I'm referring to the conga line example, NOT the original question.

No one is patronizing anyone, nothing is wrong with on camera lights if that's what YOU and YOUR COUPLES prefer. Let me remind you the reason why we're off topic. The issue of not using on camera lights came up when the mention from Glen that on camera lighting was not flattering which lead to the discussion of raising production value in order to gain higher paying clients or clients who were discerning enough in their choices for videographers/cinematographers to notice the difference between an on camera light and off camera light shoot then into how feasible it is for one man shows to do so.

The original question was asking for suggestions for on camera lights, the thread has technically spun off topic. To ask to keep to the original question is to dismiss all the posts that don't include suggestions on a brand of on camera light. This is a discussion forum. Discussion stems from discussion.

To answer the original question, I use a Z96 LED light with a minus green filter. I mentioned in my previous post that I have used an on camera light before and still do. According to Jacques, I'm patronizing myself, which is ridiculous. My opinion there is a time and place for on camera light, it's not the end all, be all solution. Your opinion is different? Great, nothing wrong with that. :)

Stop being so defensive (again). I'm bowing out of this thread as it's headed into arguing and I'd prefer to not participate in that. Cheers everyone.

The "conga line" was in support of the original question: that in some cases, there is no other choice than on-camera light. Asking 200+ guests to change a traditional dance so they can remain within a restricted triangle of light is ridiculous.

Calling this a "preference" is, indeed, patronizing. It shows that you haven't really been paying attention. Please re-read the previous posts. I, and others, have presented real-life (not hypothetical) situations.

The fact remains that in some cases, on-camera lighting is the only way to go. Why is this concept so offensive to some people?

J.

I'm only going to mention this once and leave, promise promise :). I AGREE with you but you are too "defensive" trying to defend your point to see that. I mention that on camera lighting is a tool I use when applicable :

You like to quote portions of answers rather than address the whole post as a whole. I've been paying attention to the entirety of the answers. Maybe if you would do the same you wouldn't feel the need to keep defending your point as by the sound of your posts, the only person offended here is you, Jacques.

To spell it out:

1) I use on camera light at times when it's needed so therefore I can't be patronizing you or anyone else about on camera lighting.

2) On camera lighting is not my first choice so therefore it is my preference to not use it first. If you deem that patronizing then that's on you and your defensive manner. It is not said in an offensive or condoning way anymore than saying I prefer to use liquid detergent over powdered detergent as my first choice.

3) Everyone here is trying to help each other. They are giving their precious time to chime in on a subject to HELP the community. Not make others look bad. If you put your guard down and realize that, it'll make things a lot less tense and the thread can move past this on camera vs off camera bickering and onto something more productive, like other solutions for on camera lighting ;). To be honest, the way you are pretty much attacking me in your replies makes me just want to forego contributing anymore and lurk. I'd be offended if not for the fact that I understand the interw3bz is not srs bisnizz. :)

That's it. Have a good night all.

soooo..can anyone recommend a good on camera light for a DSLR?

i like the ring light solution on DSLR, it is very light on the lens, qui to setup, and generate no shadow.
i built them from "angel eyes" you can buy for very cheap on ebay.
they exist in several sizes and you can easily glue 2 or 3 together depending the amount of light needed.
for few dollars more you can add a little box for intensity control.
i used a UV filter (glass removed) to allow to screw the ring directly on my lens.
a 3$ plastic AA battery holder is enough to give you light for hours.
i will provide a picture asap.

Would love to see it :)

For the record, depending on the banquet facility I may use a light stand, i may use an on-camera light or I may just use available light. I find that each banquet hall is different when it comes to their lighting situation. I really hate using an on camera light, but sometimes I find that it is necessary. It was necessary this past weekend because the hall was colored like a disco with flashing colored lights. My on camera light brought out the whites without ruining the ambiance of the wedding. If I didn't use an on camera light, everyone would have appeared blue or pink. So I don't believe there is really one good answer when it comes to lighting. The video is important, but so is the ambiance of the event and we as professionals have to respect that.