Lighting Tips Wanted

[John Menszer]

I am going to video a promenade at a Mardi Gras ball with a Canon GL2. What kind of lighting set up would you suggest? I have a Lowel Tota-Light and umbrella but I don't think a plug in, hot light will be welcome or flexible enough.

[Bobby Holbrook II]

Well John I think a frezzi mini fill or led on camera lite would be your best bet. Look around for one. I used one a for a pilot reality show for Court TV a couple of years ago and just realized I still own one LOL. It is a frezzi Mini Fill thats powered by NP-1 batteries and works great for situations like yours. I was shooting a XL1s for the show and should have a shoe post that will fit your GL2. Look around and if you are interested in mine let me know. Heck since I now remember I have that light I think i will put it on Ebay if your not interested. Also do you have MA-100 XLR adaptor? It's a great place to mount the NP-1 battery pack.
Thanks
Bobby

[Ben Balser, ACT]

You need a solution for run-and-gun, on-camera, to hit good up to about ten feet out. I'd go with something that does not require a battery "belt", a self contained batter (if you can), but don't get one that runs off the hot shoe, cause it'll drain your camera battery way too fast.
LCD is great these days.
http://www.litepanels.com
Look at the "Micro" for up to about 8 foot shooting distance. Or the "MiniPlus DV Camera Lite Kit" for greater distance. Now, LCD is a tad more expensive than other options these days, but the prices are coming down, and the quality of light is far superior to traditional bulbs. You can dim them, and there's so little temperature change, it's practically unnoticeable.

For traditional bulb lights, stay away from Bescor, I've had horrible experiences with them in the past.

Some I've seen are:
VariZoom S-2010C Dimmable On Camera Light - LED, 5600K, Canon Camera Battery Clamp
ikan iLED 100 Kit

These should do you just fine, probably. The Frezzi that Bobby mentions could be a good choice, too. I'll also check in with a couple of our wedding videographers, as they do this pretty much daily, and will have great experience.

[John Menszer]

I am leaning to the VariZoom, I will have to make a decision today or tomorrow. John

[Richard Sprinkle]

I've used battery pack lights for a while now, but they are a p.i.t.a.! If you're using a GL2, look into the Canon VL-10. It's a self contained light that uses the same batteries as your GL2. It only puts out 10 watts and as soon as you get one, find some spare bulbs (mine went out after just a few uses). I think I got mine either at Lakeside photo in Metairie or off eBay. Can't remember which. I do know that B & H will have them.

Good luck with the gig!

[Ben Balser, ACT]

Which ever way you go, please post back here, let us know what you got, and how it worked out! Best of luck! Happy Mardi Gras!

And if anyone is going to be in the French Quarter over the weekend, through Mardi Gras day, I have a room in the Quarter this year, give me a call, we'll meet up!