Lighting for High Speed

DustinSchmidt

DustinSchmidt

Well-known member
Anyone on the forum have extensive experience lighting for high speed?

Probably talking 200 fps since that's the max that the Mini can hit. I could possibly get into RED V-Raptor frame rates as that seems to be the next best affordable option. Not dipping into Phantom territory yet.

I'm looking to experiment a bit more with tabletop/product shots in a small studio setting basically. I'm going to give it a go with the lighting I have on hand, but I know I'm going to be underpowered at the moment.

I've been all over the internet lately and there's obviously a lot of good info out there. Just wondering if this area is in anyone here's wheelhouse.

Thanks!
 
NorBro said:
Nothing from me besides wanting to share that I'm always tempted by the FREEFLY...has its problems but also produces some nice footage:


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Yeah the Wave was actually a welcome addition to having another company trying to do high speed IMO outside of the Phantom. From what I understand it had its problems, but their more recent Ember camera seems to be pretty good as far as price to performance.

Again, from what I've read/heard. I've not used either of them.
 
briandrys1 said:
Tungsten lighting used to be recommended for high speed filming, because of flicker.
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Yep, back in the day Tungsten was basically the only option. Then HMI's etc.

Nowadays most quality LED's will do the job for sure. I guess I should narrow down the ask. Anyone shooting high speed with modern LED's, and what's the common fixture they like to use for that?

My largest that I maintain in-house is an Aputure 600x. I know for a fact it's not bright enough, although I could reasonably get there by pushing a bunch of in-camera metrics and doing some stuff in post to get a usable image.

Is a couple of 1200's more the right size for 200fps?
 
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Have shot up to I think 2000 fps. Even a bit on film (Photosonics)!

At 200 fps, you are looking at 3 extra stops over 24, so it's just math. 8x the light needed to get to same exposure. Can't necessarily recommend the head without knowing more about what you are shooting, what stop you are looking to maintain etc.

This is when a dual native ISO camera really sings. Having the ability to just gain most if not all of three stops without having to beef up the lighting is a great boon.
 
DustinSchmidt said:
Anyone on the forum have extensive experience lighting for high speed?
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Ive shot and lit phantom and ember. table top 1000, 2000fps (2000 is fuzzy on the ember)

200 fps is easy.

--

My lights are 4 or so 200w leds and a 600, which I didnt have with the phantom.

You gotta respect the inverse square law and get the lights close.

No closer, take of the barn doors and move them in a bit.

Get a 20in arm and move the light over the table

Being a competent grip will help.

Get some skinny diff paper.

And understand focus. is thin.

Having the wife pour the wine is a fail, you gotta grip a jug to pour the wine.

Do you have 5 magic arms?? not enough.

Some bits.




The ember owner would not listen for bringing the light 'in'

 
Yes, the ability to shoot 4K @ 120 fps with a good telephoto lens (for wildlife, aircraft, aerospace, sports, nature, etc.) gives me some unique footage most other stock footage producers cannot match. And coincidentally, that is exactly the kind of stuff I enjoy shooting most. If it earns money, that is just gravy. :)

"The action is the juice." Michael Cheritto, HEAT
 
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While the philosophical discussions are interesting the board will keep coherance if the topic (table top HFR) is adhered to.
 
See guys, I predicted this surging interest in high speed cinematography. ;)

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