DIY video light (800-watt-equivalent for $86)

video DIY video light (800-watt-equivalent for $86)

Griffin builds a powerful, DIY video light for $86, using hardware store parts, and eight 100-watt-equivalent compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs. Also discussed: three-point lighting and color temperature / white balance.

Light output: 12,800 lumens, or 13 incandescent bulbs worth of power, but uses only 184 actual watts
Color temperature: 5,000 degrees Kelvin (often called "daylight")
Power consumption: draws 3.2 amps

nyckidd24 says: May 10, 2013. 2:16 PM

I built one of these yesterday, and it's fantastic! Thanks for sharing the idea. Now, stupid question time...

I'll probably smack myself in the head later for not thinking this through enough.. is the light that glows through the sides of the dish pan a significant loss? Would wrapping around the sides with a black tape accomplish anything as far as directing more of the light forward? Not that I'm asking for more light out of this thing, as it's incredible given size/weight/cost/energy as it is.. I was just pondering this and figured why not ask. :D

Thanks again!

gnach says: Apr 30, 2013. 3:49 PM

Kudos! Good build, good video. thx. I'm not too keen on the pan lid but I can't come up with an cheap alternative. Gotta love those flag pole swivels.

pmuehlhauser says: Apr 16, 2013. 11:30 AM

almost done building this light, putting in 4 switches since a dimmer is not really a good idea since dimmable bulbs cost more and CFL dimmers cost more as well. however since I know close to nothing about power levels, I was wondering is it possible to power this with a lithium-ion battery if so what do I need? if not lithium-ion then lead?

griffinity (author) in reply to pmuehlhauserApr 16, 2013. 12:28 PM

You won't be able to power this with a regular battery. I've used my light with a "battery" called the Goal Zero Escape 150, but it's about the size of a football.

dcyr says: Mar 12, 2013. 11:10 AM

Is there any chance you can give a more detailed list no where you got the parts for this from? I have been looking into buying the parts and I cannot for the life of me find it for anywhere near $86 total. That cake pan I can't find for less than like $20 or so. If you could provide stores and such that would be a HUGE help!

griffinity (author) in reply to dcyrApr 16, 2013. 12:25 PM

I believe I found my cake pan at a Dollar General store. Or perhaps it was Walmart.

vidserve says: Jan 9, 2013. 7:01 AM

Love your article. I have one that may be of interest to your readers. Made this for my film and video work a few years back.

http://www.webtfg.com/make-this-reusable-Chinese-Lantern-page1.html

RAMUSE007 says: Dec 22, 2012. 10:55 PM

So where's the test film that you made with these lights?

griffinity (author) in reply to RAMUSE007Dec 23, 2012. 7:55 AM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNS7bqLTy6I

bertzie says: Nov 19, 2012. 8:10 PM

Hey Griffin, which sockets did you use? You never specified in the video.

fersidhe says: Jun 14, 2012. 11:24 AM

I am also thinking of 2 different switches for more control over light amount. 400 or 800 wattts (6400 or 12800 lumens?)

fersidhe says: Jun 14, 2012. 11:14 AM

Fantastic! At work we are moving to a new building and I will have an extra office on an unoccupied floor. I Was trying to figure out less expensive lighting options to go with the green screen I am going to have, this fits the bill perfectly. Thanks for this!

griffinity (author) says: Apr 12, 2012. 9:55 PM

I don't recommend anyone attempt the electrical wiring without a proper understanding of AC electrical systems and safety. To provide more clarity, here's a wiring diagram and photo.

iphotocourse says: Apr 1, 2012. 8:39 AM

That's splendid, how heavy is the whole assembly and any ideas on how to attach some modifiers? I may very well try this out for home-studio video set.

griffinity (author) in reply to iphotocourseApr 12, 2012. 9:20 PM

Pretty light. Maybe 6 lbs. (but I'm only guessing). I'm using a bunch of binder clips to attach gels.