Advice on Lights?
 

I've been reading about work lights and such. Anybody got any advice on what would work best for footage shot on an XL1 in everyday settings such as bedrooms, offices, garages etc. as well as outdoor settings (both day and night)?

Also, ultimately is it more beneficial to hire someone to do lighting if you're not too sure how to tell what's needed?

Depends on you budget and the effects you are trying to achieve. For informal home/hobby and event work shooting with a couple low cost halogen "work lights" can provide decent results if carefully applied. But if you are looking for serious results and have a real budget - go for a good lighting person.

For hobby work, consider a local high school theater lighting person who might want to do it for fun and experience at a modest cost to you.