HDV-Z96 LED Photo/Video Light Kit

HDV-Z96 LED 800 lux Video Light Kit for Camcorders a Cameras

New Version

F&V HDV-Z96 is now replaced with the new model F&V Z-Flash 96-LED for DSLR Video and Flash Light.

 
Brand new 800 lux 5500K Z96 LED light kit features 96 super super bright LED bulbs in an affordable price. The light equipped with a fuller dimmer control, and two magnetic filters: Tungsten filter for matching indoor lighting fixture color temperature, Diffuse Filter for soften diffused spread output.
 

 

Super Bright 800 LUX Lighting

The HDV-Z96 is about 40% brighter than most other LED Panels available for a fraction of the cost. It delivers 5600K day light color balance LED output. The wide 16:9 form factor allows the HDV-Z96 to produce a wider, softer light spread without creating any hot spots.
 

Dimmable 25-100%

The HDV-Z96 produces a flicker free light and has a rear facing dimmer knob that can be adjusted from 25% - 100%.
 

Expandable Link System

The HDV-Z96 has an expandable link system where you can attach multiple units together using the included link brackets.
 

Flexible Battery Support

The HDV-Z96 has built-in battery support to be powered using a single Sony L Series DV Battery including NP-F570, NP-F770, NP-F970 batteries, 5 AA batteries, or AC power.
 
Note:
There're customers report saying using AA batteries causing the light to flicker and generate a whining sound. It is recommended using Li-ion batteries.

 

Magnetic Filter Plates System

The HDV-Z96 has magnetic filter plates that simply snap onto the front of the LED light. Included is both a 3200K daylight to tungsten warming filter and a white diffusion filter. The HDV-Z96 comes equipped with a swivel shoe mount that is perfect for mounting on any DV or DSLR camera.
 

Specifications

Power Consumption : 7W
Illumination : 800lux
Color Temperature : 5600K (3200K with included warming filter)
Beam angle : 65 degrees
Size : 127x75x45mm
Net Weight : 188g
Power supply : 5xAA batteries, Sony compatible F570, F770, F970 batteries
Shoe moutable: Yes with included shoe bracket.
Bottom screw : 3/8"
 

What's in the Box

   Z96 LED Light
   Diffuse filter
   Warming/Tungsten filter
   Shoe adapter bracket
   Stack mount socket
   User Manual
 

 

More User Comments

For more user comments, please visit this blog page
 
http://lacolorPros.com//blog/view.asp?id=121

 

Comments

Posted by Jeff Anselmo on 8/8/2010 1:12:00 PM Hi Taky--Will the Shoe adapter bracket mount on a standard light stand? Thanks!

Replied by LA Color Pros Hi, the bottom of the shoe mount can fit to any tripod but not light stand. You can add this bracket to mount this light on any light stand.
 
http://lacolorPros.com/products/item.asp?id=dja
Posted by Dave on 8/11/2010 10:15:00 PM Would you please help us compare the Z96 here with the Pro160
 
http://lacolorPros.com/products/item.asp?id=Pro160
 
Thanks
Posted by Dave on 8/11/2010 10:23:00 PM Oh, and I see why you put up the cheesycam video. There's the nice comparison.
 
I'll get one. Thanks.
Posted by Dave on 8/11/2010 11:01:00 PM Have you tested the NP-F970
 
http://lacolorPros.com/products/item.asp?id=npf970
 
for run time at full power?
Posted by Bob on 8/18/2010 8:35:00 AM Does it come with the bracket that locks together 2 of the units? Is that the stack mount socket?

Replied by LA Color Pros Bob, it comes with a bracket so you can chain multiple lights together.
Posted by Jason W. on 8/19/2010 9:17:00 AM To answer Dave's above question on 8/11/2010 11:01:00 PM:
 
A retailer I've asked in Taipei has these stats on the Z96:
 
- 5 x AA batteries = 2h00m
- NP-F550 = 2h20m
- NP-F750 = 4h50m
- NP-F970 = 7h30m
 
In my opinion, extreme caution at your discretion is needed when using the NP-F970 because it is heavier and thicker than the light itself.
 
You'd be attaching something 60mm thick and weighs in at 610g onto the plastic battery door of this light that's only 45mm thick and weighs in at 188g.

Replied by LA Color Pros Jason, thank you for putting these run time stat together. Very helpful indeed.
Posted by Allan P on 8/19/2010 8:21:00 PM I got the Z96 last Friday and used it for a wedding on Saturday. This light is awesome. I used it with my spare Sony battery NP770. The light is so bright that I never need to dial past 30%. It is very light weight. This is a great buy. One thing I wish this light to comes with several color of diffuse filters (such as red, blue, green) that can be used individually or stack them up for creative shot such as people dancing.

Replied by LA Color Pros Allan, glad you like the light. It seems a very good light to be used.
Posted by David on 8/25/2010 2:23:00 PM Did the price go up? I got the e-mail and saw the intro price for $99

Replied by LA Color Pros David, yes it was the introductory price.
Posted by Richard on 8/31/2010 2:13:00 PM Have you tried mounting two on top of each other? Is it stable enough to be mounted on the hot shoe of a camera. How about mounting 2 side by side? I'm assuming the 2nd light might need to also be mounted ( with an accessory shoe extension bar? ) otherwise it would be too heavy on one side? Thanks.

Replied by LA Color Pros I have seem people mounting 6 units. You can try that.
Posted by Richard on 8/31/2010 2:38:00 PM Also I'd be interested in seeing examples of how mounting two lights side by or stacking it up will affect the image. Perhaps it'll be brighter than a single light and it may end being more flattering for people since side by side lights would broaden the light and be less of a spotlight. Especially since one of the key features for this light is mounting, I think people would be quite interested in seeing the benefits of mounting the lights together. Also I was considering buying the accessory shoe bar but it seems the light is two wide to be mounted that way.
Posted by Henry on 9/9/2010 1:57:00 AM Is there an adapter available to use Panasonic batteries on this light?

Replied by LA Color Pros Henry, there isn't any adapter to use Panasonic batteries. The light is designed to accept Sony L-series battery and AA batteries.
Posted by Henry on 9/11/2010 1:06:00 PM I just received the HDV-Z96 in the mail and looked it over and I think it is really nice. Like you said in your review it has a much better feel than the CN-126 light - more durable and compact with a much better tripod mount. The only issue I have is with the battery compartment lid which doesn't pop open when you slide the yellow lever open. The lid is pretty firmly fitted and isn't very easy to grasp and pull open. But I used that peanut inside my head and tied some dental floss (minted) through and around the holes just under the battery mounting clips on the lid. Now I can just pull on the floss to open the lid. No hassle, and the floss doesn't get in the way of the Sony batteries when mounted. Other than that the light seems to be just what I was looking for, and at a great price - thank you!
 
I look forward to doing business with you again. Keep up the great work!
Posted by averan on 9/23/2010 2:39:00 PM I love everything about this light except:
that dang AA battery cover is IMPOSSIBLE (nearly) to open!!
 
and the 2 lights I ordered did not come with the connecting bracket. =(
 
overall, the color temperature seems pretty darn green...going to order some minus green gels to cc.
Posted by Andy U. on 11/27/2010 4:16:00 AM Like the lite a lot, especially the build quality and size.
But the color temp of mine is more like 6000k, not 5600k as noted. It is more "blue" than my LitePanel MicroPro. When I gel to 3200k, again it is more like 4000k. It does not mix well with my Lowel 3200k lights.
Posted by eiker_ir on 12/22/2010 3:46:00 PM is it possible to charge the Sony batteries when connected to the light and to the ac power? or do i have to get a separate charger for that?

Replied by LA Color Pros The Z96 light does not have charging capability. You will need to get a separate charger. Good news is, they are not expensive at all.
 
http://lacolorPros.com/product/?BCV500-BC-V500---BC-V615-Sony-Compatible-Battery-Charger
Posted by eiker_ir on 12/22/2010 4:29:00 PM also, is there any light or indicator way to know how much battery is left or is the battery is low? Thanks for any help

Replied by LA Color Pros There isn't any light indicator on the unit itself.
Posted by eiker_ir on 1/17/2011 1:50:00 AM if i have a Sony Battery connected AND also have the batteries inside at the same time. Does it draw power from both automatically? can i do this with no problems?

Replied by LA Color Pros We do not know if there is any conflict but it is always best not to mix battery. Besides, what you did will just weight to the whole setup. It is always recommended using Li-ion batteries.
 
There're reports saying using AA batteries causing the light to flicker and generate a whining sound.
Posted by Federico on 2/28/2011 4:50:00 AM Hi!
I spotted in the images that there is (what I guess) a AC power input. If so, is it possible to use the light connected to the electricity but without batteries?
Thanks

Replied by LA Color Pros There is an AC-in jack on the light. You can get your own AC adapter with rating "DC 5.8 - 16.8V". However with the low power consumption of this light, our NP-F970 can power the light over 8 hours. It would be a lot easier to use battery than the cord dangling AC adapter.
Posted by Andre on 4/5/2011 12:45:00 AM I'm lost the diffuser panels that go on front of the z 96. Is there any way I can order replacements? Or do you know where I can find them?

Replied by LA Color Pros Unfortunately, we do not have any spare filters available.
Posted by Bryan on 4/7/2011 9:31:00 AM Hi.
 
Got a Z96 last week. With Duracell 2450 mAh NiMH AAs Im getting only 25 mins before permant flicker sets in at full power. Some folks recommend Sanyo Eneloops but are they really any better?
 
Also, was hoping that Sony M series LiION batteries would also fit on the L series attachment, as I have a few Ms plus charger from my old Sony DV cam. But no such luck. Anyone know of an M to L series adapter plate that could be used ?
 
Cheers.

Replied by LA Color Pros Hi Bryan, you can try our NP-F570 battery. They are inexpensive but yet power the Z96 light for 2 hours.
Posted by Spanic on 4/22/2011 3:52:00 PM Hi,
just felt I will post a comment.
I have 4 of these lights. I run them on F970 replacement batteries. I use the indoors and in up 2 hours before the sunset. I use them on Manfrotto boom and Impact flash brackets. They are great lights and run long hours with 970 batteries.

Replied by LA Color Pros Spanic, thank you for leaving us your great comment.
Posted by Bryan on 4/26/2011 11:27:00 PM Reference to my earlier post (last but one up). Found Sony L series plate can be modified to take M series batteries. Just requires taking a few mm off one pair of the securing keys (closest to the battery compartment latch). With an NP-FM50 the Z96 was still going strong, with no flicker, after 1.25 hours - not that I'd use it for that long at a stretch. Great little light. I also like the convenience of being able to slip other gels behind the magnetic diffuser plate. Cheers.
Posted by Andy on 5/11/2011 10:16:00 AM I have a Comer 1800 which I love but I was looking to get a smaller light to do some steadicam work with. How does the Z96 compare to the Comer 900 as far light fall off as the subject gets farther away from the light. Like the 900 has specs for 100lux at 3m, I didn't see any specs like that for the Z96.

Replied by LA Color Pros Andy, while Z96 is 800 lux and Comer 900 is 900 lux, in real life use, Comer 900 give you more output than Z96. It was because Z96 is made with 5600K day light color temperature and not diffused. So you will always have to use the orange diffuser indoor, thus lowering the overall brightness output. Comer 900's 4500K can be used indoor without any filter.
 
However, to be used with Steadicam, you will also need to take into consideration the overall weight.
Posted by Michael Love on 5/19/2011 11:33:00 AM Do you have the Z96 in stock, if so can you ship to Vancouver canada? Express or over night?

Replied by LA Color Pros We have it in stock and ready to ship worldwide. At the last check out screen you can select different shipping method and see the cost.
Posted by Angara on 6/25/2011 9:58:00 AM Hello I reside in Tokyo, Japan. Can I get them here? I looked around but I could not find them at any place. Please advice
Thanks

Replied by LA Color Pros Hi, we ship worldwide. Please refer to our policy page for International shipping information. Thanks
 
http://lacolorPros.com/policy
Posted by Paul Digges on 7/20/2011 2:53:00 PM For anyone wondering about the battery door problem complained about in previous reviews, the model of this light I just received has a little spring mechanism to pop the door open now when you pull down the yellow release tab.
 
Great light for the money! Only thing I think I'd replace is the mount it comes with. While it is much better than the one that comes with the Pro 160 light, it's still plastic.
Posted by Tiago on 7/22/2011 11:42:00 PM Hi, what is the correct charger for powering the Li-ion batteries ( NP-F550,NP-F750,NP-F970)?

Replied by LA Color Pros Tiago, this is the charger for the L-series battery.
 
http://lacolorPros.com/product/?BCV500-BC-V500---BC-V615-Sony-Compatible-Battery-Charger
Posted by Freddy on 8/4/2011 5:14:00 PM Just got the light today. Very fast shipping. A very solid and well built light. Very bright. Looking forward to using it on a job. Thanks LA Color!
Posted by Bob on 8/26/2011 12:09:00 PM Want to know if I could order and extra stack mount clip (lost one of mine)?
Thanks!

Replied by LA Color Pros Unfortunately we do not carry any spart part for this light.
Posted by Alejandro on 11/24/2011 12:36:00 AM I am trying to get an AC adapter for my Z96 light. I know I should get one rated to 5.8 to 16.8 Volt, 2.5, center positive one, but nowhere in the manual (or the light) does it say the required amperage for it. Any ideas? Thanks so much.
Posted by Lenny Levy on 11/25/2011 1:39:00 AM Taky, Can yu compare the output and color accuracy of the Z96 to the Pro 160 and and the Comer 1800 which is my pint of reference.
 
Lenny Levy

Replied by LA Color Pros Z96 and PRO160 are both default at 5600K color temperature day light color balance. To use it indoor, the included orange filter must be used. Also, they are both not diffused which gives a hot spot in the middle of the frame with dark corners. For luminance, both deliver about 800 lux at 1 meter distance.
 
Comer 1800 default color temperature is 4500K which can be used both indoor or outdoor without any filter. It is also diffused by default. The top filter lower the color temperature to 3200K to match with other indoor lighting fixture. It outputs 1800 lux at 1 meter. Also the bottom Condenser lens turns the light into a spot light with even brighter output.
Posted by Sebastian on 1/12/2012 6:26:00 AM hi...i ve received one and use the way of 5 x AA battery. great item but at maximum power 80-100 % the Z96 is blinking (flashes) not constant light. do you know anything about that? damage? or would be better to use other DC...Thanks S Richter

Replied by LA Color Pros It is recommended to use li-ion battery instead. AA batteries do not provide the sustain current that is needed for the light.
Posted by ben on 4/10/2012 6:39:00 PM I'm ready to buy the Z96 TODAY but I pause because I have never had to match up my batteries to an on cam light before. Both of my battery chargers read "for Sony NP-FM50". Pardon my lack of knowledge on this topic but I was wondering if my batteries would work on this? I looked at the links you provided above and it doesn't seem like these batteries will work with it but I just need to confirm. Thanks in advance and thank you for the excellent review it was ultra helpful.

Replied by LA Color Pros Ben, unfortunately, HDV-Z96 only accepts Sony L-Series compatible batteries. Good thing is, our NP-F570 batteries is $18 and can power the light for 2 hours. Our highest capacity NP-F9709 can power the light for 8 hours.
Posted by Van on 7/22/2012 10:56:00 PM I lost my Warming/Tungsten filter for Z96. Is there a way to buy just the filter itself? Thanks!

Replied by LA Color Pros Unfortunately we do not carry any spare part for the Z96 light.
Posted by Joe on 8/13/2012 1:45:00 PM You wouldn't happen to sell the Magnetic Filter Plates separately would you? I've lost some and come close to losing others. Be nice to just have some extras.

Replied by LA Color Pros Joe, unfortunately we don't carry any filter of this product. You are not the first one who lose those magnet filters :/
Posted by Dr. Sundaresh on 8/23/2012 1:44:00 AM Are the Sony Li-ion battery and AA batteries connected in series or parallel. If both are are used, would they draw power from both and add more oomph to the light as they would be drawing power from 2 sources.

Replied by LA Color Pros We never tried using both types of batteries at the same time. I tend to avoid using AA batteries anyway.
Posted by Kostas on 7/23/2013 10:39:00 AM Hi i would like to ask you when will you have the Z96 in stock and also i would like to know if there are any black areas from a distance of 3 meters.

Replied by LA Color Pros Kostas, unfortunately we do not have any HDV-Z96 in stock.
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