Video light tutorial

[Scotttyd]

Thanks for all of the info I have gotten here, I was trying to find out the difference between all of the light choices for video.
1. From what I gather there are hallogen, HID, and LED choices. What are the pro's and con's of each?
2. Is a dual lighting system necessary, or could I first purchase one light, and save up for the second?
3. How do I know how powerfull of light I need? (most video will be North Carolina wreck diving and the occasional tropical trip)
4. I know some cave divers who have the powerfull canister lights, is there anyway that I could use one light interchangably (ie. use it on my video, and when not shooting video, convert it to a dive light?)

thanks in advance

 

[Scotttyd]

another questions, how far out does the light penetrate? Is it like a strobe from your camera (5 feet or so)? If I am filming shark, or a wreck from a distance, does the light have any benefit?

 

[Mr.X]

I use Salvo lighting. I can adapt this canister-based light for different purposes. I use twin heads with a "Y" connector, and have a different cap with wet connects and a Goodman handle for those rare occasions when I use the Salvo for something other than video. Having had the system for a while I tend not to adapt it much and use my other Goodman handle canister lights. I think this is just due to my laziness. However, Salvo with wet connects is convertible in most cases.

Additionally, when you are in bright water the video lights make a difference for closeups and minor fill. Sunlight take over unless you have some massive lighting system. As per minimums with HID...gosh it depends? The more you get into this aspect of diving the more equipment you will accrue. In the end, throwing more light at your subject is always helpful. That being said, you can never, ever keep up. Video just seems to drain the wallet as lighting and cameras always improve.


X

 

[C8X]

I'm in the same boat... trying to figure out what I can about lighting. I would tend to want LED for reliability, longevity, and quick startup (I've heard HID take a while, esp when cold).

Does anyone who has a video light setup also have any test footage they've shot? I guess it would be nice to see the scene without light, then with lighting (for a specific brand). It's a lot of money to just jump in head first.

 

[KiiY]

Hello. I can't answer too many of your questions, but I can tell you that the effectiveness of lights depends a lot on the strength of the ambient light.

For a while I was diving with 2 Subatec halogen light heads that were 250 watts each. 30 meters down on a bright sunny day in Hawaii, these lights were useful out to about 6 feet. Peering into a wreck, the lights were barely okay at lighting objects about 10 feet from the camera.

The battery pack for these halogen lights was big and clumsy, and I have since sold them. I am trying to save up the pennies for a 50 watt (or so) HID system instead.