Trying out new fixtures

[Quinten Densak]

Hi

 

 

I have read that all lights used in motion pictures need a CRI of > 90. What are the other things that you need to look into when trying out new lighting fixtures? Im talking about the cheap ones that you can buy at a hardware store. They all have some info on the label. Some of them have things like CRI and watts/ lumen. What else should i be lookin out for?

 

Thanks

[Richard Andrewski]

Sounds like your primarily talking about fluorescent or ballast-oriented lighting. Not everything can be told in the specs. Some things you just have to try out for yourself and if it doesn't work out take it back.

 

For instance, whether the ballasts are electronic and output drive voltage to the tubes at a high enough frequency so they don't cause a flicker. Many electronic ballasts today drive at upwards of 25Khz and some closer to 40Khz. Safe to say that in that range there won't be any flicker problems with normal shutter speeds and frame rates. Most fixtures and even many ballasts don't quote that frequency spec though. So it ends up being a "try out" thing with your camera.

 

In addition, you'll want to check whether there is any noise that comes from the ballast. Obviously that wouldn't do on a set.

[Quinten Densak]

Thanks Richard

 

Im going to take some time and have a look at your site and all the links there.