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General discussion

3 watt video light-improve current indoor lighting?

Mar 28, 2005 11:28PM PST

Hello--

I've got a canon optura 30 dig camcorder. The quality with outdoor lighting is spectacular, looks about like anything i see on tv. But with even moderately bright indoor lighting it does get a little grainy. I'm looking at the canon vl-3 add-on video light which is only a 3watt bulb. My question is: will the vl-3 video light improve lighting on subjects approximately 10 ft away, when used as a supplement to current moderately bright indoor lighting? I was on the canon web site but i didn't see any more specifics with regard to the type of bulb it used or anything like that.

If it won't make a noticieable difference at the 8-10ft range, I'll probably pass. I hestiate from getting a bigger capacity bulb because i'm wanting something for continuous shooting and plus I'm a little concerned with any annoyances of putting too much light in my subject's eyes.

Does anyone have any thoughts or suggestions?

Thanks,
Brian

Discussion is locked

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3 watt video light-improve current indoor lighting?
Mar 31, 2005 3:13AM PST

If your doing a lot of indoor shooting get a big 200w light with a refelctor put it in on a stand an aim it at the celling. This will light up the room and not shine the light directly at people eyes. John

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thanks!
Mar 31, 2005 5:11AM PST

based on the response i'm assuming a 3w on the camcorder would make little if any difference on an indoor subject 6-10 ft away.

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Actually it will make a difference
Apr 6, 2005 5:11AM PDT

I have a 3-watter on my Canon GL2, and even up to 10 feet, it makes a difference. It won't take all the graininess out, but it will fill is some of the darker areas and make the video better.