Sony HVL-20DW2 20W Video Light

Comments about Sony HVL-20DW2 20W Video Light:

The only light for the VX. Gets a little hot but thats what the vents are for. You'd be stupid to not buy this.

Comments about Sony HVL-20DW2 20W Video Light:

I use this light in order to light up spots when I am filming after the sun goes down or if I need more light to shoot a photo or film. It may look small but its a beast of a little guy. It throws so much light even on just 10 watts (1 bulb) and 20 watts (2 bulbs)? If its pitch black or really dark it'll light up the spot like its daytime. It may be a tad pricey but its money well spent. Plus its by a brand that I trust whole-heartedly; Sony.

Comments about Sony HVL-20DW2 20W Video Light:

I am an international correspondent from Televisa Netowork, the world's largest, most watched spanish language television network. I trabel throughout the united states, and the world, so I need to be versatile. This light, not only is a breaze to travel with, but it also allows me to shoot in broadcast quality images, and in a very user friendly, water proof matter.

I recomend this product whole heartedly.

Comments about Sony HVL-20DW2 20W Video Light:

excellent

Comments about Sony HVL-20DW2 20W Video Light:

I've had a couple of these lights over the last few years. For what they do, they work well. However, Sony hasn't upgraded this design in nearly a decade. The plastic shoe is still woefully weak. And once that breaks, the light becomes a paperweight.

Comments about Sony HVL-20DW2 20W Video Light:

I love this product. I did a lot of research before purchasing it and read all the reviews. I love that it is lightweight and very portable. It produces a light that is just perfect for use in weddings. It takes up minimal room in my camera bag. Often there is so much to carry around but its small size and light weight means I am more likely to bring it with me and use it instead of larger heavier lights. With this great light I can either hand hold it with one hand shining the light where I want it to go and with the other hand holding the camera take the photo. I can also put it in the hot shoe of my Canon 5D Mark II. I can use it for detail shots in the getting ready stages, portraits of the couple in location photos and details shots at the reception. Often the cake is in a dark spot where there is no light but by using this video light I can get some lovely light on the cake. I get a lovely wrap around light without the harsh effect you can get with flash. I can use just the one light or the two for a stronger light.
I also purchased the Pearstone PEASONPFM50 Compact AC/DC Battery Charger for Sony NP-FM & NP-FL Series and Pearstone PEBPSF975 NP-F975 L-Series Lithium-Ion Battery (7.2V, 7200mAh) because they were a reasonable amount cheaper and am also happy with these products. I can even charge the battery in the car which is terrific.
Oh one more thing - it's not clear from the specifications how many batteries you need to buy - it's just one.

Comments about Sony HVL-20DW2 20W Video Light:

I had to return this lamp because it just didn't give off enough light, even at 20 watts.

Also, if you run it consistently at 20 watts — the full battery only last 40 minutes.

Comments about Sony HVL-20DW2 20W Video Light:

It's not a very powerful light but it does a good job when you want to be unobstrusive.

Comments about Sony HVL-20DW2 20W Video Light:

Very bright/strong light when used with the NP-F970 L-Series battery; allows you to light in either 10w or 20w settings.

Comments about Sony HVL-20DW2 20W Video Light:

This light is lightweight and doesn't take much room in my camera bag. It effectively eliminates shadows of the subject and I would recommend it.

Comments about Sony HVL-20DW2 20W Video Light:

The product is pretty nice, even for the DSLR.
But the battery is heavy, and expensive. And I didn't know that I had to get a battery charger as well... oh well....

Comments about Sony HVL-20DW2 20W Video Light:

Very bright and in your face,throw a trace over this small light and it fills for interviews well,i use it alot for interviews at events where sometimes you have time contraints or it is difficult to run power for a proper interview set-up! Buy the charger kit and another battery for this light so u can still use your PD 170 Battery! I bought the generic battery and charger and works fine with this light.

Comments about Sony HVL-20DW2 20W Video Light:

I've never used a light before, but since this came free with the Sony HDR-FX1000 camcorder package, I figured I'd try it out. It's awesome! The ability to use one or two lights for different situations is great, and the fact that it accepts my three different sizes of Sony camcorder batteries means I can use some of my old camcorder batteries with it. It does use up alot of juice using the two light mode, but that was to be expected.

Comments about Sony HVL-20DW2 20W Video Light:

Super easy to use, and it's great that it uses the same batteries as my camera (sony vx2100).

Comments about Sony HVL-20DW2 20W Video Light:

Small light...didn't expect anymore from it than what it is supposed to do. Seems to be pretty narrow on the beam width, but if you need just direct light to cover a subject within 10 feet, it will do in a pinch.

Comments about Sony HVL-20DW2 20W Video Light:

Great for a quick lighting situation.

Comments about Sony HVL-20DW2 20W Video Light:

I got this light to compliment my recently purchased Sony NX5U. I have not been disappointed. The dual light output of this product will easily light up subjects that are 15 to 20 feet away.

The lights are definately bright, almost blinding. If you're planning on shooting people with this, I recommend getting some vellum paper from your local crafts store and making a diffuser for it. They usually sell 2 or 3 different "weights". Get one of each and try them out. I did this for a couple bucks and taped it, using 2 strips of painters tape (no residue left when removed), to the light. Think of it being "U" shaped with the legs of the U being about 1/4" per side to allow the paper to be placed a bit away from the front of the light (because it gets hot!) Also by not being right on the glass, it helps diffuse the light more.

You'll want to make sure and white balance after doing this cheap-o diffuser technique because it definately changes the color temp. (This same kind of technique works great for diffusing on-camera DSLR pop up flashes too!)

When diffusing the light with vellum, you'll lose quite a bit of your effective range. In my limited testing, I'd say you'll want to be within 6' to 10' of your subject.

In conclusion I like this light so much, I'm probably going to get at least one more, so I can add some backlighting for wedding shots like the cake cuttings and to help add some light to the dance floor for the first dance and bouquet and garter toss etc.

Comments about Sony HVL-20DW2 20W Video Light:

I use these lights for fill. Great when you need total portability especially on location. Lightweight and decent quality as well.

Comments about Sony HVL-20DW2 20W Video Light:

all I can state regarding the Video light is that it is a perfect resource to create incredible video. I would highly recommend it for it is worth its price and one will not regret its purchase. the light video is like a helper, perhaps an assistant ,that is there 24/7.

Comments about Sony HVL-20DW2 20W Video Light:

I use this product for video reports