Home > Consumer Reviews > Sony HVL-HIRL IR NightShot and Video Light for Compatible Sony Camcorders

This light is great! I keep it mounted on my video camera and I never miss a shot due to low light. The light really improves indoor shots. The IR light is an added bonus for capturing night shots that the built in IR just can't reach.

Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R119UAL7SOBZMN I'm a member of a paranormal investigation group so IR nightshot is a must. What came with my camera (Sony HDR-HC5) was good but not as good as it could be with this attachment. I can already tell a drastic increase in the night shot capabilities. This is definitely recommended by me if you need to do anything in low light such as film paranormal anomolous activity or even just tape drunk uncle Jimmy running around the yard at night.

Here are product links to my setup to help you know what it works well with:
Sony HDR-HC5 4MP MiniDV High Definition Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom
Sony ECMHST1 Stereo Microphone for DCR-HC96, DCR-DVD305, 405, 505, DCR-SR80, 100, HDR-HC3, HC5 & HDR-UX5 Camcorders
Sony High Definition Minidv Videocassette (2-Pack)

Im using this HVL HIRL video light with a Sony HC7. Nightshots do get enhanced brightness (though not very much brighter that the unaided HC7 nightshot capability). Having said that, I must admit that it illuminates a roughly 3 ft (1m) circle more of the surroundings than with an unaided HC7. The visible range video light is not any brighter than a fairly powerful spot light which one can get in Radio Shack / Auto parts retailers.

So all in all, its a good compact video light but I'd not want to pay anything more than 30-35$ (I shelled out $75+ since I had no clue of how useful it actually is). So my advice, just dont buy unless its below $35.

It takes a little practice to put in on the camcorder, but once you do it a few times, you will have no problem.
Runs off the camera battery so you don't have to worry about power for it. The Sony cameras have good low light performance so the regular light does a pretty good job. The night light function puts out infra red to go with the Sony NightShot setting.
Note that this is good in normal rooms or gatherings on your patio. Even a wedding hall. But it will not illuminate a stadium in either mode.

I have been using this IR light and it works great, I have had no problems with is and it is easy to use. I use it for paranormal investigating.