Lighting Advice Requested - Specific lights in mind

Hi All,

I've read through all of the forums and reviewed all of the lighting topics. I have narrowed my selection down two 3 choices and would appreciate input.

My setup: Sony HC7 with Amphibico Dive Buddy EVO HD SE

note: This housing does not allow me to adjust white balance "on the fly" so that may or may not impact my lighting choice. I'm new to uw video so I'll rely on the expertise of others.

Here are the choices I'm considering

1. Dual Sartek 10 watt HID lights with diffuser

2. Dual Sartke 13/21 watt switchable HID lights with video reflectors

3. No lights at all.

I'm planning on doing all of my dives during daylight hours in the caribbean at depths between 30 and 80 feet.

I like the 10 watt lights because of price and I'm sure I can fit them inside my padded camera case. I've never seen/used HID lights so I don't know how much of a difference having higher power output will make. The price difference between the first two sets is about $550

I was looking at some self contained halogen lights but the cost is only slightly cheaper than the 10 watt lights and they are much heavier in the water and have short burn time.

Thanks in advance for any advice!

For daylight use, the more powerful lights the better as you have to overpower the sunlight in the background by adding fill light.Unfortunately when night falls, 21Watt HIDs are too bright, so switchability is always good. That is why halogen lights are a better choice for the one rig setup. It's easily switchable without any effect on the CRI and bulb, whereas HID/HMI life is shortened by constant short time power on/offs and are limited in switchability.

With the sartek lights, the 10W is decent but once you add the 0.5 stop diffuser you get a dimmer light that really only properly illuminates maybe 2 ft from the camera in daylight. Of course dual lights are better fill than single lamps.

For daylight use, the more powerful lights the better as you have to overpower the sunlight in the background by adding fill light.Unfortunately when night falls, 21Watt HIDs are too bright, so switchability is always good. That is why halogen lights are a better choice for the one rig setup. It's easily switchable without any effect on the CRI and bulb, whereas HID/HMI life is shortened by constant short time power on/offs and are limited in switchability.

With the sartek lights, the 10W is decent but once you add the 0.5 stop diffuser you get a dimmer light that really only properly illuminates maybe 2 ft from the camera in daylight. Of course dual lights are better fill than single lamps.

Thank tyou for the reply Drew. I've seen many discussions on here about specific HID lights but not much on good halogen setups. I really like Sartek's 11 inch 10.4ah lithium battery pack. It would mount great next to the wing on my bc and not be so thick it would push on my side. Can you or anyone recommend a good dual halogen setup that runs from one battery with decent burn times and quick disconnects? Those were the features that drew me towards sartek?

I've also had someone suggest that I get two fisheye focus lights. I'm wondering how good of a job that would do being only 40 watts total. I don't want a lot of weight on the camera arms.

I'll close this saying that I'm not trying to be a professional videographer. I want nice looking video but don't intend on getting too technical.