Video / Film Studio Lights

[Henry Gentles]

What is a good all rounder Light for someone starting out that isn't crap but won't break the bank? It is so confusing and all the Lights I've seen cost more more than my Camera's, what do you buy to start out that works?

[Pascal Garnier]

if you're looking for a battery powered solution, the Comer CM1800 is a great light that can be used both on-camera (albeit a bit heavy) as on a tripod.

http://lacolorpros.com/product/?CM1800-Comer-CM-LBPS1800-On-Camera-LED-Light

 

if you're looking for a mains-powered solution, I can recommend the Kaiser 3157 set.  It includes 3 halogen lamps, stands and softboxes.  I just found one new for €300, which is an absolute bargain (my Comer CM1800 was the same price).

http://www.digit-photo.com/Eclairage_de_studio-aFA0072/KAISER_3157_Kit_Studiolight_H_Trio-rKAIS3157.html

 

for something really basic that won't break the bank, the F&V Z96 LED on ebay is a decent solution for little money.  You can attach up to 4 copies to one another, multiplying your light output.

http://www.fvlighting.com/z96-led-light-panel.html (can be found new on ebay for $80).

[maxotics]

Most LED lights and CFs are not well color balanced--at least the ones you can afford  :(  The problem isn't whether they're warm or cool, but that they don't illuminate parts of the spectrum.  They exhibit color spikes which you can't control through color balance.

 

Halogens, which Pascal recommends, give the best color fidelity.  Also, getting them used, as he pointed out, is the best way to go.  You get get good bargains because when people want them gone they take up space and there is a small market and expensive to ship.  

 

All that said, if you use lights like those you need space and help and, well, it gets expensive.

 

There is nothing like natural light.  The best lighting is knowing how to use what you have :)  That's what I've been working on lately myself.