Studio / Portrait / Video lighting basic differences and types Follow
There are 3 main types of lighting for studio still life / portrait and videography.
- Electronic Strobe (flash)
- LED constant lighting
- Incandescent / Fluorescent constant lighting
Electronic Strobe
This type of lighting is compatible with still photography only. It is available in many types and sizes from on camera electronic flash to high powered stand-alone studio strobe units. Special, long lasting flash bulbs are incorporated. They can be battery powered, AC powered or a combination of the two. These tend toward the mid to higher end price wise.
LED constant lighting
This type of lighting can be used for still photography or videography and has a lot of flexibility in bi-colour light balance, dimmability and colour variability. They come in many different sizes and configurations, battery powered as well as AC powered. LED lighting is low power use, cool to the touch and long lasting. This is the fastest growth area for new lighting options. Prices vary from very low to higher end.
Incandescent / Fluorescent bulb constant lighting
This type of lighting is the most economical and traditional for still photography. Can be used for videography as well but LED is more recommended. Incandescent (regular, household type screw in bulb) photo flood bulbs are available in 250W - 500W strengths generally. You can find them in warmer and more daylight balanced options. They tend to burn very hot and have a shorter lifespan but the price is low in comparison to LED and strobe. Fluorescent don't burn as hot and tend to last longer, however the LED is superceding fluorescent in popularity and availability.