need help deciding which kit to get... situation included

budha

Active member
My boss and I are developing a small scale interview type of web series each week. We are going to do interviews w/ professors etc. We want them to come out good, so I was wondering what kind of light kit you would suggest.

I was thinking about going w/ a 3 point system that is under a thousand dollars.

All shots would be indoor of course and would be in a room no larger than 10x10 feet. The lights would only have to be on the interviewee.

Thank you for any and all help.

-Mark
 
I suggest something like a Rifa Pro kit + a flexfill and extra stand. Depending on where you get it, it's cost just about $1K. A simpler (read "cheaper") alternative would be the following:

1 - softbox setup of some sort (lowel tota+photoflex+stand might be the cheapest).
1 - 32-42" Flexfill (white/silver)
1 - 22" Flexfill (silver/gold if you can find it)
1 - Normal stand for the bigger reflector
1 - Stand with a reflector arm for the 22"

Use the softbox as key. Bounce with the 32" for fill and throw that 22" up for a hair or edgelight. This configuration will cost around $600, less if you buy cheaper stands or cheaper reflectors (I priced it with Photoflex - Impact would be cheaper).

If you want to spend even less pick up some foam core or show cards instead of the Flexfills.

That's your 3 point system with just one light (2 if you get a Rifa Pro kit).

Good luck.

~~Dave
 
Yeah. I'd do the one with the Rifa 55, though. If this kit will only be used for the situation you described and never for anything else, the 44 will be OK, but the 55 will be a good tool down the road for other things as well.

And yeah, Flexfill is a name brand (that I think is too expensive and will not buy) but I tend to use it instead of saying "collapsible reflector." Like "Xerox" is to "photocopy." Really good bang for the buck would be Photoflex Lite Discs. Impact is cheaper but of course, not as well built. That said, I've had a 42" Impact multi-reflector that has lasted a few years with no problems whatsoever. Though, when I pick it up and then pick up my Photoflex one, I can definitely tell the difference in build quality.

Good luck.

~~Dave
 
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