Video University: Video University Forums: HDV: Z1U Lighting

VideoUniversity.com
Home	Free Library	Store
Free Catalog Please support VU by making your B&H purchases and links through this B&H ad. Doesn't cost a penny more.

See The New VU Postcard Catalog

To post in the forums see the Forum Guidelines.

Join or Renew Today.
New Benefits for all VU Members

Forum Guidelines and FAQ
Main Index	Search Posts
Who's Online	Log In

Home: Video University Forums: HDV:
Z1U Lighting

ACBARNES
Novice

Feb 26, 2008, 11:23 AM

Post #1 of 18 (2884 views)
Shortcut

Z1U Lighting	Can't Post

Hi
We recently bought 3 Z1u's and are wondering which lights would be best? We would be using the cameras primarily for weddings and understand they need lights for the receptions and dances. B&H suggested the $500 lights, but we are wondering if there is anything else that would "do the job" and is less expensive as we would need 3. We are also looking for a telephoto, wide angle and fisheye lens. THANKS
Tony
SVP MULTIMEDIA
www.svpmultimedia.com

David L
User

Feb 26, 2008, 12:10 PM

Post #2 of 18 (2880 views)
Shortcut

Re: [ACBARNES] Z1U Lighting [In reply to]	Can't Post

I use the 10/20 watt SonyHVL-20DW2 light for my FX1 ... they were about $100 at B & H, don't know if they're still available, probably on ebay if nowhere else. I think they are good enough though others may disagree.

ACBARNES
Novice

Feb 26, 2008, 12:48 PM

Post #3 of 18 (2876 views)
Shortcut

Re: [David L] Z1U Lighting [In reply to]	Can't Post

David,
Thanks for the info,that is a start ,will now look on BH,and E-Bay.
Tony

MLiebergot
Veteran

Feb 26, 2008, 12:50 PM

Post #4 of 18 (2875 views)
Shortcut

Re: [ACBARNES] Z1U Lighting [In reply to]	Can't Post

Tony, I would suggest doing a search on these boards of camera lighting, as this question has been asked a lot.

But for HD cameras that shoot in 16:9 widescreen then I would recommend the Sony HVL-LBP LED light over the Sony 10/20 light (which produces hot spots without any diffusion).

The main reason being that the LVP light will have a much broader spread for widescreen shooting than the 10/20 light. Also, the HVL light is dimmable and stays totally cool t the touch after being used all day long, which I have been able to do using a single Sony battery.

The only downside to the light that myself and others have had is it's a very large light. It's not a problem if you are shooting from support like tripod, monopod, or in my case DVMulti Rig. But it could be rather awkward for straight handheld use.

There are many lights out there right now, Vidled (used a lot), Litepanels, Zylight (great lights but expensive).

Michael

Cameras: I do use them.
Audio: Yes, it does come with audio if you like.
Software: I am learning...
Support: I need all that i can get.
Computer: MAC BABY!

JC/DV
Veteran

Feb 26, 2008, 4:27 PM

Post #5 of 18 (2857 views)
Shortcut

Re: [MLiebergot] Z1U Lighting [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

the Sony 10/20 light (which produces hot spots without any diffusion).

Michael, you can add some wax paper between the glasses on there and it will diffuse it more and not create those hotspots.

Jerome
JC/DV Productions - Website - Blog

Technology. It does wonders if you know how to use it.

MLiebergot
Veteran

Feb 26, 2008, 5:30 PM

Post #6 of 18 (2849 views)
Shortcut

Re: [JC/DV] Z1U Lighting [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

the Sony 10/20 light (which produces hot spots without any diffusion).

Michael, you can add some wax paper between the glasses on there and it will diffuse it more and not create those hotspots.

Yeah Jerome, I'm aware of the wax paper of fabric softener methods using the 10/20 light. That's also why I mentioned without diffusion you will get hot spots.

But diffused the 10/20 will not even come close to the spread and intensity of the LPV LED light. Plus the HVL light is dimmable, diffusable, stays totally cool, and has a focus throw filter on it that works great for shooting across the dance floor.

Of course it's $200 more than the 10/20. So if price is an object then the 10/20 may be the better deal. But overall, for shooting HD widescreen, for price and quality I would go with either the Sony LED light or Vidled.
But much more powerful and versatile.

Michael

Cameras: I do use them.
Audio: Yes, it does come with audio if you like.
Software: I am learning...
Support: I need all that i can get.
Computer: MAC BABY!

(This post was edited by MLiebergot on Feb 26, 2008, 5:31 PM)

ACBARNES
Novice

Feb 26, 2008, 7:43 PM

Post #7 of 18 (2836 views)
Shortcut

Re: [MLiebergot] Z1U Lighting [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hi Michael,i just went to bh web site,i read a review on the sony hvl-lbp led light,this guy sent it straight back when he received it,he said that the light was much to heavy for the camera,and some of the parts did not seem up to standard.Do you find a problem at all with this light? and what would be your second choice of lighting be for the z1u? is there nothing in between the led light and the hvl-20dw2? one is $500 and the other is $150.
Tony

MLiebergot
Veteran

Feb 26, 2008, 7:56 PM

Post #8 of 18 (2833 views)
Shortcut

Re: [ACBARNES] Z1U Lighting [In reply to]	Can't Post

Tony, as I said the light is large, but not an issue for me as I use camera support all day long (DVMulti Rig). So camera balance and weight isn't an issue for me. Also I have the light mounted on the center of my handle via the DLEVCAM DELVG10801.

If you prefer a smaller handle bracket, I almost purchased this one that Mark Von Lanken uses. Looks real good and lower profile. HDV Handle Bracket
I don't agree at all about the build quality not being good, as I find it very very solidly built.

If I was looking for another on camera light, I would take a look at VIDLED. As I know of many who love their lights. I never looked into them as I have been extremely happy with the Sony light. As a matter of fact I liked the first one so much I purchased another and sold my PAG C6 light system, which I used extensively before the Sony light. I just love the spread and build quality of the Sony, as well as not having to use a battery belt of any kind. Although I still use an NRG Varalux Pro, which is dimmable and 100w, which I use for stationary tripod for dark reception dancing for additional lighting pop on the floor.

If I had the funds I would purchase the Zylight Z90. The reason being that it gives a great spread, is dimmable with no color shift, is tungsten/daylight switchable (no gels). You can also change teh led color to any color of teh spectrum, and you can remotely hookup all the lights and control them remote control from one light. Very cool great light, but expensive.

In Reply To

Michael

Cameras: I do use them.
Audio: Yes, it does come with audio if you like.
Software: I am learning...
Support: I need all that i can get.
Computer: MAC BABY!

(This post was edited by MLiebergot on Feb 27, 2008, 10:15 AM)

MrSleepey
User

Feb 27, 2008, 3:53 AM

Post #9 of 18 (2813 views)
Shortcut

Re: [ACBARNES] Z1U Lighting [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hi Tony,

Another vote for the Sony HVL-LBP LED light. We've been using it on Z-1 and V-1 cameras. Yes, it's a bit bulky and heavy, but I can't complain about the quality at all. Good light, decent dimmer. As for the fisheye, I would recommend the Raynox one. It's a bit heavy, but zoom-through which makes it more versatile.

Niels

Check out our 'Got married again pictures' on our Blog.

ACBARNES
Novice

Feb 27, 2008, 11:15 AM

Post #10 of 18 (2791 views)
Shortcut

Re: [MrSleepey] Z1U Lighting [In reply to]	Can't Post

Neils,Thanks for the info about the lighting and fish eye,what would you suggest for a wide angle lens?
Tony

ACBARNES
Novice

Feb 27, 2008, 11:18 AM

Post #11 of 18 (2791 views)
Shortcut

Re: [MLiebergot] Z1U Lighting [In reply to]	Can't Post

Thanks Michael, you have been a great help to us,we are going to go for your suggestion on the led light,thanks once again
Tony
www.svpmultimedia.com

David L
User

Feb 27, 2008, 11:57 AM

Post #12 of 18 (2788 views)
Shortcut

Re: [MLiebergot] Z1U Lighting [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hi Mike: here's a slightly offtopic question about the DELVCAM bracket and the HDV Handle bracket ... I'm looking for such a device for my FX1 that would allow me to connect a shotgun mic and my Sony 10/20 light at the same time, without one blocking the other. These handle brackets look like they only allow you to connect a mic or light directly to the top of the handle, is that correct? Or could you angle the shotgun mic to the side so that it wouldn't be blocked by the light on the front shoe of the camera?

MLiebergot
Veteran

Feb 27, 2008, 12:13 PM

Post #13 of 18 (2780 views)
Shortcut

Re: [David L] Z1U Lighting [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

David there are a couple of modifications that I made to my FX1's.

The first being I found someone who sold the Z1U mic mount assembly (spacer and all). You can purchase the assembly from Sony, but they don't sell the spacer, which is probably intentional. So I now have the same exact mic mount that is on the Z1U.

Check the first posting on this thead (Forum thread) on another forum (sorry Hal).

Next I purchased a neat little thing called the J-Rod Twin Mount. It looks kind of like a cut off broom handle with cold shoes on it. This allows me to mount my shotgun mic and wireless receiver to my shotgun mount.

I then use the DELVCAM bracket to hold my camera light. I am not a big fan of the Z1/FX1 cold shoe adapter mont that Sony uses.

Michael

Cameras: I do use them.
Audio: Yes, it does come with audio if you like.
Software: I am learning...
Support: I need all that i can get.
Computer: MAC BABY!

(This post was edited by MLiebergot on Feb 27, 2008, 12:15 PM)

David L
User

Feb 27, 2008, 12:25 PM

Post #14 of 18 (2773 views)
Shortcut

Re: [MLiebergot] Z1U Lighting [In reply to]	Can't Post

Thanks Mike.

MrSleepey
User

Feb 27, 2008, 6:05 PM

Post #15 of 18 (2750 views)
Shortcut

Re: [ACBARNES] Z1U Lighting [In reply to]	Can't Post

We just use the Raynox fisheye and the Z-1, the lens is already quite a bit wider then the PD-150 or our V-1. As we tend to use the V-1 more for close-by work, we've not needed a wide angle for the Z-1.

Niels

Check out our 'Got married again pictures' on our Blog.

Scott S
Veteran

Feb 28, 2008, 2:17 AM

Post #16 of 18 (2732 views)
Shortcut

Re: [ACBARNES] Z1U Lighting [In reply to]	Can't Post

Century wideangle is awesome... surprise benefit was that it rules for close up (macro) shots of the rings and other small details.. and it's only $700 ... Unimpressed

MLiebergot
Veteran

Feb 28, 2008, 9:40 AM

Post #17 of 18 (2686 views)
Shortcut

Re: [Scott S] Z1U Lighting [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

Century wideangle is awesome... surprise benefit was that it rules for close up (macro) shots of the rings and other small details.. and it's only $700 ... Unimpressed

I just love how we all love spending other peoples money. Wink

Michael

Cameras: I do use them.
Audio: Yes, it does come with audio if you like.
Software: I am learning...
Support: I need all that i can get.
Computer: MAC BABY!

Scott S
Veteran

Feb 28, 2008, 1:45 PM

Post #18 of 18 (2661 views)
Shortcut

Re: [MLiebergot] Z1U Lighting [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

Century wideangle is awesome... surprise benefit was that it rules for close up (macro) shots of the rings and other small details.. and it's only $700 ... Unimpressed

I just love how we all love spending other peoples money. Wink

Hey I blew the money on it why shouldn't he?
Angelic

Seriously though it was one of my best purchases last year....