Q: Is the standard 50-watt light bright enough?
A: As videographers, we all have different expectations with the equipment we use. Before this Reception Light system, I used the Sony 10 & 20 watt light seen here (new window will open). Nearly all of the time, I used it in 10 watt mode. Yet, other videographers use 100 watt lights! That is quite a difference. With my 10 watt light, sure, I had limitations and did not have the flexability to shoot however I wanted, but I did not want to offend wedding guests with a bright, in-your-face light.
Today, I personally use two Reception Lights, both with 35-watt bulbs. Together, these light a fairly large dance floor, and we can work the floor however we like. Yes, we must gain our cameras up to 12db or so. For us, it's a balance between great video, and effecting the mood of the room.
One 50-watt light is quite bright, and will allow you to work most of a large dance floor. I have never tried the 75-watt light at a wedding. Personally, I feel it would effect the mood too much, but that's just me...
Q: How stable is the system? I worry about setting up black light stands on a dark dance floor.
A: These light systems are surprisingly stable. To test them, we intentionally tripped ourselves on the legs, bumped them, etc. In my opinion, they would be very hard to knock over. The light on the top is very light, and the heavy battery on the bottom provides a nice and low center of gravity. I do not tape the legs to the floor. We find it a benefit for the lights to move and slide along the floor, should someone bump them.
Still, we use common sense and place them next to the band or DJ's stands, along walls, next to pillars or tables.
Q: Will this system completely replace my on-camera light?
A: For dancing, yes. For toasts & speeches, maybe. Sometimes we work in reception venues that are packed with people and tables. Then, when it is just not practical to set up a system near the head table, it is nice to have our old lights as a backup.
Do you have more questions? Feel free to contact me.
