» Sony HVL-20DW2 Video Light for use with DCRVX2100, HDRFX1 & FX7

Sony HVL-20DW2 Video Light for use with DCRVX2100, HDRFX1 & FX7 Reviews

Customer Rating:
Summary: It's a Sony Video Light For Prosumer Level
Comment: This Light is one of the little Hidden Gems by Sony The Light is actually made for the Professional and Prosumer Video Camera not,I repeat not for the average consumer. Unfortunately it is advertised in the consumer level.

Like competitive Video Lights By Canon for the XL-2 it does not come with a battery or power supply (another trait found on similar Pro Level Gear). The type of battery this light works best with is the L series (NP-F570 for 10 Watt mode and NP-F770 & NP-F970 for 20 Watt mode for good weight balance I would suggest the NP-F770). The Biggest Issue with this Light is the improper advertising by Sony (its says Handy-cam light on the Package and even a sticker on the light that says AMATEUR VIDEO LIGHT) . However this is the same reason which makes this Light a hidden Gem if you use any of the Prosumer or Professional Camera gear you will be very satisfied with this light.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Good for Close Up Portraiture
Comment: I'm a professional photographer and videographer, and this light is useful within its limitations.
I use it on my Sony HDR-FX1.
Basically, you'd want to buy this if say when shooting a wedding or party, and you're going around and interviewing/asking for people's reactions, comments, etc., and you want their faces to be nicely lit, then this is something good to have.
I'd say it has a max range of about 15 feet in a regular indoor setting (with both bulbs on; more range if you are in a darker room of course).
Just don't expect to light up the whole room.

It also fits in a DSLR's flash hot shoe, so this is also particular useful if you photograph portraits, you can use this as an on-center modeling light.

This double-duty potential gives it a 4-star rating; otherwise a 3-star rating if just using it on a video recorder.

Note: As stated, you'd need at least the 700 series battery to light up both bulbs. If you use the 500 series and below you can only use the 1-bulb (10-watt) setting. Heard a lot of people had problems thinking it was defective, when they didn't bother to read the instructions.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: The Sony HVL-20DW2 video light
Comment: I recently purchased a Sony #HVL-20DW2 video light. My first time using the light, with a Sony NP-F570 Li-ion battery, only the top bulb will burn. If I attach a higher capacity battery (NP-F730H or NP-F970) both upper and lower bulbs will burn. All three batteries are 7.2V. ??????????
Also, the light sits too high above the lens to illuminate subjects closer than 5 feet when mounted on my Sony VX 2100 camcorder. I found it necessary to remove the light from the camcorder mount and hold it at a lower level while shooting close subjects. Some sort of vertical adjustment or tilt would greatly improve the light.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Great little light.
Comment: I got this light to go with my full rig I use for wedding videography. Some of the lights out these are soooo expensive but I saw a lot of good reviews for this light and thought I would give it a go. Here are the goods and the bads.

Goods - Works with the batteries that go to my PD150 camera so no need for silly looking belt battery pack or extra batteries. It comes with a 10w or 20w setting. So far it has also proven itself to be durable. Not that I am clumsy but I have dropped it twice and it survived. I understand the bulbs are expensive but I have used it for 2 years now with out the need for a change. It is lightweight and fits on the slide foot on the top of my camera. Most pro and non pro cameras will have this too so i use this with my tiny consumer camera and its great there too.

Bads - I guess this stuff isnt really bad but for folks who might have a pro rig these are the things that might bum you out. No dimmer, no barn doors, so swivel. The one thing I will say though is that this thing is so light that I have a few times taken it off of the camera and held it in my hand up high at an angle so not to shine it in anyones face directly.

I hope this helps!

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Good light
Comment: This light is efficient. It is fragile, so put a lot of emphasis on not dropping it! I like the fact that it uses the same battery as my Sony VX1000.

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