OT: What on camera light to buy?

L8R wrote on 8/10/2009, 12:03 PM
I have a couple of FX1's I use for weddings. Over the last year I picked up a couple of Bescor lights for each camera. http://www.gomediamonkey.com/bescor-klx624d.htm

They are a pretty good light with a good throw distance.
However, I don't like the annoying cord that I need to have plugged into the battery pack on my hip and I find the batteries don't last as long as I need. My one battery already seems to have lived it's life.
I am looking into getting LED lights for my camera but am a little concerned with spending $500 and not getting the same type of throw.
Anyone have experience with this light? http://www.gomediamonkey.com/proddetail.php?prod=litepanels-lp-micropro&cat=82
Or know of a good one to reccomend? I like the fact that I can switch out the batteries if needed and it's dimmable.

Comments

farss wrote on 8/10/2009, 2:09 PM
We have one of those and 3 of it's cheaper siblings. The batteries don't fall out of the Pro! Keep in mind though it uses 6x AA batteries which adds some weight. Litepanels say they'll have an optional battery plate to use Sony batteries to power the light. We're still looking for that.
I haven't tried the Bescor but probably throw will not be as great but coverage will be better. Any light source only produces so many lumens. You can focus that to get better throw but loose coverage. I'd figure for weddings shooting 16x9 coverage is more of an issue than throw. If you want throw then the Frezzi 15W HID is the beast to buy. I sure wouldn't use one at a wedding reception though, that tiny light has serious punch even with the optional softbox. You would need to run it off an external battery as it's 12V.

Best on camera light remains the Zylight Z90. Not cheap and I'd suggest too heavy for the FX1.

Bob.
jrazz wrote on 8/10/2009, 5:29 PM
I bought some Sima lights and really like them. They are rechargable (you have to plug them in) but they are cheap and you can connect them together for more light or buy several to use once one runs down.

Here is the link (look for my post)

j razz
L8R wrote on 8/17/2009, 9:13 AM
Thanks for the replys. I really want to get the litepanel. It's just so fricken expensive. I just want to make sure if i'm spending the money, I'm getting what I need. I think throw is my main concern and price. Thanks again.
craftech wrote on 8/17/2009, 10:19 AM
I use the Sony HVL-20DW2. It has two lights and plenty of throw. A Basic light that works. It also takes the same batteries as your camera. I use an NP-F970 on mine and it runs for several hours varying between one light on and two lights on.

You can reads user reviews here and here.

John
Cheno wrote on 8/17/2009, 3:21 PM
One option is the Comer LED lights - they're basically the china Swit lights -

http://lacolorshop.com/products/item.asp?id=cm900

Really good reviews from everyone who's used them.

cheno
farss wrote on 8/17/2009, 3:24 PM
"It's just so fricken expensive."

How much did your camera cost?

A camera don't work without light. A top shelf light will outlast many cameras, they like tripods, microphones and even the humble mic lead are an investment. Cameras are an expenditure.

This simple fact bit me again a few days ago. I grabbed a cheap Miller tripod and the pan drag was useless. I spent the whole day fighting the tripod, even a light breeze could ruin the shot.

Bob.
winrockpost wrote on 8/17/2009, 4:28 PM
I understand that some light is better than no light but camera lights have always given me the tv news type look,, I don't care if its a fifty dollar or a thousand dollar cam light still looks like the news. Anytime its possible I 'll drag a tota around before resorting to a on a cam light ,I'm sure others would disagree but For Me I would not spend too much.
WWWhatsup_NYC wrote on 8/17/2009, 6:46 PM
I like my VIDLED - $400+ though and no swappable battery. Battery is good for around 70 mins

http://vidled.com/
kairosmatt wrote on 8/17/2009, 7:33 PM
winrock-what's a tota?

Bob-I like that about cameras being an expenditure and most everything else being an investment. We just got A z90, but still figuring out the best way to use it.

We spent $1500 on a mic, and everytime I don't use it, you can tell the quality of the project just goes downhill. I'm hoping to get good the same use out of the z90-to take the quality up another notch.

kairosmatt
L8R wrote on 8/18/2009, 1:53 PM
How much did your camera cost?

LoL That's what the guy said to me last year when I dropped $600 on two Pelican cases.
I know Bob, It's just where do you stop?
Thank God my wife is understanding that it important to have the right tools for the job, and that costs money.
Instead of my list of things to invest in getting shorter it just keeps getting longer!
Thanks again everyone for their input, I'll check out the links in a few hours.
Once again, can I state.... I love this forum. You guys rock.