Video Light questions

[Video rookie]

Hello-

I have the Amphibico Super Mini Pro Power Pack (model VL135) and Halogen light heads that I'm using with my EVO Pro housing and Sony A1U. I changed to Li-ion batteries last year (two IDX NP-L7S NP style batteries), so I'm very happy with the burn time, but not real happy with how they look on the video (very orange).

On our last dive trip one of the head flooded slightly several times, and the fiberboard piece the bulb plugs into has delaminated some, but still seems to work. I checked the o-rings, but still seem to get seepage that results in about 1TBSP of water in the light after the dive. I purchased the lights used, so I don't know their history and perhaps the leak is where the glass is mounted.

I'm thinking of changing to HID light heads, and have been exchanging emails with Salvo about their 35W and 50W heads. They have offered to look at the existing Halogen units I have to see if they can re-use the cords, which would allow me to retain the Amphibico battery pack I currently have, and estimate a burn time of 80 to 90 minutes for the 35W heads, and probably 60 minutes for the 50W heads.

What are your thoughts on the Salvo lights? Is there a brand that you would recommend over Salvo? I like that I could retain the current battery and charger investment with the Salvo lights (maybe others could do this also..), but would probably need to change out the Loc-Line arms I currently have.

I'm leaning towards the 35W light heads (regardless of brand) for longer burn time, but wonder what the consensus is. I typically dive fairly clear blue water, and really want the lights for shooting under ledges and into holes. I do night dives on occasion, so I would use them for that also.

Question 1: Any thoughts on Salvo lights, or suggestion for other brands that could adapt to my existing battery packs?

Question 2: Is my reasoning for the 35W correct, or would the 50W be a better choice for my camera and use?

Thanks for all your inputs in advance.

Vic

 

[JeffG]

Question 1: Any thoughts on Salvo lights, or suggestion for other brands that could adapt to my existing battery packs?

I have used dual Halcyon 24W video lights and I own a Salvo canister light.

The salvo light (based on the Brightstar bulb) is a very rugged bright light.

They would be the ones I would be purchasing.

Question 2: Is my reasoning for the 35W correct, or would the 50W be a better choice for my camera and use?

Thanks for all your inputs in advance.

Vic

I've seen dual 50's and its like a piece of the sun has been brought down underwater.

Very good for inside wrecks and whatnot.

35's would work though, but if you got the cash...the 50's are nice. (Some divers will hate you though. Even 24's will blind divers. LOL)

 

[Mr.X]

Everything Jeff G said. Barry Miller of Salvo used to design all of Halcyon's stuff and it's a tried and true design + he stands behind his products 100%. His HDMI big can (Halcyon) which they used for a NHK documentary was blinding. 50 watts is a waaay powerful light. Nice stuff.

The Light and Motion HID with specular reflectors were pretty darn good too, though limited in the ability to configure. I have not seen their new LED video lights. They are a tad pricey.

In my eyes, the best light is the one that is the most durable, reliable and versatile. That being said, the canister-mounted, test tube lights by Salvo are terrific.

X

 

[scuubaadoo]

and they can't be beat. I am shooting an HC-7 so the tape last 1 hour, in reality on an hour dive I might only shoot 20-30 minutes. I do dive North East so I need all the light I can bring. For travel the whole canister and lights get to be a pita to carry. I believe its better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.

Hope this helps.

 

[Video rookie]

Thank for the inputs. I'm pretty sure I'm going to go with the 35W Salvo heads. Barry has been very quick with the email responses, and appears to be willing to customize the lights to work with my existing equipment.

Vic