Hey guys, I am currently in the market for a cheap, quality on camera light for my XLH1. I am shooting a nightclub/party documentary style project and I just need a light that will illuminate the crowd/room so that it is at least decently visible. Most of the time the places I am shooting in are dark, low lit bars etc...

I have searched around a bit but I have no experience with these kinds of lights.

This one has caught my eye so far, anyone know anything about it?:

Bescor | MX-601 On Camera 6 VDC Light - 20 or 40 Watt | MX601 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/304512-REG/Bescor_MX601_MX_601_On_Camera_6.html)

I need it to be shoe mounted, preferably run off of battery power, and be compatible with the XLH1.

p.s.- I also don't want a light that will be blinding to people. I am trying to be as inconspicuous as possible with these shoots, although I realize that might be a little impossible. haha

Thanks guys.

There are numerous lights that will do the job. The Bescor you mentioned, the Sony 10/20, the LP Micro or better yet the LP Pro (I think that's it-it's new), Frezziand Lowell also have good gear and they are all shoe mountable. There is of course the budget. What you want to spend is a big factor of course but what ever you get except for an adjustable LED type light make sure you throw either a softbox or some sort of diffusion on it to soften it up a bit. Tough Spun is a good choice.

Thanks a lot Don! I'd say my price range as of now is about 50 bucks so I am probably going to go with the Bescor. Is there anywhere in Chicago where I can purchase that light instead of ordering online? I'd like to be able to walk in without it and walk out with it.

None that I know of which really bites. You'd think a city the size of Chicago would have at least 1 big video store but alas, B&H gets my money. Hey they can deliver quick and have a great return policy.
Good luck

Anthony,

You did see that the Bescor you linked to requires a battery separate from your camera right? That's going to put you over the $50 mark. I really think $100 is a more reasonable budget for a lower-end camera light.

Alec Moreno
http://www.1Day1ShotProductions.com

Good catch. I forgot all about that. But a Bescor with a small juice box can be had for a small price - at 50W it would run 75 minutes at 40W I'd guess about 90.

OK here's something that might work for you.
Bescor MX-600 6 VDC On-Camera Light - 20 Watt or 40 Watt SelectableMfr# MX600 B&H# BEMX600 $39.95

X-645 6 VDC Lead-Acid Battery and BC-665 Charger for MX-600 and MX-601 Light Housings
Mfr# X645 B&H Catalog # BEX645 $39.95

So for about $80 you get the 20-40W light with a battery and charger. I had one of the batteries for quite a while - about 4 years before it died on me.
I don't think you'll find anything for less that'll do the job.

thanks again don. I will definitely look at those lights.