Need help on Frezzi Dimmer Mini-Fill

W

wongwai

Member
Gentlemen,

Need your guys help on the following Dimmer mini-fill item:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...il&Q=&sku=113986&is=REG&si=feat#goto_itemInfo

Can the Handle clamp that comes with the mini-fill be fitted on the DVX-100 shoe mount? Or should I just order the Dimmer mini fill without the handle clamp and order a shoe mount instead? ???

Since I mostly use the DVX for my family function, friends wedding, is there any accessories that you would recommend ?

Thank you for all the help.
 
Re: Need help on Frezzi Dimmer Mini-Fill

How were you planning on powering it? That handle clamp is an NP1 battery holder. It's meant for you to use NP1 batteries to power the light with. If you've already got NP1's and a charger, it could be a nice setup. However, if you don't already have NP1's, it can be pricey to get set up with it.

You can order that light to connect to just about any power source made, so before you know which way you want to go, you've got to figure out how you're going to power it.
 
Re: Need help on Frezzi Dimmer Mini-Fill

Hi Barry,

Since I don’t have any lighting equipment, I will have to start from sketch. I am planning to get the Dimmer mini-fill, a NP-1 battery, and a trickle charger. It will cost me about US$ 564.00 I think this is cheapest way to start a Frezzi system.

The only time I use on camera lighting is during family gathering, relative / friends wedding, I think the NP-1 battery should be able to handle those events. Or do you suggest other type of battery?

The only accessory I am planning to get is a soft box. I don’t think I need those 2-leaf barndoors and the flip up dichroic filter yet (or do I?)

Since I am new to the videography, your comment and recommendation is highly appreciated. Thank you. ;D
 
Re: Need help on Frezzi Dimmer Mini-Fill

If you're just starting out, I say definitely skip the NP1 system. NP1's are a very common battery system, somewhat interchangeable, the same batteries can power BetaSP cameras, portable monitors, etc.

But for the minifill, unless you already have them, I think NP1's are the wrong choice. They're expensive, and they're heavy, and with that bracket system, the battery is mounted on-camera, which means you're going to be hand-holding a very heavy battery the whole time. NP1's weigh a couple of pounds each, which can get tiring to handhold.

They also don't last that long when powering a light. Most NP1's are around 2 to 3 amp-hours, which would drive a mini-fill for around half an hour (depending on your dimmer setting, obviously if you have it dimmed your battery will last longer in proportion to how much you have it dimmed).

I have that same light, and I chose an XLR solution (mainly because I have other cameras that use 12V XLR power, but also because it's a cheap and universal option). I'd suggest you look at something like a modest battery belt from somebody like Bescor -- you should be able to get a decent battery and charger for around $120 or so, which should be able to drive the light for a good couple of hours. Cigarette lighter plug and XLR plug are the two most common connections in the video world. Bescor makes belts that have both. Bescor may not be a top brand, but they're cheap and deliver decent bang-for-the-buck. The belt'll be heavy, 8 or 10 pounds, but spread around your hips I bet it'll be more comfortable than 2 pounds of NP1 in your hands, and to get equivalent runtime you'll need three or four NP1 batteries.

As for the accessories, the softbox is nice, but pricey. The barn doors are great to have, but pricey. You can always add them all later. The dichroic filter is for if you're going to use the light outdoors, in sunlight (commonly done by news shooters, for example). If you don't anticipate using the light outdoors, you won't need the dichroic. If you go for the MFSB-2 softbox, it has interchangeable fronts, and you could use a blue front on the softbox for outdoors (although, the light output would be so weak, having been diffused by the softbox and cut 2 stops by the blue filter, it might be invisible...)
 
Re: Need help on Frezzi Dimmer Mini-Fill

Barry,

Thank you for fine details and advises on the dimmer mini-fill ;), I will definitely look into the Bescor with XLR connecter (you are right, they are a good bargain compare to the Frezzi ;D ;D ;D). By the way, should I get the 4 pins or the 5 pins? OR it really doesn’t matter because they are all the same?
 
Re: Need help on Frezzi Dimmer Mini-Fill

Barry, that was an awesome detailed explanation.  I may have to quote you.... ;D  

Wong, you may also want to look at this product, just for the sake of comparison.  Some may say it is not as pro-looking as the frezzi, but it's worth a try: http://pagusa.com/paglightc6.htm

I like it, and I own it and the minifill. But I use the minifill on larger cameras only, that have 12V Powertap outputs.
 
Re: Need help on Frezzi Dimmer Mini-Fill

Rush,

Tks for your information about the Paglight C6 ;).

So compare to the mini fill is the C6 bigger than the mini fill? How you like it compare to the mini fill?

Reasons I pick the mini fill – first, its weight & compact size (as it seem on internet). Second, because there is a lot of people in this site recommend the mini fill as their only choice of on camera light.

Since I am still in process of organizing my order (light, mic), your input in lighting equipment is highly appreciated. ;D
 
Re: Need help on Frezzi Dimmer Mini-Fill

It doesn't come with a dimmer, although I'm sure some tinkerers could easily come up with a 6V variac from Radio shack parts.  It is the same size essentialy as the minifill, but a lot lighter, because it's made out of carbon fiber not metal.  It also doesn't get hot for that very same reason. I like it for the DVX and other small cameras. I like the minifill when I use large cameras. They are both great products, but I like to use them for different types of projects.
 
Re: Need help on Frezzi Dimmer Mini-Fill

Barry and Rush,

Thank you for the information and help on the on-camera light issue, but after serious thinking (due to limited budget), I set my priority to get (and did get) a Century 4x4 Matte Box, some 4x4 glass filters and a ME66 (already costing me a lot).

My next goal is to get a set of on-camera light (when I save enough money). Anyway thanks a lot of guys. ;D
 
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