Buying guide for
Video Lighting Kits
A well-lit video is crucial if you want to produce an impressive video. Poor lighting will almost always result in an unprofessional video. If you're shooting video indoors with superb lighting, you must use a video lighting kit. Two or three lighting stands are provided in video lighting kits, allowing you to position light in any location you desire. You can then create the desired effects for your production by yourself. While it is possible to obtain a video lighting kit for professional studios, we have selected kits that are appropriate for home users.
Our buying advice includes a variety of options as well as our favorites.
Key Considerations
When purchasing a video lighting kit, you need to pick from three lighting technologies: fluorescent, LED, and incandescent/tungsten. Each has its own pros and cons.
Fluorescent
A video lighting kit with fluorescent lighting provides a number of benefits. It provides a broad range of light across a space, making it excellent for lighting skin tones. Fluorescent lighting is also convenient in that the bulbs can mimic daylight or incandescent light. Fluorescent light generates less heat than incandescent/tungsten lighting and requires less energy.
LED
There are still early stages of development in LED light kit design. To the naked eye, an LED light in an video light kit appears to be a rectangular panel rather than a bulb. An LED ring is one example. Because they are so lightweight, LED lights are popular on-camera lights, in addition to smaller light stands. LEDs are extremely popular for video lighting kits. LEDs can be dimmed down to a low level, which allows you to control the quantity of light in a scene. Controls are easier to use with LEDs than other lights, even fluorescent ones. LEDs consume less energy than other lighting options. Some LEDs in video lighting kits may create a flickering effect, which may not be visible to the naked eye.
Incandescent/tungsten
Tungsten/incandescent lighting kits are among the most economical technologies available. Tungsten lights are popular for large theatrical setups. If desired, these lights can be dimmed to a very low level, leaving little to no light in the scene. Despite the fact that these lights are hot and consume a lot of power, they are among the most cost-effective technologies available.
Video Lighting Kit Features
Be cautious when choosing a video lighting kit; don't waste money on extras you don't need. The following list contains some of the items you'll find in a video lighting kit:
Light stands: There are two kinds of light stands: one containing sockets to hold light bulbs, the other with LED light panels. The light stands are usually adjustable in height so you can position the light precisely. These stands may accept a soft box or an umbrella. Tripods hold the light stands upright so they may stand alone.
Bulbs: The light stands come with sockets that are compatible with the bulbs that come with a kit. If a bulb breaks or burns out, you usually have to buy extra bulbs separately. However, sometimes you will find an extra bulb or two in a kit.
Soft box: Soft boxes are pyramid-shaped boxes with covers that house the light. The box's walls and cover diffuse the light, diffusing light and reducing shadows, making them ideal for close-up shots.
Umbrella: An umbrella can diffuse light and ensure even distribution across a large area without casting harsh shadows. The light is diffused when it strikes the umbrella fabric, resulting in softer lighting.
Accessories: Video lighting kits may include a variety of accessories, such as reflectors, diffusers, colored gels, or scrims. You may purchase these items individually as you require them.
Carrying case: All the gear fits inside a carrying case, making it portable and easy to transport. Content creators really appreciate that.
Video Lighting Kit Prices
Videographers can buy lighting kits ranging from $20 to several thousand dollars. Kits using LED lights are slightly more expensive than those using incandescent/tungsten bulbs, but they use less electricity and last longer. LED bulbs are a better choice if you want to save money in the long term.
Cost effective: $20 to $50 is what you should expect to pay for a beginner-level kit, which includes a couple of small light stands and is great for shooting close-up scenes.
Mid-range: Kits ranging from $50 to $125 are available, and they contain two or three light stands. You may also find kits that include soft boxes or umbrellas in this price range.
Expensive: The most costly video lighting kits start at $125 and go up from there. For studio use, the most costly video lighting kits are a few hundred dollars. These contain large light stands that give precise color temperature control.
Premium: Advanced video lighting kits appropriate for experinced professional creator cost $500 and up.
Tips
- When shooting video outdoors, position the subject in the shade to avoid harsh sunlight. When lighting a scene, you can add light to the shaded areas using your video lighting kit to achieve the effect you want.
- Take a look at the cord attached to the light stand to determine how long it is. A regular cord is around four to six feet long, but in order to position the light stand correctly, you may need a longer extension cord. By having an extension cord with you, you can put the light stand wherever you want.
- When you’re thinking about buying a video lighting kit, you should consider its portability. Most kit components fold down to fit in a carrying case, unless you always shoot in your home studio.
- A three-light video lighting kit will allow for a variety of setup options and higher-quality video by providing a primary light, a fill light, and a backlight.
FAQ's
Q. What type of lighting should I pick if I have a small budget?
A. Incandescent/tungsten lighting has a low initial cost, butLEDs have a higher upfront cost. You will save money in the long run by using newer lighting technologies, even though they have higher upfront costs. Consider newer lighting options as an investment in the future, even if they are more costly initially.
Q. What are the advantages of using lights that run at cooler temperatures?
A.It is important to consider people's comfort when shooting video, as hot lights can make people sweat, resulting in a poor look. Using cooler lights while shooting video keeps everyone comfortable and allows them to work longer.
Q. Do I have to purchase an entire kit for my video lighting?
A. On-camera continuous lighting works well for shooting video with a DSLR camera that has a hot shoe bracket. If you're looking for a simple light to mount on your camera, these are easy to find. Shooting video with a DSLR camera can be a cost-effective way to get your feet wet in video lighting.
FAQ's
Q. What type of lighting should I pick if I have a small budget?
A. Incandescent/tungsten lighting has a low initial cost, butLEDs have a higher upfront cost. You will save money in the long run by using newer lighting technologies, even though they have higher upfront costs. Consider newer lighting options as an investment in the future, even if they are more costly initially.
Q. What are the advantages of using lights that run at cooler temperatures?
A.It is important to consider people's comfort when shooting video, as hot lights can make people sweat, resulting in a poor look. Using cooler lights while shooting video keeps everyone comfortable and allows them to work longer.
Q. Do I have to purchase an entire kit for my video lighting?
A. On-camera continuous lighting works well for shooting video with a DSLR camera that has a hot shoe bracket. If you're looking for a simple light to mount on your camera, these are easy to find. Shooting video with a DSLR camera can be a cost-effective way to get your feet wet in video lighting.