BaseXStudio™ Kit with GreenScreen 2 x 50x50 85W

The BaseXStudio™ kit with GreenScreen has been prepared for users who want to achieve TV effects (virtual television studio) or from professional film sets at home. Contrary to appearances, this kit combined with available online computer programs (e.g., the free version of DaVinci Resolve) allows achieving such effects. Additionally, YouTube offers practical and informative tips on how to achieve specific effects.

The kit contains essential elements for building a home photo studio - a background hanging set, basic backdrop as well as lighting. The green background meets the requirements of color keying. Lighting power enables photography in the range of frames from close-up (portrait, detail) to half-close-up (bust). In the case of inanimate nature the frame is limited only by the width of the background. The kit can also be used for filming (live, stream, remote learning). Higher sensitivities are required.

Blue box (also known as bluescreen, GreenScreen, chroma key) is a technique for image processing that involves replacing the background with a fairly uniform color (originally blue, hence the name) with any other image. Widely used in television (most often during weather forecasts and news programs) as well as in film (to place actors in computer-generated environments). The color of the background is usually blue or green, because they are considered least similar to skin tone and appear rarely in costumes and props.

In digital video recording, color is represented by three numbers indicating the brightness of the color components (RGB). The blue box effect is achieved through a simple comparison of these values at different points in the recording with the background color. If the colors match (exactly or within a certain margin), the recording at that point is replaced by an alternative background.

A person participating in a blue box recording should not wear clothing in a similar color to the background, as it will be replaced by the alternative image. They also cannot hold objects of such color. This can be used to create an effect of an invisible character, for example, wearing an invisibility hat.

In some Polish TV channels (e.g., TVP, TVN Meteo Active), blue box is used to present weather forecasts. Public television in the years 1990-1992 used blue box in "Wiadomości" to generate a uniform blue background and display animations next to the presenter. In the years 1997-2002, it was also used in this program to generate a newsroom image behind the presenter's back. Source: Wikipedia.

The lighting used in the kit is classic studio continuous lighting - single-bulb softbox lamps on lighting stands. Softboxes are equipped with PureLight™ photographic bulbs with standardized parameters (color temperature 5500K and color rendering index CRI >90). Softboxes are a basic element of a photo studio. They are used to change the properties of light: size of the glowing surface, intensity and direction of light. Lamps of this type are increasingly popular in video productions. They also serve as an excellent alternative for kinoflo lamps.

Softboxes soften tonal transitions between light and shadow. Light is evenly distributed inside the softbox and maintains uniform power across the entire diffuser surface. On the outside, the softbox is matte black, preventing it from reflecting other lights' glare. Folding and unfolding are exceptionally easy, and a folded softbox takes up little space. The high quality of materials used guarantees trouble-free operation for years. It has been designed and manufactured to ensure safe use with fluorescent bulbs.

In BaseXStudio™ kits, at least 2 lamps are used due to mutual shadow compensation - one lamp serves as the main light source, while the other acts as a fill light. The power of the bulbs is specified in the technical specifications (below).

The BaseXStudio™ kit contains classic studio continuous lighting, i.e., single-bulb softbox lamps on lighting stands. Softboxes are basic elements of a photo studio that aim to change the properties of light: size of glowing surface, intensity and direction of light. Lamps of this type are increasingly popular in video productions. They also serve as an excellent alternative for kinoflo lamps. In the BaseXStudio™ kit, 2 lamps have been used due to mutual shadow compensation - one lamp serves as the main light source, while the other acts as a fill light.  The fixture's dome is finished with silver material on the inside. Light is evenly distributed already inside softbox and maintains uniform power across the entire diffuser surface. On the outside, the softbox is matte black, preventing it from reflecting other lights' glare.

The lamps are equipped with PureLight™ photographic bulbs with an E27 base and standardized parameters (neutral color temperature of 5500K and a color rendering index CRI >90). Thanks to the natural color reproduction, the bulb does not introduce any color distortions. The generated light stream, achieved after approximately 90 seconds from turning on, amounts to 5000 lumens and corresponds (approximately) to a 400W halogen bulb.
Folding and unfolding of the softbox is exceptionally easy, and it takes up little space when folded. The high quality of materials used guarantees trouble-free operation for years.

The maximum height of a single stand is 230cm. The recommended working height is 220 cm. The stand has convenient section clamps and a studio head with a universal 1/4" thread.
The telescopic mechanism provides a wide range of stand operation (78-230 cm, adjustable to any height) as well as versatility in applications. The distance between the legs (from foot to foot) is 75cm.
The stands work perfectly not only with softboxes but also with flash and continuous lights, halogen lamps.

The background hanging kit consists of two CGLS-816B studio stands and a foldable two-section bar attached to them. The frame allows for the suspension of various photographic backgrounds (cardboard, vinyl or fabric) up to 5 kg in weight and with a maximum width of 165 cm. Backgrounds can be suspended at heights ranging from 83 cm to 205 cm.
The bar has been attached to the stands using butterfly nuts, which prevents it from lifting when raising the background upwards. Unrolling the background is blocked by plugging in two grips (frogs) included with the kit.

The width and length of the fabric on the roll are sufficient to create a continuous background without folds (cyclorama) for photographing a silhouette. The cardboard roll protects against creases during transport or storage. Potential creases can be easily removed by steaming or wetting the backdrop. The perforated texture of the background minimizes reflections from strong light sources. The cardboard roll, on which the background is wound, serves as a base for easy storage and transportation of the background, allowing it to be hung on a studio bar or with T-type hangers. We strongly recommend purchasing the background suspension simultaneously, as it significantly improves the quality of work in the studio and enhances the achieved effects.

Creative use of the background requires the photographer or camera operator to plan the frame and the desired effect after applying keying. Of course, a computer with appropriate software will be necessary. The good news is that there are free versions of software available on the market that enable image keying in both photography and film. We strongly recommend YouTube materials for those starting work with green backdrop as greenscreen.

Note regarding the texture of the material - people who encounter photographic polypropylene backgrounds for the first time fear that the background's texture will be visible on photos. In real conditions, the object remains approximately 50 cm away from the background, which together with shallow depth of field causes the backdrop's texture to blur.

Choosing lighting power

When selecting lighting for a photo studio, it is important to ensure the right amount of light needed for your intended purpose. The Home Photo Studio kits may contain (depending on the version) from 2 to 16 bulbs.

• Inanimate nature does not require strong lighting.
  If you are photographing an inanimate object, you can use single-bulb lamps freely. In product photography the exposure time is arbitrary and always can be adjusted to ensure proper exposure. A tripod will come in handy.
• Beware of people (and animals).
  During photography of people and animals, exposure time is limited. Especially portraiture of children and lively animals requires significantly more light. Single-bulb lamps are suitable for short distances (approx. 0.5 m) only.
• The wider the frame - the more bulbs.
  One can assume that two single-bulb lamps are sufficient for a portrait. During photography in close-up, the distance between the softbox and face is small enough to ensure proper exposure. Increasing the size of the frame very quickly requires an increase in lighting.
• Fashion with live models.
  If you plan on doing fashion photography with a model (male or female), choose kits with two or more four-bulb softboxes.