Customer Reviews

Sony HVL10NH 10W Battery Video Light for Compatible Sony Camcorders

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

 

 

G. Sim the only other reviewer must not be able to insert the batteries correctly, because the light works wonderfully with Energizer NiMh 2500mah, Rayovac NiMh 1300mah, and my Sanyo 2000 mah batteries. There is nothing special (no special circuitry) in the Sony AA batteries. Only Sony's camcorder batteries use their INFO circuitry. DO NOT use regular dry cell alkaline batteries as they may burst due to high current draw and over heating.

The light itself is so bright that you cannot look at it straight on. It is like looking into a MAG light flashlight. The only reason I gave this light a 4/5 is that it really needs a better light diffuser. There is a massive hot spot in the center of the light that the lamp provides. I would suggest going to a photography store or hit ebay for a diffuser that will fit over the front (and not melt). I would not waste 40$ on the 3watt lamp and have it drain the main camcorder battery. You will be very happy with this light.

MP

I have this light for my Sony HDR-HC9 and it is horrible. Let me explain why:

1. Too expensive. As you can see from the other cons below, don't waste almost 100 bucks on this thing.

2. It's HUGE. It literally feels like it doubles the size of the camera when it's on.

3. It WILL NOT hold a battery charge. It blows through non-rechargeable batteries at a record pace, and don't bother trying
rechargeable ones unless you want to use it for 2 minutes. Oh, and don't leave the batteries in it, cause it'll drain them even when it's off.

4. It's a pain in the butt to turn on. There's a safety lock on it that makes it almost impossible to turn on with one hand. It turns off with one hand fine, but you won't have to worry about that b/c it'll run the batteries out before you have to turn it off manually anyway.

5. The battery temp light starts flashing after about 5 minutes, assuming the batteries actually lasted that long.

6. The shape bugs me. It looks like you've got some sort of weapon attached to the top of your camera. Or rather, since it's so huge, it looks like you've got a small conveniently-sized camcorder attached to the bottom of a weapon.

Yes, the one I have might be defective, but I had it replaced once already and it's had all the same problems. I'm going to toss this light into a river.

I also feel like I should apologize to anyone who bought this recently for not posting this sooner since I've had it for 6 months.

I found the light to be only useful for close-up work where light is required. It provides little for anything more than a close one on one video recording. And that is what I wanted it for anyway!

Ok, so maybe I didn't read the fine print. I assumed that this light came with batteries, and it didn't. Fine. Fully prepared to load up with four alkaline AA batteries, I decided to read the instructions first. "Do not use alkaline batteries." According to the instructions, if you use any batteries other than Sony rechargable batteries, the unit may malfunction.

It's true. Energizer NiMh batteries work for about two seconds and then the unit shuts off.

When the light does work, it does not significantly improve the video quality. I would not buy this product again.

This is an extremely poor product. It constantly shuts off and states that there is a low battery charge. It is so unreliable that I'm looking for another light for my camcorder. I do not recommend the product becuause it simply doesn't work.

still not great. Sucks down some serious battery life. Tried using some high end rechargeables but still had no luck.

As someone else mentioned, this will only work with in close range.

I mean for most of the cameras this is your only option and it is better than having no light, if you plan on recording and event (wedding) make sure you have about 20 sets of batteries....

The video light is way too dim to be of any use, even in small rooms.
Also, it is not synchronized with the camcorder(s) it is sold for; you have to turn the light on and off separately manually. A small LED flashlight does the same or even better job for a tiny fraction of the price.

I bought this toplight for my Sony HVR-HD1000U prosumer video camera. It's only okay, not great. It's very much a spot-light type of toplight with little-to-no diffusion. Also, the mounting shoe is fairly flimsy molded plastic. It doesn't fit all too well in the on-camera mounting base as it is and it snapped really easily when a little pressure was applied to the light.

I had to go buy a new one less than a month after buying this one.

a little heavy - and although the adapter bar is nice - it would be even nicer if the camcorder (DCR-SR40) had a 'hot shoe' to use directly with the light...I'm a little turned off that I have to use special batteries (it strongly recommends using SONY rechargeable AA alkaline batteries and warns against using regular AA alkaline batteries - so that's a minus in convenience...this is the ONLY light I was able to find that was compatible for my camcorder but overall, the lighting is good. Lastly, this was the ONLY light that SONY admits to being compatible for my camcorder - but that's more a minus for the camcorder itself I think!

The light is so dim, you might as well use a flashlight. The batteries never last and the unit gets pretty hot. I can't figure out why this unit is so expensive when it has a very poor design. The mounting concept is not very practical either (even with a tripod). I used it a few times, and it didn't help even when I was taking still photos up close. I refuse to even buy another set of batteries for this...