Flash for GL1 question. at DVinfo.net

Javier Rios · November 14th, 2007, 08:18 AM

Hi I'm looking for a flash for my gl1 and came here for recommendations
since I don't have much experience on this.

I'm shooting a wedding next month and need to be ready if I need it.

Chris Hurd · November 14th, 2007, 12:11 PM

Any Canon EOS Speedlite flash will work, but I can't recommend doing it since a photo flash is only going to help you with still images, and stills from this camcorder are not that useful. You're better off with a video light, the choice of which is a frequently discussed topic on this forum (a search will bring up numerous threads).

Javier Rios · November 14th, 2007, 05:18 PM

Thanks Chris, I didn't express myself correctly,
what I need is an on camera video light as you suggest thanks for making note of that, I'm following your tip, thanks.

By the way, I didn't know a Canon Speedlite could be used on this camera it's good to know (if ever needed) since I have a 430ex

Chris Davis · November 15th, 2007, 11:35 AM

I have both the Canon VL-10 and the VL-3. I rarely used the VL-10 at a wedding because in situations where it was dark enough to need a light (the reception/dance) it was far too bright. The VL-3 was a much better light for that situation, but is only good for relatively close shooting.

Those are two low-cost solutions. I think I paid less than $50 for both (used).

Graham Bernard · November 15th, 2007, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Davis

The VL-3 was a much better light for that situation, but is only good for relatively close shooting.

Chris? Just how close were you? And how much Gain did you use?

Grazie

Chris Hurd · November 15th, 2007, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Davis

I have both the Canon VL-10 and the VL-3.

Neither of these are compatible with the Canon GL1, sorry.

Javier Rios · November 15th, 2007, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Hurd

Neither of these are compatible with the Canon GL1, sorry.

Thanks for the advice i were close to order one.

I'm looking for one that works as the canon VL-3 works on the gl2, no batt is required, as it takes power from the camcorder's batt, also it's not too expensive
if somebody knows let me know.

As last option I think I'll give a try to the VL-10LI which is more expensive and uses it's own batt canon websites states it's compatible with the GL1.

Brendan Donohue · November 16th, 2007, 09:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Hurd

Neither of these are compatible with the Canon GL1, sorry.

umm, last time I checked, the VL-10i is totally compatible with the GL-1, I use one all the time..I'm not sure about the VL-3 , but I'm pretty sure that is compatible too..

javier, the VL-10i uses the same battery as the Gl-1/2..it's kind of bright and might bother some people if you're up in there face, but I remedy this by putting a piece of thin white cloth over the light and wrapping a rubber band around to hold the cloth in place...acting as a makeshift diffuser..good luck

Javier Rios · November 16th, 2007, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brendan Donohue

javier, the VL-10i uses the same battery as the Gl-1/2..it's kind of bright and might bother some people if you're up in there face, but I remedy this by putting a piece of thin white cloth over the light and wrapping a rubber band around to hold the cloth in place...acting as a makeshift diffuser..good luck

Thanks Brendan, just one question how long does a battery last with the light on, I actually have 3 batteries for my GL1 two high capacity and the one that came with the camcorder, I hope not to buy another one.

Brendan Donohue · November 16th, 2007, 03:23 PM

I usually use the small canon battery (that came with the camera) so the videolight is less bulky and topheavy..the last wedding I did, it lasted throughout the whole reception. That is, as long as your battery holds a good charge and you conserve energy (turn of light when not in use)

Chris Hurd · November 16th, 2007, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Davis

I have both the Canon VL-10 and the VL-3.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Hurd

Neither of these are compatible with the Canon GL1, sorry.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brendan Donohue

umm, last time I checked, the VL-10i is totally compatible with the GL-1, I use one all the time...

You are of course absolutely right. My bad on the VL-10i, somehow I spaced out on that one.

However the VL-3 is *not* compatible with the GL1 since that light is powered only by the AAS Advanced Accessory Shoe system, and the GL1 doesn't have that capability -- it has a cold shoe only and cannot provide power to the VL-3 or any other AAS item.

Javier Rios · November 29th, 2007, 09:42 PM

I just found a light for sale it's a used VL-20 but my main concern is if it will be too bright has any body tried it?

I think it can be used on the GL1 since it the same model as the VL-10 except for the 20 watts instead of 10 and the sale price is $45.00

November 14th, 2007, 08:18 AM	#1
Javier Rios New Boot Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 14	Flash for GL1 question. Hi I'm looking for a flash for my gl1 and came here for recommendations since I don't have much experience on this. I'm shooting a wedding next month and need to be ready if I need it.

November 14th, 2007, 12:11 PM	#2
Chris Hurd Obstreperous Rex Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: San Marcos, TX Posts: 27,366 Images: 513	Any Canon EOS Speedlite flash will work, but I can't recommend doing it since a photo flash is only going to help you with still images, and stills from this camcorder are not that useful. You're better off with a video light, the choice of which is a frequently discussed topic on this forum (a search will bring up numerous threads). __________________ CH Search DV Info Net \| 20 years of DVi \| ...Tuesday is Soylent Green Day!

November 14th, 2007, 05:18 PM	#3
Javier Rios New Boot Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 14	Thanks Chris, I didn't express myself correctly, what I need is an on camera video light as you suggest thanks for making note of that, I'm following your tip, thanks. By the way, I didn't know a Canon Speedlite could be used on this camera it's good to know (if ever needed) since I have a 430ex

November 15th, 2007, 11:35 AM	#4
Chris Davis Trustee Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Willmar, MN Posts: 1,400	I have both the Canon VL-10 and the VL-3. I rarely used the VL-10 at a wedding because in situations where it was dark enough to need a light (the reception/dance) it was far too bright. The VL-3 was a much better light for that situation, but is only good for relatively close shooting. Those are two low-cost solutions. I think I paid less than $50 for both (used).

November 16th, 2007, 03:23 PM	#10
Brendan Donohue Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 161	I usually use the small canon battery (that came with the camera) so the videolight is less bulky and topheavy..the last wedding I did, it lasted throughout the whole reception. That is, as long as your battery holds a good charge and you conserve energy (turn of light when not in use)

November 29th, 2007, 09:42 PM	#12
Javier Rios New Boot Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 14	I just found a light for sale it's a used VL-20 but my main concern is if it will be too bright has any body tried it? I think it can be used on the GL1 since it the same model as the VL-10 except for the 20 watts instead of 10 and the sale price is $45.00