Light for Canon XLS-1

[Todd Dilley]

I am in need of a light for my Canon XLS-1 so that I can shoot
scenes that are in dark places.

Canon sells this light for the camera off their website:
Battery Video Light VL-10Li
It goes on top of the camera.

I was wondering if anyone has ever used this light for the XLS-1 and if it works well when filming dark areas.

Or if anyone knows of another light that works well with the Canon XlS-1, I would appreciate any info.

[Don Berube]

I use the Frezzi Mini Fill a lot, powered by an NP1 battery. I use this when I am shooting with larger DVCams or BetaCam - may be a bit too heavy for the XL1S,,, although it may work better if you power it with a belt pak.

There is also the Cool-Lux SL3000, which requires a belt pak as well.

Also, there is the Mite-Lite by NRG Systems.

- don

[Adam Wakely]

I use the Canon XL1 and the VL-10Li all the time for my wedding videos. It works well up closer to your subjects. What I find looks best in the dark is the shutter speed set to 30 and the 10 watt light on! Without the shutter speed on it's just too dark unless your very close and then it's too harsh and you have to dial down the AE shift dial. Going lower than 30 shutter speed will look to blury when you move. The light is convenient and easy to use but I still want something better! I would like a super bright "soft box" type light on the camera! I'm making my own light out of some low-voltage type lights. MR16 type lights by GE (12 volts) in a holder with a Emergency light box kit with 12 volt batteries. (that's the charger for them). I found a bulb thats 3500k colour tempature(EXN35). I haven't finished it yet. Anyway, the Canon VL-10Li has done me for the last few years of weddings! :)

[Todd Dilley]

Thank you so much Adam for the reply.

I greatly appreciate it.

[Bob Zimmerman]

<<<-- Originally posted by Adam Wakely : I use the Canon XL1 and the VL-10Li all the time for my wedding videos. It works well up closer to your subjects. What I find looks best in the dark is the shutter speed set to 30 and the 10 watt light on! Without the shutter speed on it's just too dark unless your very close and then it's too harsh and you have to dial down the AE shift dial. Going lower than 30 shutter speed will look to blury when you move. The light is convenient and easy to use but I still want something better! I would like a super bright "soft box" type light on the camera! I'm making my own light out of some low-voltage type lights. MR16 type lights by GE (12 volts) in a holder with a Emergency light box kit with 12 volt batteries. (that's the charger for them). I found a bulb thats 3500k colour tempature(EXN35). I haven't finished it yet. Anyway, the Canon VL-10Li has done me for the last few years of weddings! :) -->>> Adam what type of battery do you use woth that and how long does it run?

[Bryan Beasleigh]

http://www.photoflex.com/photoflex/index.html

Look at the Action Dome ENG

Chimera and Wescott make an equivilent

Have a look at B&H in their on camera lighting section to get an idea on batteries and lights.
They have manufacturers links available in the margin so you can visit each brands site.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bh2.sph/FrameWork.class?FNC=CatalogActivator__Acatalog_html___CatID=3683___SID=F1537563000

[Adam Wakely]

-->>> Adam what type of battery do you use woth that and how long does it run? -->>>

Sorry I didn't reply sooner.


I'm using a GFX type battery that came with the emergency light pack I obtained from my work.

http://www.batteryelectric.com/be-products09.htm

It's the exact same battery sold in some pro light pack in the camera stores. I'm going to put the battery in a small bag with a waist strap. So far it seems to last a very long time but I haven't timed it yet. I will update when I finish it with details and pics. (I've been so busy editing and drinking beer!)