Sony HVL-HFL1 Combination Video Light and Flash for Camcorders

This unit works very well for me,being that I shoot a lot of fire scene still and moving video shots with an average Sony camcorder. The features that wow'd me was,self-charging when mounted to the hub,while in its mounted position,you can turn the entire light head left or right for adding slight shadowing in and on specific subjects not needing a lot of light. I wish I had bought this earlier on in my 'fmartinjr' fire response video days.

Most Sony camcorders are built-in with a flash or a camera light of some kind. But if you add a lens or a lens hood, most of the time the light is rendered useless because it sits just above the lens on the front of the camera. But this combination video light allows you the versatility of having an additional lens or lens hood while being able to take photos or operate a light to see in dark settings that's substantially better than built-in camera light/flash anyways.The video light is about 3 watts and actually provides great lighting indoors for filming. The flash bulb is exceptional and extremely illuminating in taking photos and quite preferable to the standard flash built into the camera. The other advantage to this combination light over the standard 3 watt or 10 watt light is the inclusion of the flash. That easily puts it over the other camera light models and makes it very convenient for someone taking photos and for shooting video because it provides a solution for both modes the camera uses and that you will no doubt need without needing separate lights to accomplish two different photography needs.Overall, this is an essential accessory well worth it's price.

limited use of course with such a small light.

This flash is great. Personally I feel this is a little expensive for this particular light unit. The video light is great for lighting up objects that are pretty close but in the center of the frame.The flash part I am trying to convince myself that I didn't waste my money. The flash on my camera is already just as bright, but .. BUT .. this is my selling point. The placement of this flash almost completely eliminates red eye in my family photos. That right there is huge.I have a Sony Handycam Hybrid HDR-SR12I love this camera and went a little overboard and started buying everything that fit on this camera. Lenes and Flashes .. Batteries. This camera is just perfect as it comes. Now that I spent all my money on these other addons I wish I didn't. Toys are fun and this camera is tons of fun as-it-is.Bottom line: This flash is great but not needed because of it's price tag. It will definately help indoor video but might become a little too bright for people if you're too close. The flash is great to avoid red eye.It is very tiny and fits perfectly on my camera.

The amount of light output by this device, requires you to be up close, and is not great at illuminating more than one subject.

I purchased the wrong item and returned it. The company did a great job with the return. As with all Nikon products I’ve handled, my satisfaction with the product quality and design was absolute. Disappointed this item wouldn’t work with my gear.

It works as advertised. Small, light and very handy. If you expect to light up an entire room, look elsewhere but if you're looking to brighten up a subject not too far away, this will work just fine.

I had to get this after I bought a wide-angle lens for my SR11. The lens covered the flash on the camcorder. The wide-angle combined with this external flash/light captures amazingly beautiful picture. The light is good for recording subjects within 3ft-6ft, but I rarely use it because it's really bright and annoys the person I'm recording.