Anyone tied this lighten kit for interviews?

[Design Media Consultants]

Every job needs to be evaluated based on the budget. What are you getting paid? That not only determines the equipment you bring, it also determines how much time you spend, and the quality level expectations. If you are being compensated well, and the quality expectations are high, then you need top quality gear. If you cannot afford it, then rent it. Also you should not purchase your equipment based on one job, but on the future use of the equipment and how it will impact the future of your business. If you will be using the lights on a consistent basis, then borrowing to buy a better kit might be well justified. You will be living with the equipment for many years. Just something to think about.

 

[jamedia.uk]

Good points. However I have realised over the last few corporate interviews I did that i need some lights and my tungstens are not it. I need something cool (heat wise) and easily portable. Including on public transport... (trying to take a car into London and some other cities is jut not going to happen.) Where as a couple of wheeled peli cases and a rucksack does work.

For my budgets the rotolights seem a good balance inexpensive and not "too cheap" even though they are twice the price of the lights I was looking at.

 

[Design Media Consultants]

Good points. However I have realised over the last few corporate interviews I did that i need some lights and my tungstens are not it. I need something cool (heat wise) and easily portable. Including on public transport...

I agree, cool lighting (LED) is the way to go. The cost of LED has also been coming down. Just have to bite the bullet and buy something that will serve your current and near future needs. Hope you get the kit you need. Wish you the best.

 

[doubledark]

Get an aputure light storm then diffuse however you like.

OP; would have to agree with the above comment.

Here's a post by Liam Hall who shows how he used this particular light http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?352815-Global-Teacher-Prize&highlight=liam

And here's a post that talks about something you will eventually have to deal with (shooting with window backdrop) http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthrea...advice&p=1986689927&highlight=#post1986689927

I'm a stills shooter trying to transition over to shooting video and on my first assignment, I had to deal with windows. I decided to hire very large LED fixtures thinking I would be OK. The Australian sun in summer is the devil, but thankfully my client liked the blown out background.

The more powerful your lights, the easier it is to deal with widely differing lighting problems. So, for now I will hire until it makes financial sense to buy.

 

[jamedia.uk]

Well I got the Neo kit. https://www.rotolight.com/product/neo2-3-light-kit/

Well worth it. There were a few niggles they have fixed in the new version of the kit. The picture onthe kit about although it says Neo 2 is the picture of the Neo1. The difference primarily is the space in which to pack the three stands is a bit bigger and easier to use. The Neo2's are 85% brighter but otherwise the same size. I use the original kit and have added a Neo2 and a set of barn doors.

On the up side it is all in one case. Very easy to move around with to and from locations. Two of us took the kit (and camera in a Peli case ) across London on public transport with no problems (other than it being London and public transport ) It's compact all in one box etc not to heavy and it's all in there.

The case has space for the barn doors I only have one set so there is still space for a spare set of batteries (eneloop Pro/Black) which gives me a solid 3&1/3 hours light. With the spare set of batteries this is 7 hours light. The Neo 2 on full power is about 2 hours +2 hours. Of course the kit has the mains Power units but then you have to run power cables everywhere. If you turn the lights off (they remember their settings) between shoots running on batteries for a day is a practical solution.

Set up is quick. The stands are not the most robust but they do the job. Bigger stronger stands would add size, weight etc (and of course cost) For interviews etc they are fine. They have a reasonable hight range and the feet are adjustable in spread so should fit anywhere. For more creative work the lights have attachable padded handles (and a spring clip to attach to what ever) and a fixed or adjustable cold shoe mount. This give many options other than the stands in the box.

The kit comes with a range of cells/filters and the much improved Neo2 kit manual explains their use. individually or in combination and with the various lighting effects. So novices can easily create a flickering fire or TV or the Police car or lightening outside the window.

So in short a good all in one kit for interviews/documentary shooters. It is also a very good starting place for creative cinematographers. You may get bigger and better lights ( Rotolight AEOS?) but I think this kit will still be one you grab for a lot of smaller work unless you need a large area lit.