Flash for the X100

[TimothyHughes]

Since I already own a 550EX external flash, and thousands of dollars of external strobes and hotlights, I'm not crazy about having to buy a compatible external flash for the X100. For low-light nightclub/restaurant shots I'm thinking of picking up a two cell or four cell (AA) LED video light to add a bit of fill to ambient light. I'm comfortable gelling the continuous light if it's too cool or too green. I'm planning use it to supplement the cameras built in flash and shoot at 800 or 1000 ISO.

Do any of you have experience with using LED video lights with still photography? I just think for $30 or $45 it's worth a try.

 

[Catto]

I've been thinking exactly the same thing...but haven't tried it. Are there any film lighting hire companies in Madison? You might be able to rent a small unit like these to try it out with - http://www.litepanels.com/ - I'm hoping Peter Jackson's lighting folks will have them here, been meaning to check.
R

 

[TimothyHughes]

I've been thinking exactly the same thing...but haven't tried it. Are there any film lighting hire companies in Madison? You might be able to rent a small unit like these to try it out with - http://www.litepanels.com/ - I'm hoping Peter Jackson's lighting folks will have them here, been meaning to check.
R

I actually think full compass systems in Madison rents one. It's $15/day. I'm thinking I may as well just drop $30 or $40 and buy one off ebay. Since a larger light source=softer light I think supplementing the on-cam flash with an LED light should be a win. Plus, it will reduce red-eye and aid in focusing.

 

[Burkey]

Litepanels work well when you need to get a bit of fill in a spot that won't handle a larger light. Keep in mind they are "ice cold" but most have the ability to hold a gel in front of the panel. I use them fairly often when I'm shooting promo shots at the college where I teach.
Lowell also makes them now too as well as Bescor, (a cheaper version.) Good luck.
. . . Burkey

 

[TimothyHughes]

Looking at the samples from Spain (flash + high ISO) I don't think this camera needs much help at all.

Nevertheless, I ending up buyinga Yongnuo SYD-0808 64 LED video light for $27/shipped off eBay. It has a high-low power switch so I'm guessing I'll use it on low, most likely with a 1/2 CTO or amber gel taped on. This light is 3" x 3.3" (75 x 85mm) which should be balanced nicely on the X100. Unfortunately, turning the light to low power turns off the outer perimeter of LEDs (I am aiming to get a relatively large surface area of lighting).

I also considered an $80.00 Z96 light which is a fully dimmable 96 LED video light. This would have offered more surface area of light but it's as big as the X100 which I think would look funny and mess with the balance of the camera. It's over twice as expensive and I'm not even sure how a video light will work for my low light work.

Another I considered was the two cell DV-35 video light. It seems like it would fit nicely on a compact camera and only costs $23/shipped with an aluminum Adorama straight flash bracket. Since this is a fairly small light source with only one setting, it may be blinding to your subjects in a dark setting.

 

[bwcolor]

I've noticed a good bit of squinting when using my flat panel light with video. I'm certainly not stealthy at all. I would wear a helmet when using this technique.

How is it working out for you?

 

[TimothyHughes]

I've noticed a good bit of squinting when using my flat panel light with video. I'm certainly not stealthy at all. I would wear a helmet when using this technique.

How is it working out for you?

I like the light for the most part. I gelled it with a 08 ROSCO Pale Gold warming gel. It brings the light to a (slightly warm) neutral tone. It is bright for subjects in a darkened room, but it keeps red eye down.

I think I'll be content with the LED on the X100. If I need more flash power I'll have to grab my 5D and 550EX.

I should have more photos with the LED light but I've been slacking on that. Here is a decent example of the LED + on-camera flash with a Fuji F30 at 800 ISO, 36mm equivalent. Looks like auto exposure slightly overexposed the skintones.

 

[bwcolor]

I still don't get the idea behind LED. I use Canon, Vivitar and Contax portable strobes with the Collapsible Lightsphere and get a similar look, maybe a bit softer and my subjects don't need to put up with a bright light in their eyes.

 

[TimothyHughes]

The reasons I bought it were low cost ($30), well-proportioned for the camera body, and video capabilities. Also can be easily used handheld off-camera.

 

[andrew00]

The X100 onboard flash I think, like the Sigma DP2S, does a pretty good job at filling the flash and not washing the image out.

That being said I just got a call from Park Cameras in the UK saying they had the EF-20 flash in, so I've put in an order, alas won't get here until Monday as it's too late for today's post, shame!

Still, I'm interested to see what I get with that flash. I really liked the results of my Contax G2 w/the TLA200 flash on it, the brick flash heh. The Fuji w/the EF-20 is a lot like the Contax in setup so hopefully it will give the same awesome results.