Inexpensive Video Lights for Compact Canon Powershot

[nankivell]

I have a Canon Powershot SX230 in a Canon Housing. I've decided to add a tray and video light. There are so many choices out there and I don't want to spend a ton of money (cause I don't have it). I was thinking of just buying an inexpensive tray from Ikelite (or something similar)---add a flexible arm--and then one of these chinese lights made by Novae. You can buy a MagicShine MJ-878 which has 2200 Lumens for about $250.Any advice or thoughts would be greatly appreciated

Paul

 

[diversteve]

For video the one thing you'll need to watch is the beam angle. Most dive lights - not video dive lights - have a very narrowly focused beam - in the 10-15^o range. Magicshine doesn't list it but I'd guess it's narrow since that's how the beam stays tight for a long distance. For video you'd probably want about a 1000 lumens minimum total. 2 lights on arms will be more even lighting also if that's in your budget.

Most video lights are 60^o or more - IIRC the Ikelite Video Lite is the narrowest at 45^o. So your results with the Magicshine will likely have a hotspot in the center surrounded by a ring of shadows. This is an extreme example since it's at night but you get the idea...(thanks to PAFirefighter)



Post #7 from this thread also has example videos: http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/un...etting-into-underwater-videography-photo.html

Here's one affordable option: Underwater camera mini video light, 900 lumen scuba video lighting by Light For Me - notice the beam angle is 120^o - $219 also...
and their tray: Underwater photo video lighting components

Other places to look:
Optical Ocean Sales: Underwater Photo & Video Equipment - 800-359-1295
Underwater Video Lights
I-Torch Video Lights - Dive Gear Express

 

[nankivell]

Thanks for the advice Steve---I decided to spend the extra $$ and bought one Sola 1200--will see how that works and if I need a second light.

Paul

 

[MN Lakeman]

Hello Paul - I am curious if you are satisfied with using one Sola 1200 vs. 2. Results?