If your miniDV camera cost you less than a thousand bucks, you don't want to be spending four figures an on-camera
light from Frezzi or Litepanels.
You just need something cheap that attaches to your camera and can help you through those moments of darkness.
Camcorders (CE) has a review of a really cheap device, the CameraBright!, which mounts to your tripod mount and
provides a bit of illumination for less than $40. The CameraBright! can also mount to your camera's hotshoe, but
if you have that option, you may want to check out other solutions in the more traditional vein, such as those from Bescor.
The reviewer seems to like the device, but given its design, I'd be worried about heavy shadowing from your camcorder's
body.[via CamcorderInfo]
1. As well as the possible shadow problem, it's not usual to have the light source below the level of the lens. Except for horror films when a 'sinister' effect is intended!
Posted at 2:59AM on Apr 15th 2006 by Gary