I wanted to get a on camera video light for my JVC HD10U, but I have many extra canon XL1 batteries. I was thinking of buying the Canon video light VL-10L. Can I use this XL1 on camera video light with non-canon cameras? I mean, is it just a light, or does it somehow also connect to the camera via the hot shoe. Basically I'm asking can you just turn this light on without it being attached to the camera?

Lisa:

It mounts in the shoe, but its self contained powered off your canon batteries so there wont be a problem using it with any other camera.

m

I've used it for a few years now ...I love that it uses the same batteries as the XL1. The only down side I've noticed is that the user is not able to dim the light ...it's either on or off. I have had numerous situations when I wished I had something that would allow dimming.

Otherwise this is a good light and, yes, it will work on anything. I've even used it handheld by itself when the power has gone out in the house ...better than my MagLite anyday! :)

thank you for the info about the light. yeah, too bad it doesn't dim. But it sounds like a good deal because I already have so many xl1 batteries

>>I have had numerous situations when I wished I had something that would allow dimming.<<

Hey Jeff, in another forum (Vegas) a member stated he was in a situation where it was too much so he threw a paper napkin over it. He admitted that he probably looked silly but that it worked great!
Randy

I have a filter taped to it. Works great.. But I also noticed that when I shot in a disco/club.. that was not enough. I had to use it without any filters.
Worst thing is that even without filters I did not have enough light to interview some people from a ditance of more than 6/7 feet because then there wasn't enough light..

But overall a great light I think