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For a while now I have been using Lowell I Lights for most of my video work. I have had a few colleagues try to persuade me begin using the LED lights. I held my ground for a while, never want to spend money when I had a perfectly wonderful light. Granted the way I have used the Lowel lights have been different from most, casting toward the ceiling and bouncing it, with a white flag adding a little splash down of light as well. Creates beautiful light. But the batteries it takes to power that thing, very heavy, takes them a long time to charge, and unless you have a lot of expensive backup batteries you will be at a loss of light. And it gets hot. That is where this little light steps in.
LED’s have been around for a while, but just really became affordable over the last year. I know of others which have paid over $400 for a similar light a year ago. I paid $85. Big difference. The main difference is his had 130 points of light, this model 96. Sure the extra 34 points will be of help, but wait until you light this panel up. You will not be disappointed. We have begun using this light setup with our DSLR video, I have also just recently been using this with my photography as a fill light. It is very compact and light weight, dimable as well, and fits into any cold or hot shoe. And it does not get hot.
There are many added bonuses to this light, it is powered by Sony camera batteries or 5 AA batteries(be sure to us LI-ION or you will get a flicker in the light), so you will never be at a loss for power from expensive and heavy batteries. It also has a tungsten filter that easily snaps on magnetically, so you will never lose it. Also if you want to make it into a bank of lights for more light, just buy as many as you want and snap them together.
I buy this gear to use as my own, and just want to offer my opinion to you. I took a chance this light would work for me, and I can say it has. I know there are a lot of other brands and models out there, but when I spent my money, and the product treat me well, I want to live to tell about it. the bad ones too.
I am going to end by saying this was a brilliant purchase. Happy I made the decision to change my lighting. Thumbs way up!
Now for some technical stuff that might help.
The HDV-Z96 is about 40% brighter than most other LED Panels available for a fraction of the cost. The wide 16:9 form factor allows the HDV-Z96 to produce a wider, softer light spread without creating any hot spots. Dimmable 25-100%. The HDV-Z96 has built-in battery support to be powered using a single Sony L Series DV Battery including NP-F570, NP-F770, NP-F970 batteries, 5 AA batteries, or AC power.
Specifications
Power Consumption : 7W
Illumination : 800lux
Color Temperature : 5600K (3200K with included warming filter)
Beam angle : 65 degrees
Size : 127x75x45mm
Net Weight : 188g
Bottom screw : 3/8″
Enjoy!
