What's next to buy: o/c light or wireless mic?

[catalyst]

Hello,

Still focused on my promotional video business, but doing some wedding videos on the side for cash flow. Working with DVX100B and Varizoom VZ 1 Shooter, plus a good tripod for the weddings. Renting an on-camera light (led with HEAVY waist battery pack) for each gig, using wired lav to a Sony minidisc for audio on the groom.

The light rental is getting old fast (~$60/pop and did I say HEAVY) and I'm wondering about the reliability of the minidisc route (since I can't hear whether somethings gone wrong along the way).

Could afford an entry-level wireless mic setup (eg Azden 100LT) OR an on-camera light, such as Varizoom's VZS-2010, but not both. I would welcome advice on which of these two next acquisitions is most indispensible (or crazy to go without).

Thanks!

Catalyst

 

[Ming]

There's a post on the board about DIY LED on camera lights. Do some searching. It looks really cool and costs very little to do.

 

[Consultant]

NRG light kit

NRG light kit

Hello,

Still focused on my promotional video business, but doing some wedding videos on the side for cash flow. Working with DVX100B and Varizoom VZ 1 Shooter, plus a good tripod for the weddings. Renting an on-camera light (led with HEAVY waist battery pack) for each gig, using wired lav to a Sony minidisc for audio on the groom.
The light rental is getting old fast (~$60/pop and did I say HEAVY) and I'm wondering about the reliability of the minidisc route (since I can't hear whether somethings gone wrong along the way).
Could afford an entry-level wireless mic setup (eg Azden 100LT) OR an on-camera light, such as Varizoom's VZS-2010, but not both. I would welcome advice on which of these two next acquisitions is most indispensible (or crazy to go without).
Thanks!
Catalyst

I put together a light kit with the NRG VersaLight (or Varilight) Pro dimmable and some of their battery belts and chargers through eBay. (Hint: ask the seller the age of the battery pack, or get the serial number and check around for its age.) Bought at a fraction of the new price. You can even get bulbs (BulbConnection.com) that are daylight balanced (6500K - EXT/FG/WS/6500 - Ushio) for short money for daylight fill. Bought three bulbs delivered for less than one bulb locally. And these brick-and-mortar local stores wonder why the Internet is killing them.