Need suggestions for mic & light on 2100 at DVinfo.net

William Wilson · August 19th, 2007, 12:14 PM

Good morning,

I have been reading through a lot of posts on this board and can not seem to find any that cover both mic and light set ups for the VX2100. I currently use the built in mic and a dimmable cool-lux on cam light with a battery belt. We feel that we need to upgrade to a better mic to help us capture the voices and sounds of our talent. We also have a lot of times where we need an on camera light for close up work (we shoot adult content so the on cam light is not affected by the issue of glare in the performers eyes).

I am looking for a set up that will allow us to have the light and battery both on the camera and also a shotgun mic. What is the best way to mount all of these items. Ideally I would like to avoid a wide side mount for either since we need to have maneuverability with the camera ~ I know I am asking for a lot :-)

Are the LED lights a good choice?

Thanks!

Bill

Jeff Emery · August 19th, 2007, 04:17 PM

Adult content?

Whatever that means, it shouldn't be any different than any other type of shooting. Check out the "Now Hear This" and "Photon Management" threads for audio and lighting ideas.

If you're looking for a cheap solution, a Rode Videomic does very well for relatively close audio and plain ol' ordinary shop lights can add ample light.

Jeff

William Wilson · August 26th, 2007, 01:31 AM

Hello,

Thank you for your reply.

We use Cool-Lux studio lighting, but some of our shots require close up work in shadowed areas so I want to use an on camera light for that. I have tried the Cool-Lux dimmable with a belt mounted battery, but i would rather have a light with the battery attached to prevent the cord running to the battery belt. I also got the Sony 10/20, but this light is more spotlight and does not have adequate diffusion.

Any suggestions?

Thanks!

David Ennis · August 26th, 2007, 12:47 PM

There's a lot to choose from in B&H's online catalog. Start here:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/catego..._Lighting.html

To narrow it down more quickly you might give them a call. They're very knowledgeable.

When you're not aiming at the talents' faces, a camera mounted shotgun starts working against you rather than for you. A properly placed off camera mic of any type would be better. Any of them can be made wireless.

Tom Hardwick · August 27th, 2007, 10:17 AM

Sony do a very handy 20-DW2 video light that runs off the same NPF batteries that your VX uses. It's 10 w or 20 w. I have one, and diffuse it with a Lumiquest Mini Softbox. There's a picture here:

http://www.fortvir.net/gallery2/tom-...X2000.jpg.html

August 19th, 2007, 12:14 PM	#1
William Wilson Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Las Vegas, NV Posts: 69	Need suggestions for mic & light on 2100 Good morning, I have been reading through a lot of posts on this board and can not seem to find any that cover both mic and light set ups for the VX2100. I currently use the built in mic and a dimmable cool-lux on cam light with a battery belt. We feel that we need to upgrade to a better mic to help us capture the voices and sounds of our talent. We also have a lot of times where we need an on camera light for close up work (we shoot adult content so the on cam light is not affected by the issue of glare in the performers eyes). I am looking for a set up that will allow us to have the light and battery both on the camera and also a shotgun mic. What is the best way to mount all of these items. Ideally I would like to avoid a wide side mount for either since we need to have maneuverability with the camera ~ I know I am asking for a lot :-) Are the LED lights a good choice? Thanks! Bill

August 26th, 2007, 12:47 PM	#4
David Ennis Fred Retread Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Hartford, CT Posts: 1,227	There's a lot to choose from in B&H's online catalog. Start here: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/catego..._Lighting.html To narrow it down more quickly you might give them a call. They're very knowledgeable. When you're not aiming at the talents' faces, a camera mounted shotgun starts working against you rather than for you. A properly placed off camera mic of any type would be better. Any of them can be made wireless. __________________ "Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence..." - Calvin Coolidge "My brain is wired to want to know how other things are wired." - Me

August 19th, 2007, 04:17 PM	#2
Jeff Emery Major Player Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Ohio USA Posts: 222	Adult content? Whatever that means, it shouldn't be any different than any other type of shooting. Check out the "Now Hear This" and "Photon Management" threads for audio and lighting ideas. If you're looking for a cheap solution, a Rode Videomic does very well for relatively close audio and plain ol' ordinary shop lights can add ample light. Jeff

August 26th, 2007, 01:31 AM	#3
William Wilson Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Las Vegas, NV Posts: 69	Hello, Thank you for your reply. We use Cool-Lux studio lighting, but some of our shots require close up work in shadowed areas so I want to use an on camera light for that. I have tried the Cool-Lux dimmable with a belt mounted battery, but i would rather have a light with the battery attached to prevent the cord running to the battery belt. I also got the Sony 10/20, but this light is more spotlight and does not have adequate diffusion. Any suggestions? Thanks!

August 27th, 2007, 10:17 AM	#5
Tom Hardwick Inner Circle Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Billericay, England UK Posts: 4,711	Sony do a very handy 20-DW2 video light that runs off the same NPF batteries that your VX uses. It's 10 w or 20 w. I have one, and diffuse it with a Lumiquest Mini Softbox. There's a picture here: http://www.fortvir.net/gallery2/tom-...X2000.jpg.html