I'm just getting started in the video biz with little experience in DV or lighting. I'm using a Canon XL1s. I doing some work at a community college where I'll be creating educational DVDs (shooting everything from staged physics lab demos, auditorium lectures, to the rowing team outdoors). I can't spend more than $1000 on lighting and assume I'll need a general purpose on-camera light and a 3-point kit. Suggestions please!

Read the back threads , this topic has been discussed in detail. Read all of the posts as there are diverse opinions. Remember, you get what you pay for.

I can try to help you if you want. Are you a student?
Find the thread for a basic lighting kit if you can.
Figure out your exact budget.
Do you have any equipment at all right now?

Richard

Canon XL1s with standard stereo mic and viewfinder.
I Have a good tripod.
I bit the bullet and just bought the Frezzolini 50W Mini Fill w/Dimmer Kit, 4-leaf barndoor attachment, and the Canon XLR adapter sholder pad which allows you to put the light battery on the camera. (really set me back a few bucks.)

That's it for camera and light equipment (I'm not counting my Sony TRV730 w/ Sennheizer shotgun mic.)

I am planning to do some training video work with a friend of my who is letting me do it for his business for practice. I'll probably need a 3 point lighting system and a couple of lav mics for that project, but its a few months off.