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)
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
Wireless Bluetooth LED Light Kit - via eBay
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 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
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 LED WiFi Controller
Cheesycam
@John - Yes you can get different RGB controllers and dimmers. But depending on your camera, you may be abel to synch with the rate. The GH4 has Synchro scan that gets rid of flickering.
john
Do any of the above mentioned controllers have a high enough frequency to avoid flickering at any brightness or color? I have a very innexpensive set of rgb strip lights from amazon with a push button remote, and if I dim or adjust color at all, I immediately get flicker banding. The controller is a very small white plastic unit no bigger than 1.5"x1.5"x1.5"... If I could replace that unit with the one that would stop flicker (and maybe add blue tooth), I would be in business.
We are using these in a circular ring light config, but I have to balance for a weird blue balanced version of white to avoid flicker as of now. Please help.
John
Emm
Post author@Joe - Any 12V battery source would work. Even using a portable jumper battery with a cigarette lighter would be a cheap way to power it via batteries. Even something like this 12V battery should be enough for LED lights: https://www.amazon.com/Talentcell-Rechargeable-6000mAh-Battery-Portable/dp/B00MF70BPU/
Joe
Any idea how to get these to run off a battery like a Mark III or Anton Bauer brick? It would be great to have super compact versions of these that you could scatter around a location.
Gustavo
Emm,
These look interesting, any idea if these flicker at high speed or off speed.
Great Job
Thanks.
Gustavo
Anthony
I was thinking along the same lines too, like how coudl I have two sets and control each of them separately, to make a warmer key and a cooler fill, and adjust each independently.
Maybe those with the IR blaster might be a better bet. And then just make a snoot for the remote so I can isolate the set I'm talking to?
Emm
Post author@sigmund - The bluetooth controller will only control one brain and all the lights hooked up to it at the same time. You can't adjust them individually.
I once purchased a set of LED lights that all came with a remote. One remote was able to change all at the same time, I guess they just have a default frequency. I haven't looked into how to change those frequencies.
sigmund
can it control strips to produce different colors, say 4 different colors? or you change color all 4 will change and they will have the same color? (without buying another kit?)
Mike
I'm interested your setup for the giveaway video. Could you describe your lighting setup or do another BTS video?
Helge
If only the Wireless Bluetooth LED Light Kit shipped to Europe...
Emm
Post author@nitsan - The flickering has to do with the refresh rate typically from a controller or while dimming artificial lights. Same goes for CFL lighting. We use various types of LEDs for background color, you just have to understand it's limits and it can be a great addition to any production.
nitsan
Hey Emm, thanks for posting this!
I built a huge 300 LED panel from those trip lights but they had flickering issues at certain colors.
Does this one also have any flickering problems?
jmarc
going broke reading these posts 😛
Emm
Post author@Rob - Yes it has a random feature, but only between two colors. In the app, there's an 'o' and '+' symbol. Drag the 'o' to one color, drag the '+' to another color, and if you choose any of the other actions besides 'solid' it will shift colors. You could vary the speed also.
I don't see why you couldn't have one small set of lights on a slow transition, and maybe another set flickering with other colors to simulate per say a campfire.
Rob
Emm, this is really cool. If the software offered a "randomize" feature within a preset color area, say red, orange and yellow, these would be a great tool to simulate a campfire, fireplace or similar use. The price is certainly right!
Emm
Post author@kidepic - These LED lights don't take up much power. I run the same LED light strips underneath my electric skateboard (so i'm visible at night).
For my skateboard i've been using these 12V batteries for over a year (still holds a charge) to power about 8ft of LED strip lights: httpss://cheesycam.com/12v-dc-battery-with-5v-usb-port/
I will have to test the run time especially with bluetooth always running. For very long run times, you can always get a 12V AC/DC adapter to plug into any wall.
If you don't mind the cost, these are by far the best portable batteries i've ever used, and still running several of them on many various projects to date: httpss://cheesycam.com/tekkeon-here-and-gone-and-back-again/
kidepic
Emm how long does it last on your 12v battery you used in the video?
joe
Thanks
joe
I wanted the link for Android but I search searched and found it based on the name of the ios app you provided.
Emm
Post author@joe - Oops! my bad, here's the link: httpss://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ledglow-mobile-control/id451029513?mt=8. The app will still load without the device, and you can see what options it has to control the light. There are other modes like Sweeping (moves from one color to another), Color Chase, KITT Scanner, KARR Scanner, Chase vs Chase, Double Chase, Chase with Strobe, Retro Scanner, and Fading Colors...
Joseph
Looks good. Just ordered the cheap light strip on Amazon.
joe
Where is the link to the app?
Emm
Post author@Adam - Here's a direct link to the bluetooth versions via eBay:
Bluetooth Million Color LED Bulbs
Emm
Post author@dslr video studio - I think there are dozens of these apps besides phillips. I built one two years ago using smaller cheaper LED bulbs but they weren't as bright as the new ones I have now. Here's the old article: httpss://cheesycam.com/diy-color-gels-diy-led-color-head/
Adam
I'm confused by all the options. Which is the Bluetooth one with the app? I don't see it mentioned on ebay.
dslr video studio
Really like the video posting on this.
dslr video studio
Hi thanks for the post on this there already is an app controlled LED lighting system by Philips.
see https://unitedbyphotography.com/ubp/954/luxeon-rebel-eslime/
Let me know your thoughts.