burn time on lightbulbs

[robint]

So, what is the burn time on the bulbs in video lights? If I am going on a liveaboard, should I take several spares?

I haven't bought yet, I am looking at the Ikelite 50w light system. I know the battery time is about 55 minutes on full charge, but just wondering if I use light for night dives only.... ???


robin

 

[ronscuba]

Hi Robin. You should get at least 50 hours from a bulb. It's always good to carry a few spares. They are cheap. I get mine from bulbconnection.com for around $2.50 each. Not sure if the Ikelite use the same size, but I use the Osram 64610 HLX bulbs. They are brighter than the normal halogen bulbs. The brightness is in exchange for bulb life. They are rated for 50 hours vs. 100 hours for the normal halogen bulbs. I also carry a few 100 watt bulbs (Osram 64625 HLX $2.25) if I feel a need for more power.


Use the lights for night dives, dark swimthroughs/overhangs and closeup/macro shots during the day.

 

[robint]

Hi Robin. You should get at least 50 hours from a bulb. It's always good to carry a few spares. They are cheap. I get mine from bulbconnection.com for around $2.50 each. Not sure if the Ikelite use the same size, but I use the Osram 64610 HLX bulbs. They are brighter than the normal halogen bulbs. The brightness is in exchange for bulb life. They are rated for 50 hours vs. 100 hours for the normal halogen bulbs. I also carry a few 100 watt bulbs (Osram 64625 HLX $2.25) if I feel a need for more power.


Use the lights for night dives, dark swimthroughs/overhangs and closeup/macro shots during the day.

Here's the one I am looking at:
Ikelite | 6341.55 Pro Video Lite 3 50W w/ NiMH | 6341.55 | B&H
there are 2 bulbs, a 20w and a 50w.
I haven't bought yet, I am still trying to decide if I want to buy lights or upgrade my camcorder/housing to HD. Budget is really my number one concern right now. I can't do both.

My other thought is that I should upgrade now and sell my current rig on e-bay. I don't want to wait too long and not be able to sell it... technology changes so fast. So I am really torn which direction to go. I love my Ikelite, it works for me and is in my price range. Having a spouse who dives and has photo gear expenses too cuts our budget waaaaaaay down.

robin
2 months til the Nekton!

 

[ronscuba]

The 20watt bulb is just the modeling light. I wouldn't bother with it. The 50watt bulb looks like the size I use.

Sounds like 2 different decisions. Ikelite lights for $600. HD camcorder/housing upgrade for $1.8k+. Don't wait too long. You'll want to leave time for shipping and play time before your trip. Do you have a large HDTV ?

 

[robint]

The 20watt bulb is just the modeling light. I wouldn't bother with it. The 50watt bulb looks like the size I use.

Sounds like 2 different decisions. Ikelite lights for $600. HD camcorder/housing upgrade for $1.8k+. Don't wait too long. You'll want to leave time for shipping and play time before your trip. Do you have a large HDTV ?

Yes, we have a HDTV but I can't afford the upgrade this year regardless. I just don't know if I should get the lights and then do the upgrade next year, or just skip the lights and go for the upgrade later this year or next year, skip getting lights.