On camera/off camera Light

J

Johnny Bueno

Active member
Hey all,

I only recently started shooting weddings and an issue that I keep having that I haven't been able to address till now is shooting in Low light receptions areas as well as low lighting in general. I finally saved only a bit of money and I'm hoping to get some suggestions on a solid reasonably priced light that i can both mount on the camera or hold by hand or place on a stand maybe. But mainly that it at least mounts on the camera. I am extremely new to lighting and this is my first time purchasing and experiencing with Lighting. I have no clue what the common price range is for a small on camera light but my budget as of now is a about $300. Again, It will be for weddings only as thats my main concern as of now. I really appreciate any help and I have been searching through the forums and I read the sticky above but I haven't come up with much. I've come across the Vidled. Is that a good option for weddings? Thanks again for any help. Also, I use an HVX200a.

Johnny
 
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No one can assist me with this situation? Please. Again I have came across the Vidled, litepanel, or the varizoom. Are any of these good options for weddings? Low light and indoor areas.
 
Check out the Comer 900 at lacolorshop.com. It's got good reviews from members here and the store owner is a dvxuser member with great customer service. The light is very bright, very evenly lit for wide angles, and has a battery plate for whichever brand you prefer.

http://lacolorshop.com/products/item.asp?id=cc900kit

Taky has some test videos showing the comer lights and other popular on camera battery lights on the site, as well.
 
Check out the Comer 900 and 1800 lights at lacolorshop.com. I have both lights and use them for on and off camera - and in conjunction with other lighting when necessary.
 
Johnny Bueno said:
Hey all,

I only recently started shooting weddings and an issue that I keep having that I haven't been able to address till now is shooting in Low light receptions areas as well as low lighting in general. I finally saved only a bit of money and I'm hoping to get some suggestions on a solid reasonably priced light that i can both mount on the camera or hold by hand or place on a stand maybe. But mainly that it at least mounts on the camera. I am extremely new to lighting and this is my first time purchasing and experiencing with Lighting. I have no clue what the common price range is for a small on camera light but my budget as of now is a about $300. Again, It will be for weddings only as thats my main concern as of now. I really appreciate any help and I have been searching through the forums and I read the sticky above but I haven't come up with much. I've come across the Vidled. Is that a good option for weddings? Thanks again for any help. Also, I use an HVX200a.

Johnny
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I'm still not sold on LED lighting for cameras with anything smaller than a 1/2" sensor. They run cool and are battery friendly, but the overall light output just doesn't do it for me for most situations.

I use a Lowel iLight with a bescor 12V Lead Acid battery pack. I love it because it accepts both 100W & 55W bulbs. It's also mountable on a camera or a light stand. You can also add barn doors, gels, diffusion... anything.

I try to use it off-camera whenever possible to avoid "flattening out" the subject.
 
I'd get the Litepanels Micro LED On-Camera Light, it's about $300. That's what I use for weddings.
 
I used to have two zylights and a vidled. Don't get me wrong, the Zylights are really really nice, just really expensive. Worth it if you need the features though. Anyways I've transitioned into still photography and sold most of my video gear. Still have some for quick and fun stuff. The vidled is part of that. Cheap, durable and is a nice amount of light indoors and can provide a little fill in the shade if you're close enough. Note that mine is an older plastic model. If they are still making them like they used to, I'd imagine the new ones are just better.

I would tape a bit of diffusion to the front when used on camera though. Its a bit harsh on the eyes for the subject otherwise.
 
Thanks. In terms of the Vidleds. I hear everyone bring up the Hot vidled and the cold vidled. Which would be more ideal for weddings and the situations I'm talking about? Lastly, I was at B&H which is where I shop for a lot of my gear and on their site under HVX accessories they have these in my budget:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/684949-REG/Rotolight_RL_48_A_STEALTH_RL48_A_Microphone_Mounted_Camcorder.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=XDL56P+LED+On+Camera+Light+Kit&N=0&InitialSearch=yes

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/542007-REG/Litepanels_LP_MICRO.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/447042-REG/VariZoom_VZ_S2010P_S_2010P_Dimmable_On_Camera.html

If I where to choose one of these to buy from B&H which would be the best option? Thanks for any help.

Johnny
 
I got the Rotolight at NAB 2010. It is not bad for the price and the filters are nice. It is light weight and works at least 3 hours on AA batteries. The size and shape is a bit awkward. The botom line - it just does not put out enough light, so expect grainy footage. It is okay for closeup work, but it places a weird circle shape in the eyeballs.

I am still looking for a good light. Let me know what you decide on.
 
Hey all,

It seems that after a few suggestions and a bit of research I might be sold on either the Comer 900 or Comer 1800 on camera lights from..

http://lacolorshop.com/products/item.asp?id=cc900kit

So Unless anyone tells me of any reasons why I should not buy either of them or unless anyone suggest any other lights to buy that might be better, then Ill be placing an order soon from Comer. Thanks for all the help. Any other advice or suggestions are very much welcomed. Thanks again.

Johnny
 
I am tempted on the Comer also. The guy has all those YouTube videos comparing different lights. But, the ones he compares to are not in the same class of light as the comer. I'm sure there are some lights in the price range that can match up with the Comer. The only issue for me is the size and weight since I do a lot of hand-held and shoulder mount. Good luck, Johnny.
 
percoplus said:
I am tempted on the Comer also. The guy has all those YouTube videos comparing different lights. But, the ones he compares to are not in the same class of light as the comer. I'm sure there are some lights in the price range that can match up with the Comer. The only issue for me is the size and weight since I do a lot of hand-held and shoulder mount. Good luck, Johnny.
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Thanks for the info. I've done a bit of research and while there are plenty of other contenders, I'm on a tight budget and the Comer seems solid. I just placed an order for the Comer 1800 and before placing the order I talked to Taky from L.A. Color. He was very informative and helpful. As soon as I receive the light I'll let you know how it goes. Thanks again.

Johnny
 
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The spec says 1800 lumens at 3ft. Is that with or without the condenser spot lens in place ? I can't seem to get that info anywhere. Perhaps the instruction manual will say.
 
I'm now in the camp of lost souls seeking a decent on-camera light.

This seems like a very subjective area. To me, the LED lamps just look too much like you're illuminating the room with a computer monitor.
 
I am tempted to purchase the Comer 1800 as 1800 lumens is really bright at 3 feet away as the specs say but is that figure measured with or without the condender (those little lenses on the flip down panel) in place ? I really need that 1800 lumen at the widest setting without the narrow beam. Can anyone that purchased this unit perhaps know the answer?
 
Johnny Bueno said:
Thanks for the info. I've done a bit of research and while there are plenty of other contenders, I'm on a tight budget and the Comer seems solid. I just placed an order for the Comer 1800 and before placing the order I talked to Taky from L.A. Color. He was very informative and helpful. As soon as I receive the light I'll let you know how it goes. Thanks again.

Johnny
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Did you get your light, yet?
 
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