Softbox vs Panel Diffusion comparison examples | Which one for you?

[@SamHolland]

Which one for you and why? Softbox, or diffusion panel? Let us know...

[@xHOTDAMNxHBx]

You ever try a swiss book light?

[@SamHolland]

No I haven’t

[@NickBrengle]

Loved this video Sam, thanks to KZbin for letting me discover your channel. I really like using the rolls of diffusion. it is cheaper and can be taped on or fixed to anything.

[@SamHolland]

Hey Nick 🤩 so pleased you enjoy the channel. Thank YOU for watching and for your kind message 🙏🏻 Ah that’s cool. I’ll deffo check out the rolls 🤩🎥 thanks for the tip

[@Audiotechnical]

Great video Sam! It's exactly what I was explaining to a friend a few hours ago, but you describe it much better, so I sent her this link!! For me, I can't decide on which I prefer. As you say, different situations call for different light modifiers. You know, I also have that Aputure Light Dome, and I noticed when it arrived it had 2 (or 3??) types of diffusion panels in the kit, but I've only used 2 of them (double layered). Did you notice the difference between them?

[@ebinrock]

The cool thing about Fresnels with softboxes is that, because you can adjust the beam angle, even though you have a fixed distance to the diffusion with the softbox, you can adjust the angle of the beam to make sure it fills the diffusion. Too bad certain industry leaders in softboxes (cough cough, Chimera!) are discontinuing more and more speed rings designed to fit Fresnels, particularly the super-convenient quick-release models. Or, if you need to use one of those lights as a hard light, you can take the softbox off and use barn doors, a snoot, scrim, or anything to make the light versatile. And Fresnels, depending on the diameter you choose (for field work and most situations, a 4-6" diameter fixture works well), can be very compact and lightweight to transport and set up. It's my go-to light (LED, of course, but if you can't afford an LED Fresnel, a good ol' used ARRI tungsten Fresnel kit that includes maybe a 650, a 300, and two 150's will do the job.) And you can go LED later with Visionsmith's ReLamp LED "bulbs", which are made for the ARRI's.

[@Bishnu_Deb]

My favorite is diffusion panel. 80% of my product and food shoots are done with diffusion panel.

[@BetterCreating]

great vid - thanks! Investing in some new studio lighting kit for my channel and trying to weigh up softboxes and light mat options for a key light.. Love the look of the new Amaran lights - 100x S / 200x S Vs F22c Light mat: cost/versatility/quality ... any thoughts?

[@PhillipSkraba]

Damn it Sam, get that camera off the table rig and onto a tripod or I'll barf! I've got a few of these ready to drop too, I enjoy modifying light even more than flying drones 😂

[@SamHolland]

😂 why is it that I never notice it until it’s exported?! 😂 don’t worry, after all the comments about this, it’s back firmly on the tripod! Thanks for watching 🙏🏻🎥

[@PenFriends]

I’ve been using diffusion reflector 5-1 for my product photos and I have to say I’m hugely impressed! It really softens everything up nicely

[@daltontengelsen8785]

When my clients complain, then I’ll do panel diffusion, however soft box has been working fantastic for me for hundreds of projects.

[@DannyBligh]

I’ve used both, i have a 1.5m panel at home and love the look it provides but they are fiddly. More space required. Everything you said in the video. Give me an assistant to come set everything up and unlimited space and i’ll use the panel 😂 i’m too lazy otherwise. Great video mate!

[@SamHolland]

😂 that’s exactly it isn’t it. Space, time, money, extra pair of hands🎥… the list goes on. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻🤩🎥

[@LyubomirStoyanov]

Nice video man. The pro’s have gaffer who measures the DP’s light preferences and make it complicated. For run and gun soft box is easy call. PS: Just next time get the camera off the desk. Every bump on it shakes the video and it’s little distracting if you watch it on 43” screen.

[@SamHolland]

Thank you! 🤩🙏🏻🎥

[@HiethGeorge]

Would love to have the room to have a panel up as prefer it 100% ....... how long ago was that video at 1 min you looked like a young boy LOL !

[@SamHolland]

😂😂 it’s crazy isn’t it!!!! Young Sammy! Thanks man

[@wittworks]

i like the background in your transition slates. what do you call those?

[@SamHolland]

Thank you. It’s just a dust and scratches patch. Thanks for watching 🤩🙏🏻🎥

[@grumblemarv]

Just found your channel & subbed. Your camera must be on your desk or in contact with it. It was shaking anytime you had your hands resting in front of you. Nvm. I just saw your desk setup and it explained everything. Swap out those tables!

[@SamHolland]

Thanks Marc 🙏🏻 yeh I need to set the tripod up behind but limited on space so it takes a while. But it is distracting so I’ll get something sorted. Thanks for watching 🤩🎥

[@TravisHLane]

For me softboxes are the way to go. I'm a one man operation and usually working in smaller spaces. I have worked with diffusion panels on large sets to control daylight. I will say while the outcome was great not sure if the hassle of setting up 6x6ft or 10x10ft panel was worth all the hassle. Also your talking to the camera sections were pretty shaky not sure if things weren't clamped down well or what, but the all the camera motion kinda made things queasy for me.

[@SamHolland]

Yeh sorry about the camera wobbles. Yeh softboxes are great. Super easy 🤩 thanks for watching 🎥🙏🏻

[@Avi-934]

I understand ,ok

[@RiceNinja93]

finally a youtuber who knows what he is talking about. i'm about to make a purchase and i don't have a softbox on me to test - thanks for the comparison mate. i was watching some other lighting youtubers and you are one of the few genuine ones my friend. keep doing what you're doing! (and put some weight on that tripod lol)

[@SamHolland]

Thank so much. I’m pleased you found this helpful 🤩🙏🏻🎥

[@georgieuris]

keep it up that good content Sam. Just for the record. the sand bag should be conveniently placed over the higher leg of your stand, which usually is alined with the light accessory it supports.

[@YoungBlaze]

I used diffusion panels for very large spaces that require multiple people to be lit but even then you can buy a very huge softbox for that or you can get a lantern softbox with a grid, The only time I really use the panels were when I had a fresnel lens on a 600D imitating moonlight

[@ebinrock]

The REAL reason panels are used on professional sets: it's by-and-large a union-based industry, and (in the U.S./Hollywood anyway) there are separate unions for lighting/electrical vs. grip. The former can only legally work on things attached to the lighting fixture or any part of the electrical signal; the latter can only work on things that basically aren't attached to the fixture (scrims, flags, panels, etc.). So there you go, it's about job security.

[@SolarPowerChannelwithChris]

I use two cheap soft box's Sam, not great but a lot better than using over head garage lights!

[@SamHolland]

Definitely! Anything better than nothing 🤩👌🏻 so many videos about DIY lighting that works great. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻🎥

[@shua_films]

I’ve never thought of diffusion panels before this is a cool alternative!! I love that you can have more control of light with panels. Love it bro great video again SO inspiring 💯💯😃

[@SamHolland]

Thanks brother! So pleased you enjoyed the video. Yeh super good but the takeaways are to invest in quality material and make sure you have all the negative fill boards and space too. Thanks for watching bud. Glad you’re inspired 🤩💪🏻🎥

[@SolarPowerChannelwithChris]

Yeah, panels are good when outside and the sun is strong. Good for chilling everything out.

[@DanielWinterAt]

great video, but please mount your camera on a tripod that is not on your desk :) that wobble is really distracting

[@sushiidaisy9684]

Am I the only one who noticed the wobbly camera? Makes me feel dizzy. Nevertheless, good video! Quality content.

[@kaimultivideo4956]

Your lighting is nice, but take your camera off of your desk. Lol. We can see it bouncing around when you move your arms.

[@samantaheri9105]

The link for the frame does not work. Can you update it?

[@alexandrevaliquette1941]

What about a sand bag on your camera tripod? It will remove the shaking motion.

[@reneblazevic]

Pros combine softboxes and panels for an even softer light with less specular highlights 😝

[@1001Hobbies]

Very informative video and I learned some stuff. HOWEVER, your camera placed on top of the desk, or whatever you are resting your arms on, is way too shaky and the camera shake is very distracting through the whole video. I hope in your later videos you have the camera on a tripod on the floor by itself. Good content though. Well done otherwise.

[@SamHolland]

Thank you. Yeah I know it’s annoying to look back on but you’re right. I no longer use that method as I have a little more space now. Check out some new videos and let me know what you think. Thanks for sticking with it though 🤩🙏🏻🎥

[@rajfl90]

This Davinci shake camera is really not working out..

[@alphafilms_at]

neewer as a "professional lightstand"? really

[@hfaria80]

I hope you get more subscribers. I love your character. Have a good year, mate :) !

[@SamHolland]

Thank you so much!!! 🤩🙏🏻🎥 have a great year too!

[@ManishPt-IN]

Very very valuable.. Thankyou

[@dtyusufceylan]

Amazing video dude thanks💯. But sometimes you shake the camera 😅

[@KathySierraVideo]

Thank-you for this. I’ve switched from soft box to panels to have more flexibility. I got a huge “pop-out” panel on Amazon and it works well for me (but I’m not a professional so 🤷🏼‍♀️). It’s light, easy to hang, and was quite affordable. But yeah, *containing* the light - keeping it from spilling everywhere - is a challenge I’m still working on.

[@SamHolland]

Nice one. I’m sure you’ll get there with the use of some barn doors and extra panels etc Thank you for watching 🤩🙏🏻🎥

[@SoundItOutFilms]

Diggin the 80s synth jams! Also, sandbag tip... put the bag on the tallest leg and put that leg under your light for maximum security. That's something many gaffers have reminded me of onset when I do it wrong. Love the video!

[@SamHolland]

Thank you! 🤩🙏🏻🎥 love the 80s music

[@roadcrewfilms]

great channel bro!

[@jpdj2715]

The problem with a diffusion panel is that it throws light back too and in smaller, lower, studios this can bounce into the subject again. If you're looking for very soft that may not be an issue but in a moody chiaroscuro portrait it is. I have two 3'*4' (90*120) soft boxes that can make a 3'*8' (90*240) softbox and with two 1'*4' (30*90), this can become 16' (480) wide. One on two diffusers in them with silver reflector is both efficient and effective and a single speedlight can do the job (I use two in the big boxes for faster recycling). A diffuser is clumsy but ideal in many situations. If you want to speed setting one up buy a 7' (210) shoot-through umbrella. Very fast, e.g. outdoors, to make for softer sunlight.

[@tomwadek]

Do you have your key and fill lights set to 5600? Thanks for sharing. Great video!

[@SamHolland]

Hi. Thank you. Yeah I do and I warm it up a little these days in my newer videos by going to 6200k in camera 🎥

[@tomwadek]

@@SamHolland thanks man!

[@SamHolland]

🙏🏻

[@scottievee7467]

Is your camera mounted to your desk. I was getting dizzy before I realized it wasn't me... :D just kidding. Great work.

[@SamHolland]

Haha sorry for making you sea sick. Yes it was on a desk mount type thing and I forgot to turn stabilisation on but issue solved for future videos now. Thanks for watching still 😂🙏🏻🎥

[@kurtvon]

Is there an earth quack going on while filming this LOL

[@SamHolland]

😂

[@JaredBritt]

Hey man. For your talking head segments, it’d be a more pleasant view if you moved the Lou ring system (tripod) off of the desk and separated it. You’re getting some wobble and it’s super distracting. Trying to be friendly, not rude or anything.

[@SamHolland]

Yeh I noticed that. Sometimes I forget to switch IS on. Thanks though 🙏🏻🎥

[@JaredBritt]

@@SamHolland great video otherwise. I subscribed.

[@SamHolland]

Thanks so much! 🤩🙏🏻🎥 PS… already sorted out my space today and put the tripod back in place 😂

[@DavidGonzalez-su6zg]

Why do they call them QUIDS?

[@NickHimo]

Great work Sam! I was wondering why it was so much brighter on the panel version! 😆

[@SamHolland]

Thanks Nick. Yeh way too much spill on that. I could have worked at it but thought it best to show what happens if you don’t have the equipment/space. Thanks for watching 🤩🙏🏻🎥

[@flyingmatyoga]

Dankeschön 🙏🙏

[@SamHolland]

Thank you 🤩🎥🙏🏻

[@handohct]

Thanks Sam, great comparison. Would be very interested to see the panel diffuser with some neg fill the other side. Also, take your camera off the table.. feeling seasick from the wobbles xD

[@SamHolland]

Hey Harry. Glad you liked the comparisons. Yeh when I get the new space I’ll deffo try again. 🙏🏻🎥🤩

[@purificationdetoxification7122]

Softbox looked better...

[@digitalgenre7194]

Great video man. would you do a comparison between a diffusion panel and a big shoot through umbrella? Both seems very identical to me, so why is umbrella so much cheaper? Thanks you.

[@SamHolland]

Usually you would have larger diffusion panels and you can switch out what type of material is used but an umbrella is just an umbrella. Earlier to set up but only small

[@digitalgenre7194]

@@SamHolland thanks mate. Appreciate.

[@DaveKnowlesFilmmaker]

I tend to use a Lastolite reflector on a stand and light through that to give a soft light. The reflector is smallish to carry around and seems to be a lot cheaper than a frame.

[@LukeGarmon]

Killer video. Would love to see how you dial in lighting set ups with a panel in the future.

[@SamHolland]

Thanks Luke 🤩 yeh I’ll keep you updated when I get my new space 🙏🏻🎥

[@andreas_triant]

Do you use an on-camera rode mic for your videos?

[@SamHolland]

Hi Andreas. This is what I use and how I set it up - kzbin.info/www/bejne/gHKmn2CVoKx7etU Hope it helps. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻🎥🤩

[@5hanesBoard]

I find grease proof paper a good cheap material.

[@SamHolland]

That’s a good idea 🎥

[@PoppyDog]

Panel diffusion, no question!

[@SamHolland]

Stay tuned for todays video 😉

[@davidp158]

I quite enjoy your videos, as they are concise and have some levity. Thanks for making them. My take on lighting with softboxes vs diffusion panels is this: I favor a softboxe to contain side spill and/or for working in small spaces. A grid added to the softbox helps greatly in minimizing spill. I favor diffusion panels when I have adequate space, time and grip equipment to rig them. As you mention, larger diffusion = softer shadows, plus more even light distribution. The light spill with large diffusion panels can be problematic if you're trying to create contrast, which requires additional flags and negative fill. BTW, I have an Intellytech 5x5.6' diffusion panel with a removable grid. It works well as a large diffusion with the optional control of light spill. However, there is still some light spill from the light source that needs to be further controlled with barn doors or flags to achieve the same contrast as a softbox.

[@SamHolland]

Thanks Dave 🤩🎥

[@tingfengsocialappetite4685]

Thanks Dave

[@J_HNP]

Just a comment about how you said "you can tell I'm using cheap diffusion because of the cross pattern...". Though you might be using subjectively "cheap" material, some very expensive diffusion material -- such as grid cloth, produces a similar cross pattern. It can actually make for some very pleasing results.

[@micksix]

Smart video. Thank you.

[@SamHolland]

Thank YOU. Hope it helped 🙏🏻🎥

[@willcrespo24]

Very good info, I use a softbox.

[@SamHolland]

Thanks Will. Yeh super easy to set up etc and look great still. Thank you as always for watching 🤩🙏🏻🎥

[@DHdronevideo]

cool video~`

[@SamHolland]

Thank you 🤩🎥

[@gregap8282]

I remember when this channel started, I saw and commented on some of the first few videos I think the first one was related to the Godox SL60W, I remember cause that was the video that made me buy that light. I still have it. Glad to see how far you've come.

[@paulaherz_]

fantastico!

[@SamHolland]

Thank you! 🤩🙏🏻🎥

[@paulroyle-grimes8279]

Glad I found your channel

[@SamHolland]

Thanks so much Paul 🤩🙏🏻 I hope you find everything you need here 🎥

[@Veypurr1]

Another good video

[@SamHolland]

Thank you! 🎥

[@themidstream]

best video on the topic.

[@SamHolland]

I’m so pleased you think so. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻🤩🎥

[@DutchUltra]

Nice vid! 😇

[@SamHolland]

Thank you! 🤩🙏🏻🎥

[@LifeAfterScrubs22]

Thank you

[@SamHolland]

Thank uiu

[@benmillsdop]

Question... How do you find contacts for brands to send equipment for reviews?

[@SamHolland]

If you put out content, they will find you.

[@gabriel-mckee]

great tut, thanks for sharing!

[@LukeRenard]

Great video! but had a hard time watching on my comp with all the camera shakes... not sure if its on your desk or whats causing it but definitely prefer a locked off shot for the A-Roll.

[@MrVh78]

Pro shoots dont use softboxes??? sorry bro Pro here 15+ years we do use it when we need to

[@nadimkazi87]

Love these guide videos, really interesting stuff 🤍

[@SamHolland]

Thank you. I’m pleased it helps. 🙏🏻🤩 is there anything else you’d want to see? 🎥

[@nadimkazi87]

@@SamHolland I am not sure yet, I am still learning about these workflows, I just bought my first mirrorless a week ago and I am gonna be buying Godox Sl60w for product photography (I have background in 3d Product Renderings but not irl)