Video Light Options

[scotto007]

I am wondering if I had a DX1200 and wanted lighting to use for both stills and video, could I use a light like this:
FF-3x5W AFO

and mount it on some kind of arm (notice the ball joint on the yellow model)

Any downsides?

 

[Ryan]

Personally I wouldn't use that light as a video light. It is a bit too narrow as is.

The non AFO version of that light can accept this diffuser:
Bossk BigBlue 60 Deg Diffuser for FF 3X5 Series Lights (non AFO only) [bos.3x5.diffuser] - $17.99 : Reef Photo & Video!, The Underwater Photo Pros

and here is a comparison of the beam angles:

The 3x5 with a diffuser should be wide enough for video illumination with normal lenses. Even that will be a bit narrow if you add a wa lens, and you should look at something wider like a FIX LED1000DX.

 

[mark sessler]

Scott,
I am buying the same camera this week. That light, the FIXLED1000 is the one the folks at Backscatter in Monterey, CA recommended to me, because I want to do as much video as stills. It's almost $600.00, but it seems like it's the best one for this purpose that I've seen so far.
Good luck
- Mark