Best light for a camera that runs off the camera battery!? at DVinfo.net

David Delaney · February 27th, 2008, 03:39 PM

I am looking to purchase a light for interviews and such. I want a light that will run off the camera battery (I assume this is how it is done when there isn't a battery belt involved), or a light that runs off batteries (9V etc.).
Any suggestions?

Chris Hurd · February 27th, 2008, 04:05 PM

For which camera, David? Canon HV20? That would be either the Canon VL-3 or VFL-1. Both of these lights attach via the Advanced Accessory Shoe and get their power directly from the camera's battery.

David Delaney · February 27th, 2008, 04:15 PM

I have a several different cameras here, I was hoping to get a universal that wouldn't require a specific brand. I have seen the 3Watt ones, I just am not sure if that is going to be enough light...

Chris Hurd · February 27th, 2008, 05:36 PM

Well if the stipulation is that the light runs off the camera battery, then it's a question of which specific cameras, since each manufacturer has their own proprietary battery form factor... there's nothing universal.

Robin Hall · February 28th, 2008, 11:30 AM

If It was me David and you are using a canon then I would seriously consider
A VL-10 Li Version 1 or 2 Which is the 10W with it own attached rechargable
Canon Battery, I know it's not running off the camera like you requested, but I consider that an advantage instead of disadvantage, It's a bit more expensive option but worth it in my opinion. , Lights will Zap your camera battery quicker the heck,Especially a 10W model . I prefer a seperate battery model Because when you are not using it you have a spare
battery for your Camera, and when you are your not gonna kill you camera
in no time.. As far as a 3W light I would not waste your time, it will only provide very marginal lighting at best 3 to 5 ft at least the 10W will give you 6 to 10 ft. The 3w or the 10W running on the camera will reduce shooting time quite sharply, I am using the VL10 Li and like it a lot.

David Delaney · February 28th, 2008, 06:01 PM

Robin,
Thanks for that. Since you have experience in the field, that helps make the decision easier. I like the look of the one you suggested, now it is a matter of trying to get a good price.
Is the light diffusion decent? I am hoping the light won't be too harsh for the on-the-fly interviews...

Robin Hall · February 29th, 2008, 01:17 PM

David the light diffusion could be somewhat Better, But ITs not too bad. The Range is about 10 to 12 FT max with 8ft being ideal, at 10ft the spread is about 8ft wide, It can tend to look a little spotlightey In a wideangle shot.
The Light is very White Because of the Halogen lamp and this can be somewhat disconcerterting to your subjects if you are really close.. Iam sure you could rig up some kind of diffuser for it though.. Short of a complete off camera lighting solution though I think it does a good job and offers many advantages over a camera powered light.

February 27th, 2008, 03:39 PM	#1
David Delaney Trustee Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Niagara Ontario Canada Posts: 1,121	Best light for a camera that runs off the camera battery!? I am looking to purchase a light for interviews and such. I want a light that will run off the camera battery (I assume this is how it is done when there isn't a battery belt involved), or a light that runs off batteries (9V etc.). Any suggestions?

February 27th, 2008, 04:05 PM	#2
Chris Hurd Obstreperous Rex Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: San Marcos, TX Posts: 27,369 Images: 513	For which camera, David? Canon HV20? That would be either the Canon VL-3 or VFL-1. Both of these lights attach via the Advanced Accessory Shoe and get their power directly from the camera's battery. __________________ CH Search DV Info Net \| 20 years of DVi \| ...Tuesday is Soylent Green Day!

February 27th, 2008, 05:36 PM	#4
Chris Hurd Obstreperous Rex Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: San Marcos, TX Posts: 27,369 Images: 513	Well if the stipulation is that the light runs off the camera battery, then it's a question of which specific cameras, since each manufacturer has their own proprietary battery form factor... there's nothing universal. __________________ CH Search DV Info Net \| 20 years of DVi \| ...Tuesday is Soylent Green Day!

February 28th, 2008, 11:30 AM	#5
Robin Hall Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: London On Posts: 43	If It was me David and you are using a canon then I would seriously consider A VL-10 Li Version 1 or 2 Which is the 10W with it own attached rechargable Canon Battery, I know it's not running off the camera like you requested, but I consider that an advantage instead of disadvantage, It's a bit more expensive option but worth it in my opinion. , Lights will Zap your camera battery quicker the heck,Especially a 10W model . I prefer a seperate battery model Because when you are not using it you have a spare battery for your Camera, and when you are your not gonna kill you camera in no time.. As far as a 3W light I would not waste your time, it will only provide very marginal lighting at best 3 to 5 ft at least the 10W will give you 6 to 10 ft. The 3w or the 10W running on the camera will reduce shooting time quite sharply, I am using the VL10 Li and like it a lot. Last edited by Robin Hall; February 28th, 2008 at 01:41 PM.

February 27th, 2008, 04:15 PM	#3
David Delaney Trustee Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Niagara Ontario Canada Posts: 1,121	I have a several different cameras here, I was hoping to get a universal that wouldn't require a specific brand. I have seen the 3Watt ones, I just am not sure if that is going to be enough light...

February 28th, 2008, 06:01 PM	#6
David Delaney Trustee Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Niagara Ontario Canada Posts: 1,121	Robin, Thanks for that. Since you have experience in the field, that helps make the decision easier. I like the look of the one you suggested, now it is a matter of trying to get a good price. Is the light diffusion decent? I am hoping the light won't be too harsh for the on-the-fly interviews...

February 29th, 2008, 01:17 PM	#7
Robin Hall Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: London On Posts: 43	David the light diffusion could be somewhat Better, But ITs not too bad. The Range is about 10 to 12 FT max with 8ft being ideal, at 10ft the spread is about 8ft wide, It can tend to look a little spotlightey In a wideangle shot. The Light is very White Because of the Halogen lamp and this can be somewhat disconcerterting to your subjects if you are really close.. Iam sure you could rig up some kind of diffuser for it though.. Short of a complete off camera lighting solution though I think it does a good job and offers many advantages over a camera powered light.