Jesse Colin

Update: I ordered a Pixel Fodavil C220 spotlight: https://www.amazon.com/Photography-Continuous-Lighting-Spotlight-Recording/dp/B07ZJC75CZ/ After reading the replies in this thread, I want to be careful not to get a softbox that can't handle the heat of this light. Any budget-friendly recommendations within the 30" to 35" range?

I am considering the $199 Wellmaking HL-800C light: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07YY1HH5X However, the one complaint that so many people have (i.e. catch) is that the ball mount can not support the weight of most good softboxes. If you bought this light, what replacement mount would you buy so that it can support the weight of a large softbox. If you have any links to mount options, that will definitely help. Also, what else do I need to get this thing fully functional? What stand would you buy for it? What battery would you buy? What budget-friendly softbox in the 30" to 35" range? Is that too big of a softbox for the brightness of this light? Anything else I need or that you would get for it? Thanks.

Thanks for all of the info. I'll be starting a new thread that describes the lights (in detail) that I'm considering and see what softbox you think makes sense.

Short Version: Does it matter if I have stabilization on a camera for shooting (corporate) video testimonials? Is it ok if I leave the camera running on a tripod while I talk to me subject and not operate/adjust the camera after it starts recording. If the answer is "yes," then is stabilization therefore unnecessary? Long Version: I own a Sony Alpha a6400 that has no in-body image stabilization. I'm planning to either buy a Sigma 56mm f/1.4 (no optical stabilization) or a Sony E 50mm F1.8 OSS (SteadyShot optical stabilization) for shooting testimonials. I almost bought the Sigma because the image is so sharp and the aperture is higher, but I'm having second thoughts because I'm not sure if stabilization is important for video testimonials.

I'm planning to shoot video testimonials and want to get a softbox for them. I'm new to softboxes and found this 32" unit for only $28: https://www.amazon.com/Neewer-centimeters-Octagonal-Speedlight-Photography/dp/B00PIM3I6I/ I saw Wescott softboxes this size in the $250-350 range. I don't get it. Is there something really awful about it that it's going for 1/10 the price? For the purpose of shooting video testimonials (indoors), is there any reason to avoid it?

Marketing Concept Behind Establishing Shot: The establishing shot would be used for an entertainer's demo reel. The rental room of a public library is generally very inexpensive to rent out. Clients who rent a library room for an event will rarely (if ever) spend over $1,000 to hire entertainment. On the other hand, events that occur in a large ballroom in a 4-Star hotel require a higher price to rent. Clients who spend that money to rent an expensive hotel ballroom tend to have a considerably higher budget for entertainment (assuming they decide to allocate a budget). To establish an entertainer as someone experienced (and a good fit) in the settings that high budget events occur, it is advantageous to show video footage of the entertainer at a high budget venue. A nice establishing shot that shows a high-cost venue helps brand the video (for prospective buyers who pay well). Tools Available for Establishing Shot: I've seen some really cool establishing shots made with drones, helicopters, and gimbals. I don't have any of that equipment and can not spend more money on film gear right now. Here is what I have to work with. Sony Alpha a6400 camera (no in-camera stabilization) Sigma 16mm f/1.4 lens (no optical stabilization) Kit lens for a6400 (16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 with very minimal stabilization) A few fluid-head tripods Google Pixel 3a mobile phone (good digital image stabilization and optical stabilization, 120fps for slow motion) Small cell phone tripod Plenty of light (will be shot outdoors during cloudy day) Sequence Directly After Establishing Shot: Directly after the establishing shot, the entertainer will be outdoors and walking toward the hotel's entrance door. The walk will be shot from 3 different angles at 120fps to do slow motion. You can see what I mean from Position 0:08 to Position 0:32 in this video: The Challenge: The challenge is figuring out how to get a good establishing shot. Also, the technique should work for any hotel and not depend on the luck of the scenery. The establishing shot would cut right to the walk-in sequence in slow motion. Can you think of any possibilities?