Customer Reviews

Sony HVL-HIRL IR NightShot and Video Light for Compatible Sony Camcorders

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This light is great! I keep it mounted on my video camera and I never miss a shot due to low light. The light really improves indoor shots. The IR light is an added bonus for capturing night shots that the built in IR just can't reach.

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I'm a member of a paranormal investigation group so IR nightshot is a must. What came with my camera (Sony HDR-HC5) was good but not as good as it could be with this attachment. I can already tell a drastic increase in the night shot capabilities. This is definitely recommended by me if you need to do anything in low light such as film paranormal anomolous activity or even just tape drunk uncle Jimmy running around the yard at night.

Here are product links to my setup to help you know what it works well with:
Sony HDR-HC5 4MP MiniDV High Definition Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom
Sony ECMHST1 Stereo Microphone for DCR-HC96, DCR-DVD305, 405, 505, DCR-SR80, 100, HDR-HC3, HC5 & HDR-UX5 Camcorders
Sony High Definition Minidv Videocassette (2-Pack)

Im using this HVL HIRL video light with a Sony HC7. Nightshots do get enhanced brightness (though not very much brighter that the unaided HC7 nightshot capability). Having said that, I must admit that it illuminates a roughly 3 ft (1m) circle more of the surroundings than with an unaided HC7. The visible range video light is not any brighter than a fairly powerful spot light which one can get in Radio Shack / Auto parts retailers.

So all in all, its a good compact video light but I'd not want to pay anything more than 30-35$ (I shelled out $75+ since I had no clue of how useful it actually is). So my advice, just dont buy unless its below $35.

This light was way better than i thought it was going to be. The price for is it reasonable in my opinion. My paranormal team and myself went on an investigation previously and didn't have this light, and the camcorder was pretty useless. But now that we have it, we are definately pleased and satisfied with it. We used the light indoors and it did great. Outdoors with this light is a lot better than the time before without the light. The only thing that sucks about it, but is completely understandable, is that when you turn the light on, your battery life is chopped in half or more so bring an extra battery. I would recommend that before you buy this light, make sure that it is compatible with your camcorder just to be on the safe side.

I was a little skeptical when I purchased this light, but what a great little product. If you are filming at night this is the product you want. We use this for paranormal investigations regularly and it works great, very good distance.
The only drawback, which is expected is the batteries drain quicker, so have spare batteries when filming.
Very happy with the product.

This light connects to the hot shoe of the Sony HDR-CX7. It contains both the visible light, and the IR light for night shooting. Its a great accessory, that I dont leave home without. You dont want to find yourself in a situation without enough light.

The visible light itself provides a fair amount of light considering that it runs off of the camera battery. The illumination is only good for around 5 feet (+/- 3 feet). It is very compact, and easy to install(once you get the hang of it).

The IR portion has a intensity level switch that lets you control the amount of IR light illuminating the subject. It also has a setting to automatically turn on and off depending on the amount of light needed.

Its another great buy if you are looking for a visible and IR light in one for the range of shooting within a 5 to 8 foot radius.

I got the light to use on a HDR HC9. I use a small hood and sometimes an adpater lens and or IR filter lenses.
Most handycams require that you not use adpater lenses when taking pictures and using IR vision because they will block the flash or the IR light. With this accessory light, it sits above the hood and any adpater lens so your hotshoe IR light isnt blocked. You also get a nice additional range of IR visibility. Sure youll use more battery life.
For the other aspect, the normal no IR light mode you get a couple of settings, low, high and auto on off.
It's a keeper in my gear.

I have been using this IR light and it works great, I have had no problems with is and it is easy to use. I use it for paranormal investigating.

Works a charm. Very simple to use. Has been a large help in the dim situations where the infrared was not desired because of turning everything a "spooky movie green". Glad I found it.

Night Shot and Ir Light was as advertised. Video light and Night Shot gives you two lighting sources in one. It Has an Infra Red light which covers about 5 times more area than just the camcorder itself and an ordinary light which takes away shadows from close up face shots. It offers Sony quality at a reasonable price.