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 Continuous Light Sources
Continuous light sources have always been used for recording to video,
but they’ve become an increasing presence in the world of digital still
photography as well. The immediate feedback of the camera’s LCD
combined with the comparative low cost of such lights (as compared to
traditional strobes) has made these lights attractive to many
photographers.
Though they don’t provide the power output of
strobes, continuous lights allow you to analyze a lighting setup before
you shoot. The ability to position and reposition lights is attractive
to photographers learning the fundamentals of lighting or who are
working with difficult subjects, such as jewelry with its highly
reflective characteristics.
Tungsten-based systems output a
lot of light, but also produce a lot of heat, which can quickly become
uncomfortable in a confined space. They operate at a color temperature
range between 3,000 and 3,500 Kelvin, producing a warm light that can
be accurately reproduced by setting the camera’s white balance for
tungsten, ensuring neutral tones and colors.
Daylight-balanced
fluorescents produce much less heat and deliver a cooler color
temperature of between 5,000 and 5,500 Kelvin. They’re increasingly
favored by digital photographers because they aren’t as hot as tungsten
and deliver a quality of light and color that works favorably within
the dynamic range of most digital camera sensors.
Lighting for Video
Though video cameras are marketed for their ability to work under very
low light, in order to obtain best-quality video footage, you need good
lighting. Whether you’re shooting a family documentary or a short
presentation for work, a quality lighting kit is indispensable for
optimum results.
Lighting kits from companies like Photoflex,
Adorama, JTL and Britek provide the bright illumination needed to
properly illuminate a subject or a room. Diffusers and other light
modifiers allow you creative control over the direction of the light,
as opposed to just filling the room with light.
While multiple
lighting setups provide greater flexibility, you can often begin with a
single light source, complementing it with one or several reflectors to
produce fill-light and to control the direction of light as well.
Whether you’re shooting still or video, you’ll find that discovering
the potential for creative lighting will improve the look of your
images and may inspire you to be creative with the way you use light to
reveal and present your subject.
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Buyer's Guides 
