On 8 Dec 2001 12:38:05 -0800, jeff@customfitness.com (Jeff) wrote:

>I have a Sony PCR DC-110 camcorder. The camcorder is great but the
>indoor quality can be very poor and grainy. I am thinking about
>getting a video light, would this help?

Yes - but the light quality is not purdy...;-)

>If so, what one would you
>recommend. I would like to find a light the uses its own battery. I
>heard that if the light uses the camcorders battery it will drain the
>power very fast. I have looked into the Sima SL-8 (10-20 watt
>battery) and the Sunpak DZ-200 (7-20 watt) these two are out of stock
>everywhere. Any suggestions on other lights would be appreciated.

I used the Sima, with an RCA connector added to the side,
to go (fused!!!) to a cheap 6v. gel-cel - the NiCad
batteries that fit the lights are heavy and with VERY
short run times. Try turning off the stabilizer, using
manual exp. and dialing in one notch of underexposure -
both improve the picture. For lower light shooting,
switch to B&W and engage the nightshot feature - the
picture is clean to much lower light level (turning
off the stabilizer will help here, too).