Sony HVL-HL1 Video Light

  • Price: $26.00
  • B&H # SOHVLHL1
  • Mfr# HVLHL1

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The Sony HVL-HL1 is a 3 Watt on camera video light; it works with the Handycam Camcorder's Active Accessory Shoe. It features auto functions and a storage pouch.

Auto Function
The Auto Function feature turns the light on automatically in dimly lit situations.
Camera Battery Powered
Power is supplied by the camcorder's Active Accessory Shoe; no need for external batteries.
Included Pouch
Includes a storage pouch to keep the light safe while away from the camcorder.
Lamp Type 3 Watt Xenon
XB-3L
Mount Type Active Accessory Shoe
Power Source Camera Power through Accessory Shoe
Power Consumption 3 Watts
Power Connector Active Accessory Shoe
Dimensions (WxDxH) 1 1/4 x 1 5/8 x 2 3/8"
3.2 x 4 x 5.75cm
Weight 1.1 oz
30 grams

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
Sony HVL-HL1 Video Light
 
4.5

(based on 31 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (19)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (10)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (2)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (0)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (0)

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Attach securely (19)
  • Even light source (15)
  • Good power output (12)
  • Long lasting (12)
  • Easy to use (7)

Cons

  • Uses power quickly (5)

Best Uses

  • Night video (18)
  • Outdoor events / games (11)
  • Birthdays (6)
  • Home movies (6)
  • Weddings (6)
    • Reviewer Profile:
    • Tech savvy (10), Parent (6), Aspiring film maker (4)
    • Was this a gift?:
    • No (8)

Most Liked Positive Review

 

Tiny, very light weight, & actually works

Purchased for use with a Sony HDR-HC3 camcorder.This very small light adds almost no weight to the camcorder, but actually does provide enough light (3W) to light up dark areas. It is not ...Read complete review

Purchased for use with a Sony HDR-HC3 camcorder.This very small light adds almost no weight to the camcorder, but actually does provide enough light (3W) to light up dark areas. It is not blinding to people like larger lights are and does bring out more color in dark scenes than the camcorder itself.Requires that darn Active Shoe that keeps us from using standard equipment!

Problems Encountered: Where do you get a replacement bulb when the one supplied burns out?

Previous Equivalent Items Owned: Bescor 50W Light

VS

Most Liked Negative Review

 

Little Light -l ittle light

This light is ok for up close shots in the dark but beyond that, you won’t get much illumination.
Just like with any other camera equipment, know its limitations. Ke...Read complete review

This light is ok for up close shots in the dark but beyond that, you won’t get much illumination.
Just like with any other camera equipment, know its limitations. Keep a spare battery on hand if you plan to use a video light as it will eat up battery life.

Bottom line, I would recommend it to a friend but with the understanding they know its limitations. Again, this is good for what its intended for and not beyond.

REVIEWS

Reviewed by 31 customers

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Displaying reviews 1-20

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5.0

Big light; small footprint

By ebpesq

from Los Angeles, CA

About Me Tech Savvy

Verified Buyer

Pros

  • Attach Securely
  • Even Light Source
  • Powerful

Cons

  • Uses Power Quickly

Best Uses

  • Night Video

Comments about Sony HVL-HL1 Video Light:

Purchased this video light to light subjects in low light settings. Works well. More light than I expected given the 3 watt rating. Powered by Sony camcorder.

  • Was this a gift?:
  • No

Comment on this review

 
4.0

Good Little Light

By Hawaiihunter

from Kailua, HI

About Me Tech Savvy

Verified Buyer

Pros

  • Attach Securely

Cons

  • Uses Power Quickly

Best Uses

  • Night Video

Comments about Sony HVL-HL1 Video Light:

This light works well to add jut a bit more illumination to the subject close up in room- light and more in dark situations before going to the Night Shot mode. It is very compact but you need to have a larger capacity (1800 mAh or better)battery

  • Was this a gift?:
  • No

Comment on this review

 
4.0

Another Quality item by Sony

By Arrow

from Vernon Hills, IL

Verified Buyer

Pros

  • Attach Securely
  • Even Light Source
  • Long Lasting
  • Powerful

Cons

    Best Uses

    • Birthdays
    • Night Video
    • Special Events
    • Weddings

    Comments about Sony HVL-HL1 Video Light:

    This is a great product. Light weight, attches to the Camcorder, no specific handling required, automatically come on while shooting. It is great when taking movie from a short distance. If you are a professional and require light beyond 5-6 feet, this may not suit.
    For the price it is a great item by Sony.

    • Was this a gift?:
    • No

    Comment on this review

     
    5.0

    Extremely useful

    By Norberto Pimentel

    from Brasília, Brasil

    About Me Parent

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Attach Securely
    • Long Lasting

    Cons

      Best Uses

      • Birthdays
      • Night Video

      Comments about Sony HVL-HL1 Video Light:

      I have no regrets from the time I bought it.

      • Was this a gift?:
      • No

      Comment on this review

       
      4.0

      Excellent product

      By wanna be camera guy

      from Columbia, MD.

      About Me Tech Savvy

      Verified Buyer

      Pros

      • Attach Securely
      • Even Light Source
      • Powerful
      • Small inexpensive

      Cons

      • Runs Hot
      • Uses Power Quickly

      Best Uses

      • Special Events
      • Weddings

      Comments about Sony HVL-HL1 Video Light:

      The video light is exactly what I expected. It provides excellent lighting for lowlight, close up videos. The only downsides are the amount of power it draws, took a battery that normally lasts about 90 minutes to about 45 minutes, and it gets quite warm.

      • Was this a gift?:
      • No

      Comment on this review

       
      5.0

      Video Light

      By Camera Buff

      from Lakeland FL

      About Me Camera enthusist

      Verified Buyer

      Pros

      • Attach Securely
      • Even Light Source
      • Long Lasting
      • Powerful

      Cons

      • None at this time

      Best Uses

      • Birthdays
      • Night Video
      • Special Events

      Comments about Sony HVL-HL1 Video Light:

      Great product for the money! Need extra light on the camcorder in low light areas; this is the product to use. No more dim and dark areas in your videos or still pictures. I had looked for quite some time for something like this to use on my Sony SR 11 video and still camera without breaking the bank. Thank you for having this product.

      • Was this a gift?:
      • No

      Comment on this review

       
      4.0

      Is good for night videos

      By Kasapi

      from Boston, ma

      About Me Tech Savvy

      Verified Buyer

      Pros

      • Attach Securely
      • Even Light Source
      • Long Lasting
      • Powerful

      Cons

        Best Uses

        • Night Video

        Comments about Sony HVL-HL1 Video Light:

        Great price it works perfect with my sony camera
        The best store and the lowest prices.
        I'm planing to buy more products from this store.
        I recommend this store to everyone.

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

        Comment on this review

         
        5.0

        Very Strong!

        By Tiago Jardim

        from São Paulo, SP

        About Me Aspiring Film Maker

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Long Lasting
        • Powerful

        Cons

          Best Uses

          • Night Video
          • Special Events

          Comments about Sony HVL-HL1 Video Light:

          It's very nice, compact with strong luminosity! Not so expensive and very functional.

          Comment on this review

           
          5.0

          very nice and light

          By Jay

          from Santa Maria, CA

          About Me Parent

          Verified Buyer

          Pros

          • Attach Securely
          • Even Light Source
          • Long Lasting
          • Powerful

          Cons

            Best Uses

            • Night Video

            Comments about Sony HVL-HL1 Video Light:

            very easy to use, works well very light in weight.

            • Was this a gift?:
            • No

            Comment on this review

             
            4.0

            Nice and useful little Budy!!!

            By Nature lover

            from Cambridge, ON, Canada

            About Me Tech Savvy

            Verified Buyer

            Pros

            • Even Light Source
            • Long Lasting
            • Tiny but handy

            Cons

            • Runs Hot
            • Uses Power Quickly

            Best Uses

            • Night Video
            • Professional Work

            Comments about Sony HVL-HL1 Video Light:

            HVL - HL1 product by Sony is fine for handy use. Its good that it is made in Japan. I personally believe more watt would make it better light tool.

            I firmly insist that the original replacement bulb should be easily available to the customers.

            Comment on this review

             
            5.0

            ...

            By CoDocNhan

            from Chino, CA

            About Me Technically Challenged

            Verified Buyer

            Pros

            • Attach Securely
            • Even Light Source
            • Long Lasting
            • Powerful

            Cons

              Best Uses

              • Birthdays
              • Night Video
              • Special Events
              • Weddings

              Comments about Sony HVL-HL1 Video Light:

              I love it...

              Comment on this review

               
              5.0

              Just enough light not glaring

              By Demetrius

              from Miami, FL

              About Me Aspiring Film Maker, Tech Savvy

              Verified Buyer

              Pros

              • Attach Securely
              • Even Light Source
              • Long Lasting

              Cons

                Best Uses

                • Professional Work
                • Special Events
                • Weddings

                Comments about Sony HVL-HL1 Video Light:

                I wanted a light that would light my subject, but not daze them, this was what I was looking for. Perfect, I'm buying an extra one.

                Comment on this review

                (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                 
                5.0

                See and it is true!!

                By Gudkid

                from Houston-Conroe, Texas

                About Me Aspiring Film Maker, Technically Challenged

                Verified Buyer

                Pros

                • Attach Securely
                • Even Light Source
                • Long Lasting
                • Powerful

                Cons

                  Best Uses

                  • Night Video
                  • Special Events

                  Comments about Sony HVL-HL1 Video Light:

                  This is the first time I bought Sony Video camera product beside my high end from Canon and Panasonis.
                  Well, i haven't finish my project with the Sony HDR-XR500V with I bought from Best Buy.Anyway I have to have some things extra for my new Sony Video Camera, I did web searching on the net and make final purchased 5 extra things made by Sony at B&H NP-FH70 LITHIUM ION BATTREY (1800-mAh)
                  8GB MEMORY STICK PRO-DUO (MARK2) MEDIA
                  VID CABLE/ MINI HDMI/M to HDMI/M - 6'
                  HVL-HL1 3 WATT VIDEO LIGHT
                  LCS-X30 SOFT CARRYING CASE

                  I used to test all 5 things I bought and very happy with all show.

                  Comment on this review

                  (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                   
                  4.0

                  comes in handy

                  By Raj

                  from OHIO

                  About Me Parent

                  Verified Buyer

                  Pros

                  • Attach Securely
                  • Even Light Source

                  Cons

                    Best Uses

                    • Birthdays
                    • Night Video
                    • Weddings

                    Comments about Sony HVL-HL1 Video Light:

                    spot light where needed works great

                    Comment on this review

                    (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                     
                    5.0

                    JUST WHAT I NEEDED!

                    By Pope

                    from philly

                    About Me Aspiring Film Maker, Tech Savvy

                    Verified Buyer

                    Pros

                    • Attach Securely
                    • Even Light Source
                    • Powerful

                    Cons

                      Best Uses

                      • Night Video
                      • Special Events

                      Comments about Sony HVL-HL1 Video Light:

                      for a little light and brightens up a lot! after experiencing shooting video in bad light i bought this affordable light that works perfect with my mini hdhv cam.

                      Comment on this review

                      (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                       
                      5.0

                      very good product for the money

                      By sirdescham

                      from Montréal Canada

                      About Me Tech Savvy

                      Verified Buyer

                      Pros

                      • Attach Securely

                      Cons

                      • Uses Power Quickly

                      Best Uses

                      • Birthdays
                      • Night Video
                      • Special Events
                      • Weddings

                      Comments about Sony HVL-HL1 Video Light:

                      light weight and small size

                      Comment on this review

                      (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                       
                      5.0

                      HVL-HL1 camera light review

                      By video parent

                      from Houston, tx

                      About Me Parent

                      Verified Reviewer

                      Pros

                      • Easy To Use
                      • Good Interface With Camcorder
                      • Lightweight
                      • Quality Construction

                      Cons

                        Best Uses

                        • Home Movies
                        • Shooting Indoors

                        Comments about Sony HVL-HL1 Video Light:

                        I like it, the battery does not last as long when it is on. I like the auto feature works good, i don not have to worry about a grainy picture in low light conditions anymore. I have a second battery and quick ac/dc charger also so battery time is not an issue for me.

                        Comment on this review

                        (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                         
                        5.0

                        This was exactly what I was looking for

                        By Tony

                        from Philadelphia, USA

                        About Me Parent

                        Verified Buyer

                        Pros

                        • Easy To Use
                        • Good Interface With Camcorder
                        • Improves Performance
                        • Lightweight
                        • Quality Construction

                        Cons

                          Best Uses

                          • Home Movies

                          Comments about Sony HVL-HL1 Video Light:

                          This light is light weight. I don't need to buy an extra battery. I love this light.

                          Comment on this review

                          (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                           
                          5.0

                          Just What I Needed!

                          By Tom

                          from NJ

                          About Me Casual user

                          Verified Buyer

                          Pros

                          • Durable
                          • Easy To Use
                          • Lightweight

                          Cons

                            Best Uses

                            • General Use

                            Comments about Sony HVL-HL1 Video Light:

                            Needed the HVL-HL1 to shed some light on dimly lit area. Have used it a half dozen times and it does exactly what I wanted. It won't light up a whole room but for closer shots it takes the dark graininess from the shot. Ease of use and automatic control work great!

                            Comment on this review

                            (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                             
                            4.0

                            bright idea!

                            By Randy

                            from Spokane WA

                            About Me New digital cam user

                            Verified Buyer

                            Pros

                            • Easy To Use
                            • Good Interface With Camcorder
                            • Improves Performance
                            • Lightweight

                            Cons

                            • None I can see

                            Best Uses

                            • Home Movies
                            • Shooting Indoors

                            Comments about Sony HVL-HL1 Video Light:

                            This came with the bundle that I bought. I probably would not have invested in this initially otherwise, but I am glad I have it.

                            Comment on this review

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                            What's in the Box

                            Sony HVL-HL1 Video Light
                            • Storage Pouch
                            • 1 Year Parts
                              90 Day Labor
                             
                             
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