For video shooting there are some important considerations:
- Constant current or very high PWM regulated light is to be preferred to avoid blinky or banded movie. PWM has advantage of being constant in CCT and tint. Constant current in the other hand will fluctuates the CCT and tint, you may find the tint move from slightly greenish in low mode to pinkish in higher mode. But since most videographers are usually use a single mode for the entire shooting, this should not be a big problem. Constant current is the most efficient in battery consumption.
- Constant brightness or at least no SUDDEN step down. Many small high output flashlights usually stepping down after very short period of maximum output to avoid damage. This is a big no in video shooting, picture shooting is OK as you can always wait for the flashlight to cools down or adjust the exposure accordingly. Try to find any lights with big battery capacity or external power capability. But again, big battery capacity in small light that will steps down after 30 seconds is useless. Or….just use the next constant mode.
- As high as possible CRI (90+) with neutral CCT (4000K - 5000K). This will make post editing so much easier as you have more colours to begin with.
- Ability to use/change multiple optics and filter is a big plus. This gives you the flexibility with a single equipments. The easiest solution is to carry several flashlights for different scenes.
- Smooth beam profile. IMHO, reflectored light will give you spotlight style movie with high contrast between center and surroundings. TIR (Total Internal Reflection) optics or OP (orange peel) reflector with smooth beam profile is the best for this application. And to make things worse, most cameras have somewhat limited dynamic range. What looks normal and evenly lit to the yes will looks like a presenter in a spotlight on a stage.
- Clemence