paulpost
Contributor
Hi, my questions is what is a decent wattage for filming macro only and if there is anybody that uses Nocturnal Lights SL50 and how do they perform.
Thanks
Paul
Thanks
Paul
Video Lights
- Thread starter paulpost
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Hi Paul,
I'm looking at upgrading my video lights as well. I've been using a single 20w incandescent light that has done a generally excellent job of illuminating my close-ups with my mini-DV set up. Now that I've switched to HD, I'm considering dual 10w HID lights from NiteRider. They each give off more light than my single 20w bulb which may make up for the difficulty in close-focusing with the HC-7 HD camcorder.
I'm looking at upgrading my video lights as well. I've been using a single 20w incandescent light that has done a generally excellent job of illuminating my close-ups with my mini-DV set up. Now that I've switched to HD, I'm considering dual 10w HID lights from NiteRider. They each give off more light than my single 20w bulb which may make up for the difficulty in close-focusing with the HC-7 HD camcorder.
drbill:
Thank you for your reply, I'm looking at Nocturnal brand because the battery is built in the housing of the light so you have no wires hanging around that can get entangled especially when you have to get in tight places, but this just my opinion.
From what you said that you have good results in close-up with one light only don't you think that a dual light rig is a waste of money?
Do you mean something like this?
http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=189493
I'm going to try it out in two weeks, and I'll let you know!
Dave
http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=189493
I'm going to try it out in two weeks, and I'll let you know!
Dave
One potential issue with lights w/ self contained batteries is weight. You might need to add buoyancy to get your system close to neutral. If it's very negative it will be difficult to hold steady, especially for macro shooting.
In my experiences, some macro subjects will let you get real close. Other subjects will make you keep your distance and use more zoom. In those cases, the more powerful your lights the better.
Depending on the beam angle, a single lamp should be OK for macro. If you want to go single, I would look for at least 80 degrees.
The Nocturnal SL50's should perform the same as the TL50's. I believe they use the same lamps and the only difference is where the batteries are located ?
I think someone posted a report on the TL50's. I'll have to do a search.
In my experiences, some macro subjects will let you get real close. Other subjects will make you keep your distance and use more zoom. In those cases, the more powerful your lights the better.
Depending on the beam angle, a single lamp should be OK for macro. If you want to go single, I would look for at least 80 degrees.
The Nocturnal SL50's should perform the same as the TL50's. I believe they use the same lamps and the only difference is where the batteries are located ?
I think someone posted a report on the TL50's. I'll have to do a search.
Using a single light requires a lot more care in lighting than using dual lights. One has to be careful about shading of the subject, etc. I also figure that using dual HID lights will add more illumination to better light the subject for these HD sensors that seem to be less than ideal in low light conditions.
Nocturnal Lights
Contributor
Hi Paul,
If you're shooting macro you can consider using the dual SLX setup. it's not as bright as the 50w output from the SL50, TL50, and the TL50 Twin Beams, BUT it's plenty bright for shooting closeups. The lights are very small and compact so they're very easy to travel with, and they use AA batteries so they require nearly no need for maintenance.
We also have some TL20 twin beam and TL50 twin beam demo units, both are great lights for videos. The TL20 twin beam uses dual 20w bulbs and attaches to a canister and will be bright enough for shooting macros. The TL50 twin beams has the same output as the TL50 and SL50s. It outputs a lot of light but you can always use 35 or 20w bulbs with these setups.
If you're shooting macro you can consider using the dual SLX setup. it's not as bright as the 50w output from the SL50, TL50, and the TL50 Twin Beams, BUT it's plenty bright for shooting closeups. The lights are very small and compact so they're very easy to travel with, and they use AA batteries so they require nearly no need for maintenance.
We also have some TL20 twin beam and TL50 twin beam demo units, both are great lights for videos. The TL20 twin beam uses dual 20w bulbs and attaches to a canister and will be bright enough for shooting macros. The TL50 twin beams has the same output as the TL50 and SL50s. It outputs a lot of light but you can always use 35 or 20w bulbs with these setups.
