Lighting Research

Many of our video shoots would benefit from the use of cooler on-set lights rather than the traditional hot incandescents that we currently own. The alternatives are LEDs and fluorescents.

Color Temperatures:

• Warm (incandescent) 2800-3400K (average 3200K)
• Neutral 3500K
• Cool 4100K
• Daylight 4500-6200K (average 5600K)

Chart via Lowell EDU.

Color Rendering Index (CRI):

CRI is rated on a scale from 1-100. The higher the number, the more accurate the light will reproduce the full color spectrum. A 90 or above is considered acceptable. If below, a greenish spike may be visible in the video.

Furthering reading on color temp and rendering:

• Lowell EDU
• Full Spectrum Solutions
• OnlineVideo.net

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LEDs (light-emitting diodes):

KinoFlo Celeb.


B&H. KinoFlo site.



Zambo (vs. KinoFlo Diva 400 florescent).


Zambo site.



Litepanels Croma Flight Kit.


B&H.





Ikan.


B&H.



Dracast.


Amazon.



Came or Bescor.


Came-TV or Amazon.
Bescor at B&H



ePhotoInc.




Article at chessycam.
Amazon.

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Fluorescent Tubes:

KinoFlo 4-Bank.


B&H.



Kino Flo Diva 400 / 200.


KinoFlo site.



LimoStudio.


Amazon.

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General comparison between different styles of lighting.

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Compared to traditional incandescent lights, both LED and fluorescents contain much higher amounts of hazardous and rare metals (aluminum, copper, gold, lead, silver, and zinc). In additional, fluorescent bulbs also contain mercury vapor. So when it comes to the end of a bulb's useful life, disposal becomes an environmental issue and special care should be taken to recycle them properly.

Another potential issue with Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFL) is dirty electricity. Just something to consider.