The best LED light for DSLR video is a good addition to your video making. It is a device that mounts on the DSLR or a stand to offer artificial lighting to illuminate the subjects and the scene. In this post, we will talk about 3 popular choices at COLBOR and tell you some basics about video light for DSLR.
COLBOR PL5: LED DSLR light panel at pocket size for mobile shooting
The COLBOR PL5 is a bi-color LED pocket light that is designed for live streaming, vlogging, broadcast, and other video applications. It is a small and lightweight device that can provide adjustable and versatile lighting for your DSLR video. It has the following features:
- The color temperature is adjustable from 2700K to 6500K, so you can set it at warm or cold lighting to fit the video scene.
- The CRI is 95+, which means it can reproduce the colors of your subject accurately.
- The brightness ranges from 0 to 100%, which means you can adjust the intensity of the light according to your needs.
- It has a special FX mode that can create lightning and fire effects for your video.
- It has a built-in rechargeable battery that can last for about 90 minutes at full brightness.
- It can be used with a wide range of devices such as DSLR cameras, smartphones, and tripods thanks to the magnetic back and 1/4’’ screw holes.
- It has a clear OLED display that shows the current settings, such as battery life, brightness, color temperature, and mode.
COLBOR PL8R: 8W LED light for DSLR camera offers RGB video lighting
The COLBOR PL8R is a compact and versatile RGB LED video light that can be used for various purposes, such as live streaming, vlogging, photography, and creative lighting. The following features make it the best LED light for DSLR video:
- It has a full RGB color selection and is adjustable in hue and saturation to produce over 16 million colors.
- A high color rendering index (CRI) of 98 allows it to reproduce colors accurately and naturally.
- It has a built-in 5000mAh battery that can last for about 125 minutes at full brightness.
- The magnetic back, 1/4" mounting thread, and a cold shoe mount make it simple to connect to various surfaces and devices, including cellphones, cameras, tripods, stands, railings, and so on.
- It has 10 modes and 27 lighting effects to help you create various shooting situations and atmospheres for your videos.
- It can be controlled wirelessly using the COLBOR app to adjust the settings, sync multiple lights, and customize your own scenes.
COLBOR CL100X: 110W DSLR video LED light, powerful enough to work as key light
The COLBOR CL100X is a point source LED light to offer consistent 110W lighting for your DSLR videos. It is a bi-color LED light that can adjust the color temperature from 2700K to 6500K, which means you can match the ambient light or create different moods and atmospheres for your videos. It also has the following features that are ideal for video shooting.
- A high CRI rating of 97+ means it can render colors accurately and faithfully, making your videos look more natural and realistic.
- The PowerCube design ensures connect up to 10 lights together to create a powerful lighting matrix.
- 10 lighting modes and 46 types of vivid special effects help you create various shooting circumstances for your videos.
- It has Bowens-mount standard adapter that makes it compatible with standard Bowens-mount light modifiers, such as softboxes, umbrellas, reflectors, etc.
- It can be powered by AC power or optional V-mount or NP-F batteries, giving you more flexibility and mobility for your video production.
COLBOR has more options for best LED light for DSLR video. Click the link to check their product introduction, pros & cons, and reviews.
More to know about LED lights for DSLR filmmaking
Why to use LED DSLR light?
There are many reasons to use LED lights for DSLR video, such as:
- LED lights are energy-efficient and long-lasting, allowing you to use them for extended periods of time without having to worry about battery life or bulb replacement.
- Because LED lights are cool to the touch, you may set them near to your subject or camera without risking heat damage or discomfort.
- LED lights are adaptable and versatile, allowing you to adjust their color temperature, brightness, and beam angle to your own creative requirements. You may also shape and diffuse your light with modifiers such as softboxes, umbrellas, and gels.
- LED lights are compact and portable, making them easy to transport and install in a variety of spaces. Some LED lights may even be attached to your camera or smartphone, making them perfect for vlogging or live streaming.
What are the types of LED light for DSLR video?
There are several types of LED lights for DSLR cameras, depending on their size, shape, power, and functionality. The following are some examples of common types:
LED on-camera light: It is attached to the hot or cold shoe of the camera and offers a continuous light source for video or still photography. LED lights for cameras are typically compact, lightweight, and portable, and can be powered by batteries or adapters. They also offer brightness and color temperature adjustments, and some have built-in lighting effects or RGB colors.
LED light panel: This is a larger and more powerful version of the on-camera LED light, and it is often mounted on a light stand or a tripod. LED light panels, which are appropriate for studio or outdoor video shooting, can give soft and even lighting across larger areas. They may also have advanced functions like wireless control, app integration, or DMX compatibility.
LED ring light for DSLR video: This is a circular-shaped LED light that surrounds the camera lens and generates a pleasing and consistent illumination for the subject. LED ring lights are perfect for portrait, beauty, and macro photography because they reduce harsh shadows and highlight the eyes. They are also suitable for video, particularly vlogging and live streaming.
Point source LED: A point source LED light produces a spot-like effect by emitting light from a small circular region. Point source LED lights are used in video production because they can cast a concentrated beam of light across long distances and generate dramatic shadows. They can also be used to create unique effects like mimicking sunlight or moonlight or adding color to a scene.
How to choose the best LED light for DSLR video?
There are several factors that make the best LED light for DSLR video, including brightness, color temperature, color accuracy, size, weight, and light features. Different lighting may fit different video purposes and preferences, depending on the video types you are shooting, the place you are in, and the overall effect you want to produce. Here are some tips for you to make the choice.
Brightness: Brightness is measured in lux or lumens, which show how much light the LED panel can emit at a given distance. The more powerful the light, the higher the lux or lumens. However, brightness is not the only aspect to consider; you must also change your camera's exposure settings to match the light output. Overexposure or hard shadows may arise from a bright light, while underexposure or noise may result from a faint light. You should search for a light with a dimmer feature, which allows you to alter the brightness level to suit your demands.
Color temperature: Color temperature is measured in kelvins, which shows how warm or cool the light is. The warmer the light, the lower the kelvins, and the cooler the light, the higher the kelvins. The color temperature impacts the mood and tone of your DSLR video, as well as the white balance of your camera. Look for a lamp with a changeable color temperature capability, which allows you to modify the color temperature from warm to cold depending on your demands. Alternatively, you can use filters or gels.
Color accuracy: The best LED light for DSLR video should have high color accuracy. The color rendering index (CRI) or television lighting consistency index (TLCI) measures color accuracy, which shows how well the light can replicate the colors of the subjects it illuminates. The more realistic the colors, the higher the CRI or TLCI. You should opt for a light with a high CRI or TLCI, preferably above 90.
Size and weight: The size and weight of the light have an impact on its mobility and adaptability. The lighter and smaller the light, the easier it is to transport and mount on your camera or a light stand. However, the size and weight also influence its performance and longevity, since a larger and heavier light may have more LEDs, more features, and better heat dissipation. You will need a light with a small and lightweight design, as well as a robust and solid build, to balance the trade-offs between size & weight and performance & durability.
Features: The light's features are the extra functions and options it can provide, such as lighting effects, wireless control, LCD displays, diffusing panels, barn doors, and mounting accessories. LED DSLR light with more features ensures more creativity and flexibility in video lighting. More features, however, may imply more complexity and cost. It is advised to look for a lamp with the features you want, as well as one that is simple to operate and affordable.