VL3 on A1?
 

I am able to upgrade from GL2 to the A1. Does the A1 take the Canon VL3 video light? I find the VL3 is very handy when I do some interview shot the object will be well lit using VL3. VL10 is a bit too bright.

If it doesn't work, any other alternative for some small video light to be used with the A1?

Thanks

Unfortunately no. The XH camcorders do not have the Advanced Accessory Shoe like the GL2 and XL2. They have only a "cold" shoe with no electrical connections. Too bad, it would have been great to use the VL3 or an MA300, if they had allowed four-channel audio. Sorry,

Thanks Chris. It's sad to hear. What was Canon thinking? They invented this Advanced Accessory Shoe but not using them in their product. It's like Sony making a new digital camera but using SD card as storage.

Is there any other alternative solution for a small video light?

from what i can tell the VL-10i should work. and it uses the batteries from the other cams - bp-9xx
i think there might be a newer one coming VL-10i ll but i dont know the difference and cant seem to find out. ill prob just go for the VL-10i

can anyone confirm this is ok to do before i buy?

Of course the VL10 will work. It takes the same battery GL2 or the A1 is using. It's bright and also too bright to light up an object a few feet in front of you. That's why the VL3 is perfect for object in such short distance. VL3 also canon's advanced accessory shoe taking power from the camera's battery.

I have both VL10i and and VL-10i II. They are basically the same. The new version has a little stick come down at the mount so it should secure more to the cold shoe hole. It also doesn't have the regular thread so you cannot mount it on tripod.

If you can find VL-10i, get it. don't buy VL-10i II.

i use the vl10 with a cheapo batt from impact.
at times, it can be too bright. its a handy light for fills or to light food shots, etc. for the price, batt life, and ease of use..it's totally worth it. it saved my ass a few times too.

check out my twin lights setup using 2 Vl10s

LOL! Very nice.

I keep forgetting there's a shoe under that plate on the HV20.

How's that wide angle? I rarely use the HV20 to shoot with.

The wide angle is nice. very heavy in the front. but really need it as it's the 16:9 era.

Thanks Taky -- I have never seen anybody use twin VL-10i's like this before -- it's like headlights!

it looks like a robot from a distance. :)

yea johnny 5. who remembers?

how long would a fully charged bp945 last with a vl-10i Taky?

mini softbox
 

You could try one of these mini softboxes. It dampens down the light nicely and makes it more flattering when close up.

http://www.lumiquest.com/lq951.htm

It's designed for flash but fits the L10
Just be careful you don't block the vent holes with the velcro, and keep the face of the softbox well away from the bulb. Don't worry abou gaps as this helps ventiliation as well though i don't really find this guy gets very hot anyway)

btw with this light ALWAYS remove the battery brfore you pack it. Otherwise it's a sure way to destroy a bag full of gear

...umm not that it happened to me or anything ;)

battery life
 

I can't speak for Taky, but with your battery (4500mAH) It should be good for about 3hrs (at least in theory) I doubt you'd get anywhere near that long.

I tend to use mine for wedding reception dancing scenes, and I probably shoot about an 45 minutes of that with no problems.