HV20 Twin Lights Setup

[Lunchbox]

Check out my new setup. I used HV20 as a second cam mostly for wide angle shots in events. Last night I worked at a dim hotel ballroom. Luckily, this setup lits up the area pretty well. It looks like a pair of robot eyes from a distance.

http://hv20.info/yopu/HV20TwinLights1.JPG

http://hv20.info/yopu/HV20TwinLights2.JPG

http://hv20.info/yopu/HV20TwinLights3.JPG

[24Peter]

Very cool Taky! Which bracket is that? Can you post some footage using this setup?

[Rikki]

Johnny Five is alive!!!

[bluegrass]

taky-------what model lights or those and how many watts. i take it you have a power pack off to the side somewhere.

looks like you're covered pretty well. how do you like your 501 head. i've got the same one and i really like it.

[Lunchbox]

The video light is Canon VL-10 each with 10-watt. It is using the same battery from my GL2 so I have a lot to rotate.

The 501 head is nice. The tripod is nice too as it's and light enough for me to move it around. The best is I can extend the center pole and the whole thing becomes over 8 feet tall. Nobody can block me in front of my camera :)

[24Peter]

What's wrong with them? It's good to have them around ... so many times something goes wrong. I can buy some pro equipment (although a bit higher the price then orderline online), I got them right away without the weight.


Well it's interesting how things go. Today I went to Samy's b/c I needed something last minute. (I'm right near their main LA store on Fairfax Blvd.) The big problem I've had in the past is with their sales people. Many times I've waited for help for much longer than I should. And when I finally was helped, I was often greeted with really poor attitudes - like they were doing me a favor by helping me spend my money.

Well today when I went in, one salesman who has been particularly gruff with me in the past, was standing at the 3rd Flr counter. He immediately greeted me very warmly and proceeded to do his best to find what I needed. When he couldn't, he went to another salesman and together they gave me the answer I was looking for (though they didn't stock the item.) So... while one good experience doesn't negate many negative ones, I was pleasantly surprised today by Samy's.

[Lunchbox]

I do experience the same problem with them waiting in line. The store in Pasadena implement a ticket system you grab a service ticket and wait for your turn showing in the LED display.

I learned to find out people there all work on their commission. You always have to bargain with them for the price.

Otherwise, it's good to have a local store like that. Unlike stores like BestBuy or CircuitCity, people in Samy's DO know what they are talking about.

[betasx]

The only question I have is do you have the lights tasked toward the center of the camera? It looks like they would blast the left side and leave the right in the dark. I've used a similar rig on my news camera back in the day but we would swing the light out to the side and angle it to the interview. Props on the idea though.

I think my next project will be to hide the hv20 in a full eng camera so people take it seriously.

[Lunchbox]

It isn't an issue. The VL10 video light is 10W each so it's quite bright. It's not like a low power light that you see a bright circle in the view.

[Elliott Tucker]

Does anyone know where I can purchase a similar bracket? I have looked on the Sammy site and could not find it. I want to do the same setup in the photograph with 2 lights and a Rode. Thanks.

[Erik Bien]

There's this one from Bescor (http://www.markertek.com/SearchProduct.asp?item=VB%2D50&off=0&sort=prod&skuonly=1&search=VB%2D50&pagesize=20) -- only 2 cold shoes and doesn't quite clear the HV20's LCD (but that's not really much of a problem, since it pivots around the tripod screw), and only eight bucks.

[Gymnut808]

I just ordered the bracket from Don's Camera store and one VL-10 light from Amazon. Amazon only had one in stock and I didn't quite feel like ordering from a vendor. Is one VL-10 more than capable in illuminating a subject for interview? Reason I ask is I'll be shooting a short documentary in the next coming weeks and I'm not sure whether the location is adequately lit.

[Lunchbox]

VL-10 is 10 watt. It gets really bright if your interview object is few feet away from you. VL-3 will be good for close up interview.

btw, you realize the VL-10 doesn't come with battery or charger?

[Gymnut808]

Thanks Taky. Right, I ordered the BP-945 and charger from BestBatt.com. I was wondering though, does the battery sit on the back of the light? I haven't seen any pictures from behind the light and figured it must be housed on the backside of the light.

[Lunchbox]

yeah, the battery sits at the back of it.

btw, you can also buy some spare light bulbs runs about $24 each.

[somekevinguy]

That would be perfect if it came with the battery and charger or if it used the same one as the HV20/30 but I am on the fence with the added cost of buying a charger and battery just for the light. I was very close to hitting the buy button last night though but I pussied out. I figure I will play with the camera a little bit before I make a purchase. I am also a little worried about that setup being to obnoxious at the Christmas party.

[Lunchbox]

I used to have GL2 now I have XH-A1 that uses that battery and charger. So if there might be a chance you will go with XH-A1 or other Canon models that will use the same charger and batteries, why not.

If you will need to buy a separate charger and battery, this sony might be better

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-HVL-20DMA-10-Watt-20-Watt-Camcorders/dp/B0007P4GVW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1204845349&sr=8-1

[somekevinguy]

That one needs a Sony battery and charger too so I don't see how that helps. Actually my last two camcorders were Sony's but the one I have a wall charger for is a different battery. I think my other one might be the same series but I don't have a wall charger for it and I don't use the camera anymore so it seems kind of weird to have the camera sitting there just to charge batteries. I do kind of like that form factor better than the Canon one though.

[Lunchbox]

I said since the canon VL10 requires you to buy a charger and battery anyway, why don't buy the sony (since you have to buy a charger+battery anyway). At least the Sony light gets you 20 Watt output.

[somekevinguy]

Oh I get what you were saying now. Yeah it is higher wattage and I like how it comes with the arm for the tripod mount so if I ever want to also mount an external mic at the same time and it doesn't look so intimidating either. I will have to consider that one.

[filmfan214]

Taky (or anyone else), do you have any sample footage that you shot with the Canon VL10 (either one or both lights), or the sony light you linked?

I'm just curious as to what the lighting looks like. Thanks.

[CycleWriter]

Taky (or anyone else), do you have any sample footage that you shot with the Canon VL10 (either one or both lights), or the sony light you linked?

I'm just curious as to what the lighting looks like. Thanks.Yeah, and what kind of run time do you get with that rig?:)

[Lunchbox]

I have different size batteries. For the smallest one, it last less than an hour. The biggest battery I have, BP-970G, it last 3 to 4 hours.

[i_make_tshirts]

why doesnt anyone want to post their clips of this..

[superzero]

Yeah, I'd like to see some clips.

[Mr Film Maker]

Basic question .. where does the battery go with VL-10? I am looking to purchase VL-10 for HV30 and want to make sure I understand the setup.

Thanks for answering a very basic question! :hv20-smilie77:

[Lunchbox]

The battery compartment is on the back side of the light. It doesn't have a battery cover so you can use high capacity battery. I have BP-970G the highest capacity battery to be used with VL-10. Each charge last about 3-4 hours.

[Gymnut808]

Like Taky said. With and without the BP-945.

[Lunchbox]

hehehe.. how you manage to use it to block your face so perfectly :)

[Mr Film Maker]

Thank you for the very quick response.

A couple of ?:
- 2 VL10 = 2 batteries. I would not need anything else ie batter holder?
- I saw you sell batteries, would you also have charger?
- Finally, the flashbrakcet in your photo holding 2 VL10s, do you know where I can purchase online? I need it ASAP for this weekend.

Thanks again for your help :hv20-smilie77:

[Gymnut808]

hehehe.. how you manage to use it to block your face so perfectly :)

That really is my face. I have a VL-10 as a head. :hv20-smilie87:

Edit: You would need a charger of course.

[Mr Film Maker]

Thanks Gymnut808 for the photos. A picture is certainly worth a 1,000 words! :)

I know a charger is needed, my question, where can I buy quality aftermarket charger+ batteries ?

Do you know where I can get the flash bracket online?

Thanks

[Lunchbox]

Thank you for the very quick response.

A couple of ?:
- 2 VL10 = 2 batteries. I would not need anything else ie batter holder?
- I saw you sell batteries, would you also have charger?
- Finally, the flashbrakcet in your photo holding 2 VL10s, do you know where I can purchase online? I need it ASAP for this weekend.

Thanks again for your help :hv20-smilie77:

You will need a charger. I don't have any charger for sale. Also won't have battery until this Friday.

You can find ordering the flash bracket info from this thread. I wouldn't think you be able to get everything by Friday.

http://www.hv20.com/showthread.php?t=4567&highlight=samy%27s+flash+bracket

[Gymnut808]

Thanks Gymnut808 for the photos. A picture is certainly worth a 1,000 words! :)

I know a charger is needed, my question, where can I buy quality aftermarket charger+ batteries ?

Do you know where I can get the flash bracket online?

Thanks

http://www.bestbatt.com/Canon_BP_950G_BP_970G_Battery_Charger_p/bbcangchg.htm

I've ordered from them before and they're very quick in getting them out the door. As for the flash bracket, I really can't help you since I went with a Novoflex flash bracket. I tried Don's camera store and found their customer service piss poor, so your experience may vary, but I will never do business with them again.

[CycleWriter]

hehehe.. how you manage to use it to block your face so perfectly :)

He should have covered up the dildo in the right corner instead.:eek::hv20-smilie84::hv20-smilie87:

[Lunchbox]

hahahah! When I read your post, I'm like.. "what is he talking about" ... hahaha.. that's something we can sit on and rotate :) hehehe

[somekevinguy]

I have three of those same dildos for cleaning the lenses on all my still and video cameras.

[Lunchbox]

How to use dildo to clean cameras? can you show us?

[somekevinguy]

Well I guess if you see the whole dildo it would be more obvious.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/images/largeimages/388983.jpg

[somekevinguy]

Or if she really likes them big you can get this one.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/images/largeimages/259157.jpg

[Gymnut808]

LMFAO. I didn't realize it until Cyclewriter brought it up. Yes it is the GIOTTO airblaster. It's the second one; I didn't realize they had that first one; Looks like a grenade.

[CycleWriter]

LMFAO. I didn't realize it until Cyclewriter brought it up. Yes it is the GIOTTO airblaster. It's the second one; I didn't realize they had that first one; Looks like a grenade.

My thought processes go into the gutter fairly easily.:hv20-smilie68:

[Gymnut808]

Well it is red, and it is in our inclination for our eyes to gravitate to bright colors. :hv20-smilie84:

[CycleWriter]

Well it is red, and it is in our inclination for our eyes to gravitate to bright colors. :hv20-smilie84:
The fact that it was more in focus than your light didn't help, either.:hv20-smilie87:

[Gymnut808]

The fact that it was more in focus than your light didn't help, either.:hv20-smilie87:

Well, what can I say, built in iSight for the Macbook Pro. I'll see if I can build a DOF adapter for it. Will probably need 1/20th of the Ee-A screen. :hv20-smilie84:

[somekevinguy]

LMFAO. I didn't realize it until Cyclewriter brought it up. Yes it is the GIOTTO airblaster. It's the second one; I didn't realize they had that first one; Looks like a grenade.They also have a medium one in between those two.

[moya]

That airblaster thing...what's it for? Cleaning lenses? Kinda big for that, no?

[Gymnut808]

That airblaster thing...what's it for? Cleaning lenses? Kinda big for that, no?

Is that a rhetorical question? :hv20-smilie64::hv20-smilie03:

[somekevinguy]

That airblaster thing...what's it for? Cleaning lenses? Kinda big for that, no?Maybe the scale is fooling you. They are not that big. I have the small ones and they are only maybe 3 or 4 inches tall.

[Kyleman]

LMAO!

[Islandervideo]

Took my HV 20 for a test ride at a reception 2 nights ago.
Mounted a Sunpak Readylite 20 ( 20w bulb and modified to accept a
12v lead acid battery external). The room was a small hotel ballroom
lower medium lighting with medium toned , light absorbent wallpaper.
It was very unusable in terms of graininess. The main cam was a
JVC DV500 with 20w anton bauer. Night and day difference.
The throw from the sunpak would only work for objects 8-10 feet away.
I'm not sure if ramping up to higher wattage will help-will try, after a test
it doesn't melt the Sunpak housing. I like that Sunpak for the quick change
bulbs that run 3.50 each at any hardware stors.

[prattep]

Taky, is there any reason you couldn't flip this flash bracket over to the right side of the camera and leave the handle on there? I tried to order the bracket from Don's Camera, but it's back ordered.
(edit - I have since seen your picture of the HV30 with it on the right side of the camera, so nevermind. But I would still like to know if it could be held by this handle on the right side.)

Now that I have the opportunity to reconsider, I'd like to know if holding the camera by this flash bracket handle for any extended period of time would be feasible.

Thanks,
PRATTEP

[Lunchbox]

I'm actually using the flash bracket mounted on the right side not on the left as shown in the photo. But it makes it difficult to change tape.

[devioustom]

Dude that does look like robot eyes haha. Nice setup though.

[Lunchbox]

see it in action

http://hottaky.com/hv20/spencer.jpg

[CycleWriter]

Number 5 is alive!:hv20-smilie87:

[JerryLJames]

Looks good

[Krane]

Well it's interesting how things go. Today I went to Samy's b/c I needed something last minute. (I'm right near their main LA store on Fairfax Blvd.) The big problem I've had in the past is with their sales people. Many times I've waited for help for much longer than I should. And when I finally was helped, I was often greeted with really poor attitudes - like they were doing me a favor by helping me spend my money. I've gotten that attitude on various occasion and have resolved to make sure management knows what they're doing wrong. Never let any vendor forget who's in control...and who's holding the money.


Well today when I went in, one salesman who has been particularly gruff with me in the past, was standing at the 3rd Flr counter. He immediately greeted me very warmly and proceeded to do his best to find what I needed. When he couldn't, he went to another salesman and together they gave me the answer I was looking for (though they didn't stock the item.) So... while one good experience doesn't negate many negative ones, I was pleasantly surprised today by Samy's.On the other hand, when the sales people do something extra special, never forget to balance those complaints with a few words of praise. :)

[GRB53]

Hey, where does the battery go???....tee-hee J/K
I have the VL-10 but wish it had two settings....actually just be able to get it to stay at that one temperature it goes to for a second or two when first turning it on...maybe one of you mechanically inclined people can figure out how to make it do that?