Lights/Strobes for SLR HD Cameras

[theadventuresport]

The new cameras out do both HD video and SLR photo. What kind of lights do you recommend for these cameras?

[alaity47]

Good question!

To my knowledge, there's no such thing as a light system that would work well for both video AND stills. The problem is that video lights need to be on constantly, and so they don't put out nearly as much light as a strobe (which only has to be on for a split second).

If you pick up a set of typical video lights and try to shoot stills, they probably won't look NEARLY as good as if you'd used strobes. Some of the super-bright (and super-expensive) video light systems may provide enough light to also get good stills, but I haven't talked to anyone who's tried.

If you're primarily shooting stills, but want to occasionally shoot video, I'd probably just use a nice focus light which could double as a video light. (Check out L&M's Sola 600)

But you'd still need strobes to get good stills.

Would love to hear from anyone who's actually switched to using a SLR for both stills and video - anyone?

[Zig]

A friend of mine recently bought a dSLR that has the ability of shooting stills and HD video. He bought two Ikelite DS161 Movie Substrobes and is really happy with them.

Here's a link to the Ikelite DS161 website: http://www.ikelite.com/web_pages/ss_dig161.html

Good luck!

[alaity47]

I'd love to see some sample video shot with that setup. Looks like a pretty nifty toy - from a quick glance at the specs, the only downside is a rather narrow beam angle compared to other lights on the market. But being able to switch between strobe and video mood - very nifty!

I wonder how many other manufacturers have something similar in the pipeline right now?

[bvanant]

My guess is that the serious video guys will think that the 161s just don't have enough power, particularly if you are shooting wide angle which is the current sweetspot for DSLR video. Shooting macro requires way more pain with DSLRs including the need for a tripod. If it were me, I would use my Inon strobes and add a single Niterider HID light instead of the focus light. That would get you both.

Bill

[scottg]

Ditto what Bill said.