Every filmmaker, from seasoned professionals to emerging talents, deserves access to the tools that will breathe life into their visions.
That’s why we’ve carefully curated this list to showcase the finest LED lights available, ensuring that you have the power to sculpt light and shadow, evoke emotions, and craft visual narratives that resonate with audiences worldwide.
We’ll introduce you to the workhorses that illuminate film sets, the compact gems that seamlessly fit into guerrilla-style shoots, and the innovative giants that push the boundaries of what’s achievable.
Whether you’re capturing intimate moments or creating epic spectacles, these LED lights are your trusted companions on your cinematic journey.
From the brilliant and versatile to the subtle and mood-enhancing, these LED lights are the tools of choice for filmmakers striving for excellence.
We’ll embark on this adventure where every beam becomes a brushstroke on the canvas of cinema, and every frame is a stroke of genius.
Best LED Lights For Filmmaking
Let’s take a look at what we consider the best LED lights for whatever video project you have in mind.
1. LED Illuminator Falcon Eyes LG 500 B
The first on our list is the LG 500 B / LED V-mount – LED constant light panel with adjustable color temperature (bi-color, 3200K-5600K) and built-in V-mount connector.
A distinctive feature of this illuminator is low power consumption, high light output, large radiation area (30 x 15 cm), as well as smooth adjustment of color temperature and brightness.
The LED Illuminator Falcon Eyes LG 500 B is a powerful and versatile lighting solution that has garnered a reputation as a reliable choice among filmmakers and videographers.
Designed to cater to a wide range of shooting scenarios, this lighting fixture offers a myriad of features that make it a standout in the world of LED lighting.
Unmatched Brightness and Consistency
At the heart of the Falcon Eyes LG 500 B is its impressive brightness.
With a staggering output of 500W equivalent illumination, this LED illuminator ensures that your subjects are bathed in brilliant, flicker-free light.
Whether you’re shooting in a studio, on location, or outdoors, the LG 500 B provides consistent and even illumination that brings your visuals to life.
Precise Color Temperature Control
One of the standout features of the LG 500 B is its color temperature adjustability. Filmmakers understand the importance of accurate color rendition, and this illuminator delivers just that.
With a wide range of color temperature options, you can effortlessly match the lighting to your shooting environment, ensuring that skin tones appear natural and vibrant.
Silent and Efficient Cooling
When it comes to professional filmmaking, noise can be a significant concern. The LG 500 B addresses this with its silent cooling system.
This feature ensures that your shoots remain undisturbed, even during extended periods of use.
The efficient cooling system also prolongs the lifespan of the LEDs, providing durability and reliability.
Intuitive Controls and Mounting Options
Ease of use is
Its lightweight and compact design make it easy to mount on various fixtures, such as light stands, boom arms, or even on-camera for run-and-gun shooting.
Versatility and Adaptability
The Falcon Eyes LG 500 B is a versatile tool in the filmmaker’s arsenal. Whether you’re working on a cinematic masterpiece, a corporate video, or a documentary, this LED illuminator can adapt to your creative vision.
It serves as both a key light and a fill light, enhancing the quality of your footage.
In conclusion, the LED Illuminator Falcon Eyes LG 500 B is a true workhorse for filmmakers and videographers.
Its unmatched brightness, precise color temperature control, silent cooling, and adaptability make it an invaluable asset in your quest for cinematic excellence.
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or an aspiring filmmaker, the LG 500 B will elevate your lighting game, ensuring that your visuals shine with brilliance and clarity.
Invest in the Falcon Eyes LG 500 B, and watch your filmmaking world come alive with vibrant and professional lighting.
2. LED Light Lamp Dedolight Felloni Tecpro
Next up we have the Universal bi-color LED panel DEDOLIGHT Tecpro Felloni 50 Bicolor High Output (TP-LONI-BI50HO), complete with 576 bright diodes.
This light has increased luminous efficiency, compared to standard devices of the TP-LONI line.
The LED Light Lamp Dedolight Felloni Tecpro is a testament to precision engineering and innovation in the world of filmmaking lighting equipment.
Renowned for its exceptional quality and versatility, the Felloni Tecpro has become a staple choice for professionals seeking impeccable lighting solutions.
Let’s delve into why this LED lamp stands out from the crowd.
Outstanding Color Rendering
The Felloni Tecpro is celebrated for its impeccable color rendering capabilities.
With a high CRI (Color Rendering Index) rating of over 90, it ensures that your subjects’ skin tones and colors are faithfully reproduced.
This feature is crucial for filmmakers who demand the utmost in color accuracy for their projects.
Versatile Color Temperature Control
One of the standout features of the Tecpro is its ability to adjust color temperature.
Filmmakers often find themselves in diverse shooting environments, and this LED lamp accommodates those needs flawlessly.
With a range from tungsten to daylight, you can effortlessly match the lighting to your scene, ensuring consistent and professional results.
Powerful and Energy-Efficient
Despite its compact size, the Felloni Tecpro is a powerhouse when it comes to brightness. It provides ample illumination to light up your subjects, even in challenging conditions.
What sets it apart is its remarkable energy efficiency, allowing you to save on power without compromising on output.
This feature is particularly valuable for location shoots or situations where power sources may be limited.
Durable and Built to Last
Crafted with durability in mind, the Tecpro is built to withstand the rigors of professional filmmaking.
Its robust construction ensures that it can endure the demands of frequent use, making it a reliable companion on set.
Whether you’re shooting in a studio or out in the field, this LED lamp is designed to endure.
User-Friendly and Adaptable
The Tecpro’s user-friendly interface allows for easy control of brightness and color temperature.
It offers dimming capabilities without flicker, ensuring smooth transitions in your lighting setup.
Its lightweight and compact design make it effortless to mount on various fixtures or even attach to a camera rig.
The LED Light Lamp Dedolight Felloni Tecpro is the illumination maestro that every filmmaker dreams of having in their toolkit.
With its exceptional color rendering, versatile color temperature control, powerful yet energy-efficient performance, durability, and user-friendly design, it sets the standard for high-quality LED lighting in the industry.
Whether you’re working on a feature film, a commercial, or a documentary, the Tecpro’s precision lighting will elevate your visuals to the next level.
Invest in the Dedolight Felloni Tecpro, and you’ll discover why it’s the go-to choice for filmmakers who demand nothing but the best in lighting excellence.
BEST LED LIGHTS FOR FILMMAKING
What Are LED Lights For Filmmaking?
Filmmakers have been using LED lights for decades to create mood in their films.
Nowadays, LEDs are often used on set as the primary lighting source. These lights can be controlled remotely, which is a huge benefit when you’re trying to light an entire scene from one central location.
LED lights are used for filmmaking because they offer a variety of benefits. First, they’re lightweight and easy to use on set. They also have a long lifespan that can last up to 100,000 hours before needing replacement!
The use of LED lights in filmmaking has been on the rise since they are more economical, durable, and can be used flexibly.
3. LED Light Illuminator ARRI L-Series
The LED Light Illuminator ARRI L-Series stands as a testament to ARRI’s longstanding commitment to excellence in filmmaking lighting equipment.
Renowned for its impeccable quality, durability, and cutting-edge technology, the L-Series has secured its place as a top choice for professionals in the film and television industry.
Let’s explore what makes this LED illuminator a standout in its category.
Outstanding Build Quality
The ARRI L-Series exudes craftsmanship and durability.
Its robust build is designed to withstand the rigors of professional filmmaking, ensuring it can handle the demands of frequent use.
Whether you’re shooting in a controlled studio environment or braving the elements on an outdoor location, the L-Series is built to endure.
Exceptional Color Accuracy
Filmmakers understand the critical importance of precise color accuracy.
The L-Series delivers on this front with flying colors, boasting an impressive CRI (Color Rendering Index) rating of over 95.
This ensures that your subjects’ skin tones and colors are faithfully reproduced, creating a visually stunning and true-to-life result.
Versatile Color Temperature Control
One of the standout features of the L-Series is its flexibility in adjusting color temperature.
With a wide range from tungsten to daylight, it accommodates the diverse lighting needs of filmmakers.
This versatility allows you to adapt to different shooting environments seamlessly, maintaining a consistent look throughout your project.
Silent and Flicker-Free Operation
The L-Series operates in near silence, a crucial feature when recording sound on set.
It produces minimal heat, eliminating the need for noisy cooling fans.
And offers flicker-free performance, ensuring that your footage remains free from unwanted flickering or banding, even when using high-speed frame rates.
Energy-Efficient and Eco-Friendly
In an era where energy efficiency is
It consumes significantly less power compared to traditional tungsten lighting fixtures, reducing energy costs and environmental impact.
This eco-friendly approach is not only responsible but also practical for location shoots where power sources may be limited.
User-Friendly Controls
The L-Series features an intuitive and user-friendly interface, allowing for precise control over brightness and color temperature.
Its dimming capabilities are smooth and gradual, ensuring seamless adjustments during your shoots.
The LED display provides clear and accurate readouts, simplifying your lighting setup.
The LED Light Illuminator ARRI L-Series embodies the perfect blend of quality, innovation, and reliability.
Its outstanding build quality, exceptional color accuracy, versatile color temperature control, silent and flicker-free operation, energy efficiency, and user-friendly controls make it a top choice for filmmakers aiming for cinematic excellence.
Whether you’re working on a feature film, a commercial, or a television series, the L-Series elevates your lighting game to a professional level.
Investing in the ARRI L-Series is an investment in the future of your filmmaking career, where quality meets innovation, and the results are nothing short of spectacular.
4. Video Light Kit LED Camtree
The Video Light Kit LED Camtree is a versatile and indispensable tool for videographers and filmmakers seeking to achieve professional lighting effects without breaking the bank.
This comprehensive kit packs a punch in terms of features, making it a standout choice for both beginners and seasoned professionals in the industry.
Comprehensive Lighting Solution
The Camtree Video Light Kit includes everything you need to illuminate your creative projects effectively.
It comprises multiple LED lights, light stands, softboxes, barn doors, and more.
This comprehensive package ensures that you have the flexibility to adapt to a variety of shooting scenarios, from studio setups to on-location shoots.
High-Quality LED Lights
The heart of this kit is the LED lights themselves, and Camtree doesn’t disappoint.
These LED lights offer consistent and flicker-free illumination, creating a visually pleasing and even lighting environment.
With adjustable brightness and color temperature controls, you have the power to fine-tune your lighting to perfection, ensuring your subjects are well-lit and properly exposed.
Durable and Portable
Built to withstand the demands of the filmmaking industry, the Camtree LED lights are sturdy and durable.
They can endure the rigors of frequent use and transport without compromising on performance.
The kit also includes sturdy light stands that provide stability and support during your shoots, and they can be easily folded down for portability.
Creative Control with Barn Doors
One of the standout features of this kit is the inclusion of barn doors.
These adjustable flaps allow you to shape and control the direction of your light, giving you creative freedom to sculpt your shots and control unwanted spill.
Whether you’re aiming for dramatic shadows or precise lighting, the barn doors are your go-to tool.
Softboxes for Diffused Lighting
The softboxes included in the kit diffuse the light, creating a soft and flattering illumination that’s perfect for portrait and interview setups.
They reduce harsh shadows and minimize reflections, resulting in a professional and polished look for your subjects.
User-Friendly Setup
Setting up the Camtree Video Light Kit is a breeze, thanks to its user-friendly design.
The lights and accessories can be assembled quickly and easily, allowing you to focus on your creative vision rather than technical hassles.
The kit also comes with a convenient carrying case for organized storage and transportation.
The Video Light Kit LED Camtree is a comprehensive and budget-friendly lighting solution for filmmakers and videographers.
Its high-quality LED lights, durability, portability, creative control with barn doors, softboxes for diffused lighting, and user-friendly setup make it a valuable addition to your filmmaking arsenal.
Whether you’re working on documentaries, commercials, interviews, or narrative films, this kit provides the versatility and flexibility you need to achieve your lighting goals.
Illuminate your creative vision with the Camtree Video Light Kit, and elevate the production value of your projects to the next level.
5. Aputure AL-M9 Amaran Mini LED Light
The Aputure AL-M9 Amaran Mini LED Light is a filmmaker’s dream when it comes to portability and versatility.
This compact LED light is designed for on-the-go filmmaking, fitting comfortably in your pocket.
Despite its small size, it packs a powerful punch.
One of its standout features is the ability to adjust both brightness and color temperature.
This means you can easily adapt to various shooting conditions, whether you’re filming indoors or outdoors.
Need a cool, daylight-balanced light? No problem. Prefer a warm, tungsten-like glow? It can do that too.
The AL-M9 is incredibly user-friendly, with a straightforward control panel that allows you to fine-tune the lighting to your liking.
Its built-in lithium-polymer battery provides hours of illumination, and you can even charge it via USB for convenience.
For indie filmmakers, vloggers, or anyone who needs reliable portable lighting, the Aputure AL-M9 Amaran Mini LED Light is a must-have.
It’s a tiny powerhouse that can transform your videos with beautiful, adjustable lighting.
6. Neewer 660 LED Video Light
When it comes to bright and even illumination, the Neewer 660 LED Video Light is a top-notch choice for filmmakers.
With a whopping 660 LED bulbs, this light source delivers consistent, flicker-free lighting for your projects.
Whether you’re shooting interviews, product reviews, or cinematic sequences, the Neewer 660 ensures your subjects are well-lit and your scenes are beautifully illuminated.
Its broad lighting area minimizes harsh shadows, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor shooting.
The light intensity is adjustable, allowing you to control the brightness to suit your needs. It’s color temperature adjustable too, ranging from cool daylight to warm tungsten.
This versatility makes it a valuable tool in your filmmaking kit.
The Neewer 660 is designed with ease of use in mind. It can be powered by either AC power or rechargeable batteries, giving you flexibility in various shooting environments.
Its lightweight and portable design make it a practical choice for videographers on the move.
For filmmakers who demand high-quality lighting without breaking the bank, the Neewer 660 LED Video Light is a reliable and cost-effective solution.
7. Godox SL-60W LED Video Light
The Godox SL-60W LED Video Light is a favorite among professional videographers for its outstanding output and color quality.
This light source is known for its high CRI (Color Rendering Index) rating, which means it accurately reproduces colors, crucial for filmmaking.
With a powerful 60W output, the SL-60W provides ample illumination for a wide range of shooting scenarios.
Whether you’re working on a studio set, an on-location shoot, or even live streaming, this light delivers consistent and stable color temperature.
One of its standout features is the stable color temperature control. You won’t have to worry about color shifts during your shoot, ensuring your footage looks natural and consistent.
The SL-60W also offers dimming control, allowing you to adjust the intensity to achieve the desired mood and look.
Built to withstand the demands of professional use, this LED light is rugged and durable. Its silent fan cooling system ensures it remains cool during extended use, eliminating overheating concerns.
For filmmakers who require precise and reliable lighting, the Godox SL-60W LED Video Light is a top-tier choice.
It’s a workhorse that consistently delivers exceptional results, making it a staple in many cinematography setups.
8. LitraPro Professional Adventure Lighting Kit
The LitraPro Professional Adventure Lighting Kit is the ultimate companion for adventure filmmakers who face unpredictable and challenging conditions.
LitraPro is not your average LED light; it’s rugged, waterproof, and built to withstand the toughest environments.
One of its standout features is its compact size, making it incredibly portable and suitable for on-the-go shooting.
Whether you’re capturing action sports, wildlife, or documentary footage in the wild, the LitraPro is up to the task.
Its durability ensures it can handle the bumps, splashes, and shocks of the great outdoors.
Despite its size, the LitraPro delivers consistent and high-quality lighting. It offers adjustable brightness and color temperature control, allowing you to adapt to changing lighting conditions seamlessly.
Whether you need a warm glow during golden hour or a cool, daylight-balanced light, the LitraPro can provide it.
The adventure lighting kit includes various mounting options, making it versatile for a wide range of setups.
It’s also compatible with Litra’s ecosystem of accessories, enhancing its adaptability.
For adventure filmmakers, the LitraPro Professional Adventure Lighting Kit is more than just a light; it’s a reliable tool that ensures your shots are well-lit, even in the most extreme conditions.
9. Dracast LED1000 Pro Bi-Color LED Light
The Dracast LED1000 Pro Bi-Color LED Light is a versatile and powerful lighting solution suitable for both studio and location shooting.
This panel-style LED light offers a range of features that cater to the demands of professional filmmakers.
One of its key advantages is the bi-color temperature control. You can easily adjust the color temperature to match your shooting environment, whether you need warm, tungsten-like lighting or cool daylight illumination.
This flexibility ensures your subjects look their best, and your scenes are beautifully lit.
The LED1000 Pro boasts a high CRI (Color Rendering Index) rating, which means it accurately reproduces colors, crucial for filmmaking.
Your footage will appear natural and true to life, with vibrant and accurate colors.
The robust build of this LED light ensures durability, even in demanding shooting conditions. Its metal housing and sturdy construction can withstand the rigors of professional use.
For filmmakers who require a reliable and adaptable lighting solution, the Dracast LED1000 Pro Bi-Color LED Light is an excellent choice.
It’s a workhorse that consistently delivers quality lighting, making it suitable for various genres and settings.
10. Fotodiox Pro FlapJack LED C-200RS
The Fotodiox Pro FlapJack LED C-200RS is a member of the renowned FlapJack series, known for its ultra-thin and lightweight design.
This LED light is a favorite among photographers and videographers for its portability and versatility.
One of the standout features of the C-200RS is its bi-color temperature control.
You can easily adjust the color temperature to match the ambient lighting conditions, ensuring your shots look natural and well-balanced.
This feature is particularly valuable for photographers and filmmakers who work in diverse settings.
The ultra-thin design of the FlapJack series is a game-changer for those who need to transport their lighting equipment frequently.
It’s incredibly compact and easy to carry, making it ideal for on-location shoots and travel.
Setting up and packing down is a breeze, thanks to its lightweight build.
The C-200RS provides soft and flattering illumination, reducing harsh shadows and creating a gentle, even glow.
It’s suitable for a wide range of applications, from portrait photography to video interviews.
For content creators who prioritize portability without compromising on lighting quality, the Fotodiox Pro FlapJack LED C-200RS is a reliable choice.
It’s a versatile LED light that can enhance the visual appeal of your projects while keeping your gear lightweight and travel-friendly.
11. Kino Flo Diva-Lite 20 LED Fixture
When it comes to trusted names in the film and video lighting industry, Kino Flo is at the top of the list.
The Diva-Lite 20 LED Fixture is a testament to their commitment to providing high-quality lighting solutions for cinematographers.
What sets the Diva-Lite 20 apart is its ability to deliver soft and flicker-free lighting.
Soft lighting is essential for creating flattering and natural-looking scenes, and the Diva-Lite 20 excels in this regard.
It produces a gentle and even illumination that minimizes harsh shadows and reduces the need for extensive post-production work.
Cinematographers appreciate the consistent and reliable performance of Kino Flo products.
The Diva-Lite 20 is no exception, providing a stable and continuous light source that’s essential for capturing smooth footage.
Whether you’re shooting interviews, documentaries, or narrative films, the Diva-Lite 20’s versatility shines through.
It’s an excellent choice for achieving professional-quality lighting without the hassle of flicker or harsh shadows.
When you need soft, beautiful lighting, trust Kino Flo to deliver.
12. Fiilex Q8 Travel Fresnel LED Light
The Fiilex Q8 Travel Fresnel LED Light combines the best of two worlds: the compactness of LED panels and the precision of a fresnel light.
This innovative lighting solution is ideal for filmmakers who require precise control over their lighting setups.
One of the standout features of the Q8 is its fresnel lens, which allows you to focus and shape the light beam to your liking.
This level of control is invaluable for achieving the desired look and mood in your shots.
Whether you need a narrow spotlight or a broader flood, the Q8 can deliver.
Despite its compact size, the Q8 doesn’t compromise on brightness.
It provides powerful and consistent illumination, ensuring your subjects are well-lit even in challenging conditions.
Filmmakers often appreciate the portability of LED lights, and the Q8 takes it a step further with its travel-friendly design.
For those who demand precision and flexibility in their lighting setups, the Fiilex Q8 Travel Fresnel LED Light is an excellent choice.
It’s a versatile tool that empowers filmmakers to create captivating visuals with ease.
13. Litepanels Astra 6X Bi-Color LED Panel
Litepanels is a name synonymous with high-quality LED panels, and the Astra 6X Bi-Color LED Panel is a testament to their commitment to excellence.
This LED panel offers a range of features that cater to the needs of professional filmmakers.
One of its standout features is the bi-color temperature control, allowing you to adjust the color temperature to match the ambient lighting conditions.
This flexibility ensures that your shots maintain a natural and balanced look.
Whether you’re shooting indoors or outdoors, the Astra 6X has you covered.
The wide beam angle of this LED panel provides even and consistent lighting across your subjects or sets.
This helps minimize the need for additional modifiers and simplifies your lighting setup.
The Astra 6X is known for its accuracy in reproducing colors, thanks to its high CRI rating.
Durability is a hallmark of Litepanels products, and the Astra 6X is no exception. Its robust build can withstand the demands of professional use, making it a reliable choice for studios and on-location shoots.
For filmmakers who prioritize quality, flexibility, and durability in their lighting equipment, the Litepanels Astra 6X Bi-Color LED Panel is a top-tier option.
It’s a versatile lighting solution that consistently delivers outstanding results.
14. Rotolight NEO 2 LED Light
The Rotolight NEO 2 LED Light is a versatile lighting solution that caters to the needs of both filmmakers and photographers.
What sets it apart is its unique dual functionality as both a continuous light and a high-speed sync (HSS) flash, making it a valuable addition to your filmmaking toolkit.
For video, the NEO 2 provides consistent and flicker-free illumination. Its daylight-balanced output ensures your subjects appear natural and vibrant on camera.
Filmmakers appreciate the NEO 2’s ability to deliver soft and flattering light, making it ideal for interviews, documentaries, and narrative filmmaking.
Where the NEO 2 truly shines is in its HSS flash capabilities.
With a flash duration of just 1/8000th of a second, it’s well-suited for freezing fast-moving subjects or achieving creative effects in your still photography.
This dual functionality makes it a versatile choice for content creators who dabble in both video and photography.
Compact and portable, the NEO 2 is perfect for on-the-go shooting, whether you’re working in the studio or on location.
Its ease of use, reliable performance, and dual-purpose nature make it a valuable tool for filmmakers and photographers alike.
15. Kamerar Brightcast Flexible LED Panel
The Kamerar Brightcast Flexible LED Panel stands out for its innovative and adaptable design.
This flexible LED panel allows you to shape the light to your desired angle, opening up a world of creative possibilities for your lighting setups.
Flexibility is the key advantage of the Brightcast. Its bendable design allows you to contour the light source to match your specific shooting needs.
Whether you want to create dramatic shadows, achieve unique reflections, or light up tight spaces, the Brightcast has you covered.
The LEDs in this panel provide consistent and even illumination, ensuring your subjects are well-lit without harsh shadows.
The color accuracy and temperature control add to its versatility, allowing you to fine-tune the lighting to your liking.
Portability is another advantage of the Brightcast. Its lightweight and flexible construction make it easy to transport and set up in various shooting environments.
Filmmakers and videographers who value creative control will appreciate the possibilities that the Kamerar Brightcast Flexible LED Panel brings to their projects.
16. Came-TV Boltzen Andromeda RGBDT LED Tube Light
The Came-TV Boltzen Andromeda RGBDT LED Tube Light offers filmmakers a unique and dynamic lighting solution.
Beyond providing high-quality white light, it offers RGB color control, opening up a world of possibilities for creative lighting effects.
One of the standout features of the Andromeda is its RGBDT technology, which stands for Red, Green, Blue, Daylight, and Tungsten.
This means you can not only adjust the color temperature from warm to cool but also create vibrant and dynamic colors to enhance your shots.
The tube-style design of the Andromeda allows for flexible positioning, making it easy to incorporate into your setups.
Whether you want to use it as an accent light, create atmospheric effects, or simulate natural lighting conditions, the Andromeda is up to the task.
For filmmakers who want to add a touch of creativity and versatility to their projects, the Came-TV Boltzen Andromeda RGBDT LED Tube Light is an excellent choice.
Its ability to deliver both white and RGB lighting options makes it a valuable tool for achieving stunning and unique visuals in your films.
BEST LED LIGHTS FOR FILMMAKING
Advantages of Using LED Lights For Filmmaking
• Save time and money by using durable, low-energy saving lights.
• Reduce your production costs with a variety of lighting options.
• Most LED Lights For Filmmaking will last up to 20 years.
• LED lights don’t run as hot, so you avoid burns on your production and other accidents.
• Get a variety of effects like oscillating, dimming, strobing.
LED Lighting – Advantages For Filmmaking
LEDs also require less energy than other types of lighting such as fluorescent or incandescent which makes them a good choice for when you’re filming outside.
There are many different sizes and shapes to choose from so it’s easy to find one that is perfect for your needs.
For instance, if you have an interview scene, you might want to try using a smaller panel light instead of floodlights because it will give off softer light which is better for close-ups.
Let’s first take a look at the 3 major advantages that LED lights offer for use in filmmaking.
Small Consumption of Electricity
Advantage number one is the relatively small consumption of electricity. Of course, for film work, one considers that they’ll use a fairly large amount of electricity in filming the average project.
Even in professional video studios, where there is a continuous process of shooting and lighting scenes, electricity bills are not the largest expense item. But if you’re still worried about low power consumption, then LED lights are scientifically proven to use less electricity.
And if, as in a lot of cases, a generator is most likely to be used as an autonomous power source for a halogen as a stand-alone power source, a luminescent illuminator can already operate from a portable battery with an inverter weighing 5-6 kg.
The LED source consumes even less than the luminescent source, but most importantly, it operates on a DC low voltage current and therefore can operate from portable batteries used for camcorders.
As anyone who’s been involved in large video projects know, this is often the decisive factor in choosing what kind of lighting to choose.
Increased Safety
The second advantage is increased safety. Of course, LED illuminators are crackable, as well as potentially broken during falls, but are overall more durable than other types of traditional lighting. This is because of the way they’re built.
In all other illuminators, glass lamps are used, and glass is a very fragile material. Halogens and flashbulbs cannot even be touched with fingers since the dirt remaining from them will lead to a potential breakdown when heated.
The LED illuminator is a practically non-heating design that can be easily and safely cleaned if it gets dusty – in that event, just shake it and wipe it with a cloth.
Also, considering safety, the smaller amount of electricity consumption leads LED lights to be cooler and therefore safer for touching and moving, etc.
In principle, of course, they do heat up somewhat, but to acceptable temperatures. For example, getting a burn is nearly impossible.
And most importantly, the LEDs will not melt the filters you use on your lights. So, if a lot of your work involves using various colored filters, you’ll get huge pleasure from working with LED lights.
Power Adjustment
The third major advantage is power adjustment. Yes, LEDs can shine with different power! That’s true with flash-lamps and halogens, too. But we’ve found that the more modern LED lighting is easier to adjust and manipulate on-set.
When adjusting something like a halogen device, reducing the power supplied to the lamp can create problems. Since the glow in the halogen is a process of incandescence, then, by reducing the power, we reduce the color temperature. As a result, there can be a distortion of colors.
Obviously, this isn’t ideal in video work, so that’s another advantage for LED lights.
Longevity
LED lights have a relatively long life as compared to fluorescent lights. They don’t get instant failures like some lights, usually, they just get dimmer over time.
They have 30,000 to 50,000 hours of useful life, which is far more than conventional bulbs. A huge plus!
Eco Friendly
LED lights are considered environmentally friendly, as they emit less heat and are made of non-mercury material.
Many studies have been conducted to monitor the degradation process of LED lights after their useful life and found them to be very eco friendly, especially compared to more old-school forms of lighting
How Do Fluorescent Lights Work?
If you try to reduce the power supplied to the fluorescent lamp, the lamp will begin to flash. The starter, which lights up the gas in the tube, slowly accumulates energy, and the lamp will flash noticeably for the eye.
Therefore, adjustment on luminescent illuminators is possible only in one way – turning off the lamp itself. It’s an on or off issue.
If, for example, the Lumifor MIRA LFL-632 SR KIT has 6 lamps and has 6 switches on the back, the adjustment step for such a device is 1 lamp.
Longevity of LED Lights
The longevity of LED lights is another key attribute to consider. It is not known whether someone tested in practice, but the service life of LEDs is 50,000 hours.
This figure, of course, is more of a marketing move, since this is the lifetime of the diodes themselves, and the illuminator is likely to fail more quickly since this is a separate component. But it’s still a very long time, especially in comparison with the life of a halogen lamp.
Lack of Extreme Heat
In principle, of course, they also heat up, but to acceptable temperatures. For example, getting a burn is nearly impossible. And most importantly, the LEDs will not melt the filters. So if a lot of your work involves using various colored filters, you’ll get a huge pleasure from working with LED lights.
There are drawbacks. What are the advantages of analogs? For good luminosity, a large radiating area is needed. For example, a panel of 600 LEDs ( using the YongNuo YN 600 as an example) at a distance of 1 meter:
- diaphragm – 4,0 and 9/10 “
- Exposure – 1/60 sec
- ISO – 100
This is a large panel, measuring 15×23 cm (plus fields of 1-2 cm). Try putting a tube on such a panel to get a spotlight – it’s difficult.
Nevertheless, several manufacturers have already started producing devices with bright LEDs, concentrated in one small rectangle, for example, lights like the Jinbei EF-100 LED.
Another weak side of the device is the spectrum of its radiation, with a pronounced blue color. Since the radiation of an LED is not a heating process, the radiation from it is slightly different from the spectrum of sunlight or flash.
But this becomes critical only for very professional work, and it can of course be corrected fairly simply by using light filters. Yes, the manufacturers of LED devices are successfully fighting this phenomenon.
Approximately the same evolutionary steps at one time occurred in the luminescent lamp industry. First, there was general interest, then users found critical flaws (flickering, harmfulness to the environment, an unpleasant spectrum) and began to struggle with them.
Modern luminescent studio illuminators do not flicker anymore, they shine with the desired color temperature and take a more agreeable approach to the environment. They can be seen now in any video studio.
Best LED Lights For Filmmaking – In Conclusion
The use of LED Lights for filmmaking has markedly increased over the past few years. There are a wide variety of LEDs available on the market and filmmakers can choose among them depending on what suits their requirements and budget.
As with any video gear purchase, some of the main considerations when looking to make a purchasing decision are the following:
- budget
- use case of the equipment
- portability
- durability
Budget is of prime importance. However, with something like lighting, you don’t need to break the bank to be able to put together a very competent and powerful video lighting setup.
Looking at the use case for why you need the lights, and specifically how you’re going to use them, is always of prime importance. So are portability and durability. Are you going to need to travel a lot with the lights? Do they need to be extra strong and durable?
All of these are important considerations when looking at buying any kind of video equipment, especially LED lights because good lighting sets the foundation of an amazing film. That can’t be overstated.
We hope this article on the best LED lights for filmmaking has been helpful. What is your favorite LED lighting setup for video? Let us know in the comments below.
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Great work a fantastic summing up of what I need to know
Thanks . Appreciate that, Raul.
Thanks for sharing such an useful article. After reading the article i feel it this is best article for about top led lighting in market.
Thanks – appreciate it.
This is an awesome guide to LEDs. Thanks!!
Thanks a lot, Karl.
Wow! Very informative and impressive. Good Lighting is very important.
Absolutely!
Inspired LED is the leading manufacturers of LED lighting products, specializing in easy-to-use home, commercial, and specialty lighting.
Thanks for the recommendation, Mike.
Great post! As a filmmaker myself, I’m always on the lookout for the best LED lights for my productions.
The ones you mentioned in this post seem really promising, especially the last one with the cool touch function.
Can’t wait to check them out and see how they perform on my shoots. Thanks for sharing!
Interesting take! Appreciate the input.
Great roundup of LED lights for filmmaking! As a budding filmmaker, I’m always looking for the best tools to enhance my productions. These LED lights seem like they would be perfect for creating the right mood and lighting for my scenes. I’ll definitely be checking out some of these options for my next project. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks!
Great post! As a filmmaker, I’m always on the lookout for the best LED lights for my productions. The 16 options you’ve featured in this post are definitely worth considering, especially the Litepanels Astra 1×1 LED Light. Its high CRI and dimmability make it a versatile light that can be used for a variety of applications. I’ll definitely be giving it a try in my next project! Thanks for sharing!
Interesting take! Appreciate the input.
Thanks for sharing this informative post on LED lights for filmmaking! I was blown away by the variety of options you listed, and the detailed reviews really helped me make an informed decision for my upcoming project. The price range was also very helpful in guiding my choice.
Really means a lot—thanks for commenting!