Which light for the V1U is the best???

E

EvoVideo

New member
Still trying to figure out the low light issue with this camera. What is a good on-camera light for the V1U? What wattage would be the best?

Thanks!
 
There is no simple answer, because there are so many different types of lights. a 20-watt HMI is brighter than a 75-watt tungsten.

For a V1U, you want the very brightest light you can get. It's one of the least-sensitive HD camcorders and needs a LOT of light.
 
Evo,

Barry's right - the brightest light you can get for your budget.

Zylight's LED light has seen great reviews. It's pricey but if you're doing a lot of event work, it's worth the price. (bout $900)

VidLed has a great light but they're currently having some parts issues and not selling right now. ($300 - 450)

I even know a couple of guys who have converted bright Pelican and no name brand tactical lights and use those as well.

I had a nice NRG light years ago for ENG stuff but it required a battery belt and was pretty good sized.
 
A 75w Frezzi Mini-Fill puts out a lot of light, but it also drains batteries quickly. Nice thing about a unit like that is it has a long throw, if that's what you need. LEDs don't go as far.

But you can't be in the market for a 10W tungsten light, I doubt that'll do you any good with a V1U. A 75w Frezzi would probably get you going. I don't know what the equivalent in LED would be.
 
Happy to help. Not to knock the V1U, but I returned mine after getting it due to some early imaging issues / performance in low light. If you're doing lots of event video, I'd really look at some good, solid lights. They may set you back a bit, but you'll be glad you got 'em in the long run.
 
Yea i'm looking on ebay right now for a good deal. I've used an NRG light with the belt years ago BUT I hated wearing it because it killed my lower back BUT I'm so disappointed with the V1U in low light and I tape A LOT of wedding receptions and I have to have a good light. What camera did you end up getting instead of the V1U???

Thanks again!
 
I picked up a Canon XH-A1 - Extremely happy with it and it was within $50 price difference of the V1U.
 
there was a guy on here selling two vidleds for 400 which is a good price. ill do a search if i can find him for you.
 
You should at least check out the Sony HVL-LBP light from Sony if you look at LED lights at all. I have it and even though I only used it once I love it. Bright enough for me if shooting people in the dark at about 10-15 feet away. Uses authentic sony batteries, but they last like 2-3 hours and mount directly onto the light or a separate adapter to even out some weight. Some people think it's heavy, but I don't think it adds much to an already heavy camera anyway.
 
Evo,

If money were no object I would have a $900 LED light (Zylight). However as money is a concern I use a Sony HVL-20DW2.

It is switchable between 10 watts and 20 watts and uses the same series of batteries as the Sony V1U camera. Out of a generic battery equivilent of the NP-F960/970 I get a little over an hour at 20 watts out of one battery.

We are filming Rock bands in clubs right now and it is an absolute lifesaver. We have it on the hand held camera and the 20 watts is enough to make the one and two person shots from that cam look a lot better than they would otherwise.

I consider the Sony HVL-20DW2 $79 well spent.
 
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