on camera lightning for weddings?

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eightball

Member
Hi, I need some help on choosing a good on camera lightning package for my DVX100a. I will be using this camcorder to shoot weddings (mostly banquet halls).
BHphoto.com has quite a few lightning packages but since i'm new to shooting, I have no idea on which one to purchase. I would be thankful for your advices and suggestions. Thank you.
 
eightball-

I was in the same spot as you a couple of months ago. If you do a search you'll find a lot of people here are believers in the PAG C6 light. I can see why. I purchased a used version a couple of weeks ago, have yet to use it, but absolutely love the construction of it. It is a real nifty light. Very pro looking and high quality. And, the best part about it is that it has a built in diffuser and a flip up screen to help adjust the color temperature to outside lighting or inside lighting.

It's a little pricey but there seems to be a popular motto around here....cry once...then never cry again when you pull it out of your bag.

Another thing about it, that diffuser works wonders. You don't want to shove your camera in someones face to get candid moments and have them reacting to your light. I borrowed a friends on cam light a month ago. I was doing tests with it. It was on the verge of blinding people. I had to cheesily wrap dryer sheets in front of the bulb to diffuse it (I figured it would work and wouldn't burn since they are designed for hight heat) which worked excellently. But, it was pretty sloppy looking. If money is not an issue and you are doing more than one wedding in your future, this Pag C6 light with diffuser is THE way to go. If you don't mind cutting a corner, a Bescor light is VERY cost effective. But, you will have to tape a dryer sheet around it to prevent blinding guests.

Rick

PS If you don't need it right away, EBAY or USED can be a very good friend. I got mine used for a very good price and couldn't be happier.
 
the Pag C6 light comes standard with the 20Watt light. It's a fair compromise considering the 20 watt will get you about 2-2.5 hours of battery life. Personally, I like the 30 watt with the diffuser. You are gonna use the diffuser anyway (lest you get the squinted eye look from the guests) and 30 watts will pretty much ensure some solid illumination.

And, here's another money saving tip. If you are in the NEW YORK area, that's all the more reason to NOT buy the light at B&H. They'll get you on shipping, tax etc. If you are going to purchase at an online store, pick one that resides in a different state than you.
Ethical? no. Money saving? YES!

Rick
 
I've used a Pag C6 at weddings and it does work great. 20 watts may not seem like a lot but I find it's enough for the typical wedding reception. It's enough to bring up the light level for anything that's in close proximity which is what you're normally after. At the same time, it's not so bright that your subjects have that 'deer in the headlights' look. I usually still get enough ambient room light in the background to convey the setting.

The C6 as a package is a nice rig. Like RLM, I was able to grab a nearly new kit off eBay for a nice price. Otherwise, Rush at EVS can hook you up. I've bought some accessory parts from EVS as well (spare bulbs and an extra quick-change bulb cartridge).

If I have any criticism of the C6, it's the power options. I wish it was 12v instead of 6v since I have some 12v Li-on power bricks that I would rather use. I believe the power connector on the C6 is odd-ball; even from the rest of the Pag light line which I think is 12v. So, AFAIK, if you need more battery power for an event, you're limited to buying another battery pack like the one in the kit which, IMHO, are a bit overpriced. However, with a 20W bulb, the standard battery pack will probably see you through a typical reception (1.5 to 2 hours).

-Dan
 
well, the Pag C6 comes standard with a battery that is attached to a shoulder strap. It works nice, it's light and pretty comfortable. I am sure if you spring for the extra $150-$160 battery, it'll probably be of the waist belt kind.

http://www.dvxuser.com/V3/showthread.php?t=38019 Someone is actually selling a used PagC6 light in MINT condition. It's the way to go.
 
The Belt which it came with the Pag C6, kindaa loose and swings. If you bend, it will come out from the notch and fall.
 
http://www.evsonline.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=91401

np 1 connection is great. the battery is, I think smaller than the pag 6c. will make a difference to YOU if you are carrying it around while working. definitely look closely at the actual battery option. $$ and weight is important, for me, I'd say weight is.. you can't just walk around carrying ONE. a must..the softbox. I could have lived without the barndoor-achroitic diopter accessory. look around for a set, maybe economical that way. the dimmer and other controls open up your creative options than just " on camera"

downsides--probably less time on each batt than the pag 6. each batt takes 16 hours to recharge. upside..small

probably a pricer option all together, but has worked well for me. I also know many broadcast outlets use this rugged little light.

that all said, if you are really, truly just experimenting with yourself in this line of work, I strongly suggest you DO NOT roll out all the money for higher end stuff. BESCOR, sony hvl-dw2 etc will get you by till you decide you really can do it and get paid properly for it. you're never going to use that on-camera light for anything other than live events..
 
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