Lighting

[edin]

In making a video production is lighting a critical requirement or does a camcoders ability to shoot in low light conditions negate the need to use lighting at all!

[stingman]

Modern camcorders are better at low light then the ones before but still the lower the light, the more grain in the picture. The best way is to add more light to get rid of the dreaded grain. Some camcorders are better then others. My Canon isn`t soo good at lowlight. That`s one reason why i`m saving for a new one.

[ned c]

Strange question, what is your objective? In a prepared drama then lights will be used and there will be a lighting plot, in a run and gun documentary it may be impossible to use lights. An on-camera light may be used for interviews. My guess is that most n-c film makers use lights sometimes.

Ned C

[edin]

Strange question, what is your objective? In a prepared drama then lights will be used and there will be a lighting plot, in a run and gun documentary it may be impossible to use lights. An on-camera light may be used for interviews. My guess is that most n-c film makers use lights sometimes.

Ned C

The objective of the question is to see if the use of lighting is still a critical requirement of current film making or is the latest camcorder technology good enough to shoot video under the majority of locations/conditions without the use of a lighting strategy.
Many amateur groups do not have access to lighting equipment and apart from the on camera light, shoot all video within the natural lighting environment of the location. [Stage productions are usually lit for the actors and directors needs than those of the film maker.] How many video clubs and individuals have access to lighting equipment, but don't ever use it either due to lack of experience in lighting or it is too much trouble to transport and set up!

[ned c]

Thanks for expanding on your request for lighting info. Lighting is such an essential part of film making, particularly for story films. Although modern camcorders work well in low light as Ian pointed out the picture becomes noisy. The levels of light needed to improve the picture and create atmosphere are relatively low. We have used the modern fluorescent "bulbs" with success, thery are available in a wide range of outputs and color temperatures and draw much less current and run cooler than their tungsten equivalents. Perhaps an opportunity for some articles on modern lighting and methods in F&VM?

Ned C