bit-tech Shopping: Sony HVL-20DW2 Video Light

Rating: 8

Time with product: 5 Days

Strengths: Two settings -- 10 watt or 20 watt;Tripod mountable;Compact & lightweight.

Weaknesses: Requires its own Sony camera battery.

Summary: A technician at B & H recommended this light for my Sony HVR Z1U camera. The packaging shows that it is originally intended for the Sony Handycam. The HVR Z1U needs a shoe adaptor (which is supposed to be included with the camera) for the light to mount correctly on the camera. This light is great for night time footage and low light situations. It is compact and lightweight. It is also switchable between the 10 watt and 20 watt settings; however, in order to operate in the 20 watt setting, it is necessary to use one of the larger Sony batteries (NP-F730H/750/950). Using a NP-F330/530/550 will only power on the low watt setting. Although the light uses the same battery # that the camera uses, I thought the camera battery would power both the camera and light at the same time. The light, however, requires its own battery. So, it is necessary to have at least 2 charged batteries when you plan to shoot footage while using the light. It is nice that this light can also be mounted on a tripod.

Rating: 8

Time with product: 2

Strengths: ease of use

Weaknesses: None

Summary: Light works well with the npf950 or higher batteries. Last a long time. I currently own a vx2000 and hdr fx1 and it takes some nice pictures with it. Nice product

Rating: 8

Time with product: 3

Strengths: Original equipment works bestProvides adequate lighting

Weaknesses: PriceNeeds a separate power source

Summary: If you have a Sony HDV-FX1, you'll need an additional light source to fill in the shadows or other dark areas on indoor video shoots. Unlike the lower line of camcorders from Sony, the HDV-FX1 does not have a NightShot mode as it was never intended for such consumer oriented filming. It does capture low lux pictures, but any setting with less than 100 lux lighting provides less-than-optimal conditions. The big concern with this is the price. The descriptions fail to inform you that it requires a separate battery source, meaning that you have to purchase a separate L-series battery for it to operate. The Sony NP-F570 is recommended since it is lightweight. However, if you wish to use both lights (i.e., 20 watts), you will need an NP-F770 or larger for it to operate.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 14 Days

Strengths: Very bright compared to running time, lightweight, uses L series batteries, locking shoe and switchable output.

Weaknesses: Expensive replacement bulbs, plastic shoe base and no case.

Summary: This light is highly recommended for any videocamera with a shoe. I had a Sunpak 30w light but it only had 20 minutes of useable light. I quickly "eBayed" it and purchased the Sony HVL-20DW2. Since it uses an L infolithium series battery it does not run down your internal battery which you use to record. If you have an NPF-960 battery it will last approximately 210 minutes(10w) or 75 minutes(20w). Any NP-F730 battery or larger is required to run it at 20w.Paid: $89.99Remember the more light you provide the less noise your videocamera will reproduce.