LED video lights

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Remember a short while back I mentioned I was working on a personal project to perform some independent LED Video Light Tests? Well here's a small update on where this project is at.

The image below (computer screen shot) are various different LED video lights I have laying around shot with exactly the same settings. This is a visual reference to compare the brightness, spread (diffusion), and also color reference of each LED video light. I've locked the camera down to a white balance of 5600K for these images. Some of the tests were performed between Daylight and Tungsten, but the side by side comparison really shows extreme color casts between the various LED lights.

Cheesycam LED Video Light Tests
Click for Larger View

I also decided to get more serious about using a true LED Spectrometer for these tests that will provide me with more accurate readings and charts. I'll be able to share these images as well as exact numbers from the meter for each light including CRI and LUX readings. The image below are a few settings from the various LED Video lights. This project will be quite interesting indeed..

Cheesycam LED Video Light Meter Tests Spectrometer
Click for Larger View

[Note:] I am performing my own tests with a standardized setup across each LED light as a reference. This is an independent test which may greatly differ from what each Manfacturer displays as their proper listed technical specifications.

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A simple tip to making a boring background interesting is to add a bit of color. Instead of using colored gels, i'm actually using color changing LED lights. You can see an example of how I've added a blue wash on the background with my FREE Manfrotto Monopod Give Away video (below). The best part is that with a simple swipe on my iPhone, I can literally change my background to a million different colors. So how is this all done?

Well, i'm going to show you a fun and easy way to create a DIY Wireless LED Light that can achieve millions of colors, and can all be controlled wirelessly through your iPod Touch, Tablet, or Smart Phone. The color wheel in the App allows you to blend the RGB LED lights to a variety of creative colors, control brightness, and even control the speed of sweeping (color changing) effects.

The LED Lights i'm using (found here Amazon) for this DIY Light Panel are originally designed for Car under lighting. The lighting tubes (not the brain) should be pretty durable and even weatherproof. The lights come with clips which make them easy to mount, and can be powered by a simple 12V battery to make the entire unit extremely portable. Hmm...could be interesting to use under my bed frame...

The only downfall to this kit is the long cables, but there are smaller units available for interior lighting. These kits can be purchased in small 2, 4, or even up to 10 LED bars. Lots of fun, easy to setup, and with your imagination i'm sure you can figure out some very creative ways to use these. I would love to hear what type of ideas you guys come up with (comment below).

Check them out via Amazon and eBay (below).

Wireless Bluetooth DIY LED LightBluetooth Wireless LED Light Cheesycam iPhone iOS Android
find-price-button Wireless Bluetooth LED Light Kit - via eBay

LED Video Light Bluetooth Wireless Cheesycam
find-price-button Wireless Bluetooth LED Lighting Kit - via Amazon

If you're not afraid to dabble in DIY another really great option are these RGB Color Changing LED Light Strips can be purchased for dirt cheap in a variety of lengths (or rolls). Wondering what to do with LED Strip lights? Here's a DIY LED light video using a common reflector from YouTube member Taylordfilms that will give you guys an idea on how to use LED strip lights.

Some of these LED Strips will come bundled with the remote controller to switch to dozens of colors (found here).

DIY RGB Million Color LED Light Strip ControllerRGB Color Changing LED Light Strip
find-price-button DIY RGB LED Light Strip with Color Changing Remote

If you don't believe how cheap these things are, here's a link to an Amazon product where you can get a 16ft strip of 300 RGB Color Changing LEDs + power adapter + remote for under $27 bucks
16ft Color RGB LED Strip Light Controller
find-price-button 300 RGB Color Changing LED + Power Adapter + Remote Controller

If you really want the Wifi feature there are options for special RGB LED Wifi Controllers. Some appear to use a full Wifi SSID (not bluetooth) for extended range. Check out some of the other Wifi LED Remote options to DIY your own million color backdrop (found here).

RGB Color Changing Wifi LED ControllerWiFi RGB LED Strip Controller Wirless Color ChangingWifi RGB Color Change Lighting
find-price-button RGB Color Changing LED WiFi Controller

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Here's an unboxing of the new Aputure Amaran 528 LED Video lights along with a few tests to show the difference in spread (diffusion) and light output. [Note: The readings on the C-500 Light Meter may not be accurate with the full spectrum of LED lighting, but should provide a baseline for comparison between the lights. Do not accept my readings as an accurate source for each manufacturers specifications]

The lights are about the size of an iPad (not as thin), so carrying around a three piece lighting kit should be an easy task. For a very portable solution, these ultra portable Light Stands are a great combination (found here). The three different Amaran LED Video lights share mostly the same features which include a Digital brightness display, Double power supply system (battery or AC), the ability to charge batteries from the unit while being powered by AC, a Battery power indicator, and all come with a nice Carrying case.

Aputure AL-528W LED Video Light Panel.png 1
find-price-button Aputure AL-528W LED Video Light Panels

The AL-528W is an all daylight color temp rated at 5500K and throws a 75 degree beam angle.
The AL-528S is an all daylight color temp rated at 5500K but throws only at a 25 degree beam angle (spotlight type effect).
The AL-528C throws at the 75 degree beam angle, but can adjust color between 3200K-5500K using two sets of different color LED bulbs.

battery
Batteries can be charged in the LED Light Unit

The unit DOES NOT come with batteries. You will have to purchase a set of Sony NPF style batteries, but you don't need to purchase a charger, since the Amaran LED light allows you to charge the batteries while mounted to the LED light (I haven't tested how long to charge a battery). I have to admit, the digital display does come in handy when you're monitoring power from a glance. Why doesn't all LED lights have this?

The Digital display shows you Kelvin temp and Power output. I don't know how accurate this is, but I can see this being very useful if you're trying to match the color or the brightness between three (or more) different lights. I have more tests to do, but for more information on the Aputure Amaran AL528W, AL528S, and AL528C, they can be found at eBay (click here).

Aputure AL-528W LED Video Light Panel 5Aputure AL-528W LED Video Light Panel 4Aputure AL-528W LED Video Light Panel
find-price-button Aputure AL-528W LED Video Light Panels

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Ever wonder how your LED light compares to others on the market? 600 LEDs? 1200 LEDs? Adjustable Color Temp? 5600K? CRI? 2200 Lux? Yadda Yadda Yadda... There's a few dozen LED video lights on the market, but i'm not sure if there are true standards in which they are being tested before the specs are listed on the packaging. Light output can be measured at different distances, and if the rating on the box seems pretty high it's possible it was tested at a distance of 1 foot while another may have been tested at 4 feet away.

LED Video Lights Cheesycam

There are just too many variables, so I finally decided to run a few tests of my own in a more standardized fashion. I'm starting out by placing various lights at a distance of 4 feet. I'll be able to compare the spread (diffusion) of each light with this method. I'll be using the Sekonic C-500 Color Meter to take a few LUX readings to see which has the highest light output. I'm also able to take color temperature readings and check for color bias (green/magenta cast).

[Note: The readings on the C-500 may not be accurate with LED lighting, but should provide a baseline for comparison between the lights. Do not accept my readings as an accurate source for each manufacturers specifications]

Cheesycam LED Video Light Test Sekonic C500 C-500 Color Meter
find-price-button Sekonic Prodigi Color C-500 Color Meter

A few things to keep in mind about the various LED lights on the market. Higher output doesn't necessarily make a better LED light. It could just mean one is more spotty instead of diffused. Bi-Color LED lights have much less light output than LED video lights with only one color, but the Bi-Color light can quickly adjust to match ambient lighting as opposed to a light that may be stuck at 6000K and require you to carry filters. An LED light might look great at full power, but adjusting the dimmer or adjusting the color temperature can introduce color shift, color cast, or sometimes banding or flickering.

Not to mention the physical qualities like size, weight, power requirements like battery type, AC/DC adapters, build quality, remote capabilities, available light modifiers, and finally pricing. Some people may want a harsh spot light while others may want a very soft diffused source. Some will request the biggest and brightest, while others will require something more portable. There are many LED video lights on the market, each with their own pros and cons. My goal with this project is simply to set a benchmark test that can compare and contrast side by side a few of the lights available today.

CN600-FVK4000
(above) CN600 vs K4000

BTW, If you're wondering what my preference is between the two lights I just tested, I prefer the F&V. Although the CN600 had a stronger LUX reading it is mostly concentrated in the center. The K4000S diffuses better (even without the diffuser on), can maintain better color (less greenish tint compared to CN600), and can quickly be dialed in to match other lighting without carrying around additional filters.

Sure there's a bit of green on the K4000S, but only when it gets down to 3200K. A simple minus green filter or WB shift in-camera can easily correct this. I feel the K4000S pros outweigh any of the cons compared to the CN600 and the F&V K4000 lights are also a bit cheaper for each piece if you opt in for the 3 pc Studio Kit (found here).

img_6679_k4000_front_600x600img_6694_k4000_back_basic_600x600k4000_3-light-kit_img_1735_k4000_front_angle_600px_2-1
find-price-button K4000 Single Color / K4000S Bi-Color LED Video Light Kits

600 CN600 CN600 LED Video Light
find-price-button CN-600 600 LED Video Light

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photo-10

I was curious to test out the new Aputure LED Video light panels, and so I reached out to Aputure to send over this package of 3 different portable LED Video lights. Within these three boxes sit the 528w, 528c, and 528s LED Light Panels waiting to be unboxed.

Aputure AL-528W LED Video Light Panel.png 1
find-price-button Aputure AL-528W LED Video Light Panels

The three different lights share mostly the same features which include a Digital brightness display, Double power supply system (battery or AC), the ability to charge batteries from the unit while being powered by AC, a Battery power indicator, and all come with a nice Carrying case. I'll try to get to them later this week, but for now here's what the different models represent.

The AL-528W is an all daylight color temp rated at 5500K and throws a 75 degree beam angle.
The AL-528S is an all daylight color temp rated at 5500K but throws only at a 25 degree beam angle (spotlight type effect).
The AL-528C throws at the 75 degree beam angle, but can adjust color between 3200K-5500K using two sets of different color LED bulbs.

I'm just waiting for a color temp meter (should be here later this week) to measure LUX for a better comparison of these new panels.


Aputure AL-528W LED Video Light Panel 5Aputure AL-528W LED Video Light Panel 4Aputure AL-528W LED Video Light Panel
find-price-button Aputure AL-528W LED Video Light Panels

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Chris writes in and shares a video about a few unusual LED Video Light Panels. The difference with these panels compared to others is that it has a very tight spotlight effect and is advertised as a 'Super Spot Beam' LED light with only a 15 degree spread. Most LED panels attempt to spread at 150 degrees or more. So why this thing requires barn doors, i'm not so sure. Does this mean it has a further throw than standard LED panels? Possibly.

72-super spot-372-super spot-6

I'm not sure i'm totally sold on the idea for the kind of projects I work on, but there seems to be a good interest from others. AC adapters and light stands are included, along with a travel case. Can be powered from V-mount batteries, and even more specs of what's included can be found following the link via eBay (click here).

led light 172-super spot-1
find-price-button 72 Super Spot Beam LED Video Light Panel

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Here's a follow up video about the new Yongnuo YN-300 LED Video Light shared to us by Vimeo member Dzygit. This was an LED light that was posted on this blog a few weeks back, and you can find more comments from other users at the original article (click here).

The tests basically show variable output combined with varying shutter speeds to tests against flickering. Details state that no flickering was detected, and the YN-300 LED Video light can be found via eBay (Click Here)

YN-300 LED light YongnuoYongnuo 300 LED VIdeo Light YN-300Yongnuo 300
find-price-button Yongnuo YN-300 LED Video Light Remote Dimmer

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high power led video lighthigh power led video light dslr video

Peter writes in and shares a find on a strange new LED video light [Thanks Peter]. The DL-DV1300 Video light works on 6 high power LEDs and claims it has the same output as a typical 300 LED video light. This new DL-DV1300 video light is dimmable, comes with a typical diffuser, tungsten colored filter, and powers from the common Sony NPF battery type (charger and battery included). A web search shows the DV1300 LED light listing in retail stores for over $130, but here they are available for just over $50 dollars via eBay (Click Here).

dv-1300 led lightDL DV1300 high power led light
find-price-button DL-DV1300 High Power LED Video Light Sony NPF Battery + Charger

TIP: Don't forget that you can create a nice broad light source with LED lights, following this little tip about triple hotshoe adapters seen in this article: http://cheesycam.com/triple-shoe-mount-adapter-umbrella-holder/

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The new F&V R-300 LED Ring Light is a very capable light to be used both on or off camera. I've performed some basic comparisons of output and spread versus much more expensive and larger panels (seen here).

This time, it's a test on what it looks like with skin tones. In the beginning of this video, only the R-300 LED Ring Lights were used and the cameras were locked in at a manual 5600K. The image may be slightly warm, but it's an example of what it can look like when locked in with the 5600K setting.

The comparison to the popular 600 Led Video Light shows that it does not carry the same slightly green cast which is common for inexpensive LED lights. The single light test shows how broad it can diffuse lighting. Keep in mind that neither lights were set to 'full power' during these examples.

Without a trained eye, there may not be a significant difference in the video, but the true benefit of course is the cheaper price of the R-300, smaller and lighter form factor, and the ability to power with inexpensive Sony NPF batteries (instead of expensive V-mount). This is a highly recommended set of lights for lightweight travelers. You can find the R-300 LED Ring lights via F&V product page (Click Here).

hdr-300_set_up_1hdr-300_front_side_1_1_shadow
find-price-button R-300 LED Video Ring Light

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