Has anyone tried this light - designed specifically for the HD1/HD1A

http://www.camerabright.com/x1-er-plus-Xacti.htm

I bought the regular model, which didn't seem bright or wide enough to be really useful. The only difference in the Sanyo model, as far as I can see, is that it has a little tilt top attached so that you can angle it up from the tripod socket.

I don't like lights under the camera (Frankenstein effect), so I attached mine to the top with velcro which seemed to solve the angle problem, but as noted, it didn't help much.

Thanks for the comments. Good point about mounting the light on top.

Anyone have any other suggestions for a good lighting solution for the HD1/HD1A?

Most of my indoor shooting is done in my livingroom, so I purchased a couple of pole lamps that aim at the ceiling. This ambient lighting for great pictures, plus the ability to capture video without the common grainy appearance and autofocus hunt that happens with low light.

Whatever solution you choose, I suggest you try for ambient light instead of a direct flash. Even a bounce flash will offer improvements. Your pictures will look more natural and your subjects won't cringe when you pull out the camera. ;)

http://www.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=196976

Out of curioisty, is the light stable enough to use as a "tripod" or a mini-stand when you want to set the Sanyo down for a second or two, and also compensate for the angled lens? That might be a neat little added benefit.