Pixiq

As more and more photographers work within the space of videographer, using their video capable DSLRs, we'll begin to see more companies provide products and services to suit video specific needs.

Dual Flash and Video LED

At the 2011 PhotoPlus Expo Polaroid had a product especially geared towards photographers using video DSLRs. They call it their "Dual Flash" and it's purpose is as simple as it's name: provide photographers with a simple solution for managing light and switching quickly between still and video photography. They basically slapped an LED light on the front of a small strobe and said here you go. The idea is pretty great.

My initial thought?

Why hadn't someone done this before?

The build quality is fair. Overall it felt pretty solid but I did worry a bit about the battery door. It felt a little flimsy on first inspection and I worry about opening and closing it often to change out batteries.

Available in two models we have the PL 150 ($179 suggested retail) and the PL 160 ($229 suggested retail) for Canon, Nikon, Olym/Pana, Pentax, and Sony and are currently available at Amazon or B&H as they roll out the products. Here's what I found so far:

• Polaroid PL 150 on Amazon
• Polaroid PL 160 on Amazon
• Polaroid PL 150 on B&H
• Polaroid PL 160 on B&H

Both models have TTL metering, automatic shutter speed setting, red eye reduction, and front and rear curtain sync. The PL 150 is the manual zoom and your base model while the PL 160 has auto zoom capabilities from 24-85mm, 5 levels of power ratio, built-in slave function, and built in reflecting plate and wide panel.

The above photograph shows the front LED in action. This light seemed to work really well in a portrait interview type of range and the flash works off of 4 AA batteries. How long is an LED going to last with 4 double AAs? Fully charged our contacts said "about an hour".

Earlier I stated that this product was a great idea. I do think it is. It's simple. Sometimes the best ideas are the simple ones.

But this flash isn't going to be the best solution for every photographer using video. Video takes a ton more work and equipment than a flash like this one. There are dedicated video LED mounts that bring more power and are probably better options for heavier sessions of video shooting.

That said, if you're one of those photographers who only dabbles in video from time to time or isn't really sure if video is going to be your thing then this little combo strobe might just be the trick. I like the concept especially as I move more and more to smaller and lighter set-ups for my gear. I want to be as mobile as possible and adding video to my arsenal has conflicted with that mantra especially as I think about bringing light with me. The PL 160 Dual Flash and LED strobe might just be the ticket for urban photographers and photojournalists who need to be lighter on their toes.

What do you think? Is it better to have a dedicated light even if you only dabble in video?