I am shooting a Z7 and am thinking of trying one of the LED panels that sit on the hot shoe for indoor shots instead of flash. Has anybody tried this? I know they are usually for video, but would it work well for stills? I imagine output would be weak compared to flash, but it should help with focusing in low light environments.
I am really a lazy natural light guy and want to avoid having to use any light stands etc. Anyway, all thoughts and recommendations are welcome. Thanks.
gdsf2 wrote:
I am shooting a Z7 and am thinking of trying one of the LED panels that sit on the hot shoe for indoor shots instead of flash. Has anybody tried this? I know they are usually for video, but would it work well for stills? I imagine output would be weak compared to flash, but it should help with focusing in low light environments.
I am really a lazy natural light guy and want to avoid having to use any light stands etc. Anyway, all thoughts and recommendations are welcome. Thanks.
Ok lazy natural light guy, here’s my opinion. I’ve not actually used one but I do own a small one, and like you, have planned to use it but haven’t done it yet.
But here’s my feeling on it.
I’m not trying to add light with mine or using it to replaces flash. I on occasion am hired to shoot rapshows. Like most venues they’re pretty dark and use different color strobes for ambiance.
IF, I used flash it would drown out the colored lights and kill the look I’m trying to capture.
I’m only trying to add a bit of light so I have less trouble focusing. Focusing can be a real issue but can be an issue even if using flash.
I think to replace a flash would be pretty hard with a mounted video light for shooting stills sincestill photography is shot at much faster SS.
Unless you’re just trying to add a small amount of fill/ambient light.
I’m shooting with a 50mm 1.4, wide open and as fast as iso 6400 at 1/160.
My iso would probably drop less than a stop but again my goal is not adding ambient light, just to aid my focus.
If you’re in a situation where you can use a flash, just use it!! Or set up a video light but you’ll likely need two.
John
In addition to what is posted above, one more reason to go for a small flash over the LEDs is the color. Most inexpensive LED panels have low CRI (color rendering index). The ones with the highest CRI, the better. Flash light, in this regard is perfect.
Also, there are much smaller options than the DSLR SB900.
The problem I have encountered with constant light LED panels for still photography is that their output is low compared to flash. If you want to use a low ISO for maximum image quality your shutter speed is usually too low.
Flash not only has more power, but the super short duration of flash helps get very sharp images.
I saw that. The right idea. Hopefully, and likely soon, somebody will come out with a flash with the correct color auto focus assist light for mirrorless.
gdsf2 wrote:
I saw that. The right idea. Hopefully, and likely soon, somebody will come out with a flash with the correct color auto focus assist light for mirrorless.
I'm not sure it's something that can be fixed by producing a modified external flash alone, without changes to the mirrorless camera itself.
Aputure has some models that are both high-CRI & TLCI, and surprisingly powerful.
Y'all are right that a flash is significantly more powerful, but that's actually the exact reason I'm thinking of trying an LED. Even at a low 'fill flash' level, flash can be distracting. Having a little continuous light to help with autofocus, assist AF, give you a catchlight etc.
I pre-ordered the Godox R1 through Adorama. It's only a little more expensive than a lot of RGB-capable on-camera video lights (but still quite a bit cheaper than some of the more well-known options!), but it supports their round head accessory system to give access to domes, grids, barn-doors, etc. I already have the V1 and two H200R heads for the AD200 along with two of the round head accessory kits. I imagine/picture using it for low-light portraiture with city lights to help provide a kick of light or color to a subject, for light painting (even with the possibility of fitting it in an S2 bracket and adding a small softbox!), possibly some macro usage, and of course on-camera video of my daughter as a video light. It's never gonna be a primary light for me and I've no illusions about its ultimate power capabilities, but it's small and flexible, so I figure it could have a slot in my kit.
Check out a Lume Cube, I have the v2.0 that has the better CRI index. Great light and super compact and you can set it off camera for a nice fill light too. Very versatile.
