Godox AD200 Pro Tutorial: Using Continuous Lighting Mode

Using the AD200 Pro's continuous lighting mode for video lighting offers versatility and control over your lighting setup, ensuring that you achieve the desired aesthetic for your video projects. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore how to effectively utilize the AD200 Pro's continuous lighting mode, adjust color temperature to suit your needs, and address potential flicker issues.

Understanding the AD200 Pro's Continuous Lighting Mode

The AD200 Pro is a powerful and versatile strobe light with the added capability of continuous lighting. Its continuous lighting mode allows you to use it as a constant light source for video recording, providing consistent illumination without the need for multiple setups or adjustments.

To activate the continuous lighting mode on the AD200 Pro, simply switch the mode dial to the continuous lighting icon. Once activated, you can adjust the brightness and color temperature to achieve the desired lighting effect for your video.

Adjusting Color Temperature

Color temperature plays a crucial role in setting the mood and tone of your videos. The AD200 Pro offers adjustable color temperature ranging from warm to cool tones, allowing you to customize the lighting to match the ambiance you want to create.

Accessing Color Temperature Controls: On the AD200 Pro, color temperature adjustment is typically done through the menu system. Navigate to the color temperature settings using the control panel or the dedicated buttons.

Choosing the Right Color Temperature: Consider the desired mood and atmosphere of your video. For example, warmer tones (around 3200K) can evoke a cozy and intimate feel, while cooler tones (around 5600K) can create a more crisp and professional look.

Experimentation and Calibration: Don't hesitate to experiment with different color temperatures to find what works best for your specific scene. Additionally, you may need to calibrate the color temperature to match other light sources in your setup for consistency.

Managing Flicker Issues

Flicker can be a common problem when using continuous lighting for video, especially when shooting at high frame rates or under certain conditions. However, with proper management and adjustments, you can minimize or eliminate flicker entirely.

Sync Speed and Frame Rate: Ensure that the shutter speed of your camera is synchronized with the frequency of the continuous lighting to avoid flicker. Adjust the frame rate of your video accordingly, keeping in mind the power source frequency (e.g., 50Hz or 60Hz).

Using DC Power: If possible, power the AD200 Pro using DC power instead of batteries. DC power provides a more stable and consistent output, reducing the likelihood of flicker.

Flicker-Free Mode: Some advanced lighting systems, including the AD200 Pro, may offer a flicker-free mode specifically designed to mitigate flicker issues. Enable this mode if available to ensure a smooth and flicker-free lighting output.

Test Shots and Monitoring: Before recording your video, take test shots at different settings and playback the footage to check for any flicker. Monitor the lighting during recording to detect any flicker in real-time and make necessary adjustments.

Post-Processing: In post-production, you can also use software tools to correct flicker issues if they are still present in your footage. However, it's always best to minimize flicker during the recording process to avoid additional editing work.

By following these steps and guidelines, you can effectively harness the power of the AD200 Pro's continuous lighting mode for video lighting, adjust color temperature to achieve the desired look, and manage flicker issues for smooth and professional-looking footage. Experimentation, practice, and attention to detail are key to mastering the art of lighting for video production.