DVXLight vs. Gain

Rick Meyer

Rick Meyer

Veteran
Hello all-
I am putting together the final pieces of equipment to shoot my sister's wedding. The space is going to be filled with windows and will take place a few hours before the sun goes down. However, when light does become an issue...would I prefer to get a light to mount on the DVX or should I just utlize the gain feature? I wasn't sure if the light produced cheesy results. If you are a mounted light user, please give advice as to brands, makes, and model numbers please.

Thanks so much gang! You've already helped out tremendously-
Rick
 
You're much better off forgetting about the gain control unless you're really backed into a corner--it adds a lot of noise, especially at the higher settings. I use a Paglight C6 as an on-camera light and it's a good combination of battery life, output, durability, and cost. The single drawback is that it's not dimmable, but you can use the built in diffuser and/or clip on diffusion gels if needed. It runs about $300 for thr full kit. On camera lights are not particularly flattering, so youy want to add as little light as you can get away with. If you have the extra $$, a dimmable Frezzi is a good choice.
 
Agree with Barry, stay away from the gain unless you absolutely have to use it. And then only go with the 3 dB setting. You can remove some of the noise in post but it doesn't quiet look natural.

I have a Frezzi micro-fill and a Lowel iD-light. The Frezzi is 35W max and the Lowell will go 100W max. Both are dimmable and the Lowell has a focus adjustment as well. I have a softbox for the Frezzi but it doesn't help much. I use both only at wedding receptions. The frezzi cast a pretty narrow light pattern which is not very good outside of about 30 degrees. I just got the Lowell and I prefer it because of the higher power bulbs plus the focus helps to really open up the light field. The Lowell was about $230 at B&H but the battery belt set me back $500. The Frezzi w/batts wasn't much less though.
 
Thanks guys-

You've given me something to think about. I have pretty much decided on an AT 4037a mic, and the Etymotic E6 earbuds; add to that about 15 hours of blank mini dvs and I'm up to about $700.00, just to shoot my sister's wedding. I think I will hold off on the light and hope to God for the best! Who knew the light was going to be so much???

But, I will definitely come back to this thread to make a note of the lights you've mentioned. I will steer clear of the gain.

Thanks again!

Rick
 
I've got the AT4037a also and it's a great mic.

You'll probably be ok with the light since it's that early in the day. The reception might be another story though. Might want to shoot that in 60i.
 
ransom said:
I've got the AT4037a also and it's a great mic....The reception might be another story though. Might want to shoot that in 60i.
Click to expand...

Ransom-

I am really looking forward to getting my hands on the mic. I've heard so many good things about it and it sounds excellent!

Thanks for the tip by the way. 60i? An acquaintance is helping me shoot this but he has the GL2. I suppose a lot of this depends on the limitations of that camera.

Rick
 
I shoot weddings on a regular basis in Key West, Florida and I use a Frezzi on camera light with a dimmer and frezzi clip on diffuser. While the cost of the light and diffuser is more expensive than others, brides and their guests are very appreciative of a non intrusive camera light especially in overly darkened reception halls or in tiki torch lit cocktail parties, which lately seem to be getting more popular. I've shot island receptions that are lit by little more than candle light and the dimable frezzi light is a must. I've heard horror stories from brides who have attended friends weddings and were "blinded" by a videographer with an overly bright lamp. Don't hesitate to use upward to 6db gain on the DVX100a in order to capture more available and romantic lighting. The slightly added picture noise is well worth a happy bride and her guests.
Good luck,
Craig Hollenback
www.abracadabraproductions.com
Key West Wedding Videos and Photography
 
The times I need it I use a PAG-light. They have a DV version of their pro cam light and (in my opion) it rocks. Off course you have to remember that it's got a short throw so your background will always be dark(er). So if you want things completely lit it might be better put some Lowell totalights here and there in the curch.

Oliver
 
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