Spot/Flood Adjustable: Lights with this feature allow you to switch between a focused beam of light and broad beam of light with just a twist of a knob.

Fresnel (Fra-NEL): The Fresnel lens was invented in order to increase the reach of lighthouse signals. Over the years, the Fresnel lens has been adapted for smaller lights with the same purpose: to make a little light go a long way. What makes these lenses unique is their stepped appearance. The circular ridges focus the light beam, creating a greater throw. Fresnel lamps are spot/flood adjustable.

Bare Bulb: Rather than using a lens to concentrate the light, a bare bulb uses a reflector. The open-faced light source has a nonadjustable floodlight appearance, but it will allow the bulb to shine without losing any of its intensity.

A single fluorescent tube is great for lighting small spaces, such as car interiors and elevators. However, a single tube isn't going to do much in terms of lighting an entire set. Due to their low-light output, fluorescent tubes are a great example of when to invest in a bank fixture.

Bank fixtures come in an assortment of sizes, a four-bank being the most common. Housing multiple tubes in one unit allows your fluorescent lights to pack a little more punch while keeping that soft, diffused look. Although the larger banks are versatile and lightweight, they are larger, which makes them hard to squeeze into those tight spaces.

Lighting accessories make adjustments to your lights. These minor adjustments can make your lights more versatile and better suited for your lighting needs.

Barndoors: Barndoors mount on the front of your light to help control the spill. Their hinged flaps allow you to adjust them to mask areas you don't want illuminated.

Scrims: Scrims, made of a screen-like material, are used for controlling the output of light. The woven steel dims the light without creating a diffused look or affecting the color temperature. Scrims are available in an assortment of styles and densities.

Gels: A gel is a polyester sheet that is placed in front of the light in order to alter the color temperature, diffusion or density. They also allow you to add a splash of color to your plain backgrounds.

Umbrellas: Umbrellas allow you to diffuse and soften light. They work by bouncing the light from your source onto your subject. They require little setup, and they collapse for easy transportation and storage.

Softbox: A softbox is another great way to diffuse and soften almost any light. This box-like enclosure fits over fluorescent, halogen and tungsten bulbs, while allowing the light to shine through. The result is a soft, even light void of hot spots.

With so many lighting choices to make, it's easy to get overwhelmed. Try to keep in mind that buying lights is an exciting endeavor. With a bit of research and this Buyer's Guide in hand, you'll surely be on your way to saying, "Lights! Camera! Action!"

Julie Babcock has worked in all areas of video production.

Click here to download a PDF Manufacturer's list of Videomaker's Video Lighting Equipment Buyer's Guide 2009.

A three-light setup is the basic lighting setup in film and video. The key light will light your subject. The fill light will help lighten the shadows that the key creates. The back light adds a subtle glow to your subject's shoulder or hair, which will distinguish your subject from the background. If you find yourself one bulb shy of a three-light setup, try using the first light as your key. You can use the second light as either a fill or a back light.