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Home: Video University Forums: Wedding & Event Videography:
low light

 
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Swanger1
New User

Jan 20, 2009, 12:30 PM

Post #1 of 39 (1565 views)
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low light Can't Post
I've been making low cost wedding videos ($700 to $900) for 4 years now . I have been using a number of cameras, Panasonic 3ccd, 1/2 ccd, and experimenting with a cheap HD. All of these cameras will give me good images in low light. It may be a little grainy, maybe most of the color is gone, but it does record the detail well. Even in almost total darkness I am recording the dances with a onboard light. I am educating the brides about the limits of low light videography and onboard quartz lighting before the sale . I am editing with a Mac and Imovie but, a few brides every year believe that they should be getting feature film quality regardless of very difficult restrictions at the church and bad lighting at the venues.
Is there anything new for low light that I can upgrade to? Any suggestions as to consumer education about wedding videos?


Howard Neill
Veteran


Jan 20, 2009, 1:38 PM

Post #2 of 39 (1541 views)
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Re: [Swanger1] low light [In reply to] Can't Post
Hi "Swanger1", whoever you might be. Welcome to VU.

If you want to be a professional, how about illuminating your subject? The bride & groom might actually thank you, in years to come, when they can see what they are meant to viewing - in glorious Technicolor. Cool

We use, on camera, 50 watt lights. There are many on this forum who disagree with me. Have a look at the demos from some of the industry leaders. They will not show you video, unless it is well illuminated, in one way or another. That includes on camera lights, tripod and monopod mounted lights or bright ambient lighting.

Just a thought. Others will say, "No", but just take a look at the demos.

Enjoy VU. Maybe you should make a post of introduction? Say who you are and where you are from. People will be much more outgoing.

Regards


.
Howard

Blog
Cape Video
Cape Town, South Africa - "Where two oceans meet"


MarshallM
Veteran


Jan 20, 2009, 3:19 PM

Post #3 of 39 (1519 views)
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Re: [Swanger1] low light [In reply to] Can't Post
In additon to using your on-camera light during the shoot, I would highly recommend investing in a professional editing software program. I-movie was never intended for high-end editing, and with the features found in programs such as Adobe Premiere, Sony Vegas, Edius, Final Cut Pro (for Mac only) and others, you'll be able to improve your final product immensely.

Marshall


fr0gm@n
Veteran


Jan 20, 2009, 3:57 PM

Post #4 of 39 (1506 views)
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Re: [Swanger1] low light [In reply to] Can't Post
You mentioned in your post in the other forum people are complaining about the light you are using. Are you doing table interviews. If so they are "so 90's" The only time a guest may even see my light is when I am filming the open dancing throughout the evening. I can turn the light down a little then since I am usually around the side of the dance floor and no one complains.

If you customers are paying 700-900 but want feature film quality then they need to pay way more than what you are charging. They are living in a dream world. Feature film quality will cost much more. You can get better cams for low light but they will cost significantly more than what you are using but no camera can work in the dark. Video needs light pure and simple. I tell customers if the lights go down during the first dance they will get a grainy video. I do have oncam light and a small light on a light pole but nothing crazy.


Shouldn't TV's Discovery Channel be on a different station every day?


frog blog


DGates
Veteran


Jan 20, 2009, 4:55 PM

Post #5 of 39 (1489 views)
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Re: [Howard Neill] low light [In reply to] Can't Post
In Reply To

If you want to be a professional, how about illuminating your subject?

We use, on camera, 50 watt lights. There are many on this forum who disagree with me. Have a look at the demos from some of the industry leaders. They will not show you video, unless it is well illuminated, in one way or another. That includes on camera lights, tripod and monopod mounted lights or bright ambient lighting. Just a thought. Others will say, "No", but just take a look at the demos.

With all due respect, Howard, using a 50 watt light for illumination at weddings is anything but professional. Even 20 watts is pushing it.

Overkill on wattage went away with SVHS cams.



"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power."

--Abraham Lincoln


Howard Neill
Veteran


Jan 20, 2009, 6:12 PM

Post #6 of 39 (1476 views)
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Re: [DGates] low light [In reply to] Can't Post
Thanks for your input

Oh well - that is just us. We will continue to use the same lights. Maybe our clients are built tougher? Wink No one ever complains and we continue to get repeat business throughout the years.

Cheers

.
Howard

Blog
Cape Video
Cape Town, South Africa - "Where two oceans meet"


Bob A
Veteran


Jan 20, 2009, 7:29 PM

Post #7 of 39 (1451 views)
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Re: [Howard Neill] low light [In reply to] Can't Post
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Oh well - that is just us. We will continue to use the same lights. Maybe our clients are built tougher? Wink .

SmileSmileSmileSmile


Swanger1
New User

Jan 20, 2009, 7:43 PM

Post #8 of 39 (1451 views)
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Re: [Howard Neill] low light [In reply to] Can't Post
The light idea seems like a no brainer. It can be a problem sometimes. I plan on looking at the new LED lights that are now available. I live in Upstate NY. We have a lot of Catholic weddings. Most priests almost always ban all video lighting. We also seem to end up 20 to 30 feet away from the bride and groom during the ceremony.
On the other hand, with weddings at the local casino banquet hall, no problems. All the light you want. Sit on the groom's shoulders if you want. Get as close as you want.
From your welcome input it looks like the best way for me to get better results for lower cost wedding videos is to try some of the new LED lighting. With the older quartz lights I can't seem to prevent geeks from looking directly into the light and complaining that their eyes are burned out.Smile


Where can I buy a good LED video light at the best price? I've seen one on Ebay for $200.00


Brackish
Veteran


Jan 20, 2009, 7:53 PM

Post #9 of 39 (1447 views)
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Re: [Howard Neill] low light [In reply to] Can't Post
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No one ever complains and we continue to get repeat business throughout the years.
If you and Sam are running a successful business doing it this way,
with continued referral business, how can this be considered
unprofessional. Sounds more like just a difference in style to me.
I mean if you're running a successful business doing it your way, isn't
that the definition of "professional"?

There's a VUer here who I've heard uses no light at all at the reception.
Maybe he thinks any light at all is "unprofessional".
If you and your clients are happy with 50 watts, might as well keep
with it. Now ... 100 watts or more ... that might be unprofessional. Wink
[Just joking here.]



------------------------------------------------------------
"still motion is who everyone else is trying to be like"


Howard Neill
Veteran


Jan 20, 2009, 7:54 PM

Post #10 of 39 (1447 views)
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Re: [Swanger1] low light [In reply to] Can't Post
Hi Steve

We do not use lights during a service. Well, hardly ever. I agree that they are a distraction. Our old S-VHS cameras used to battle for light in this church but we still didn't use lights. We only turn on lights, as required, at the receptions.



Good luck in your quest for a decent light. We might just get ourselves one of those LED light thingamabobs, one of these days.

Cheers

.
Howard

Blog
Cape Video
Cape Town, South Africa - "Where two oceans meet"

(This post was edited by Howard Neill on Jan 20, 2009, 8:51 PM)


vasbyt
Enthusiast


Jan 21, 2009, 12:28 AM

Post #11 of 39 (1413 views)
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Re: [Howard Neill] low light [In reply to] Can't Post
Hey Howard,

Hou die blink kant bo!

Mervin






________________________________________



Brackish
Veteran


Jan 21, 2009, 12:35 AM

Post #12 of 39 (1412 views)
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Re: [Howard Neill] low light [In reply to] Can't Post
In Reply To
We might just get ourselves one of those LED light thingamabobs, one of these days.
Hi, Howard.

I would recommend that you not get one of those LED lights.
I can tell you from first hand experience that they are very
harsh on peoples' eyes. Stick with real lights. Yeah, real
lights ain't no picnic, neither, but they're the lesser of
two evils. I think those LED lights are more for the videog's
convenience, being lighter in the weight cuz they run on
lighter-weight batteries and also they don't get hot like
real lights.

If a person does opt to use lights at the reception atleast do what
you can to minimize the unpleasantries on the guests by using
a light with a light bulb. It's the professional thing to do. Wink



------------------------------------------------------------
"still motion is who everyone else is trying to be like"


Howard Neill
Veteran


Jan 21, 2009, 1:22 AM

Post #13 of 39 (1397 views)
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Re: [vasbyt] low light [In reply to] Can't Post
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Hey Howard,

Hou die blink kant bo!

Mervin
Cool Cool Cool Cool Cool

Thanks Mervyn. Do you know that, coming from Zimbabwe, I know very little Afrikaans. I had to phone a friend for a translation. Blush

Cheers

.
Howard

Blog
Cape Video
Cape Town, South Africa - "Where two oceans meet"


Howard Neill
Veteran


Jan 21, 2009, 1:23 AM

Post #14 of 39 (1394 views)
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Re: [Brackish] low light [In reply to] Can't Post
Thanks for the tip, Brack.

.
Howard

Blog
Cape Video
Cape Town, South Africa - "Where two oceans meet"


Matt Davis
User


Jan 21, 2009, 2:58 AM

Post #15 of 39 (1381 views)
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Re: [Brackish] low light [In reply to] Can't Post
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In Reply To
I would recommend that you not get one of those LED lights.
I can tell you from first hand experience that they are very
harsh on peoples' eyes. Stick with real lights.
 I think the opposite is true. Last year we started using the new Micro Panels LED lights and they worked well for us. Although we were scared it would break because its plastic, it was much more convenient for us as videographers as you say, but also better for the guests. We could use the dimmer so we never blasted people, it also had a nice warm gel to make the light not harsh at all. We also used it off camera with one of our assistants as to not directly shine it on people, but bounce it off other subjects in different directions. Makes things more pleasant. But even if you use it on camera, its so much more unobstrusive yet still gets you the light you need. Because if you are producing professional video, or liek to call yoruself a professional, you need to be lighting your subjects. Light is our only friend to making great video.
Matt Davis

Life Stage Films
Our Blog
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Brackish
Veteran


Jan 21, 2009, 3:48 AM

Post #16 of 39 (1376 views)
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Re: [Matt Davis] low light [In reply to] Can't Post
In Reply To
if you are producing professional video, or like to call yourself a professional, you need to be lighting your subjects. Light is our only friend to making great video.
Lots of talk about what's "professional" in this thread. Smile There's a guy
on here who (I've heard) claims to never use a light at the reception.
Wonder how he does it. Maybe he wouldn't share that out here
in the public forum - though maybe he wouldn't share it even in the
hidden Members Only forum, either.
You'll see, Matt, after you've been around VU a bit that there's a
LOT more posting activity that goes on in the Members Only forum.
Lots of folks don't like to share the insider information of the business
with the outside world here in the public forum.



------------------------------------------------------------
"still motion is who everyone else is trying to be like"


Matt Davis
User


Jan 21, 2009, 3:59 AM

Post #17 of 39 (1366 views)
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Re: [Brackish] low light [In reply to] Can't Post
In Reply To
In Reply To
You'll see, Matt, after you've been around VU a bit that there's a
LOT more posting activity that goes on in the Members Only forum.
Lots of folks don't like to share the insider information of the business
with the outside world here in the public forum.
That's disappointing. I thought people that had knowledge to offer would be willing to help the people that actually needed help. Sounds like there is a lot of people tooting their own horn and parading their egos. I hope I am wrong. But thanks for the heads up.
Matt Davis

Life Stage Films
Our Blog
Follow Us on Twitter



Brackish
Veteran


Jan 21, 2009, 4:02 AM

Post #18 of 39 (1366 views)
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Re: [Matt Davis] low light [In reply to] Can't Post
In Reply To
I would recommend that you not get one of those LED lights.
I can tell you from first hand experience that they are very
harsh on peoples' eyes. Stick with real lights.
I think the opposite is true.
You went on to talk about using the LED with a gel. I was just comparing
a traditional light versus LED that was not gelled and not diffused
(i.e. bare).



------------------------------------------------------------
"still motion is who everyone else is trying to be like"


Matt Davis
User


Jan 21, 2009, 4:30 AM

Post #19 of 39 (1363 views)
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Re: [Brackish] low light [In reply to] Can't Post
Yeah, I agree with you. Bare is definitely harsh and not the way to go.
Matt Davis

Life Stage Films
Our Blog
Follow Us on Twitter



Chuck_e7
Veteran


Jan 23, 2009, 11:29 AM

Post #20 of 39 (1273 views)
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Re: [Howard Neill] low light [In reply to] Can't Post
I'm like Howard, turn on the lights! I hate straining to see people, things in lowlight. I too use a 50 watter and a 35 watter. Stand back and light up the room!







"600 yards out, I can still see you!"


Chuck_e7
Veteran


Jan 23, 2009, 11:32 AM

Post #21 of 39 (1271 views)
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Re: [Swanger1] low light [In reply to] Can't Post
I use one of the Lite-Panel led lights. It's very good and adjustable. Cost is a bit high and the construction is cheap, but it beats carry a heavy battery pack around.







"600 yards out, I can still see you!"


Timothy Harry
Veteran


Jan 23, 2009, 2:02 PM

Post #22 of 39 (1258 views)
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Re: [Chuck_e7] low light [In reply to] Can't Post
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I use one of the Lite-Panel led lights. It's very good and adjustable. Cost is a bit high and the construction is cheap, but it beats carry a heavy battery pack around.
It sounds like you are using the LitePanels micro, which is a great on camera light for the price. You are getting a dimmable light that will throw light about 10 feet to shed a bight of illumination on your subject. at a $290 price point, it aint too bad, and I wish I had 2-3 of the cheaper light panels light that runs off of AA batteries than the other lights that run off of a heavy battery pack. For a wedding videographer, the LitePanels light just cant be beat in its price range.

Tim Harry

Dallas, TX


Brackish
Veteran


Jan 23, 2009, 2:48 PM

Post #23 of 39 (1248 views)
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Re: [Chuck_e7] low light [In reply to] Can't Post
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I too use a 50 watter and a 35 watter.
At the same time?



------------------------------------------------------------
"still motion is who everyone else is trying to be like"


Chuck_e7
Veteran


Jan 23, 2009, 7:33 PM

Post #24 of 39 (1229 views)
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Re: [Brackish] low light [In reply to] Can't Post
Catch 'em in a crossfire!







"600 yards out, I can still see you!"


Chuck_e7
Veteran


Jan 23, 2009, 7:35 PM

Post #25 of 39 (1226 views)
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Re: [Timothy Harry] low light [In reply to] Can't Post
Yeah, but the construction is very cheap, so you gotta watch swinging it around in a run-and-gun situation. I've had good lite up to 15~20 feet with it.







"600 yards out, I can still see you!"

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