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09/12/2005 03:20:41 PM · #1 |
Hi All
I would like to try some studio photos and wondering what is best Flash or Continuous lighting - Any good or bad point with either of them ..
Many Thanks Tony |
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09/12/2005 03:48:38 PM · #2 |
Originally posted by agwright:
Hi All
I would like to try some studio photos and wondering what is best Flash or Continuous lighting - Any good or bad point with either of them ..
Many Thanks Tony |
Studio photos of what?
Most continuous lights are HOT and relatively dim, not so good for shooting people or things like ice cream. They are cheap and don't pull much current. Every light modifier you use needs to be heat resistant.
Strobes are brighter and won't turn your studio into a sauna, but unless you get lights with modelling lamps, it's hard to see what you're doing.
You also will need a flashmeter. Strobes are generally more expensive and if you are using them on high power, they can pull over 15A and you may have problems with breakers tripping, especially if you have long extension cords or sub-standard/old wiring.
If you are mainly interested in table top setups and things like that, get some hot lights and play around.
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09/12/2005 03:58:21 PM · #3 |
I don't have much experience with continuous lighting, but here are some advantages of flash lighting:
1. Can be much more portable - if you have small flashes that run on batteries you can take them anywhere and use them anywhere quite easily.
2. More powerful & efficient - flashes/strobes can produce A LOT more light for a short time, and don't waste energy by being on continuously. This has many advantages, one being the ability to bounce the light of reflectors (and even walls/ceilings) easily. A white wall can become a giant softbox even with a relatively small flash.
3. They don't get hot. Continuous lights can get VERY hot (hence the name "hot lights").
4. Good bulbs for 'hot lights' are expensive and don't last very long.
5. IMO they help make you a better photographer by forcing you to think more about the lighting setup. On the other hand, hot lights are probably easier at first because you can position things and see how it looks before you shoot.
6. I think you can get more for your money with flashes. One good flash, a couple cheap slave flashes, a couple reflectors, and you can have a pretty decent studio for not much $$$. You can even get pretty good results with a $60 flash and nothing more than a light-colored wall.
I tried to get continuous lights at first, but the softbox I bought earlier only worked with flashes so I switched to flashes and never looked back. Couldn't be happier with them.
I hope that helps.
Message edited by author 2005-09-12 16:00:24. |
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09/12/2005 04:05:11 PM · #4 |
Go with Flash, its easier , more efficient and easier to use, you won't regret it
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09/12/2005 04:17:09 PM · #5 |
thanks Guys - Looks Like it will be flash - This is new coming out soon
Does it sound ok?
EX150 A KIT
Then click on the new products
Again Many thanks for your time |
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09/12/2005 04:39:53 PM · #6 |
People have been getting wonderful results with the Alien bees ( //www.alienbees.com/ )
You should probably consider them. Of course, i've never used studio flashes before. But from what i hear, the Alien Bees flash sets are pretty nice. I'm sure quite a few people here on DPC own them |
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09/12/2005 05:18:57 PM · #7 |
| I used hot-lights for a while but recently bought a pair of Canon flashes (580 and 420). It's working out great so far. The 580 on the camera, bounced off the ceiling or a wall/reflector, and the 420 as a slave mounted on a stand with an umbrella (both came with my hot-lights). No wires anywhere, super portable, plenty of light, totally integrated operation with my Canon camera. I'm sure you can get a more powerful pair of studio lights for similar cost, but you won't get the integrated metering and the portability. |
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