Advice on video light for Sony DCR-TRV38

[makicr]

I am looking for a video light for my Sony DCR-TRV38 and want to see what others use, and learn from their experience. I am interested in opinions of the effects on battery life, the effective changes in the video, etc.

I am not sure how much light I will need, but I am typically shooting family video indoors, often in "lower" light, (I have no idea how many lumens). I also want to avoid having a "spot" on someone due to the light being focused in a tight area, I want it more diffuse if possible.

I don't need a "photo flash," as I don't use the photo aspect of the camera.

I don't really care if the product is Sony brand, if there are other products that work well through the hotshoe. Money is always an issue, but not the top one.

I often use the IR Nightshot, and was also contemplating buying the IR Light (IR/Video Light - HVL-IRH2). I would appreciate any opinions. http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_BrowseCatalog-Start;sid=bIXyxTERSQny93Fy70T4zn4cw4HqIfGH00Q=?CategoryName=dcc_DIAccessories_DILightsandFlash&Dept=dcc

[backpackerx]

I'd check into some of your options first. I think from what I've read that the Sony hotshoe's are proprietary so you'd need to first check if there even are any other options other than the Sony branded ones.

As far as type of light, most give some "spotlight" look but that is what a diffuser screen if for. Or, if the light pans and tilts you can sometimes aim it up at a light ceiling to give a more diffused light but that's not the best way.

Battery life is significantly effected unless the battery has it's own power source. If you only take short family videos it might not matter that much though. A rough estimate here (this is very subjective) is that operating with the light will reduce your battery time by half or more.