Using low cost fluorescent lights with Video -

[JDBCreations]

I've heard that for your basic 3 point lighting system you need at least 500 watts... I'm not sure if thats 500 watts for each light or 500 watts all together. I'm looking at this reasonably priced (About $200) light set that includes a spotlight, 2 diffusion lights with umbrellas, barn doors, 3 light stands and carrying bags. All together they're 600 watts. So thats 200 watts for each light. I was wondering if that was good enough for lighting video?

[guerillabill]

@JDBCreations It depends on how large an area you need to light. To light my desktop area I use 1200 watt equivalent fluorescents. What you need depends on the amount of natural light, the area to be lit, the quality of the camera.

Test it first - you may not need any extra light, just a few reflectors to bounce light on the subject

[JDBCreations]

@guerillabill 1200 watt equivalent flourescents? You mean all your lights together are 1200 watts? Maybe I could just buy higher watt bulbs for each of my lights. Wonder where I'd get 'em and how much they'd be?

Btw, I see theres an interesting comment below from etronik about being able to set the white balance (on automatic white balance cameras) by zooming into a white board, turning off the camera, then back on again and the WB will be set within 20 seconds. Does this really work?

[guerillabill]

@JDBCreations You can find the large fluorescent screw in bulbs at Amazon.

And yes, most cameras have an auto white balance feature that works by pointing your camera at something white, and holding down the white balance button for a few seconds.

[jetli814]

Hi Bill

I was getting ready to purchase a fluorescent video light for my project but my friend tought me out of by saying that fluorescent light is not good for African american skin color and that i will not get the vivid picture quality i'm looking for. What's your take on that

[guerillabill]

@jetli814 Is your friend a video lighting specialist? If so, listen to him.

If not, consider that most TV shows are now lit with florescent lights, as are most news programs and interviews.

[guerillabill]

@jetli814 Most TV and movide studios now use fluorescent lights. Just get the right color temperature bulbs - either 5100k or 6500k

[mikepulcinella]

Great tip! Thanks!

[Waycrow]

Bill,

Do you find any noise issues with this type of bulb? Also, the color and intensity changes over time, requiring frequent camera adjustments. Not an issue, but something that has to be kept in mind.

[guerillabill]

No noise, and once the bulb warms up (about 30 seconds), the color temp remains stable.

[dmitrivalencia]

Hello bill! i love your site you really got informative informations about the video world. Anyway, i got here a 13 watt twist light bulb, according to the specs, it is equivalent to 75 watts, three of this lights in lampshade, can this do it for a good lighting on single shots? also, its a daylight lamp? not a warm white?

[guerillabill]

Ideally, you'll have 100watt equivalents or greater at 45 degrees left and right of the camera, and a fill light to the left and behind you. Plus one or two 'hair' lights above you.

Using daylight florescents will work well - but do a manual white balance on your camcorder after the lights warm up.

See a photo of my lighting arrangement on the front page of my web site.

[dmitrivalencia]

got it ok thanks! i am planning to use the daylight color energy saving light bulbs, will that work fine?

[guerillabill]

Yes, the daylight bulbs will work just fine. Be sure to do a manual white balance before you start shooting.

[dmitrivalencia]

ok thanks!

[FrontFlipNewb]

hey i dunno if its here yet but what camera are u using?

[guerillabill]

I use several different camcorders for the videos I put on YouTube.

These include an old Sony TRV9, a Sony VX2000, a Canon HV20, and a Flipvideo pocket camcorder.

All can produce good video - assuming enough light.

[lemansman1967]

Bill: I'm also having a hard time finding the Slyvania Day Light Flourescent. In the video you state it was a 5000 watt bulb. You must be talking about the color correction in Kelvin, but what is the ACTUAL ELECTRICAL WATTS - 25, 40, 60, 75, 100 watts? My Home Depot has some up to 100 watts, but not 5000!

[guerillabill]

I use the 100 watt equivalents as the main lights, and the 40 watt equivalents as the hair-lights.

The lights are 6500k daylight bulbs.

Find out more and see photos of layout on my site.

[guerillabill]

My local Home Depot has them in stock, bought some there today.

Amazon also has them from several different sellers. Search for Day Light Fluorescent

[coastalvacationshelp]

Bill where do you get the bulbs mentioned in this video? I'm having a tough time finding the right 5000k bulb locally. Also what brand do you find the best results with?

[guerillabill]

You can find daylight florescent bulbs at lowes and home depot. And Amazon has them as well.

I usually get the Sylvania Daylight 6500 bulbs at Home Depot.

[coastalvacationshelp]

I will give them a try. Bill have you heard about the quickpod? I got mine yesterday and have had a blast shooting with it. I'm also anxiously awaiting my camcaddie and the headrest gadget too. Please keep the video clips showing gadgets coming!

[etronik]

Hey Bill - This is for those of you who do not have a "white balance button" on your camera. Usually this means you have "Auto White Balance". To get it,follow Bills instructions, once you have zoomed in to the white board, turn off your camera, then turn it on again-still aiming at the white card! This sets the white within the first 20 seconds. In most cases, you can actually watch it change if you had the camera pointed at a different color light source.

[hesselvinera]

thanks so much :) keep doing the good job

[KGSProductions]

man your videos are VERY useful!! thanks!

[live2blade]

Thanks man :)

[amisamiamiam]

great tips!