I think we can all agree on the fact that the lighting setups can be super confusing when you are a beginner. There are just so many different ones, all used for different purposes.
You will have a hard time researching every single piece of the equipment and then deciding what to get.
And so, we decided that we couldn’t leave you alone on this quest.
If you are a beginner, then you would need to get the basic knowledge about the features of the LED lights, and then choose from a range of products.
So for your convenience, here is a list of the best-LED lights for video.
Buyer’s Guide
Buying an LED lighting system for your work is not just as easy as stepping in the market and purchasing whatever shows up first.
You will have to do a little research first about what features you need to look out for.
Use
If you are a beginner and it is your first time buying an LED light, then it is best if you buy a few small ones. Avoid getting one or two big ones instead of a few small ones.
The design is different too, so pay attention to what kind will suit you best.
Luminance (Output)
The luminance is measured in LM or lux. It is measured from a certain distance from the light, so make sure you measure it from the right distance.
The size of the LED does not necessarily determine the amount of light it radiates.
So don’t believe that the bigger the size, the more intense the light. Sometimes the number of lights will be a lot, but they will be super weak.
Color Rendering Index
The value of CRI determines how accurate is the reproduction of color by the light. The sun’s CRI is 100. The best-LED lights are off 98 it 95.
Do not buy the LED lights whose CRI is less than 85, no matter how tight your budget is.
Color Temperature
If you are using LED lights, you will find that there are three options to choose from when it comes to color temperatures, tungsten, daylight, and bicolor.
If you buy the bicolor, it will allow you to produce both kinds of light, the tungsten as well as the daylight.
If you are using the bicolor LED light and using only one of the available options, then you will lose half of the lights that you could use.
So it is better just to buy the daylight LED light, and they use video gels to warm it up.
Beam Angle
This angle is what determines the harshness or softness of your light. If you have a spot type light, your beam will be narrow and is more like a spotlight.
The kind you use depends upon the purpose you are using it for. It is better to use a spot type light and diffuse it.
If you use a floodlight, you will lose a lot of light. However, it is good for when you have to light a big room, or when you have to use many next to each other for a combined, soft light effect.
Top 15 LED Lights for Video Reviews
Getting to know the features was the first part of the process. The second part is that keeping all those features in mind; you have to choose the product that you need from a list of products.The features vary from product to product, so you need to decide which set of qualities is best for you to be able to buy the right product.
Below, we have compiled a list of the best products. So let’s proceed without further ado.
1. EMART LED Portable Photography Lights
Welcome to the first product of the list. With the Emart light, you will be able to get a continuous light source that is portable and convenient.
It comes with a stand, and the stand is pretty compact as well. The number of LEDs in it is 60, as shown by the name.
Lumen is 1000, and the color rendering index is 90+, which means you will be able to avoid edge color distortion.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros:
- Lightweight and portable
- Compact
- Brightness is good
- No edge color distortion
- Easy on the wallet
- Don’t overheat
Cons:
- The gel fillers do not dim the light much
- No dimmers
- Cannot be placed on any stand
2. RALENO LED Video Light
Raleno is aimed at developing the lights that are easy on your eyes. The LED lights that they have to offer are the best way you can fill the spaces created by the other lights that need to be filled.
The number of LED lights embedded in it is 104, and the CRI is 95, both being great numbers for LEDs.
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Pros:
- Soft light
- Can be charged from any cable
- Light and portable
- Does not get hot
- Battery doesn’t drain when off
Cons:
- The stand feels cheap
- Can’t shoot bigger objects
3. Neewer LED Camera Video Light
Here we are, with yet another great product added to the list. These lights have a wide range of applications.
The number of LED lights in this product is a mesmerizing 176, which means you will not have to face LED shadows or edge color distortion.
The heat dissipation feature won’t let it heat up too.
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Pros:
- Brightness is adjustable
- Lights can be mounted on any stand
- Digital display makes readings easier to get
- Wide range
Cons:
- Housing separates easily
- Lowest dim is too bright
4. Suptig Waterproof LED Video Light
Want to shoot videos underwater? Then this is your best bet.
The sunlight does not go very far down the surface of the water, so you need something that will help your face show up in the camera.
It is made of stainless steel, and it can be mounted on a camera, so you can carry it wherever you go. Wherever you swim, I mean.
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Pros:
- Can be used underwater
- Three modes of light, flash, power-saving and normal
- Lightweight, easy to carry
- Doesn’t have the spotlight effect
Cons:
- Isn’t very bright
- Doesn’t last long
- Battery dies soon
5. ESDDI LED Video Light
This product right here comes with four filters, so you will feel like you bought four lights instead of one. They are the blue filter, the orange one, the Grey one, and the transparent one.
It also comes with a cold shoe adapter so you can attach it with anything. The cooling system will ensure that these lights don’t heat up.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros:
- Comes with color filters
- Portable
- Small and strong
- Adjustable brightness
- Cold shoe adapter
Cons:
- Battery charger creates issues
6. ULANZI Rechargeable LED Video Light
Designed for the DSLR cameras, the Ulanzi will light you up wherever you go. You can even carry it in your pocket. It comes with white and orange filters.
The number of LEDs is 96, but they are quite powerful. You can use portable batteries to charge these.
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Pros:
- Light and portable
- Can be charged using portable batteries
Cons:
- Not too bright
- Get warmed up easily
- The filters don’t have much effect
7. GVM LED Video Lighting Kits
Embedded with American chip, the lifetime of these lights is exemplary.
The dissipation of heat is high, so you will face no issues. The best part is the CRI, that’s 95, the best one in the products mentioned so far.
The number of LEDs is 480, which is a great amount for a product as small as this one. And, you can control it with your phone too with the app!
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros:
- Can be controlled with a phone
- Effective heat dissipation
- Adjustable light board
Cons:
- Flimsy when fully extended
- Stands fall over
8. Neewer LED Video Light Kit
The best portable piece from Neewer.
Neewer has always been a symbol of perfection. You can attain the perfect setting using this product. The run time of these is 60 to 80 minutes.
The range of their distance is up to 20 feet! The light stand will not disappoint you as well.
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Pros:
- Heavy duty
- Mountable to any stand
- Affordable
- Adjustable height
Cons:
- Softboxes don’t stay on LED panels
- The stands are not very good
9. RALENO LED Video Soft Light Panel
With this product, you will find that you can use it under any circumstance. It fits with almost any stand and device.
The upgraded version allows you to prevent any kind of shaking while you shoot.
The brightness range is an exceptional 0 to 100%. It will meet your photography needs.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros:
- Battery is built-in
- Dimmable brightness and bicolor
- Backlit LCD display
- Excellent color balance
Cons:
- Could be brighter
- Doesn’t stay on for long
10. GVM RGB LED Camera Light
Another product from GVM that offers good portability and convenience.
You can easily use it for outdoor photography because it comes with rechargeable batteries.
The hot shoe mount makes it possible for you to attach it to anything. The battery lasts for a good amount of time, and it offers great value for money too.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros:
- Convenient for outdoor use
- Good quality for the price
- Color control is highly effective
- Good quality material
Cons:
- Brightness range does not go very low
- Battery doesn’t last too long
11. ULANZI Ultra Bright LED Video Light
Featuring a total sum of 49 LED lights, the Ulanzi will surprise you with the power of every individual light. The cold shoe mounts will make it possible for you to adjust it with anything.
The lightweight features will let you take it outside for shooting. The three-show mount lets you attach other lights to your device too.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros:
- Three shoe mount
- Dimmable
- Stable color temperature
- Universal, can be fitted onto anything
Cons:
- Not heavy duty
- Lights flicker at high brightness
12. LUME CUBE AIR Magnetic LED Light
This is the cutest little product. It is wondrous how something so small can solve big problems.
It is waterproof and portable. You can attach it to anything, ranging from an iPhone to a DSLR.
The built-in magnet lets you attach it to anything made of metal with ease. It is super easy to use, even easier than a phone.
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Pros:
- Very compact
- Has a good look
- Lightweight
- Settings are easy to use
- Tough Rubber exterior
- Waterproof
- Easy to charge
- Not slippery if wet due to Rubber
Cons:
- Power on is easy, so battery dies if it happens by accident
- Expensive
13. Aputure LED Mini Video Light
This is a pocket-sized light, perfect for the situations when you have to carry it around to use it for small outdoor jobs.
This portability makes it suitable for all kinds of photography. The CRI is more than 95, so the results you get are satisfactory.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros:
- Compact
- High-efficiency bulbs
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Bad shadows
- Only nine LEDs
- Cheap filters
14. Zecti LED Video Light
Here is the second last product of the list. The powerful LED lights will give you more light and less shadows.
The digital display will make reading a lot easier. You will get a wider range and continuous light if you use this.
CRI is 90, which is good enough. The lights are dimmable.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros:
- Touch-sensitive on-off switch
- Four in one beam mode
- Adjustable brightness
- LCD display
Cons:
- Battery doesn’t last very long
- No power adapter included
15. IVISII LED Video Light Kit
And last but not least, we have the ivisii video light kit. It offers you wireless use and is suited for long-range shooting.
Lights are dimmable, the material is durable, the light stand is adjustable, so this piece is a combination of all the good things.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros:
- Dimmable bi-color light
- Made of aluminum alloy
- Dimmable
- No shadows
- Heavy duty
Cons:
- Pricey
Frequently Asked Questions
How many watts do I need for video lighting?
If you are using a very basic lighting setup that is three points, you will choose the wattage for fill, key, and backlight, if you have any.
The strongest lights that you have are the key lights, and they must fall somewhere in between 500 to 2000 watts.
The fill light is used for the sake of filling the shadow that your object forms, and that can be less powerful, like between 250-500 watts.
What type of light do YouTubers use?
When only one person is recording, then YouTubers make use of a ring light. This kind of light is not very expensive and extremely effective.
Another lighting type is softbox lighting. While the ring light tends to deliver vibrant light, the softbox lighting set gives a soft light and can be set up in different places.
Lastly, the LED panel lights are small and can be carried anywhere, and many YouTubers have started using that.
How do you get the best lighting for indoor pictures?
For indoor photography, you will need to balance the natural and electronic light. Usually, it is best to use natural light.
Keep an eye out for what kind of light flows in through your doors and windows through different times of the day. Sometimes it is really harsh, other times it is warm.
Don’t use electronic lights when natural light is flowing, as it disturbs the white balance.
Can you use video lights for photography?
In the beginning, it will be a little tricky to use video lights in the right way to yield the best kind of results.
However, video lights are small and easy to fit into a camera backpack. So once you get the hang of them, it will actually be better to use them.
Are LED lights good for photography?
LED lights are good if you want to take pictures in the evening, late in the afternoon, or if you want to do night portrait photography.
However, if your purpose is to overpower the natural sunlight, then you can use a Speedlight or strobe. They don’t even drain battery like LED lights.
Is LED light good for makeup application?
It is best if you apply makeup in a natural light source. The light accurately reflect from your face if it is natural.
But sometimes, when you cannot use the natural light, then the second-best option will be the LED lights.
You can set them up on top of your mirror.
Which ring light is better, LED, or fluorescent?
LED lights are becoming more popular day by day. They are way more efficient than fluorescent lights.
They also tend to last longer than fluorescent lights. The fluorescent lights can also not be used without a ballast.
What is a softbox, and why do photographers use it?
A softbox contains a set of lights that radiate soft lights. If they are used in a proper manner, they reduce the ugliness created by shadows.
If you place the softbox near to the object, then it will imitate natural light. It is due to its effects that photographers use it.
How many lights do I need for studio photography?
Every basic studio lighting is supposed to have from 1 to 4 sets of lights. These include fill light, key light, background light, and hair light.
All these have different contributions to make in the shot.
Are flickering LED lights dangerous?
If the light bulb is not compatible with the light dimmer, then LEDs tend to flicker. This sure is annoying, but not very dangerous.
The solution to this is replacing your LED lights with something better.
I make videos of sketches, and therefore I need LED lights that don’t cause the colors to fluctuate at the edges. Which LED should I get?
I’d recommend that you get the EMART LED lights because they have the “no edge color distortion” feature built-in, which means your colors won’t fluctuate.
Which LED light is the best one for shooting videos underwater? My previous light had a leak, and I need to get a replacement.
The SUPTIG Waterproof LED light works perfectly underwater. Make sure you don’t dip it in water without the casings.
Is there an LED out there that comes with a height stand in the package? I need versatile lighting options in my studio.
Yes, there is. The NEEWER LED light kit comes with an adjustable height stand that can lift your light up to 20 feet off the ground!
The most outdoor camera I have seen don’t have effective color control. What do you suggest I should do to alter the color variations of my outdoor videos?
Outdoor lights don’t give color-coding options, but the GVM RGB is a wonderful exception. This light is excellent for outdoors and gives an effective color control as well.
I have developed a habit of having touch features in all my digital devices. Is there a touch-sensitive LED light with an LED display?
Absolutely! ZECTI LED video light comes with a very sleek touch-sensitive operation on the LED. You’ll love it!
Conclusion
Here was a complete guide for the best-LED lights for video. After going through these, you will be able to make the best purchase according to your needs.
Read Also:
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- Best Light Box For Photography
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