Anyone used the Anton Bauer Elipz lights? at DVinfo.net

Alex Lucas · May 28th, 2007, 03:20 AM

I've seen some top mount lights from Frezzi and other places to put on the GL2, XHA1, Z1U and other small form factor cameras recently, and decided to purchase one. As I am a Beta SX, SP, and large camera shooter, I just can't stand cabled lights outside of the camera unit, it just slows me down terribly. I am an ENG photographer, and after years of quality pro equipment, the idea of carrying a beltpack for a battery would seriously drive me crazy. I shoot really, really fast (a couple times a week I literally sprint, set tripod, roll a couple of times, and continue sprinting) and I just couldn't get used to a cable if I got caught in one of those situations. I just don't want to connect cables if I need a light immediately. I need a switch, not a kit.

But here's the question. The Elipz toplight is rated at 6v. Most camera lights I use are 12v, and with a Canon 2/3" ENG lens I am in lowlight hell often for "run and gun" at night.

I think that Elipz is the smartest design overall, but I really have a concern about the lumens that this little Elipz light kicks out, considering the lenses that these smaller form factor cameras have, well, it might be ineffective.

Simply put, does anyone use it, and does the Elipz kick out enough light?

Nino Giannotti · May 28th, 2007, 07:52 AM

Alex, got to www.EFPlighting.com and click on the featured topic "NAB2007".

I spent a lot time in Vegas going over all the on-camera lights, including the Elightz. In the report I tried to be kind keeping into consideration the respect that I have for Anton Bauer for all the fine products that they gave us over the years including those that I currently own.

Alex Lucas · May 28th, 2007, 02:42 PM

I'll check it out.

Heiko Saele · June 4th, 2007, 01:15 PM

Quote:

I am an ENG photographer, and after years of quality pro equipment, the idea of carrying a beltpack for a battery would seriously drive me crazy.

Many ENG photographers carry battery belts. As soon as you get used to it you can run really fast with a CineBelt around your waist ;)
Something like a Sachtler Reporter 50/75 or Paglight equipped with a 50W bulb is just enough when there's no other light, even with a 2/3" camera. Most of the time you can use it with a little "softbox" (216 WD clamped to the barndoors), but it also has enough power to add a fill with 1/2 ctb in daylight situations (on very cloudy days or inside a room).
Especially when there's no time to use other lighting equipment (I know what I'm talking about) I'd never go for less than a 50W halogen lamp.

Tom Roper · June 6th, 2007, 05:15 PM

Now that I've tried it, I'll second what Nino said. My impression of the Elightz/Elipz is that it looks great on the Canon XH-A1. It throws a very even, warm light that is very flattering to skin tones. I won't overstate what 10 watts is, but I am pleased at the effectiveness, enough illumination to nicely bring out the color. It's more light than I expected for 10 watts. How bright? Enough that I will hear some complaints about it, I'm sure. And not enough to please the power pros. For me, that makes it about optimum.

As Nino said, the battery pack will not mount as rigidly to a tripod as you would hope. And I have a concern about the plastic tab for the accessory shoe. I won't overtighten the screw, but an adapter for the 1/4-20 screw as comes with the Sony Z1 could be helpful here. You have to zoom the lens to about 50% to avoid vignetting.

The Elightz I will just leave on the camera. The cam still fits in my bag with it mounted. How sweet it could be if Anton Bauer made an internal battery to go with this light. On the Canon XH-A1, it could be easily done, plenty of room in the battery bay.

Scott Cantrell from Texas Tapeworks was very helpful. The order arrived on time without hassle.

May 28th, 2007, 03:20 AM	#1
Alex Lucas Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 50	Anyone used the Anton Bauer Elipz lights? I've seen some top mount lights from Frezzi and other places to put on the GL2, XHA1, Z1U and other small form factor cameras recently, and decided to purchase one. As I am a Beta SX, SP, and large camera shooter, I just can't stand cabled lights outside of the camera unit, it just slows me down terribly. I am an ENG photographer, and after years of quality pro equipment, the idea of carrying a beltpack for a battery would seriously drive me crazy. I shoot really, really fast (a couple times a week I literally sprint, set tripod, roll a couple of times, and continue sprinting) and I just couldn't get used to a cable if I got caught in one of those situations. I just don't want to connect cables if I need a light immediately. I need a switch, not a kit. But here's the question. The Elipz toplight is rated at 6v. Most camera lights I use are 12v, and with a Canon 2/3" ENG lens I am in lowlight hell often for "run and gun" at night. I think that Elipz is the smartest design overall, but I really have a concern about the lumens that this little Elipz light kicks out, considering the lenses that these smaller form factor cameras have, well, it might be ineffective. Simply put, does anyone use it, and does the Elipz kick out enough light?

May 28th, 2007, 07:52 AM	#2
Nino Giannotti Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Tampa-Orlando, FL Posts: 124	Alex, got to www.EFPlighting.com and click on the featured topic "NAB2007". I spent a lot time in Vegas going over all the on-camera lights, including the Elightz. In the report I tried to be kind keeping into consideration the respect that I have for Anton Bauer for all the fine products that they gave us over the years including those that I currently own. __________________ NinoMedia Productions - EFPLighting.com Advanced Lighting and Gripping Workshops

May 28th, 2007, 02:42 PM	#3
Alex Lucas Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 50	Thanks Nino. I'll check it out.

June 6th, 2007, 05:15 PM	#5
Tom Roper Trustee Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Denver, Colorado Posts: 1,891	Now that I've tried it, I'll second what Nino said. My impression of the Elightz/Elipz is that it looks great on the Canon XH-A1. It throws a very even, warm light that is very flattering to skin tones. I won't overstate what 10 watts is, but I am pleased at the effectiveness, enough illumination to nicely bring out the color. It's more light than I expected for 10 watts. How bright? Enough that I will hear some complaints about it, I'm sure. And not enough to please the power pros. For me, that makes it about optimum. As Nino said, the battery pack will not mount as rigidly to a tripod as you would hope. And I have a concern about the plastic tab for the accessory shoe. I won't overtighten the screw, but an adapter for the 1/4-20 screw as comes with the Sony Z1 could be helpful here. You have to zoom the lens to about 50% to avoid vignetting. The Elightz I will just leave on the camera. The cam still fits in my bag with it mounted. How sweet it could be if Anton Bauer made an internal battery to go with this light. On the Canon XH-A1, it could be easily done, plenty of room in the battery bay. Scott Cantrell from Texas Tapeworks was very helpful. The order arrived on time without hassle.