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

Pros: - Brighter than expected from small light - Price - Really helps in low light, even for a cam that performs well in low light - No batteries - draws from cam Cons: - Drains cam battery - you may need a bigger battery for cam This light does what I was hoping for, fill in dark areas in low light, particularly in peoples faces. This makes for much more pleasant videos of my family and friends. The downside for home videos is that your subject will often not like the harsh brightness shining at them. It really is bright when pointed at you. I have started being selective when I really need the light because it is so conspicuous and often I want to video from the sideline to capture "natural" expressions without being a neusance. The value for this light is pretty high for me. The price paid for the benifit to my videos is very good.

This is a nice little light. It is smaller than it looks in the pics but it packs a punch. You're not gonna light up a whole room or a dark forest but works will on people a few feet away. It is what it is...not the biggest or baddest, but for simple jobs it will more than do the trick.

Whe the HVL-HL1 arrived, I couldn't believe the size. I had to make shure that it really was the light a bought. I will post a customer image. I think it's important the people can see the real size, just in case. I love the size, and the light is great. I use it with a Sony HDR-CX7 (a very small memory stick HD camcorder), and it really improves the low light recordings. I'm very pleased with the results, the size and the price. It's a solid five stars!. You just have to deal with the battery of your camcorder. I didn't have this problem because I overkilled the issue months ago when I bought by mistake the NP-NH100. Thank god I never returned this monster of power!. With the 3 watt HVL-HL1, the NP-NH100 will give me all the power I need.

I fitted this light to my Sony HDR-SR1 and it fits perfectly in the hot shoe, which I understand is an issue for others. The auto off after 5 minutes is pretty stupid, so just run it on "On". Why would you want your light to go off automatically 5 minutes into a shoot? The HL1 does not provide a lot of light and it does not light up a wide enough area on close-ups when I use my wide angle lense. But for the money and the fit to a Sony, it is worth having. But I will be seeking another light -- this is best in low light situations when you don't want to blind your subjects.

Ok, so I have this light since 2010, and it has been test roughly in every way it is possible. This light makes a huge difference when you switch from the night mode to this light. If you are a beginner in using lights, or just need a light for your camera this is the light to get. It is small, but provides a lot of light with its 3-watts. This light is good to use indoors for parties. It has the "OFF, ON, and AUTO" switch which is great feature. Like I said if you are looking for a pro light this is not for you but if you need extra light for your camera this light is perfect.

Battery drains after single use of less than half an hour, takes hours to charge

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.

Bought this light because sony camcorder did not come with light. Works well for indoor filming at a close range upto ~8 ft. Light is small enough to carry along yet provides a good amount of light. Locking mechanism make it handy so light won't fall off. Light is powered by camcorder so no need to have additional batteries. Fairly low power consumption, but you will see a decrease in battery life as expected.