Dash 8 Series Undifferentiated or Other Model
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport
Aircraft
I was in command of flight from ZZZ to ZZZ1. The flight started out as a textbook originator flight; with all checklist; system tests; and security inspections being completed prior to departure. We left the gate and reached our cruise altitude of 12;000 feet approximately [25 minutes later]. I began to take our engine trend information when we received a call from the flight attendant. I answered; as I was the pilot not flying; and she informed me that there was [smoke] smelled and seen in the cabin. I inquired as to the severity of the smoke; and if she could tell the location of where it was being generated. She informed me that it is was 'not that bad' and it appeared to be coming from the overhead light at seats 3A/C. I informed her that I would get right back to her and advised my First Officer (FO) of the situation. We performed the immediate action items for 'Smoke Known Source'. At this time we agreed to return to ZZZ; as it was the closest airport to safely land. I advised ATC that we needed to return to ZZZ and [advised Center of our emergency situation]. I gave my FO control of the radios along with the Pilot Flying duties; and I executed the 'Smoke Known Source' non-normal checklist. I informed the flight attendant that we would be returning to ZZZ; and that I would make a PA to the passengers to advise them of our intentions; as there was one passenger who became a bit nervous as to the smoke in the cabin. I called dispatch on SATCOM to advise them of the situation and our intentions; to which they acknowledged. Descent/Approach Checklist and Landing checklists were performed; and the aircraft was safely landed at ZZZ with no incident. At this point the suspect lighting fixture stopped releasing smoke; so I advised the tower that we would be taxiing to the gate to let the passengers off; and not require a remote evacuation. Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting equipment did follow us to the ramp however. A maintenance write up was performed.LED lighting fixtures would solve this problem.
[Report narrative contained no additional information.]
Dash 8 flight crew reported smoke from a passenger overhead light and returned to departure airport.