Video continuous light is becoming more and more popular among videographers and photographers who are just starting to learn about studio lighting. The hassle of synchronising your camera to your trigger and flash is gone, and you can see the shot via the viewfinder in real time. In this guide, we will take a look at the following topics:
- Why is continuous lighting used in video shooting?
- What to look for in a lighting equipment that suits your video.
- What other tools do you need when setting up video lighting?
Why should you use continuous lights in your video?
If you're on the fence about trying continuous lighting for DSLR video, I really urge you to do it since it has several advantages.
For starters, continuous lighting enables you to see the illumination's direction and quality before taking a picture. This enables you to set up your lighting, study how it affects your subject, make adjustments, reassess your subject, and repeat the process until you get the ideal results. How useful this is can't be overstated, especially for novices (but also for more seasoned video creators, too).
Continuous lights are also useful when photographing in a location that does not permit flash photography. Always ask to be certain, but even if flash photography is prohibited, continuous illumination may be authorized.
Another advantage is that video continuous light relaxes the subject. High-powered flashes can cause blinking reflexes in animals and small children, so consider your target subject while choosing studio lighting.
What to look for in LED continuous video lighting?
There are a number of factors that video creators consider for the best continuous light for video. When comparing different manufacturers and lights, it's simple to become lost in technical terms. Here, we've tried to clarify all the key discussion points that are crucial.
Color temperature control: Does it cover your video needs and stay consistent?
Kelvins are used to measure lighting temperature, with a scale from 1000K to 10,000K. Warm light is at the low end of the range, with candlelight being the warmest type. The coolest sort of daytime light, on the other hand, stands out as a pure blue sky.
For your video, you may select either warm or cold lighting. Consider your shooting subject and confirm that the lights you are considering cover those temperatures. Make sure that all of the lights have the same color temperature for optimal video illumination. Poor lighting will come from using different types of bulbs in different lights, which will mix the color temperatures.
Colour Rendering Index (CRI) Rating: Is it above 90 to reveal color faithfully?
A Colour Rendering Index (CRI) is a measurement that conveys the ability of a video continuous light source to correctly reveal the color of items when compared to natural light. The closer this value is to 100, the more accurate the lighting will be in revealing the color of the object you're shooting. Any score in the 90s is regarded as excellent. Another approach for measuring the same thing is the Television Lighting Consistency Index (TLCR). They are graded out of 100 in both cases.
Heat dissipation: Will it add cooling noise to the video?
Video continuous light can get fairly hot because it is designed to remain on all the time. It's vital to keep in mind that some units may operate entirely silently while others will emit a low-level noise while their internal fans are working to cool the lights. Consider your usage requirements and base your choice on those criteria. If you're just shooting pictures, you probably won't mind a fan quietly humming to keep your lights cool, but if you're making a video, you'll want to clamp down on any outside noises that can interfere with the soundtrack.
Battery/mains powered: Is it possible to be used on location?
Constant lights are normally powered by the mains. When looking for a light, it is advised to check if it supports a mobile power supply solution in case mains powering the light isn't handy in the future like shooting on location. The COLBOR CL60 is mains powered as standard, but it is also a battery operated continuous light for video that can be powered by V mount battery or NP-F battery.
Control: Is App control available for better functionality and user experience?
Some lights have Bluetooth phone app control, while others have a traditional remote control. Many lights incorporate a remote control, however, this is becoming less common as Bluetooth applications that couple with the lights give far greater functionality, user interface, and increased interactivity for the user with their lights.
Protective case/portability: Does it include accessories that ensure mobility?
It is advised to buy a continuous light video portable for shooting. Although it is often utilized in permanent studio setups, there are times when mobility is essential. Even for storing reasons, a solid durable bag is important. Depending on your requirements, you should keep an eye out for accessories such as transport bags and batteries/battery mounts.
What should be included in continuous lighting kit for video?
Assistant lights: If you are a skilled enough video creator and frequently need to photograph new scenarios or backdrops, you will need a full collection of tools to construct your video light setup, which should include the key light, fill light, and the ring light.
External power source: When you shoot for an extended period of time and keep the light source at maximum brightness, it will shortly run out of juice. So it is advised to invest in a high-capacity external V-mount battery, which not only includes several charging ports for the light, but also for your camera and microphone. You may also easily attach it to the pole of your studio light with a cheap v-lock plate.
Modifiers: In general, continuous illumination looks good. Yet, if you want excellent images, you must modify the lighting quality, or how harsh or soft the light looks. Softboxes and other diffusers can be used to produce soft light, resulting in a more smooth transition between the bright and dark parts of the image. By diffusing it, it is possible to take an image without the glaring flash look while still creating a catchlight and avoiding a shadow.
Monopod or tripod: Photographers typically mount a video continuous light on a stand of a specific height, allowing it to beam down from the top. Modify the angle and various places ahead of time, such as the standard three-point lighting arrangement, to aid in the smooth progression of later filming.