Customer Reviews

Sima SL-10IR Infrared Night Vision Video Light for Digital Camcorders

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(7)

 

 

Okay, I have been seeing a few posts out here of people slamming this IR light. Believe it or not, it works very well if your camcorder is setup to record IR illuminated room.

All camcorders record light being emitted from your remote control, that does not mean it is ready for night vision recording.

Here are some dummy proof facts to keep in mind if you don't know much about IR/Night Vision recording.......

1. You camcorder has to have night vision capability. Just turning this thing IR light won't make your camcorder record an IR illuminated room. Sony Handycams have a IR filter (ICF) which when you switch to night shot mode removes this filter (ICF) allowing more light to enter the optics of the camcorder. This in turn allow night vision recording possible.

2. In order to make this work with your current, non-night vision camcorder to work you would need to remove the IR filter. (please don't do this if your not seasoned at this, as it will ruin your camcorder.)

3. I have a Panasonic PV-GS31 which does not have a removable IR filter, and using this light with is useless. Sure it lights up stuff really close up in slow shutter mode, but the image quality is awful. But I knew that.

So, Please don't not blast this light because you have no idea what you are doing. Make life easier on yourself, but a sony handycam with night vision, this light makes the room about 70% brighter.

Good product, definitely adds better viewability to Sony Handycams in Nightshot mode. Battery life about 45 minutes to one hour. Easy to use, included bracket and charger. The IR LEDs do put off a little red glow, not completely invisible light. Great item for the price! I purchased two of them.

I have used this product often and it is easy to use, comes with mounts, 10-IR lights it works almost as well as the 20 IR's lights up the room well at night. Easy mounting the instructions are simple I would suggest to buy this it is such a great deal!

Good IR extender if u r doin paranormal work at night, like in a cemetery.The only problem with this is the battery life is only about 30-40 mins.So to do away with the 8-10 hr. charge time,I bought a second one to change over when it goes dead and I bought rechargeable AAA"S and change the batts in the first one used and then u r good to go again. Just to let u know to do a 120 min tape u will have to change the IR lite twice,oh by the way this model does give u 9 IR lights 3 rows with 3 in each unlike the model#20 which only gives u 3 lights total

The Sima Light even as cheap as I got it doesnt carry a long charge. I know people whom have spent 50+ dollard for the same thing have the same problem. Next time I will get one where you can change the battieries instead of charging it.

I am a paranormal investigator so a good infrared light is a must when filming at night. I bought 2 of these about a year ago and in 4 months or so they were toast. Keep in mind you have to charge these, and they don't work when they are plugged in. They last an average of 13 minutes before going dead and are likely to fully die never to work again after 4 months of very light use. There are plenty of good infrared light accessories out there that run on 9v and even AA. Buyer be warned!

It's good however, it has drawbacks.
1) Only last an hour then you have to recharge it.
2) No other power source (such as a battery switch to a 9 volt)
but good for the money.

Disappointed-didn't work, couldn't do anything to make it functional, didn't spend enough on it to make it worth my while to send it back. Spend more, get something better.

I purchased this prior to purchasing the right nightshot camera so I'm excited to see if it improves the nightshot capability.

Length:: 0:34 Mins

The Sima "SL-10IR Infrared Night Vision Video Light" is just not bright enough to be of practical use for most low light video applications. I tested this with my Panasonic security camera, which is IR sensitive, and found that anything over 3' away from the camera will not be effectively illuminated.

The video was made with image captures, with the camera set up about 3' away from the stuffed bears. While moving the SL-10IR to about 18" away did provide some increased illumination, it is not a practical distance for most uses. The last image shows the unit pointed directly at the camera from 3' away to show that the camera does indeed see IR effectively.

Here are my observations:

Pros -
+ Small Size
+ Uses Included Rechargeable or Standard "AAA" Batteries
+ Includes Extension Camera Mounting Bracket

Cons -
- Does NOT put out a lot of IR light, ineffective at distances greater than 3' or so

This unit does not meet my needs and will likely be relegated to our "failed experiment" box.

Not Recommended!

CFH