Customer Reviews

Canon Video Light for Canon Camcorders

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I have a Canon GL2 and am a professional videographer. I purchased this light due to reviews saying the VL-3 was not bright enough. However, this light is way too bright to not have tilt and swivel capabilities. Your subjects will always squint when this light is pointed at them.

Also, this product does not interact with the advanced hot shoe, it only attaches there. This means there is no advantage of the Canon branded light over a 3rd-party/generic version.

The cost of this light is based on the Canon name alone, because the quality construction is also poor. The battery does not firmly seat into the light so any sudden movement makes a loud clicking sound on your recording.

If your lighting needs can be accomplised with the VL-3, purchase it. It is auto on and off and makes no sound on your recording.

If you need a strong light, buy a 3rd party one with barn doors and tilt and swivel ability.

This is much better than the underpowered vl-3, and worth the extra weight. has great range, and i like how it's self-powered.

I initially purchased this product because it was cross listed as an accessory on the page for the Elura camcorder. However, it uses an entirely different battery system which costs an additional $150.00 (see accessories on this page for more info) for battery and charger. Consequently, I'm returning it as not really suitable for the application.

I bought this model because I was concerned about the smaller Canon VL3's light output. After three year's of use on innumerable shoots, bouncing about in my bag, and dropped more times than I care to admit, I'm most pleased to report I'm still on the original halogen lamp. I have nothing but good things to say about this light. I've used it in some awkward night shot situations -- dimly lit buses, even dimmer clubs, parking lots, curbside street shoots -- and never been disappointed.

While the unit doesn't feature a dimmer or barn doors, a little tape and a few thin mylar diffusers go a long way toward achieving the just the right light level. In my book it's always better to have more light than not enough.

With generic BP-911/914/915 (read inexpensive) Li-ion cells rated at 1850mAh I get at least 70 minutes to the charge and I never go on a shoot without at least two. Shop around for a higher rated discounted cell and you'll likely get much longer duration.

So keep your bulky video lights and fanny packs; I wanted a lightweight, shoe mountable, and reliable light source that I could pull out of my bag whenever the occasion called for it. Over the past few years the VL-10Li has served that function extremely well. You can pay a heck of a lot more and get a whole lot less.

I was very disappointed to receive this light and find that the battery, an apparently expensive Lithium Ion battery, is not included. I can't comment on the light as I have yet to find a battery that fits anywhere near my home that is less than $100. Unfortunately, the seller didn't offer them as a package (which would have generated an additional sale and revenue.) I am undecided about whether it's worth the trouble to track down an appropriate battery and am seriouly considering returning the light for a refund.