Hi, I was looking at buying a light for my camera? I have been looking at these two the Paglight C6 Lighting and IDX X3-Lite. Now for me I don't drive and I try and take the least amount of kit on a shoot....

Now the pag light I have seen and straight away the BIG battery scared me, I have only seen the IDX X3 online. I have since came across the Litepanels Micro Lite Kit and watched a wee video on Mitcorp/Creative Video website.

I have no experience of lights on board a camera and just wanted to see where people stand on this. All I am looking for is...

1) A lightweight product.
2) Long battery life.
3) Reasonable cost for any other accessories - bulbs barndoors filters etc.

any help is most appreciated.
James

Do you use a Z7 or S270?

I forgot to say, the Z7.

If you go to the lighting forum there will be a lot of info on lights. I use a Swit LED light which I love. I've had it for well over a year now and I'm happy with the light output. It also uses the same batteries as your camera.

http://www.swit-battery.com/swit2006/english/productdetail.asp

I use on my Z5 the following:
Litepanel Micro | Stonehead Cut (http://www.stonehead.de/cms/node/199)
Gives a very nice light.
Dirk Pel

I have one bit of advice. Make sure the light is for 16 x 9 formatted cameras. The only time I have used an on-camera light recently, I used a friends Sony light because it used the same batteries as the camcorder. The light was really for a 4 x 3 camcorder and I wound up with a hot spot in the middle. The sides were too dark. I didn't like the look at all.

Thanks for all the help on this, I did not know of this 16x9 issue so I will look into that whatever light I choose? I am glad I asked as every little tip helps and the Z7 for me I needed to ask as with never buying a light before I wanted to check.....

Thanks again guys?
James

Greg, would you recommend a particular light for 16x9?

Thanks!

Raul

I have one bit of advice. Make sure the light is for 16 x 9 formatted cameras. The only time I have used an on-camera light recently, I used a friends Sony light because it used the same batteries as the camcorder. The light was really for a 4 x 3 camcorder and I wound up with a hot spot in the middle. The sides were too dark. I didn't like the look at all.

if the Sony light you were using was the 2 bulb 10/20 then that was the problem since that light has one of the hottest centers I've ever seen. I've used Bescor and Anton Bauer Ultralights with 16:9 format and not had any kind of problem so in a sense I am agreeing with you but it's hard to generalize.
The only problem with the LPMicro (I've had one since it first came out and love it) is it is a bit under powered but for me it's not a big deal since I still shot SD. Sony PDs- king of low light-but since HD/HDV needs a bit more the LP Micro might be a bit underpowered.

Although for sure not a lightweight option I would seriously consider the Sony HVL-LBP if I was you. Some B-brand made alternatives (e.g. Comer) are on the market as well. For my S270 I bought this light because I could feed it directly from the camera. But, it does take the L-series batteries as well.

LW 1200 Ledlamp 6V/12V (http://www.shop.videoholland.nl/contents/nl/p1294.html)

Same as Gabor: I have the Sony LED-light and I'm very enthusiastic about it, although it is quite heavy and large. It's lighting power is fantastic and the battery drain is minimal. I only regret that the tungsten filter is not the flip-up type, but a flimsy and vulnerable gel foil.

I bought a PAG Light C6 a few months ago and it's working well. I mostly film weddings with the Z7 and it's good for the waltz where the lights are mostly turned down.

Hi Geoff, but if I am right the Battery is rather big and bulky, that was the issue with the C6 kit that put me off? as I don't drive the kit I am already carrying around is quite heavy and I dare say I ain't got everything so I may have to really think hard on this one.....

But I do appreciate all the feedback so far, good to hear peoples opinion I am glad I asked now.

James

Again, the Swit light is great and is does cover as much of a 16:9 as others when you use the diffuser. I have not seen a light yet that fully lights the side of a 16:9 completely. Everyone I've seen has a slight darkness on the sides. The Sony lights are good (I own one) but they're cheap and the main thing is they don't have a dimmer.

The Sony lights are good (I own one) but they're cheap and the main thing is they don't have a dimmer.

The HVL-LBPA LED-light from Sony does have a dimmer, but it's far from cheap, I'm afraid.

Did you also take a look at the new Frezzi MRAX2 Dimmable 15W Micro-Sun Gun HMI?

http://www.frezzi.com/download/15W_Micro_hmi.pdf

As said, I use this HVL-LBP clone:

LW 1200 Ledlamp 6V/12V (http://www.shop.videoholland.nl/contents/nl/p1294.html)

I will make a short footage when it's dark tonight so you can see how it operates at 16:9.

There is a Comer CM-LBPS1800 LED lights that is similar to Sony's LED light but more powerful. It's also cheaper than the Sony lights too. It takes NP-F770 and F970 batteries. I have tried the SWIT/Varizoom light, it's nothing compared to the Comer light. I did a comparison in this thread. The shootout includes SWIT/Varizoom light as well as LitePanel Micro.

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/photon-management/235277-six-camera-video-lights-shootout.html#post1153103

Another good thing for the Comer light is, it is color corrected to 4500K rather than 5600K day light. So when use indoor, you don't need to use the gel to lower the color temp to 3200K. It works great already.

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/photon-management/237664-testing-comer-cm-lbps1800-led-lights.html

The smaller CM-LBPS900 light is cheaper but it doesn't have a dimmer switch. Only 2 level brightness settings.

The HVL-LBPA LED-light from Sony does have a dimmer, but it's far from cheap, I'm afraid.


I was referring to the Sony 10/20

There is a Comer CM-LBPS1800 LED lights that is similar to Sony's LED light but more powerful. It's also cheaper than the Sony lights too. It takes NP-F770 and F970 batteries. I have tried the SWIT/Varizoom light, it's nothing compared to the Comer light. I did a comparison in this thread. The shootout includes SWIT/Varizoom light as well as LitePanel Micro.

The smaller CM-LBPS900 light is cheaper but it doesn't have a dimmer switch. Only 2 level brightness settings.

An on camera light without a dimmer is basically useless IMO.

An on camera light without a dimmer is basically useless IMO.

I couldn't agree more! I have been using Canon VL-10 light. it's 10W with only an On/Off switch. Then I came across LitePanel Micro, SWIT/Varizoom. They both have dimmer. It works great but the default 5600K day light color temperature doesn't work well indoor. Adding the included filter will just lower the brightness.

The Comer 1800 light is great with everything I need. But not everybody can afford a $400 camera light, the Comer 900 light is a more affordable choice. With 2 level brightness control is still better than just on/off selection. Because the light is set to 4500K already, I don't have to flip down the gel to use it indoor. With a little DIY, I made it good for close-up interview use without blinding the subject.

I taped the white foam piece on the top orange gel. Everytime if I need dimmer light, I just flip that piece down.

As promised, a footage of this light:

LW 1200 Ledlamp 6V/12V (http://www.shop.videoholland.nl/contents/nl/p1294.html)

Here:

16:9 testing LED light Zideo, If you share we share (http://www.zideo.nl/index.php?zideo=6b3469596e566f3d&playzideo=6b34475a6d316c72)

Thanks to TakyC for the video's and this helped if I can buy the Comer CM-LBPS1800 here in the UK i'm sold.........

Hi a silly question I asked before regarding a Camera light BUT what about a portable solution??? more in line with bigger than a Camera light but not as big as a redhead????

Only reason I ask if I can buy a light that can do both and uses main power or battery?

I don't have any background in lights BUT the posts on my previous question has helped and I do appreciate all the responses......any pointers on this one is a great help.

Cheers
James

The Sonly HLV light only works with Sony batteries. But the Comer lights take third party Sony compatible batteries. I tested it for each charge, it runs almost 3 hours.

OK first off there is no such thing as a 4:3 light or a 16:9 light. Anyone using those terms are using them as just catchy sales phrases. It is like saying a Dodge Minivan is an "interstate vehicle" because is can drive 70mph.

For any light, be it field, studio or on camera, there are many types. LED, fluorescent, halogen.... Open face, softbox, fresnel....

Each of these are tools and are best for different things.

Today most people will want a softer on camera light with a wide spread to fill the 16:9 frame. Since lights use a LOT of power, nearly everyone is going to LED lights, which take much less power, give off a softer light, and can be placed in a housing that provides a wide spread.

Personally I think the Litepanels Micro is the best bang for the buck. It is mostly plastic so it won't take a lot of abuse. If you're going to be in rougher shoots, then go for the Litepanels Mini or something that is mostly metal. The Micro runs on AA batteries or you can get an adapter to use Sony Batteries. It gives off light at 5600k, so you can use it outside in the daytime for a little extra punch, and it comes w/ some gels so when you need 3200k light you're all set.

If you are ONLY going to be inside w/ 3200K lights, then you can look around at other LED lights which are balanced for indoors, because anytime you use a gel for color correction you are losing a lot of light.

The biggest thing to remember, and this is a MUST, is if you go LED, go with something high quality. LED flashlights are cheap at Walmart, but purchase a few and you'll see that they don't all give off the same color light. I know people who have gone to NAB & seen slight color differences in the LED lights some companies are trying to sell for video use.

Litepanels makes some of the BEST professional LED lights out there, and so I trust them even with their budget Micro light. But just do your research if you buy an LED light so you don't waste your money.

I agreed with the 4:3 light and 16:9 light.. there is no such thing. I have LitePanel micro which case a 4:3 box and the vidled light which is a candy bar. They both cast a soft circle to the video.

Litepanel does make high quality professional lights for professionals in their expensive models. however, LP Micro is just a rip off. It's plastic and flimsy. The battery compartment metal contact pushes the batteries out. I contacted them and they told me to super-clue the contact myself (WTF?). The dimmer switch already broke. Worst thing is, I only got about 50 minutes usage on 4xAA high rating recharable batteries. Near the end of life of the battery, the light start to flicker. the flickering will be recorded to the video too. For a 4 hour wedding reception, I have to keep monitoring the light output and keep replacing batteries. Not fun. Then with it 5600K output, i have to put the 1/4 CTO. the light output is very weak. I paid $340 for the light. Total rip off.

I put together a comparison video including the LP Micro. The LP micro output is more similar to the 10-watt Canon VL-10 light but 4 times the price.

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/photon-management/235277-six-camera-video-lights-shootout.html#post1153103

I have to agree with Taky in saying that the LP Micro is junk.
Besides being flimsy in its construction the light output is anemic, 4 feet at best. And for the price, it's not what I would call a bargain.

It is great because it's so small and lightweight. I found that it worked best on a boom and used as a hair light. Besides that i found it useless for field use. The new LP MicroPro will be a better option, but still nowhere near the light output of the Comer 1800 light, or even the Sony HVL light for that matter.

I have tried LED lights from Vidled, Sony, Switronix, Litepanels, and Zylight.

The best solution I have seen is the Zylight as it can literally do anything you ask it to for a small onbaord LED light, including display any color of the spectrum with a turn of the dial. But it's very expensive.

For a small good light I might recommend the Switronix LED light, as it's somewhere around 35w for output, self powered, and small enough o put on a DSLR.

But the best output I have seen to date from a LED light is the Comer 1800. It is bright with great throw. But I will say the light will be blinding for whomever looks into it. But it seems that every LED is blinding compared to its Tungsten brethren.

I was using 2 SWIT lights. http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/photon-management/234161-my-twin-lights-setup.html. The light is much powerful than LP Micro. The built is very solid too. That was the best on-camera solution I have until I came across the Comer lights. However, even with 2 of them, the power is still quite weak as I have to gel it to 3200K from 5600K which dramatically reduce the output power.

http://hottaky.com/hv20/newtwin1.jpg

http://hottaky.com/hv20/newtwin2.jpg

Now I compared using just one Comer 900 light (much cheaper than the Comer 1800 light) is still brigher than two SWIT lights together.

I agree that the LP Micro is very fragile & I completely believe that it can easily broken. But for my needs it gives off more than enough light for close subjects while shooting with a Z7 or S270.

In my personal opinion I think on camera lights are a last resort when you can't have a real lights package. I also think that on camera lights can be TOO bright, they'll blind anyone near by and just don't light up a room nicely.

Most pro still photogaphers don't use their flashes head on, they usually try to bounce off something or use accessories that makes the light less harsh.

If your strongest light source is coming from your lens, the subject will look flat. The standard 3-point lighting set up is all about adding 3D to a flat 2D video screen.

I do think it can be helpful to have a camera light which can be dimmed while on the camera and can double as a stand alone light on a light stand.

Figure out what you want to use the light for and how you plan on using the light and go from there.

On the Comer 1800, how exactly does the battery get connected to the light? Does it come with something like the Switronix does where it can mount to the handle? Also, on the picture it looks like there is a dimmer, yes or no?

The Comer 1800 has a recessed battery compartmant on the back of the light.

So the battery simply attaches to the back of the light. Keep in mind that this does increase the weight of the light. So if you use the largest Soy style battery NP970 it will be hefty. I attach the light to the cameras handle via handle bracket, so the light is centered over the middle of the camera, and balances nicely.

If you mount the light on the front of the camera, it tends to make the camera front heavy.
Not a big deal if you shoot on a tripod or shoulder type support like my DV MultiRig (http://dvtec.tv/id33.html)

Thanks Michael. Do you need to use the large battery? That's another thing I like about the Switronix, you can use the small battery for the entire night. I also like that the battery mounts on the camera handle for weight distribution. Does the Comer have a dimmer? There are definitely times I can use a little more light.

The sony LBP come with a battery adapter. I hook that onto the LBP and mount it in front of the EX1. The cable goes to my belt whereby the F970 is connected.

Thanks Michael. Do you need to use the large battery? That's another thing I like about the Switronix, you can use the small battery for the entire night. I also like that the battery mounts on the camera handle for weight distribution. Does the Comer have a dimmer? There are definitely times I can use a little more light.
For the Sony LBP or the Comer 1800 light I don't use the largest battery but rather the middle of the road size, which is the Sony NP-F770 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/348070-REG/Sony_NPF770_NP_F770_Info_Lithium_Battery_Pack.html). It's smaller, lighter, and as far as I can tell should last you almost an entire days shoot.

I used this batter and a Comer1800 light at a 13 hour shoot yesterday. I used the light about 6-8 hours, and only changed the battery once. The only reason that I changed the battery though was because I didn't know how much time I had left on it, as I didn't want to risk having the light die when I needed it most. I had already used the light for 5 hours at this point.

The only thing that I like about the Sony HVL light over the Comer1800 is that the Sony HVL light has a battery indicator that lets you know how long you have on your battery run time.

And yes the Comer does have a dimer knob on it. This also serves as the power switch.

When dimmed as low as it will go, the light output is reduced to about 5%.

In case you lissed it, I posted a quick comparison of the Comer1800 light vs. the Sony LVP light on my blog. Comer 1800 LED Light vs. Sony HVL-LBP LED Light (http://lvptools.blogspot.com/2009/06/comer-1800-led-light-vs-sony-hvl-lbp.html)

I appreciate the feedback. I'll probably give one a try

I recently purchased the Comer 1800 from lacolorshop (Taky Cheung) as well and am very pleased. Having owned and used the Sony 10/20w and the Sony HVL-LBP, the Comer is definitely a superior light, in both power, color temperature and spread. I think most of the people who have ordered it are surprised by how much light it puts out with only 20w of power consumption. It seems like the best value out there for an on-camera LED light.

How is the Comer 1800 on a very small camcorder? I am looking for a good general purpose light to use with a Panasonic HDC-TM300 but am concerned about the size and weight of this light for a camera that is only 2.8" (l) x 5.6" (w) x 2.8" (h) and weighs only 13.6 oz.

Is there a better sized light for a small camcorder like this that will give decent lighting output? Granted the low light capability is decent, but if I am somewhere that a light is needed, it would be nice to have a good quality light.

Thank you!

-David

David, Comer 1800 light might be a bit too big for small cameras. Or you can mount the camera on flash bracket.

Otherwise, Comer 900 is a good small light. It is very bright with all the advantages of 1800 light with barn door, diffuser, condenser, 4500K color temp. The only limitation is it doesn't have a dimmer switch. It only has 2 level of brightness control.

Is the Comer 900 battery fitment the same as the 1800, ie battery fits in recess on the back of the light ?

Colin, yes the battery is slided in at the back of the Comer lights, both Comer 900 and Comer 1800.

Thanks Taky, will be in ordering in the near future