P3D Re: color temperature levels

[Lee Moore <moore@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Bill Stickley wrote:

> (snip)Does anyone know what the color temperature levels are for
> warm-white and cool-white fluorescent tubes? Can you make any
> recommendations?  Thank you.

Unlike the sun (which has a continuous visible spectrum), most fluorescent 
tubes
emit light in a series of narrow bands.  Humans may perceive this as an
adequate simulation of the sun but problems can show up.  For example, some 
fruits
and veggies can appear off color because they reflect in bands that aren't 
emitted
by most fluorescent bulbs.

The answer is to look for fluorescent bulbs that match the color temperature
that you want (D50, D65, etc.).  I buy mine through an electrical supply house
but I would guess that a professional photography store would have them, too.
Be prepared to spend four or more times as much for these bulbs, though.

Lee



------------------------------