LED lights have become an important component when shooting video. This is because they serve the purpose, they are intended for which is illuminating while retaining the natural appearance of the subject the light is being cast on. LED light technology, like most other things, has evolved, and there is a myriad of LED lights available in the market, each with a unique set of features. To help you identify the best LED light for video, we have curated a list of what we regard as the best options on the market.
#1 Neewer Bi-Color LED Video Light
Intro
The Neewer Bi-Color LED lights are a panel type of light, that gives users great value for money. This is because they are not only a reliable and comprehensive lighting option but deliver excellent performance with a CRI of 96. The lights color temperature spreads out magnificently between 3,200 to 5,600 kelvins, and each of the LED lights in the kit has tungsten of 240. To use the lights, users can opt between mounting them on the light stands or placing them horizontally on a surface. The lights brightness and color temperature can effortlessly be adjusted to a user’s preference by use of the control panel at the back of the lights. The light stands are extremely durable as they are made from aluminum cast, and they allow users to adjust the lights to different heights.
Pros
- The lights are not only easy to set up, but they are also easy to use.
- It is equipped with a bunch of accessories that come in handy for users.
Cons
- It is impossible to tilt the lights downwards.
The power cables are short, which is inconveniencing as users are forced to either work near a power outlet or get extension cables.
#2 Powerextra Bi-Color 60W LED Video Light
Intro
Yet another capable panel light is the Bi-Color 60W LED light by Powerextra. The light is one of the best because it is capable of producing light within the 3200 to 5600-lumen range thanks to the 600 tungsten and daylight beads it is fitted with. This LED light is controlled using either the control panel at the back of the lights or remote control, which makes it ideal for environments whose light conditions change unexpectedly. Unlike the other lights discussed in this article, these PowerExtra lights have barn doors around the light that are intended for reflecting on the subject.
Pros
- It has nifty accessories such as a diffuser that comes in handy when working with the light.
- It is one of the more extremely bright LED lights you can find.
- While the light itself does not have rechargeable batteries, it still supports batteries by other brands such as Sony.
- The remote control allows for effortless and immediate light control and adjustment.
- There is great versatility for the light beam thanks to the barn doors
Cons
- The barn doors are permanent and cannot be removed.
#3 Lume Cube Air
Intro
If you’re in search of an inexpensive LED light that will give you a decent performance, the Lume Cube Air is the ideal standalone light for you. This light can illuminate up to 400 lumens from as far as 1 meter away. The light brags a fixed color temperature of 5600 kelvins, but this varies depending on the color light being used. If a user is using orange color, then the color temperature ranges closer to 3000 kelvins.
Despite being small, this light is quite decent and would make an excellent tool for anyone shooting video. It is also small and extremely portable, but its size should not make you doubt its build and durability. Users can choose between using the light while it shines continuously or as a flash or strobe light. Users can use their phones as the remote control for the light once they have installed the Lume-X app.
Pros
- The brightness is remarkable given the size of the light.
- Users receive different cubes which they can operate remotely via their phone.
- It is waterproof and surprisingly durable.
Cons
- Users must manually turn on and off the light and cannot do it using the app.
- The CRI is not one of the best we have seen.
#4 Genaray LED 7100T
Intro
Individuals looking for an on-camera LED light would be best suited opting for the Genaray LED 7100T. This is because its light output is pretty impressive, and the light is quite reliable. This light can be used both in and outdoors effortlessly without any difficulties. It features a ball head which users can connect to their camera’s shoe mount allowing them to fully rotate the light as well as tilting it up to a 180 degrees angle. To power, the light users must use its Ac adapter, but it is also equipped with two rechargeable batteries that can be used together or separately with one possessing the ability to power up the lamp. This lamp outputs 1400 lumens of light and has a color temperature ranging between 3200 and 5600 kelvins.
Pros
- The brightness and color adjustment levels are extremely accommodating.
- The light’s user interface is one of the most interactive ones we have come across.
- It has two rechargeable batteries meaning users do not have to worry about the lamp power.
Cons
- The ball head mount could use some improvement as it is poorly constructed.
- The light illuminated by the Genaray has a pink hue, which some users may find less than ideal.
Bottom Line
When shooting video, and LED light plays an important role for two main reasons, the color fidelity and heat. Most of the other light sources typically compromise the appearance of the illuminated light and produce too much heat after a certain period, and this cannot be said for LED lights. Our list above comprises of some of the best LED lights you can consider for the projects you are working on. We hope you can find something that’s within your budget and also meets your needs.
