Sima SL-20LX Universal LED On Camera Light
The Sima SL-20LX Universal LED On Camera Light for camcorders operates from supplied Lithium Ion rechargeable batteries charged inside the light housing. The lights are ideal for providing that extra illumination to make your videos shine through with extra vibrancy and clarity.
- Batteries
- This light is supplied with rechargeable Lithium Ion batteries that will run the light for approximately 45 to 60 minutes.
- LED Lamp
- The LED lamp used in this housing takes less power and illuminates more than a tungsten lamp. It also offers a life of approximately 50,000 hours.
- Full Package
- The full package contains the light housing with lamp, batteries, video bracket and charger.
| Lamp | 4500K LED Lamp |
| Mount Type | Shoe mount |
| Charging Time | 3 hours |
| Charger | Supplied 120VAC Charger for Li-Ion Batteries |
| Power | 3.7V 730mA Li-Ion |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 2.35 x 2.3 x 1" (6 x 5.8 x 2.5cm) |
| Weight | 2.5 oz (71g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 120 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
97%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Even light source (81)
- Attach securely (76)
- Good power output (69)
- Long lasting (43)
- Lightweight (9)
Cons
- Uses power quickly (17)
- Flimsy (7)
Best Uses
- Night video (63)
- Outdoor events / games (62)
- Weddings (43)
- Professional work (42)
- Birthdays (35)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Tech savvy (52), Film professional (32), Aspiring film maker (25), Parent (8), Technically challenged (6)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (53)
Most Liked Positive Review
A Nice Surprise
First off, the camera bracket is made from 3/16in thick stamped anodized aluminum - about 3/4 of the bar is covered with a camera/tripod gripping ridged plastic - the 1/4in thumb...Read complete review
First off, the camera bracket is made from 3/16in thick stamped anodized aluminum - about 3/4 of the bar is covered with a camera/tripod gripping ridged plastic - the 1/4in thumb screw and removable hot-shoe held with another 1/4in thumb screw - are all professional grade components. I put two of these brackets together and voila! an 'israeli-arm' for my camera monitor. Thank you very much.
I bought four 20LXs - they come uncharged - it took 4 hours of charge for the red light to turn to green - that happened within 5 minutes of each other for all 4 lights to go green. The cases are all black, by the way, not the nasty 'prototype' green shown in the product shot. The lens covering the LEDs is slightly convex - directing the light in an approximate 80-90 degree spread. It's very, very even within that spread. My 10watt quartz camera light was horrible by comparison in evenness of light. In one-to-one light output, I would rate the 20LX at about 1.8 times the 10watt quartz lamp - or 18 watts.
My actual testing was to use a 4 light array of 20LXs against a 500watt halogen lamp set 10 feet from a white wall (with a living room lamp and shade just in front) and record the settings before the wall blew out to zebra strips. Here's what I recorded on my Canon XL2 (with no gain) before blowing out the picture:
500 watt halogen: 1/30 shutter f2.6
4 20XLs: 1/8 shutter f2
About a 4 time difference. Which puts these lights at about a 30watt halogen equivalent - per light. Amazing. (Math-types please check my findings - I'm an English major. ;-)
Conclusion: LED lights are incredibly efficient in directing light. The 20LX belongs in everyone's kit and I am getting 2 more to build up a 6 light array. I hope you found this helpful. I love these little darlings. I think you will too.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
NICE AND SIMPLE
This is a great light for "Handycams" as it provides many great uses. With some creativity, even photographers can use this light for either modelllng light (for focus in very dark envi...Read complete review
This is a great light for "Handycams" as it provides many great uses. With some creativity, even photographers can use this light for either modelllng light (for focus in very dark environments), for effects (use some gels and play with it), and even for motivated light (think fridge lights, computer screen lights, etc).
However, in addition to some obvious flaws (like slightly off temperature, no dimmers, and non-replaceable battery), I have to say that on my JVC HD-6 came, you need to go manual exposure with this light. Reason is, the cam (without light) meters the subjects perfectly and does its own "fill" should some slight backlighting occurs. So when on Auto (and this light turned on), the background seems a bit too dark for me (fools the cam's metering). I suspect modern cams are made easy for the user so it tends to meter subjects favorably while stretching its dynamic range to accommodate the background (to some degree), so when a light as bright as this comes into play, the cam thinks the subjects overlit and thus darkens the background (which results in feathered light fall-off and thus noise in shadowy backgrounds). So if you use this light, do try to consider going manual or semi-auto exposure (or compensate your exposure to around +0.5 to +1.5 EV).
Ultimately, this light is small, light (no pun intended), and powerful for all handycams out there :)
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 120 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Attach Securely
- Even Light Source
- Long Lasting
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sima SL-20LX Universal LED On Camera Light:
Purchased to use with handheld camcorder. It does the job well for a small fill light and holds a charge long time.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Even Light Source
Cons
Best Uses
- Professional Work
Comments about Sima SL-20LX Universal LED On Camera Light:
We use it for stop motion and videos with puppets. You can get a beautiful, professional quality when you are working on small scale. Easy to use, light, and cheap.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Images shared by Pepe Puppet
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Pros
- Attach Securely
- Even Light Source
- Long Lasting
Cons
Best Uses
- Birthdays
- Night Video
Comments about Sima SL-20LX Universal LED On Camera Light:
I bought this for an extra light source for my s95 as a great fill-in flash. It can be used with the video bracket its packaged with that attaches under the camera. I made a great decision. It takes what I call "shadow chasing" away from portraits as well as enhancing all other low light shots. A true must have light source. It is compact and can fit anywhere.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Even Light Source
- Portable
Cons
Best Uses
- Special Events
Comments about Sima SL-20LX Universal LED On Camera Light:
We use this as a small light for Restaraunt shooting. It is great as it is so small and light and is just powerful enough to get the shots we need without being overly bright and annoying!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Long Lasting
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
- Night Video
Comments about Sima SL-20LX Universal LED On Camera Light:
This little light has a powerful punch. Almost too much for some gigs. Battery lasts forever and its super easy to use and attach to any camera.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Even Light Source
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
- Night Video
Comments about Sima SL-20LX Universal LED On Camera Light:
I initially purchased the "international" version of this light, and purchased two of the SL-20X units to stack on it to gain more coverage. The lighting capability of these little units is great considering the size of the unit. My previous comments about the power supply / charging still stand however - this really should be provided with a mini-USB input so it can be charged from a USB source, so there will be one less wall wart to worry about. One other minor complaint: the power switch really should be recessed, to ensure that it is not switched on advertently. On a few occasions I've pulled them out of my bag, only to find out that one or more had completely discharged because the power switch had been bounced to the "on" position. The build quality is what you'd expect of a unit at this price level.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Even Light Source
Cons
- Uses Power Quickly
Best Uses
- Weddings
Comments about Sima SL-20LX Universal LED On Camera Light:
I use this for dramatic lighting, for still photography. I just set up multiple of these lights for some great shots.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Even Light Source
- Powerful
Cons
- Slightly too bright
Best Uses
- Night Video
- Special Events
- Weddings
Comments about Sima SL-20LX Universal LED On Camera Light:
Once Again value for money. Main reason to get light was to film my childrens school plays, but found that the light was a bit too bright and distracted the actors. Found it good for social evenings when we have get togethers and other events where the light does not distract the people around. I will look at maybe gettingt the IR light in same style.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Long Lasting
Cons
Best Uses
- Night Video
- Special Events
- Weddings
Comments about Sima SL-20LX Universal LED On Camera Light:
I love the flexibility these units give me during weddings.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Affordable
- Easy to use
- Even Light Source
- Portable
- Small
Cons
Best Uses
- Low light
- On location
Comments about Sima SL-20LX Universal LED On Camera Light:
I purchased 2 of these lights, and I am planning to purchase to more. I'm using these lights for Portrait Photography in semi-low light situation when I want to use a soft wrap around light to give some dimension. These lights are low cost, small, rechargable, and very portable, but do the job for the purpose in which I intended. I usually carry them in my pocket during any on location photo shoot. These lights also come with an attachment, so they can be mounted on a stand.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Even Light Source
- Long Lasting
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
- Night Video
- Professional Work
- Special Events
Comments about Sima SL-20LX Universal LED On Camera Light:
I use this product for off shoe lighting in photography. I love this product because it is light, portable, durable, easy to charge, can be handheld, it is more precise than flash, and produces beautiful light. The draw back is that is is pretty much only good for shooting in the dark. You can't use it like a flash to balance bright light.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Better than nothing
Cons
Best Uses
- Night Video
Comments about Sima SL-20LX Universal LED On Camera Light:
its ok..its more of a beam of light rather than a widespread light..the lowest iso i can go in a completely dark room with just this light is 800...basically watever subject you put the light on will illuminate nicely...(within 4 to 5 feet)
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Long Lasting
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
- Weddings
Comments about Sima SL-20LX Universal LED On Camera Light:
Small, compact, and shines a powerful light. It adds light just where there are shadows. (I am using the light for stills, not video)>
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
- Birthdays
- Night Video
- Professional Work
- Special Events
- Weddings
Comments about Sima SL-20LX Universal LED On Camera Light:
Use with Canon SD940 camera along with my Canon HFS-21 video camera. For the price, this is an amazing light. The other nice feature is the bar that the light will mount to along with your camera's tripod location.
Only negative so far, the on/off switch can get turned on when in your video bag. Before you go shoot with it, make sure it is charged.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Even Light Source
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
- Birthdays
- Night Video
- Professional Work
- Special Events
- Weddings
Comments about Sima SL-20LX Universal LED On Camera Light:
I bought 2 of these lights based on colleagues' recommendations and I'm glad I did! This light is so versatile and easy to use. Its great for handholding when taking stills of anything from food dishes to portraits. Sure does separate your images from everyone else blasting pictures at a wedding with their pointandshoots. I've also used them as little flashlights, ambient room light, and purposed lens flare.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact
- Even Light Source
- Powerful
Cons
- Can't use external power
- Internal battery
Best Uses
- Night Video
- Professional Work
- Special Events
- Video and Photo lighting
Comments about Sima SL-20LX Universal LED On Camera Light:
I shoot bands with a Canon DSLR. I recently bolted 2 flash bars together and mounted the DSLR and a Flip Ultra HD videocam with a wide-angle lens. Using a monopod I can raise the cameras and shoot different angles in a crowd. I added the Sima and now have the lighting for the videos and some photos. The Sima is mounted on a gooseneck for height and flexibility. So far it works great. I would give it 5 stars except for the internal battery. When it dies you are done for the night unless you have the time to recharge (up to 3 hours).
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Cost
- Efficiency
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors
Comments about Sima SL-20LX Universal LED On Camera Light:
All the reviews are fairly accurate. I am not a professional, just a guy that has a hobby of making little movies and at home films. That being said, this little light will "light" up a dark place really well. It does work much better indoors as compared to outdoors as there are more surfaces to reflect the light. For [$], a rechargeable battery, and an arm attachment - tought to beat.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Even Light Source
Cons
Best Uses
- Professional Work
Comments about Sima SL-20LX Universal LED On Camera Light:
From the SL-20LX, you basically get what you need - portable video light, soft, warm and even. [...] When I opened the box, the 2 units were in perfect condition. I put on the 2 units to check, and both burst a warm glow from its array of LEDs. It was really pre-charged as claimed by the manufacturer.Upon seeing the quality and intensity of the light, I immediately concluded that it was a good buy, relative to reasons why I bought it. My purpose in buying the SL-20LX is availability of light during an unexpected situation. I am a TV journalist by profession, and many times there are unexpected interviews to be done or events to cover; those times that the TV camera crews are not around.Now, inside my computer bag is a small monopad, the two SL-20LX and its brackets and my 1080pHD video-powered cellphone. I was able to re-engineer a mobile hands-free car holder to be able to mount my cell on the monopad, and with the 20LX video light on my cell's left and right sides, standing on their respective brackets, the set-up was awesome. With this set-up I can come up with an unexpected but decent video news coverage.The power supply run-time of 45 to 60 minutes is good enough for a news interview. Indoor or at night, the light quality has an even warm tone, a little bit warmer, more than I personally want it to be. Outdoor, it was perfect as a fill-in light. And to make it awesome, here are my experience that pulled down my review to just great:CHARGING. Based on the printed manual shipped with the units, it will take 3 hours for the initial charging. My experience revealed that it will take more than 6 hours, contrary to the manufacturer's claim of less than 3 hours. The subsequent charging is more than 2 hours, when its juice is totally drained.ON/OFF BUTTON: How I wish there is a locking system to the on/off button. After the 6 hours charging time, I put the 2 units inside my computer bag and went off to work. When I opened my bag to get my notebook computer, I noticed that one of the unit was on. I surmised that the shaking and jerking of the bag turned on the unit. So the need for a locking system on the on/off button. This lock would really help to avoid the unwanted turning on.POWER ADAPTER. And lastly, the power adapter that goes with every unit should be auto-volt. We do travel outside the US for news coverage, and many countries are using 220 volts power output.So there goes my review: great but not awesome!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Even Light Source
- light weight
Cons
- Uses Power Quickly
Best Uses
- Documentary
- Interviews
- Professional Work
Comments about Sima SL-20LX Universal LED On Camera Light:
I purchased this instead of a Bescor 70, and found it a big improvement for my purposes, which include fill light for outdoor interviews, as well as documentary work with craftspeople doing their work. Just a little fill is just the ticket, as ambient lighting is usually pretty bright.
Although this unit will only last 45-60 minutes on a charge, they are inexpensive enough to warrant having several. Besides, the units can be ganged for more light if needed. They are very light, which is a further advantage when using a small HD camcorder in tight quarters. My subjects are not bothered by the light in the least.
Sima is advertising a version of this unit which can be dimmed. I can't wait to see it, since this little light is so useful.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
- Wish it charged in use
Best Uses
Comments about Sima SL-20LX Universal LED On Camera Light:
As described works great.. Wish it was rechargeable onboard but great to have as a spare to a chargeable one.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Displaying reviews 1-20
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Color Correction & Light Balancing
- Price: $22.50
Power, Cables & Cable Management
- Price: $11.49
Stands & Support Equipment
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- Original: $29.95
- Save: $2.99
- Price: $26.96
What's in the Box
- 120VAC Charger
- Bracket
- 90 Day Warranty
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