Podcasting Power Tools

The least expensive way to improve your video is through better lighting. All the resolution and sharpness in the world can’t help you see a poorly lit subject.

Good video lighting doesn’t require a massive array of floodlights, umbrellas, and stands. Video lighting technology has progressed to the point that you can find efficient, compact, and relatively inexpensive lights that are perfect for video podcasting.

The big brand name in this space is LitePanels. These compact lights put out an amazing amount of light for the small size and the LEDs don’t draw too much power either. Unfortunately, they aren’t cheap. On the low end, their lights run $200-$500 each!

Fortunately there are cheaper alternatives.

If you don’t mind a little DIY, check out this video:

For a few bucks, you can put together your own LED light panels.

If you prefer to purchase a finished product, you should look to Ebay.  LED lights generally come in 96, 126, or 160 LED models.  There are several Asian brands that put out pretty good products.  You can generally find a 160 LED light for about $35-$40 shipped and a 196 LED light for about $55-$65 shipped.

Here is a video that will show you what these lights can do:

Cheap LED VIdeo Lights Shootout. from Frank Glencairn on Vimeo.

Don’t forget about mounting hardware required to setup these lights.  We’ll cover more on that later…

Over the next 2 months, I will be writing a series on building a budget video recording studio. I will be doing comparison videos showing how extra equipment will have the greatest effect your video. We will start with a webcam, add inexpensive lighting, and move on up to a DSLR setup. We will also work with budget audio upgrades for your video recording studio! Stay tuned!