Customer Reviews

Sony HVL-HL1 Video Light (3-Watt) for Compatible Sony Camcorders

5 star:		(26)
4 star:		(14)
3 star:		(9)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I purchased this 3 watt light for my Sony DCR-HC96 Mini DV camera. Without the light, the camera's indoor performance is mediocre at best. I have to admit that I didn't expect much when I attached this little light to the camera. But boy, was I wrong - The difference is amazing! While 3 watts may not sound like a lot, it's enough to light your subject from up to 10 feet away with no problems. I am astonished at how much better the video is when using this in low light. Note that the build quality of this light is nothing special, and it does get extremely hot after only a few minutes of use. But you will be rewarded by the big difference it makes on your video. Overall, I'm extremely satisfied with my purchase.

I bought this light for my DCR-DVD92, which doesn't have any lamp integrated. Makes notorious improves for poor lightning shots. But be prepared with another than standard battery, because this light takes half of your battery's power. I also bought NP-FP90 for it (this battery will give you 150 minutes with this light on). Also the storage pouch is useful. Fits both: light and NP-FP90 battery.

A video camera without a light is like a still camera without a flash -- if your Sony camcorder doesn't come with a light built in, you need this!

A couple of notes: This light is much smaller than I'd expected -- it's only about 1" across the front by 1.5" high by 1.5" deep. It doesn't sound like much, but it puts out a remarkable amount of light, enough to illuminate out your subject with an even, warm light, even from nearly 10' away.

The reason I can't give it 5 stars: it puts out a lot of heat, and it will cut your battery life in half (I've got the HDR-SR1). Both of these issues would be readily addressed by Sony providing an LED version of this light, but until they do, I don't think any other accessory could possibly give your videos the bang-for-buck that this one does.

I'm generally happy with this light. It's small, much smaller than I thought. It puts out a lot of light, but too much in some instances. It would be nice if in "Auto" mode the light would adjust it's brightness to "normalize" a scene to some defined light level or if there were 1/3 manual increments on the light itself. The reason is that the light is blinding when on and looking at the camera within it's 10 foot operating distance. As it is, I've had to resort to using paper at times as a filter.

I love having this little light in my camera bag, but I've broken 2 of them in the last year, due to the relatively flimsy construction of the light's thin plastic base. On this video light the base is all important, as it where the power originates, and once it's broken, it's broken; time for a new one. The low cost makes it relatively painless to replace, but still.. Oh yes, how did I break it? Once by putting the camera into it's bag with the light still attached, and also by someone brushing against the camera when it was on my shoulder. It's great to have, but be very careful to put it away when you are not using it.

For the future I urge Sony to create an LED version with lower power consumption, variable brightness and a stronger base, but meanwhile, it's a must-have in any camera bag.

Bought this light for my HDR-HC3 camera. First of all, this light puts out some enormous light. It has an auto, on and off setting which is also cool. Since it uses the battery of the camcorder, I noticed that the estimated life of the battery with the light on took around 50% of the battery (i.e. 150 mins w/o the light vs. 70 mins with the light). Since my camcorder records only 63 mins with a new tape anyways, this does not affect me if I have a full battery. Also, the light is light (not heavy). It may also blind the person or people you're taping as the light is VERY bright. For HD cameras, good light is key to get a good picture. This will definately help me out with the HD picture. Also, you can also use it during still picture mode with the light switch to the "on" mode.

I have the Sony DCR-SR200 camcorder. This little light dramatically improves the low lighting problem most camcorders, even the high end, are having.

I rather pay $39.99 MSRP for the light than paying $300+ more to have a "better" camcorder for low light condition.

The only thing I don't like about this light is that it uses half of the battery power recording time and it tends to get very hot when using a long period of time. But it has the "auto" switch which turns on automatically when it senses that there's a need for more light.

It has the "OFF, ON, and AUTO" switch which is nice.

Also, when this light is ON and you're recording at someone's face, it is very bright and maybe a disappointment for the individual being recorded.

Just makes him/her feel like a star when you're recording to his/her face.
Other than that, I'm very satisfied with this light's performance.

Make sure this camcorder light is compatible with your camcorder because the mount is smaller than the standard camcorder shoe.

I know Sony already has a great reputation, but I was impressed with this product. It's small and light-weight, but it's pretty bright. It also has an auto function (just like a flash), so if you're not sure when you'll need it, you can just use that function. My camera doesn't have a built-in flash, so it works well for video and still shots. It is a tad pricey, but it's a Sony.

This light works great; I'm very pleased with its performance and low profile design. It provides strong light in those low light situations and flesh tones remained neutral.

Yet again Sony has outsmarted itself, the replacement bulb costs more than the light. It lasts I believe for like 300 - 500 hours, and the bulb needs replacement. On the plus side its compact enough to remain with the camcorder but gets hot enough not to use it for prolonged periods of time.