Customer Reviews

Sony HVLFDH3 Video Light and Flash with Rotating Head (DCRPC101 and DCRPC105 Camcorders)

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

 

 

I picked up this light a few months back for my Sony VX2000 (which captures both digital and still images). While the range of the light was moderate for video, it worked reasonably well for nearby photos in the dark. It seemed to drain my battery rather quickly. That was to be expected...but it was even faster than I thought before the battery light would start blinking.

So after some moderate use at one event, I brought my batteries home and realized they would charge just a little and stop. This thing seemed to KILL my InfoLithium batteries! The workaround I discovered (which I'm not sure it quite works) is to take the light off and turn the camera to VCR mode and play video until the battery REALLY died. Then I'd be able to give the battery a full charge and that seems to return them to normal...pretty much.

I'd recommend if you get this light (or any similar) that you try it out with your cheapest battery first to see if you have the same problem.

Since I have a hybrid video-digital still Sony camcorder, I wanted a unit that would work with both. Unfortunately, I could never get it to work when taking still photos. It does work well with the video though.

I bought the HVL-FDH3 for my Sony DCR-TRV820 camcorder and have had it for several years now. I first used the light to videotape my grandson "trick or treating" during halloween and was impressed at how well the video turned out. The light doesn't seem to be all that bright until you watch the video. That experience alone convinced me that I had chosen the right video light for my camcorder.

Yes, this flash light does drain your battery. That's why you need to use a high capacity battery with this flash. Not sure why the previous reviewer said that this flash messed up his camera battery. I did not experience this problem.

If you really want to use this flash unit to full capacity, keep your camcorder plugged in to your AC and don't use your battery. Any light attachement will drain your battery.