Video lighting on a DSLR

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Colin
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I've been thinking quite a bit recently about low light situation when you cannot always/want to use flash and that got me thinking about video lighting. It would not be used at any great distance, maybe 2-3 metres and probably with a shortish focal length lens, probably 55mm at the most.

I've had a quick look on Google but haven't found anything yet and was wondering if anyone had any experience of this type of set up or what pitfalls might be encountered. WB could be an issue but as I always shoot in raw hopefully it won't be a problem.

Discuss! :D
 
The continuous lighting rigs that you see on semi-pro or high end video cameras, usually at weddings etc
 
on board/on the hot shot or lamp wise?

I use "redhead" lamps as my lighting if I do studio work, but I have never tried attaching any kind of lamp to my camera.
 
Try fleabay, I picked up a couple of video lights for around a fiver each, then just purchased the battery from my local shop and also one of those universal adaptor chargers ie 1-12v jobby. All in around £15-20.
 
Hacker, video lights run very hot or at least they did when I used them in the 80s, but I think led lamps would be cool running, it’s an interesting idea though. I’ve read recently in mags of togs using these high powered torches 1>5 million candle power to similar effect, let us know how you get on.
 
Thanks guys. I started thinking about this recently when covering a wedding and there was no flash allowed but the videographer was using a continuous light and this was okay. I can understand about the no flash rule as it can be distracting and I was looking to find an alternative to shooting in low light without upping the ISO too much (Nikon user and all that :D).

My main concern would be the heat as Rhodese said but that would be with halogen lamps which are also very power hungry, but the LED's obviously would not generate the heat. I've seen some cheapo video lights on ebay and elsewhere but to be honest they don't look as if they pack much power, although I may be wrong on this. The one I linked to earlier also has barn doors which has the potential for some interesting lighting such as natural vignetting etc.
 
Interesting idea you got there Colin. I reckon it could work a treat in the right setting. Keep us posted on how you get on.
 
I’ve thrown the magazine away now but in the current Professional Photographer magazine there was mention and an illustration of an LED ring light for still cameras. I’ve seen similar things for video (sold via Prokit) but this is the first I’ve seen for stills.
The unit had around 70 white LEDs. I’m not entirely convinced by this sort of thing as even if the LEDs were one watt each that’s still only 70watts, and you know how dim a even a 125Watt light bulb is. In the old days a proper mains photo flood was 500 Watts and were sold in kits of two i.e. 1000Watts and yes, they did get very hot!
Bowens and Photon Beard among others sell fluorescent video lights, the Bowens version is called studio light. They are mains operated and intended for studio use. BJP magazine reviewed them, but this was a couple of years ago now. The ‘photos from the review were good but even with four or eight 30ish watt tubes they were shooting wide apertures and long exposures.
Photo Beard also do a Hyper light which is a battery operated camera mounted video light which might add a bit of fill in for portraits.
Lastly be wary of camera mounted lights as when you shine them on people they squint, as if looking into the sun. Not flattering!
I hope this is of interest.
 
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