these in London, which should get round the TAX for you. I can't post the link as the shop in question is not a sponsor.. but if you PM me I can give you the address and phoner of the shop in the UK that is very professional.. Regards Gareth