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

Comments

[indianapenguin]

Would this be an equivalent for those of us without any wiring experience?

http://www.amazon.com/LimoStudio-Quality-Socket-Adapter-AGG882-/dp/B0091HO0FY/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1452638955&sr=8-2&keywords=flourescent+light+photography

[jorge talamantes]

yes and no, i had bought those lighbulbs and they saw 45w but the light intensity its like 23w, the socket base works good you just need better lightbulbs...

[griffinity]

Yeah, that product looks lovely, and nicely priced!

[jgderuvo]

Hey Griffin, the wiring diagram is MIA. Can we get one? Thanks

[MarioD8]

Can i add a dimmer to this project? or i need to buy specific bulbs ?

[ABOBEGRa]

hello >> nice diy

but where is the links to buy it :)

i from saudi arebia and we dont have this things

thanx

[SalterNet]

Could you do the same effect with a power strip, socket adapters and splitters?

[Oh MyD]

one more question. While at Home Depot and aced about the 12 gauge wire I ended up with solid copper 600 volt. can that be used as well?

[Oh MyD]

Thanks for the video!! I'm having a hard time finding the exact AC cable you are using. The folks at home depot pointed be in the wrong direction using your name "bare AC cable". This was after a long blank stare. Is there another name this cable goes by? Or can you direct me to a different place to get it?

[griffinity]

You want an AC power cable with a three-pronged plug on one side, and bare wires on the other side. Tell them you're building your own light, and you need to plug it into the wall.

[Oh MyD]

Thank you! That helps a lot. Excited to build it!

[speaking12]

This is a great light set! I assume this is your key; are the other two lights in the video what you use to complete the other two points? Also I would like to know what size cfl you'd recommend for a 500W softbox; the photofloods can turn an interior set into a sweatbox. Thanks

[pmuehlhauser]

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]

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.

[kwaku2814]

how many lights can the goal zero escape 150 power I built 3 lights from your build

[griffinity]

The "150" means 150 watt hours, so if your light uses 176 watts (8*22-watt bulbs), one light will last for 51 minutes. Three lights would last 17 minutes.

[bakerture]

http://www.bakerture.com/blog/product-shoot-molesk...

THANKS FOR THE WRITE UP...Love it!

[dcyr]

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]

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

[jakehuitt1]

Please link all of the things you bought online. I am trying but can get this for under $150.