Simviation Forums

What are your opinions on landing lights?  Do they spoil or add to the shot?



Is there a better way of producing a shot like this?

I don't like them too much... not enough realistics to my taste.

and you screenshot is a very good example, the lights on the ground look like the source is few feet above the ground, where it is actually higher. and the limits between lighted area and not lighted area is too sharp...

but they can be a nice addition to some shots...

nice airport, by the way... at the end of the runway continue for 4 miles, the turn left and after 3 miles, park your plane and give me a call, I'll offer you a coffee, or what ever...  ;)

vince

[quote]
nice airport, by the way... at the end of the runway continue for 4 miles, the turn left and after 3 miles, park your plane and give me a call, I'll offer you a coffee, or what ever...

I think in a situation like this (civil jet landing at dawn / dusk) the landing lights add to the situation, as it adds to the realism. However, it's better if they are soft lights so the focus remains on the aircraft (or whatever you focus the shot around) and not some strong lights which instantly draw attention to themselves.

With this shot it isn't too bad, but if they were slightly softer it would be even better

I think the lights are too "pinspot", they lack the soft glow you usually see in reality. There are several "airport environment" upgrades available, as well as display settings in FS9, so I guess it's trial and error until you find something to your liking.

To answer the question literaly, i'd say they were essential in a shot like this. It would look pretty daft without any in the dark don't you think?

As for the lights themselves, there are many upgrades out there that will vastly improve on the default lighting. Some are softer, some light a wider area, etc. Have a search on hear or at Avsim to see what you can find.

i like the landing lights, i just dont like how unrealistic the ones in the sim are.

James

Landing lights...that falls under the 'depends' category.

During the day, if you have them on and the plane has the whole body lit up effect, then thats a definate no, it looks weird.  But at night its a yes, depending on the situation.  Cruise? No.  Decent? No. Final? Yes!  But make sure to find a good angle.  The shot you posted there is a good angle, you get a good feel for the approach and the landing lights add to night effect.  Sometimes from the frongt works too, but you have to be careful...

Great opinions being discussed here, back to what Studio V is all about

I agree with Jake on this matter, it really does depend on the situation and the angle of the shot