Unobtrusive studio lighting for DV

[KeithM]

Hello all
May I introduce myself first of all. I'm an audio visual technician working in higher education and I have an interesting problem that I'm hoping someone may have some ideas about.

I am involved in re-equiping a number of rooms to be used for observation/interviews. Currently we are using fixed, remotely operated colour security cameras and miniDV cams. The problem I have is that they are your average classroom. Fluorescent lighting and low ceilings, 8-9ft high. Because of the nature of the recordings the lighting needs to be as unobtrusive as possible. I've considered using some sort of track lighting using halogen spots with possibly home made diffusers, but I could really do with some creative ideas here. Any ideas welcome, types of light fitting, wattage etc.

Thanks for any help

[Gary MacKenzie]

cheapest is to use daylight tubes in computer rated fluorescent holders.

most modern dv cameras record far better in lower light than the older analogue models.

[KeithM]

Thanks Gary, that's blindingly obvious now. That should work for the majority if situations. I'll have to talk with other users of the rooms but I doubt daylight tubes would be a problem for non video use. Actually I see that production companies are using fluorescents more these days for indoor work but I'm guessing these are highly specialised lamps. The only minor problem I can see with your suggestion, is that its all overhead lighting. I guess I could make up some additional fluorescents that could be placed up close for more critical applications. The rooms aren't that large 30-40m sq.

Keith Mitchell

[Christian Lett]

Hi Gary,

Sorry if I'm missing something obvious, but what do you mean by "computer rated" fluorescent holders?

Also, where do you get daylight tubes from and are they expensive? I take it you cannot get them from Wilkos..?

Cheers,

Christian.

[Gary MacKenzie]

there are flourescent tube holders rated for use in computer suites.
all the suites at college have them , they have a metal grill on the outside rather than a plastic diffuser.

quote from a THORN lighting site

'Catagory 2 louvres manufactured from highly reflective
aluminium especially for use as office lighting where VDUs are used'

and here
http://www.edw-uk.com/e-wholesaler/Victor/page92.htm

daylight tubes are available from osram etc , and we are buying more of those than normal tubes , again , i'll see if i can get info before i leave tomorrow to head off to the videoforum

heres a start page
http://tinyurl.com/ythmf

where many daylight bulbs/tubes are available



[This message has been edited by Gary MacKenzie (edited 08 February 2004).]

[Keith M]

I think I'm correct in saying also, that they run at 400Hz to avoid clashing with mains operated CRT monitors.

[Christian Lett]

Thanks guys for clearing that up.

I'm interested in experimenting with fluorescents for their soft-light properties for my film-making. I'll take a look in the RS catalogues to see whether you can just get the transformers & mountings seperately rather than the whole unit, as I want to make a couple of portable lamps (and I can't afford Kinoflos!!).

Is there any mileage in using regular fluorescents purchased from the local hardware store and wrapping the tubes in fluorescent-daylight gel (if such a colour exists)?

Cheers, Christian.

[Keith M]

You could try this company http://www.tubeshield.co.uk/colours.htm if you want to experiment with different colours or you could just use daylight or coloured gels available very cheaply from the likes of Stage Electrics http://www.stage-electrics.co.uk/eweb/index.htm. I'd be very interested to know how you get on.

[Christian Lett]

Thank you Keith.