I picked up 6 of them, for being able to swap and have some backups, for the prices I paid, can't argue with them. I'm going to add some simple diffusers (using some needlepoint backing - crazy idea I got from a diffuser I saw for a still camera, mainly to soften the light for the interviewee a bit, but also helps spread the light more evenly). I find the camera seems to adapt WB pretty well with these (unlike the "blue ice" consumer LEDs), they are adequate for fill and when used in pairs they seem to boost over using one.

Tried using more than that, and there's not as noticeable a difference. A bit more light obviously, but I suspect these would benefit from being spread out in an array (when using two I've got them about a foot apart on outboard brackets). Throw seems pretty good, which is a weakness in ANY light rig.

Now I'm thinking about that external battery idea... HMMMM, that's the one weakness is the less than 1 hour run time and about 3-4 hours recharge from my experiments. I know the charger input shuts off the lights (won't come on when charging), but external power pack... can't be THAT hard to cobble up. Something using some of the old Sony F or FM serise shouldn't be too hard, and those are available pretty cheap... Not something I really need myself, the one hour time and a couple sets of them is plenty, but...

I thought I would bring this thread back into "real time" as I am often times pointing folks at it.

In a recent shoot I had the opporunity to use one as a kicker to separate a foreground object that was otherwise in shadow and blending it, light a shaded background object to make it look more natural, use it as a "hairlight/hair kicker" and to use in in a vehicle to moderate heavy shadows.

In other words a very valuable addition to anyones lighting tool kit.

Think of it this way...you have a scene lit, and as you look at the display showing the final result on camera, you notice a small area where you think, "Dang, I wish I had a little more light THERE." With these, you can pretty much hand hold the light during the shot and accomplish the "DANG I WISH" need, or hide it and get the rsult you want with the source itself hidden. ( A little black foil , or a tiny fold out mini tripod can be handy addition.)

ps. It is a SIMA !!! not SIGMA !

I probably have $700 worth of on-camera lighting (LED and Tungsten), but these little gems have been my go-to kit for the past year because of the minimal weight they add, and the fact that I can use them with my Merlin steadycam without major balance adjustments (or dreaded power cables). I gang two (or three) in a row, put dimpled plastic diffusion sheets that I cut to size (and attached via velcro). I can run from 30% to 100% power by choosing how many lights to run. They are a bit harsh undiffused (and I wouldn't use them that way). The 'throw' isn't ideal (so get a bit closer). But done right, they offer a nice alternative to more expensive (and heavier) units costing 10x as much!
This is a sample from a bridal prep in a heavily backlit room (with 1 (diffused) Sima light on an XH-A1) Polina & Dmitry By Oren Arieli On ExposureRoom (http://exposureroom.com/polina)

Here's a video I shot at SEMA this past week using 4 of these lights on my HMC40 set with the iris open and no gain. I think they make a difference, but not a huge difference and they do through a bit of green tint off, but it doesn't help that this vehicle was bright green either. :) I've got some more footage with them that I'll post up later on, but this is what I have so far with these lights. I think I'm going to need to spend more money for better quality lights, personally. The footage clarity from my HMC40 in good light versus poor light is huge, so I'd say it will be worth it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnSFnLS2qmA

Chris

The Simas are great for the money...I get tired of changing them as they do run down quickly. I run 2-3 at a time, and they make a huge difference for wedding use if used correctly. They obviously do not have a long throw, but running three per camera are sufficient for dancing and most other (not all) reception situations. You have to move in on your subject with these.

I'm going to buy the Comer 900 or 1800 as they are without question the best light for the money anywhere. The Comer is better than the Swit, which costs double or more.

If they don't make much of a difference for you then you are using them in situations they are not suited for. If you are twenty or even 10 feet from the subject they will not make much difference...except in a very dark situation.

I just wanted to pass my thanx on to your guys from Sima. I told them about this thread and they added a link to it on their blog.
Sima’s SL-20LX is a hit! Sima Products (http://simaproducts.wordpress.com/2009/10/05/simas-sl-20lx-is-a-hit/)


BTW - We're still running our 3 pak promo at $99.95. $35 each one at a time.

Videoguys.com - Search for "sl20" (http://www.videoguys.com/Search/Search.aspx?Query=sl20)

Gary

The Simas are great for the money...I get tired of changing them as they do run down quickly. I run 2-3 at a time, and they make a huge difference for wedding use if used correctly. They obviously do not have a long throw, but running three per camera are sufficient for dancing and most other (not all) reception situations. You have to move in on your subject with these.

I'm going to buy the Comer 900 or 1800 as they are without question the best light for the money anywhere. The Comer is better than the Swit, which costs double or more.

If they don't make much of a difference for you then you are using them in situations they are not suited for. If you are twenty or even 10 feet from the subject they will not make much difference...except in a very dark situation.
I was using them very close to the subject with the pany wide angle lens, less than 10 feet and mostly around 5 feet. I think I'm going to buy the comer 1800 most likely. Looks nice...just wish it worked with the pany batteries.

Gary, you guys should look into the Comers, no one sells them ANYWHERE but one shop in L.A.

I think I'm going to spring for a comer...anybody got any footate using the $200 bescor though?

Chris