Sony HVL-20DW2 Video Light for use with DCRVX2100, HDRFX1 & FX7
From Sony
switchable single-bulb/dual-bulb operation * mounts to compatible Sony camcorder's accessory shoe * lamp power consumption: 10 watts (one bulb)/ 20 watts (both bulbs) * lighting distance: approximately 40 lux (10 Watts), 80 lux (20 Watts) * lighting direction: horizontal * lighting angle: 26 degrees * Color temperature: 3,000 degrees K *
- Brand: Sony
- Model: HVL-20DW2
- Platform: Windows
- Format: CD
- Original language: English
- Dimensions: 3.10" h x 3.30" w x 7.30" l, .50 pounds
Sony's HVL-20DW2 double-decker camcorder light shines either 10 watts or 20 watts of light on the scene to help you capture footage in nearly any condition.
- 10 watts (with NP-F330/530/550)
- VCT-S30L Accessory bracket available for camcorders not equipped with mount shoe. See your camcorder's documentation to confirm.
- 10 watt and 20 watt modes (with NP-F730H/750/950)
Compatible Models
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Sunshine on my shoulders...makes me happy.....
My Sony FX1 has great low light capability, 3 lux, but eventually you WILL need extra light. Using your software to lighten dark shots will likely reveal some degree of graininess, no matter which camera you use.
I'm so glad I bought it. Used it for my birthday party. Though the overhead light was good, dark corners of the room require more light. If you consider yourself advanced, semi-pro, or a pro videographer, you MUST HAVE a light.
My only major beef is it runs at either 10 or 20 watts. No variable for 5, or 15. It is worth getting a long life battery like the NP-970. Independent power source (battery) is a plus. But no outlet plug adaptor that I know of.
must have for low light digital stills
if you have pretty much ANY digital camera and want to do closeups or see what you're taking pix of before flash, you need this or similar light. A german company makes a high-wat LED video light but it has speckled pattern, not good for closeup stills. The light pattern on this is VERY even. Closeup up with light in one hand and camera in other, to cover an object 6 to 8 inches. pull back to widen light to 2 feet or more across. Keep the video light as close to camera as possible, will reduce shadows the camera sees. Even outdoors at 9000' in Colorado I found use for this, taking picture on shady trail where a plant was half in shade, will fix this.
bulbs are replaceable. Yet in 4 years of having one bulb never wore out, and heavy usage, 8 hours at a time. (3 fp-970 batteries, such as batterybarn.com sells will give you 8 hours light. the last time I got it off amazon, FP960 for $47 from computer brain. the new 15 hour camcorder batteries power this light for about 2 1/2 hours)
The onlything that eventually broke was the switch. Don't force it, push down the middle safety button when turning it on or eventually will break it. take battery out when travelling so won't go on accidentally. you can add a grip by getting a disk shaped tripod adaptor and screwing a hand grip such as hakuba's monopod / tablepod combo (the most comfortable grip there is, about $25 at places like Fry's) into the tripod adapter.
It gets warm, almost hot but keeps running no problem with vent slits. Even using it caving in Anza-Borrego, as we knew that we had for sure 2 hours on Li-ion batteries.
Anyway, for indoor shooting in converence halls with bad flourescent lighting, this brings out the colors. You can't use flash closer than about 2 feet with most objects or you get too much glare from reflection..
so use a video light instead for serious indoor shooting where you can't have a fixed light stand. use it in 10 watt mode for most objects, for tall or dark objects, switch to 20 watt. When battery is starting to run low, the light will only go into 10 watt mode.
I have the sony video light 3watt for dvd-403. I keep this on top of camera sometimes when too much hassle to get out video light. But it drains camcorder battery unlike this one, and light output alot lower. good for small objects tho.
and by all means, TURN ON FLASH when farther than 2' and object looks slightly dark. this helps ALOT in your pix. if it looks OK in viewfinder / lcd LEAVE FLASH OFF!
see flashlightreviews.com for general light patterns and battery life of other flashlights incl led lights you might want to buy.
IF sony would just come out with an LED version I'd be happy as a lark! It would last 10 hours or more.
Most flashlights throw uneven ring pattern so are unsuitable for lighting photos.
Worth the money
I do profesional videos. This light has a good lighting patterna nd seems to hold up under heavy working conditions. It is light and fairly durable. I highly recomend it to anyone who does interior or exterior shoots. Light range is optimal from a distance of 6 to 15 ft. Get it and get a upgraded battery it will last for hours.
