The ellipsoidal is a specific type of spotlight used in studio applications as a key light for actors or to enhance set details. The instrument reflects light off of a surface shaped like an ellipsoid placed in the rear of the unit. The light path can be focused by moving the lamp closer to or farther away from the reflector. The light is further focused using a lens attached at the front of a narrow tube that directs the light path. Internal frame shutters can also restrict the light pattern. The result is a small to mid-sized circular light pattern.
Fluorescent instruments provide extremely soft, broad lighting. The high efficiency and cool operating temperatures of this type of lighting make them ideal choices for lighting actors up close when other light sources may cause perspiration or discomfort.
Like the ellipsoidal, the Fresnel is primarily a studio instrument due to its size and weight. The Fresnel uses a larger lens to focus the light. The lamp can be positioned closer or farther from the lens to focus the light beam. The Fresnel provides a soft circular light pattern that's broader than an ellipsoidal but narrower than a scoop. Fresnel's are useful as "fill" light to eliminate shadows on faces or boost light levels in darker regions of the set.
The LED light is a relatively new technology that's popular in both studio and mobile applications. The LED offers the advantage of power efficiency by producing more light per watt used. As a result, LED instruments also operate at low temperatures like fluorescent lights. LED lights can be controlled to change colors on cue. This feature is useful for matching indoor or outdoor light conditions. LEDs can also be dimmed while keeping their original color temperature. LED instruments are expensive and can produce some undesirable artifacts under certain camera conditions. Fortunately, the technology is rapidly improving and production costs are decreasing.
Scoops provide a broad, soft light pattern used to boost overall light levels across an entire scene. Scoops cannot be focused. They include lamps that range from 500 to 2,000 watts and include a frame in the front that allows insertion of colored gels.
Mobile lighting for television includes lights manufactured for portability. Lighting types are frequently associated with specific manufacturers. Like their studio counterparts, some instruments provide broad non-focused light while others allow the user to focus the light pattern by adjusting the lamp position. Mobile lights are often used in conjunction with devices known as "flags" or "barn doors" that attach metal deflectors to limit or direct the light pattern. Lights small enough to mount on top of a camera are often used in news gathering environments where basic lighting is required.