Jump to content

Budget Video Lights for Startup


Gabe Agoado

Recommended Posts

Hello, 

I own a startup videography company and want to purchase some budget friendly lighting for interior shoots and photography. I am shooting on film and with a Sony F3, and my budget for lights is $1,000 with ideally room to upgrade later on. I am looking for at least a 3-light setup. In the past I've used everything from rented Arri and Mole-richardson tungsten lights to shop lights and clamp lights I got from the trash/home depot. I want to now purchase some video lights that are easier to work with than home depot 500w floods. I know for $1,000 I cannot expect the best quality, but I was considering purchasing either some of the Chinese Arri tungsten fresnel copies or some of the 60-80w LED lights that can be bought on Amazon. I was leaning towards buying 6-8 LEDs because they're easier to work with, easier to replace and I can always clamp 2 or 3 together if I want a stronger source. Just looking for some advice if anyone seasoned with videography experience knows a better option.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

It depends on the type of work you shoot when it comes to the lights you should own. If you shoot very soft key corporate videos, then a fresnel wouldn't be ideal. You're better off with a softer source to begin with like a Kinoflo or Litemate.

$1000 is a tight lighting budget, though. You may have to get very used tungsten heads and shoot them through diffusion, but then you have to buy enough c-stands, sand-bags, and flags to control/shape the light. That $1k runs out quick.

This light seems like it can check off a lot of boxes outside of soft light:

https://www.newsshooter.com/2020/11/19/came-tv-boltzen-150w-fresnel-focusable-led-bi-color-review/

It's about as bright as a 650w fresnel but has the added advantage being bi-color. It is $500-ish, but could be a good workhorse light.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hey, thanks for the reply! I only knew Came-tv for their tripods, I didn't know they also do lights. I checked out the Came-tv light and it seems like a good light but I really don't have need for DMX control or wifi at the moment. I guess I kind of ended up answering my own question. I'm going to get a few Godox LED lights and some budget C-stands. For $1k I can swing 3 lights, stands, diffusion and carrying case. 

I've used tungsten a lot in the past, while I was originally going to go with tungsten, the fact that LEDs don't run hot, don't need bulb replacement and can be run off a battery just seems like the best solution for me. Especially in weddings, it's nice if I can give the bride and groom some accent lighting without making them sweat through their clothes ?

Edited by Gabe Agoado
  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...