I'm about to start doing 'moving photos' for a magazine (fashion) and tv commercials with hi-res 'grabs'. I'm currently using Bron/Profoto lighting (flash) both indoor and outdoor (and it's reasonable portable).

I shoot on average around f/11 (H3D), but could work more on full aperture if necessary. What I can not change is the overall 'look' on my lighting (nothing fancy, but I do use flash in 99% of my pictures).

I know I can forget about 'unique' styles like over powering the sun on outdoor shoots (as I don't have in my budget to buy several 18kW HMI's and no intention to fry my models...), but I definitely need to light up my subject. To get a similar look I obviously (?) need to continue using my modifiers (Para's, Giant Reflectors, Beauty Dish, ring flash etc)....

Do I get the 575/1200w HMI heads from Bron and Profoto so I can continue using my modifiers, perhaps adding an Arrisun 6kW for more light and a LED ring light (and start shooting on f/1.2...) or do I have to start thinking about getting a full 'movie' kit and a 18 ton grip truck to move it with?

Regards
AndreR

Im a stills photgeapher and video newb - so dont know anything but this is what it seems like..

Hot lights are horrible because they are hot and burn your modifiers and or gels and studio down and are tungsten colour

Cool lights are horrible because they are so expensive and dim

Lighting video sucks

Are you trying to shoot a video that you can grab stills from or just collect lots of stills

Remeber if your shutter is high speed your video strobes and if your shutter is low your still are blurred

Im seeing a future where flash goes off and a still is taken and that missing frame from the video is interpolated

I think a camera like the D2x that can perform in video bright (ie dull) environments is the way forward

Im just shooting scenes twice or getting an assistant to stand next to me hosing with the D3 while the video is running (which of course ruins sound)

of course you could get your model to act in super slo motion and then create a movie from lots of flashed stills !

S

I'm sorry that I'm not familiar with those brands of HMI lights, but if your light modifiers are built to handle the heat, you might want to explore the heads that will interface with your accessories.

About the 6kw PAR: You will need a generator for this lamp as it is too powerful to plug in the wall!

About the grip truck: I think a 2 ton truck will probably suit your needs:)

One more thing about movies: If your subjects are moving about rooms and such, you might want to re-think your lighting style and equipment to accommodate this. You may want some fresnels and flags, nets, and c-stands to control the light. Perhaps some Kino-Flow lamps as well and maybe some tungsten lights for interiors and night scenes.

If your only shooting outside in the day, the 1200kw HMI will be too dim to make much of an effect after modifying the light.