Okay, I just won a NCAA mens basketball pool for $160 and Ive decided Id like to spend it on lighting equipment. What are the must buy equipment peices for some simple three-point lighting? Like how strong should my lights be?

Congrats on the basketball pool. My picks were so bad that I was out of my pool at halftime of the first round.

I can't give you specifics on lighting, but once you get the info, try B and H Photo. They are very reliable and have a USED department. I've bought many things there!

Mark M
Scooter Productions

For 160 bucks, you won't be able to buy three video lights. Lowel makes really cheap video lights ($100+ each new)--check out the tota and omni. Although most pro gaffers now say the only thing Lowel lights are good for are starting fires. I've used them extensively with no problem.

If you want to take non-video lights and adapt them, go to a hardware store, buy some $15 clip on lights with reflectors, buy some $50 halogen worklights on stands, and go buy color corrected bulbs to put in them. 500w Halogen worklights use the same bulb type as 500w Lowel Totas and the clip lights use standard medium base bulbs. However, this approach won't look as professional as buying video lights--sorry, weddings are out. Expect to pay $10-20 a bulb.

joren

Joren nailed it, but you dont have to buy video balanced bulbs. Little halogen bulbs (50w, and up $9 each) burn hot enough to register white on video.(although the trick with the 5oow lowel bulbs is a good one.) As stated, not very professional looking, so you probablly wouldnt want to show up to a wedding with them, but they do just fine. Ive posted this m,any times before, but the below screengrabs were all light with these bulbs, in domed work lamps, with gels, and diffusment.


I would also get a descent gels, and diffusment package. Hope this helps, and good luck. On this level lighting is far to often overlooked.
R. Michael

And you shall know us by the trail of dead.

Well good lighting is huge for my movies since my ZR-45's picture quality improves about 10X in good lighed environments. As for links are there any online stores with the equipment you guys suggested?

Here's to get you started:
http://www.studiodepot.com
http://markertek.com
http://www.bhphotovideo.com
It's a little painful the first time you see the prices. There might be less expensive places. I just don't know of them.

Re: Color balanced lighting. I respectfully disagree, Tizzy. Yes, you can get household incandescent lighting balanced on most consumer cameras. The problem I have is with skin tones. I think it makes them look darker and orange. Of course I've used unbalanced lighting before, but I definitely feel balanced lighting is superior and a worthwhile upgrade for the cost. Plus, most stage makeup is designed for balanced bulbs. It would be interesting to do a side-by-side comparison. Maybe when I have the time.

joren