Sometimes, we don’t need an entire lighting setup to get a decent photo or two out of our cameras. We can just make a few adjustments and call it a day.
The easiest way of doing that is by getting an on-camera LED light. To assist your purchase, we have compiled for you the best on-camera LED light guide.
Buyer’s Guide
Before you proceed to see what different products in the market look like, you will need to know some features that every LED light is supposed to have.
Then, you will manage to find a product that has all the right features.
Hardness and Softness
Basically, every light can be categorized into this general category, not just LEDs. If the light source is small compared to the object, then it will cause sharp shadows.
However, if the source is large enough, the light will softly wrap around the object and make it look natural.
So, the size of those lights should be compatible with the object.
Intensity of Light
The intensity of the light can be defined in terms of lumens. This is the most practical feature when it comes to photography because it determines the brightness of the light.
The more the number of lumens, the brighter the light will be. Make sure that the LED light you get has a higher lumen output per LED.
Otherwise, the beams from every LED light will be separate, and you will not get a continuous source of light.
Temperature of Light
The temperature of light determines the color of the light, and it is measured in Kelvins. The lights of lower color temperatures, starting from 2.9K, are warm, and yellow to look at.
As you keep going up, the light gets cooler and more white. Somewhere around 7000k, the color of the light becomes as bright as daylight.
So your color preference will also determine the kind of LED lights you get.
Color Rendering Index
The color rendering index of a light will determine its ability to capture and reproduce the color of the images.
The CRI of 90 or higher will do that very well. The colors will appear as bright in the image as they are in real life.
However, if you go for a CRI below 90, or at least 85, it will be poor at reproducing the right tones. So check the CRI before purchase.
Top 15 On Camera LED Light Reviews
After learning about the basic features, it is now time to analyze the top products in the open market.Here we have compiled the best ones after intense research. So without further ado, let’s jump into it.
1. NEEWER on Camera Video Light
This LED light has 176 individual bulbs, that will give you the money’s worth by lasting long.
You will get a wider angle and continuous light. The color temperature is 5600k, giving off those natural daylight vibes.
With just a twist of the dial, you will be able to adjust the brightness easily, which comes quite in handy. Not only is this piece compatible with many different models, but you can also power it with DC current.
The digital display makes the readings easier. And the cherry on the top are the two filters that it comes with, orange and transparent.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros:
- Dimmable
- Compatible with different cameras
- Can be powered by DC current
- Comes with two filters
Cons:
- Power adapter not included
- Battery not included
2. ULANZI Rechargeble 96 LED Video Light
These cute little lights have attachable magnetic filters. You will be able to save yourself the hassle of attaching and detaching different filters. You can charge them independently by using a rechargeable USB.
The device is capable of remembering the last time brightness; the brightness is switched off too. So if you are consistent, you will find this feature very handy; you won’t have to adjust the brightness every time.
Also, the brightness is dimmable. Every light has 96 little led lights.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros:
- Dimmable
- Memory brightness
- Two filters included
- Comes with a portable bag
Cons:
- Not as slim as the other brands
- Batteries not included
3. NEEWER 160 LED Digital Video Light
It is lightweight; it is adjustable; it is easy to carry all the things that are necessary for people who are always on the go.
There will be no complicated procedures involved. That’s why you will never be able to miss that perfect shot.
The color temperature that they have to offer is 5600k. The color filters included are unique; one of them gives a spotlight effect; the other one gives a diffusing effect. The diffusing filter reduces the temperature of the color to 3200k.
The light is compatible with a large range of cameras. It has a pivoting head so to make the adjustments easier.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros:
- Pivoting head
- Dimmable
- Heat dissipation system
- Low power consumption
Cons:
- No filters included
- Battery not included
4. GODOX Dimmable On Camera Led Light
This baby supports the interlocking. This means you can bring more than one together to increase the brightness as much as you want. This way, this lets you achieve the daylight effect even with a little piece of lighting.
Every panel has 36 continuous LED lights. The color temperature is 5500-6500k. You will be able to reduce the brightness of one single light panel, too, because the product offers a dimmable feature.
The power consumption is very low with this one, so much that it is eco-friendly in this regard.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros:
- Stepless brightness control
- Lights can be interlocked
- Low consumption of power
- Portable
Cons:
- No DC power supply
- Filters not included
5. GVM LED On Camera Lights
GVM on-camera lights give you the CRI of 97, which is almost near perfect. So you’ll capture the true beauty of images. It is very close to natural light. The color temperature is dimmable from 5600k to 3200k.
There are two knobs, the first one lets you adjust the temperature, and the other one lets you adjust the brightness, which is great. Not many products allow that. You can charge them with battery as well as a charger.
The shoe mount makes the adjustment easy. And the digital display screen assists you in taking readings.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros:
- Adjustable brightness
- Adjustable color temperature
- Dual power system
- Adjustable shoe mount
- Digital display
Cons:
- Short battery life
- No AC plug included
- Case is cheap
6. GENARAY LED On Camera Lights
This product will get you a wide variety of color temperatures, which is good for different kinds of photoshoots.
The light power they have to offer is solid, and the batteries will last you long enough, unlike many others. You will not need to charge them very often.
The panel is equipped with 312 led bulbs, which offer a continuous light source. The shoe mount is highly versatile; you can attach it to any camera, and even use it separately. It will do good.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Adjustable color temperature
- Bright
- Portable
- Adjustable
Cons:
- Only has the hot shoe
- Mount dangles
7. APUTURE LED on Camera Light
If you are an aesthetics lover just like I am, you will love this cute little light. It is so small and handy; it fits inside your pocket.
But don’t underestimate the power. The brightness that it has to offer is no less than any other product.
It has a CRI of 95+, which is too powerful for a product this size. The weight is only 140 grams.
The flexibility of this product makes it appropriate for a wide range of applications, such as video making to macro photography.
It is charged from USB.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros:
- Small
- Lightweight
- Convenient
- Portable
- High CRI
Cons:
- Brightness is in steps
- Produces overlapping shadows
8. NEEWER Mini On-Camera LED Light
Another little product on the list. It is quite small but does the job quite well. Fitting inside your palm, it offers solid brightness and a CRI of 95.
The battery is built-in. The high color accuracy will make your shots so much more eye-catching.
It also has a hot shoe adapter that is compatible with almost anything. It weighs 67 grams. You can also place it on a tripod.
Their color temperature is adjustable from 3200-5600k. It can be charged by using a USB.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros:
- Very lightweight
- Universal hot shoe
- Battery is easily chargeable
- Powerful
Cons:
- Brightness is in steps
- Battery doesn’t last very long
9. JULIUS Studio LED light
Every panel has 160 LED lights, which give a continuous beam of lighting. The box is equipped with four filters, giving you an option of a wide variety of shots.
They are white, orange, blue, and pink. The color temperature that they give off is 5400k.
The battery range is vast, too, so the issue of outdoor battery dying is resolved. The product is great for accent lighting.
The flip locking system makes it easily adjustable. And their height is adjustable too.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros:
- Adjustable height
- Comes with four filters
- Bright
- Dimmable
- Two battery options
Cons:
- Extender arm has no tension
- Charger is fragile
10. SELENS LED Camera Video Light
The hot shoe mount design is not only compatible with all cameras, but any other kinds of stands as well.
The product is designed to support single or multiple installations in order to adjust the lighting levels output.
For on and off, there is a rotatable switch. The color temperature is also adjustable because of the filters that are included in the package.
The product is compatible with five different input methods.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros:
- Five input methods
- Dimmable light
- Adjustable color temperature
- Universal hot shoe
Cons:
- Tilts to the back
- Drains battery very fast
11. VILTROX LED Video Light
This product offers you all the good things at the same time.
The lighting adjustment is easy; rotatable switches are offered for brightness adjustment and color adjustment too. The filters can be installed easily using a magnet.
The battery is powerful, but the lights can be connected to a power supply too.
You can adjust the height and angles of the lights as well because the hot shoe mount is very adjustable. You can connect multiple lights as well.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros:
- Easy lighting adjustment
- Powerful battery
- Convenient adjust angles
- Multiple combinations
- Portable size
Cons:
- Light doesn’t go very far
- Charger isn’t fast enough
12. ULANZI Ultra Bright LED Video Light
It has three shoe mounts, so you will be able to place more than one light on a single camera.
The shoe mounts are universal too, so they can fit almost any camera there is, from any side at all.
It is lightweight; you can adjust the brightness. The color temperature remains stable even after being used for a really long time.
The product will last you a long time as well.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros:
- Universal shoe mount
- Shoe mounts in multiple sides
- Interlocking ability
- Brightness control
Cons:
- Flicker on low battery
- Not good for big areas
13. MOMAN On Camera Video Light
The moman lights make it easy for you to adjust the color, the temperature, the brightness.
The CRI is incredibly powerful, more than 96, which means it is really able to bring out the colors of the image. You can use it for photography or video making or whatever.
The LED light fits into your palm; it is very portable. The color temperature ranges from 3000-6500k. There are two shoe mounts for many connections.
The back is magnetic too. The button makes it easy to adjust the lights, on a single touch.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros:
- Magnetic back
- Good CRI
- Portable
- Double color temperatures
- One-touch button for adjustment
Cons:
- Overheats
- The toggle button is cheap
14. PIXEL RGB Camera Video Light
The best part of these LED lights is that they are colorful. You can adjust them to any color of the rainbow and shoot. There are nine different colors available. The package comes with a portable carrying case.
The brightness is adjustable for every color. The digital LCD display will make taking the readings a lot easier.
The brightness is adjustable from 3200-5660k, which is a wide range of temperatures.
The battery lasts for a long time. The small size makes it portable. The hue is adjustable from 0-360 degrees.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros:
- Multi-colored output
- Adjustable brightness
- Long-lasting battery
- CRI>97
Cons:
- Settings are difficult
- Color temperatures for Whites are few
15. PIXEL RGB LED Video Light
Last but not least, we have another product that will give you multicolored lights. The total number of colors available is nine. Color temperature ranges from 3200-5600k.
The battery doesn’t take long to charge but lasts quite long in comparison. It has 198 LED bulbs that give off a strong and continuous beam of light. The brightness is also adjustable.
The settings are easy to operate, so you will not have to go through cumbersome fiddling. The battery is rechargeable.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros:
- Multicolored
- Durable
- Adjustable brightness
- Adjustable color temperature
Cons:
- Manual is confusing
- Brightness is less
Frequently Asked Questions
Can LED lights be used for photography
LED lights are beating for those occasions where you have to photograph indoors, in the late afternoon or when you have to do night portrait photography.
Also, during the days when there are clouds, and you do not have enough sunlight to go around.
However, if you are looking forward to overpowering the sunlight, you might want to use a speed light or a strobe, because they are brighter.
If you have LED lights, your battery life will be lesser.
How do you photograph LED lights
Bring the LED lights into the view of the camera. The meter pattern needs to be set to center weight.
Then, your camera has to be set to f/5.6 at aperture priority mode at ISO 400. Don’t raise your ISO.
Attach the cable release. Keep an eye out for the scene as it keeps changing. Don’t be scared to shoot many times.
What is a good wattage for photography lighting
For photography lighting, people still use incandescent light bulbs. They are especially popular in the US.
The bulbs are very bright and have a very high wattage.
Their wattage can start from 250 watts and can be 300 watts, 500 watts, and go up from there to literally 24,000 watts.
How do my LED lights strobe
The easiest way to do that is to use the 555.
You can use that for driving the gate of the power MOSFET, which is capable of handling the current and voltage that goes back to the LED bank.
The 555 output is to be fed to the gate, the source then gets grounded, and you are supposed to connect the drain to the negative side of the array of LEDs.
What is flashing in photography
The flash is a device that is appropriate for situations where a dark scene is to be illuminated and captured.
Flash produces artificial light for only a part of a second, whose temperature is almost 5500K.
The flash units are found directly inside the camera.
Are led lights AC or DC
Most of the time, under most circumstances, the LED lights consume the DC power.
While the LED lights are driven by DC current, the AC current will only allow the LED to glow when the current flow is in a specific direction.
If you supply the LED with AC power, the LED will blink. But if it is done at a higher frequency, the LED will appear to be lit.
How does the camera flash work
Indoor photography can’t be imagined if it isn’t for the camera flash. A camera flash is a device that is inside a camera; it gives a short burst of light without increasing exposure time.
To show a good image of the film, you need a lot of light. A flash makes that possible.
As soon as you release the shutter, light appears for a part of a second, and an image with good lighting is captured.
How many watts do I need for video lighting
There is no standard measurement for the amount of wattage that is appropriate for video lighting. It can range from anything between 500 to 10k watts.
But you obviously won’t have to replicate the sunlight every time by using 10k watts, so it is safe to say that you should start from 5000 to 1000 watts.
How many lumens is a camera flash
The flash bursts last about 1/1000 or somewhere around that.
Which means that it is about 75000 watts during that instant.
Which means we have 10 lumens per watt. And for 75000 watts, we have 750,000 lumens.
Conclusion
So here was the complete guide that you needed before you proceed to improve your photography skills by using the LED on-camera lights.
After this, we hope you manage to land the best possible deal for your dollars!
Read Also:
- Best Light Bulb Security Camera
- Best Light Box For Photography
- Best LED Lights For Video
- Different Types Of Lighting In Photography
