Is video light in consumer video cam useful?

[Andreq]

I'm currently using a low end Canon video cam without any frills, so there is no video light.

Realized the more expensive ones, eg HD videocams, have a tiny video light (or lamp?). Do you all find it useful? It looks small so is it powerful enough to light up objects say up to 2-3 meters away?

With the present videocam I'm using, indoor shots of close ranged people appear dark with shadows. This also happens in backlit subjects.

Thanks!

 

[engr]

useful for sure. If u r talking about small camcorders.. even the medium sized camcorders will need it to do a proper in say ballroom lighting. Pulling up the gain will add noise beyond 6db for many cam.. Thing about those little lights r they will be a bright spot which is very uncomfortable for the subject, and also the light cast will be very focus. U need a larger light to cast a more subtle lighting. LEDs does a great job. Brands like Sony, Vidlight, Zylight are pretty ok it seems.

 

[Andreq]

That's what I suspect. The tiny LED light is probably too concentrated for a human subject to comfortably face the videocam.

right now my main problem is backlit subjects. Without external lighting, I find the videocam produces a lot of shadows on the face even if I increase the exposure, and moreover, background will be burnt.

So you do recommend getting one of those external video lights that can be fixed to the accessory shoe of the videocam? (I'm referring to consumer ones, not those biggy expensive videocams! :bigeyes

 

[engr]

As I suggested, the small lights cant solve the prob unfortunately. Even with large cam in the same situation u still need to add some lighting but prob a lot less. Check out Z50 Zylight and Litepanel Micro

Lite Panel Micro Test with HV20

 

[Andreq]

fwah, nice....

but too pro and ex for my needs liao. :sweat:

 

[BMPhoto]

As I suggested, the small lights cant solve the prob unfortunately. Even with large cam in the same situation u still need to add some lighting but prob a lot less. Check out Z50 Zylight and Litepanel Micro

Lite Panel Micro Test with HV20

Hi Andreq

Sorry for riding on your thread. Need some help on lighting.

Hi Engr

Could you advise where can I evaluate and purchase these 2 models LED video lighting in Singapore? I'm searching for a good and value for money LED video lighting, but found the shops selling such accessories in Singapore rather limited (only videopro in SLS and Expandore so far). Is there any other location? Thanks.

Regards

 

[engr]

sometimes its cheaper to import directly from the US. Try B&H from New York. But bear in mind the exchange rates u see online r usually 2-4% lower than the actual bank rate. A lot depends on which credit card u use as well. The most annoying thing is the GST which will be levied on the toal goods value including yr shipping cost. However all in, u may still find it cheaper!! Sometimes they give freebies as well. Only thing is the support is an issue. IF u sway, den u have to spend $$ to spend the stuff back. So as a rule of thumb, if the price has a 15% diff, import it. Anything less than that get it locally better. But sometimes, u dun have a choice. So far I have had both good n bad experiences. Anything big that needs warranty like yr cam, DUN import it!

Well for the Zylight, it is available locally at AV8 Media. Address is below. Lite panel is imported directly.
210 Middle Road
#06-01 IOI Plaza
Singapore 188994
+65 6339 1321

Litepanel Link

 

[engr]

Hey here is a great link. Litepanel Micro using 4xAA batts.. someone is using locally alr n he is happy with it. Prob ard SGD450-500 to bring in locally.

Litepanel Micro from ZGC

 

[engr]

however do take note all of the products have their own share of problems.. the Sony light is still the most professional of the lot but well, it isnt that bright but LEDs r not the same as tungsten in the end so if u r looking for a floodlight, tungsten may be the best choice still.

 

[BMPhoto]

Hi Engr

Thanks for the abundant info you have shared both to me and to this forum. Looking forward to learn more from you in the future. Thanks.

Regards

 

[jeanie]

hi guys, i just bought the litepanels.

guess what?it wont fit into my sony viewcam hot shoe.

sigh.....

and who says it's not bright and glaring?it's like a flash constantly on.!!!

sort of regretted....

 

[engr]

Hi.. poor u, u didnt know the Sony handycam has a propietry horseshoe? But dun worry, can be solved. U can google for the adapter.Doesnt cost that much bro. BTW, i thought it the litepanel can be dimmed?

 

[engr]

Hi Engr

Thanks for the abundant info you have shared both to me and to this forum. Looking forward to learn more from you in the future. Thanks.

Regards

U r welcome.. I m learning too. Hope that everyone here shares..

 

[jeanie]

Hi.. poor u, u didnt know the Sony handycam has a propietry horseshoe? But dun worry, can be solved. U can google for the adapter.Doesnt cost that much bro. BTW, i thought it the litepanel can be dimmed?

sigh....i didnt know...so sad.

adaptor?got link?i'll try googling.
thanks for information.

yes can be dimmed.but seems like if dimmed, it aint bright enough.

 

[JaPhotos]

Hi Andreq,

If your cam have manual settings, try locking the exposure on the face instead of the lightings from the back of your subjects (i.e. the windows, etc). This will cause the background to be overexposed, but at least you see the face. =)

Alternative, you may want to get an assistant to help to hold on to some refector to bounce lights back onto the faces of your subjects. This is one of the cheapest alternatives to having lights to counter the backlight. =)

 

[BMPhoto]

hi guys, i just bought the litepanels.

guess what?it wont fit into my sony viewcam hot shoe.

sigh.....

and who says it's not bright and glaring?it's like a flash constantly on.!!!

sort of regretted....

Hi Jeanie

Where did you get the Litepanel from? I'm considering this lighting too. Did you get it via internet (as what mentioned by Engr) or is there any local dealer (so as to get some local waranty)? Care to share on the cost of the LED light?

Thanks and appreciate your advise.

Regards

 

[jeanie]

Hi Jeanie

Where did you get the Litepanel from? I'm considering this lighting too. Did you get it via internet (as what mentioned by Engr) or is there any local dealer (so as to get some local waranty)? Care to share on the cost of the LED light?

Thanks and appreciate your advise.

Regards

i ordered from BnH.
UPS shipping, reached me at 4 days.
in total about 350USD IIRC.
so need to pay GST.about $39SGD.

engr:i cant find the adaptor anywhere in the net lei.please help!

 

[BMPhoto]

i ordered from BnH.
UPS shipping, reached me at 4 days.
in total about 350USD IIRC.
so need to pay GST.about $39SGD.
QUOTE]

Thanks for the prompt sharing. I have worked it out to be about S$596 in total.
Can confirm that there is no local warranty then.

Curious, care to share why you choose Litepanel over Zylight, Sony and Spinet LED lighting which can be purchased locally. Thanks.

 

[jeanie]

i ordered from BnH.
UPS shipping, reached me at 4 days.
in total about 350USD IIRC.
so need to pay GST.about $39SGD.
QUOTE]

Thanks for the prompt sharing. I have worked it out to be about S$596 in total.
Can confirm that there is no local warranty then.

Curious, care to share why you choose Litepanel over Zylight, Sony and Spinet LED lighting which can be purchased locally. Thanks.

596 ah?>wah...i didnt even know it's so steep.will only know when my cc bill comes.:bigeyes:

i use to own the halogen type sony light before.it was really HOT and bright.and it's not dimmable.hence, went for LED.


zylight and spinet i really not sure.havent even do my homework on those 2.

 

[BMPhoto]

596 ah?>wah...i didnt even know it's so steep.will only know when my cc bill comes.:bigeyes:

i use to own the halogen type sony light before.it was really HOT and bright.and it's not dimmable.hence, went for LED.


zylight and spinet i really not sure.havent even do my homework on those 2.

Ya lah, just use your GST $39 quoted and work backward => 596 :sweat:

Thanks for all your sharing, I guess I will work on more research to decide which to go for. Thanks again.