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RGB LED panels offer a versatile lighting solution for videography. Not only do they allow for your regular daylight and tungsten settings.
RGB LED panels can produce a full palette of reds, greens, blues, purples, teals, oranges, cyans, and more for you to play with without the need for colored sheets.
Most panels also include preset lighting modes and built-in effects, such as flash, candlelight, or storm. This way, you can easily create the illusion of a police car outside the window or the flickering fire of a fireplace.
The only problem is finding the right RGB LED panel, especially when shopping on a budget. To get the best value, compare the following top affordable RGB LED panels for video.
First here’s a comparison table featuring all the lights:
RGB LED Panel Comparison Table
Color Temperature | Number of LED lamp beads | CRI | LUX | Control | Power Source | Power Consumption per light | Accessories | |
GVM RGB LED Video Light 800D Kit | 3200K to 5600K | 168 white + 84 RGB | 97+ | N/A | Onboard, Mobile App | AC Power, Battery | 40W | Light stands, Barn doors, Soft diffuser, Power Cords, Carrying Case |
GVM RGB LED Video Light 1200D Kit | 3200K to 5600K | 928 LEDs | 97+ | 22000 (0.5m) 7300(1m) | Onboard, Mobile App | AC Power, Battery | 50W | Light stands, Barndoors, Power Cords, Carrying Case |
Switti RGB LED Video Light Kit | 2600K to 10000K | 312 white/yellow + 240 RGB | 97+ | 7000(0.5 m) 2050(1m) | Onboard | DC Power, Battery | 50W | Light Stands, Power Adapters, Soft Boxes, Carrying Bag |
Pixel RGB LED Video Lighting Kit | 2600K to 10000K | 156 white + 156 yellow + 240 RGB | 97+ | 7000 (0.5m) 2050(1m) | Onboard | DC Power, Battery | 50W | Light Stands, Power Adapters, Diffusers, Carrying Bag |
GVM LED 2-Lights RGB Video Light Panel Kit | 2700K to 10000K | 288 LEDs | 97+ | 5000(0.5m) 1500(1m) | Onboard, Mobile App | AC Power, Battery | 50W | Light Stands, Power Adapters, Tripods, Carrying Bag |
Pixel Full Color LED Video Light | 2600K to 10000K | 156 white + 156 yellow + 240 RGB | 97+ | 5500 (0.5m) 2050 (1m) | Onboard | DC Power, Battery | 45W | Light Stands, Diffusers, Power Adapters, Carrying Bag |
NEEWER 50W Photography Lighting with APP Intelligent Control System | 3200K to 5600K | 170 white + 170 yellow + 320 RGB | 97+ | 7000 (0.5M) 2200 (1M) | Onboard, Mobile App | DC Power, Battery | 50W | Light Stands, Power Adapters, Carrying Bags |
Examine each option in more detail below.
1. GVM RGB LED Video Light 800D Kit
The GVM RGB LED800D video light kit stands out as one of the best budget-friendly deals, as the kit includes three large LED panels with adjustable light stands. Each light contains 168 LEDs and 84 RGB LEDs.
The available lighting modes allow you to change the color to suit different shooting environments easily. You can choose from TV, candle, lightning, paparazzi, and more.
One issue with this light kit is the range of available color temperatures. You can adjust the color temperature between 3200K and 5600K, which offers a cool white color. If you want a warmer or cooler glow, you may need a different RGB LED panel.
While the temperature range is limited, you can adjust a variety of other settings. You can change the color temperature, lighting mode, or brightness using the onboard controls or a mobile app.
The GVM app is available for iOS and Android devices and provides greater convenience for controlling the settings.
The GVM RGB LED video lights also support the master and slave control mode. Instead of controlling each light individually, the commands sent to the master light are automatically sent to the other lights.
Pros
- Includes three LED panels
- The mobile app provides remote control
- Supports master and slave control mode
Cons
- Relatively limited temperature range
Check the current price on Amazon.
2. GVM RGB LED Video Light 1200D Kit
The GVM RGB LED 1200D video light kit includes two powerful LED panels. Each panel has 928 LEDs tested to provide over 100,000 hours of use.
The 50W LED panels each have a high color rendering index (CRI) rating of 97+, bringing out the natural colors in people, objects, and backgrounds. The LEDs are also very bright when used on the highest setting.
You also have the option to adjust the hue, saturation, brightness, and color temperature.
However, as with the previous GVM LED panel kit, these LED panels have a limited range of color temperatures.
The lights are powered with an AC adapter or a Sony F750/970 battery, but the kit does not include rechargeable batteries.
Other features include multiple lighting modes and control options, including master/slave control. You can use the onboard controls or download the GVM app to adjust the settings.
The kit also comes with two light stands and a carrying case. The entire set fits in the case and weighs about 23 pounds, allowing you to use it anywhere.
With these two LED panels, you should have no problem lighting a scene whether that spicing up the background in your short film, shooting an interview, or a vlog for your YouTube channel.
Just remember to purchase a rechargeable battery if you plan on using it in an area without access to an electrical outlet.
Pros
- The powerful LED panels can light up any room
- Includes two durable aluminum light stands
- Allows you to power the lights with a rechargeable battery
Cons
- The color temperatures are limited
Check the current price on Amazon.
3. Switti RGB LED Video Light Kit
The Switti RGB LED video light kit comes with two large RGB LED panels, light stands, and softboxes. The combination of accessories and powerful LED panels makes this a great value.
The softboxes help diffuse the light. Softer light is useful for eliminating shadows from other light sources or to avoid adding too much glare to objects or background elements.
The Switti RGB LED video panels each output 2050 lux at one meter. Most indoor settings have light levels between 500 and 1000 lux.
The color temperature is adjustable between 2600K and 10000K.
Each panel has 312 LED lamp beads and 240 RGB lamp beads with a CRI of 97 or higher. The onboard controls are on the back of the panels, which also includes a large LED display with a clear view of the settings. The controls are a little confusing, as the panels use a multifunction adjustment knob.
The light panels are DC-powered and have battery slots. However, as with most of the LED panel kits, this set does not include rechargeable batteries.
With these two lights, you should have more than enough lighting to illuminate any scene from a YouTube video to an corporate interview.
Pros
- Comes with two softboxes
- Offers a wide range of color temperatures
- One of the brightest LED panels in this price range
Cons
- The onboard controls are a little confusing
- Does not support mobile control
Check the current price on Amazon.
4. Pixel RGB LED Video Lighting Kit
If you want a cheap video panel that can brighten an entire room, the Pixel RGB LED Video Lighting Kit is a top recommendation.
It is comparable to the previous kit, as both options emit about 2000 lux at one meter. The color temperatures also range between 2600K and 10000K.
However, this kit includes taller light stands and additional settings. You can choose from a larger selection of preset modes along with adjusting the hue, saturation, and color temperature.
While this kit does not include softboxes, it comes with two diffusers. The diffusers help soften the light from the LED panels giving you more pleasing looking skin on your videos.
Some users may struggle with the onboard controls due to the multifunction adjustment knob. It would have been nice to have dedicated controls for the different features.
But it is common to only use a single knob on budget-friendly lights (I guess it’s a way to cut down cost).
However, after a few photos or video shoots, you should find the LED panels easier to operate.
Pros
- Includes two diffusers for softening the light
- Provides a wide range of color temperatures
- One of the most affordable LED panel light kits
Cons
- The multifunction control knob can be confusing
Check the current price on Amazon.
5. GVM LED 2-Lights RGB Video Light Panel Kit
The GVM LED 2-light kit comes with two adjustable RGB LED panels, tripods, power adapters, and a carrying case for storing everything.
It provides a lot of bang for the buck thanks to its super-bright LEDs and variety of color temperatures.
The color temperature range is 2700K to 10000K. This covers almost the entire spectrum of color temperatures, from a warm red glow to cool blue moonlight and everything between.
You can simulate a wide range of environments and settings using the manual controls or preset lighting modes.
The provided tripods have a maximum height of three feet. The LED panels and tripods are made using durable aluminum alloy for increased strength and protection against dropping.
As with many LED panels, the lights in this kit are fully adjustable. You can change the hue, saturation, brightness, and color temperature using the onboard controls or the GVM mobile app. The lights also support master/slave control.
The lights also have a high color rendering index (CRI). The CRI rating of 97 ensures that you get accurate color reproduction, which means that colors appear less washed out.
Pros
- Wide range of color temperatures
- Super bright LED panels
- Includes durable, easily adjustable tripods
Cons
- Does not include barn doors or flaps for focusing the light
Check the current price on Amazon.
6. Pixel Full Color Led Video Light
The Pixel Full Color LED 2-panel video light kit is a versatile lighting kit for photography or videography.
It has a wide range of color temperatures and can be powered with a DC power adapter or a rechargeable battery.
This kit is a great value, giving you a better deal for your money. It has powerful 45W LED panels that output 2050 lux at one meter and offer a wider range of color temperatures. You also get a carrying case, tall light stands, DC adapters, and two diffusers.
The LED light panels consist of 240 RGB LED lamp beads and 312 LED lamp beads. The set provides 360-degree full-color and color temperatures between 2600K and 10000K, allowing you to set the lights to match any hue of the color spectrum.
As with several other light panels, the onboard controls include a multifunction control knob. Unfortunately, the panels do not work with a mobile app. If you want to quickly change the brightness or saturation, you can use the preset lighting modes.
Pros
- Offers more value for your money
- Covers the entire color spectrum
- The light stands are durable and easy to adjust
Cons
- The controls are not very straightforward
Check the current price on Amazon.
7. NEEWER 50W Photography Lighting with APP Intelligent Control System
If you want greater control over your RGB LED light panels, the NEEWER 50W photography lighting kit is a solid choice. It offers onboard controls with an LCD screen and remote control via a mobile app.
The controls are easy to understand, whether you use the onboard buttons and knobs or the mobile app. You can set the color temperature, brightness, and HSI parameters or switch to one of the lighting modes.
The set includes two diffusers, power adapters, two adjustable light stands, and a carrying bag. You can power the device with rechargeable batteries, which are sold separately.
Each LED panel includes 320 RGB lamp beads and 340 warm and cool LED lamp beads. These are among the more powerful LED panels. However, they offer fewer color temperature options. The color temperature is adjustable between 3200K and 5600K.
Pros
- The LED panels are bright and fully adjustable
- Works with a mobile app for remote control
- The onboard menu is easy to navigate
Cons
- Offers a limited range of color temperatures
Check the current price on Amazon.
Conclusion – What Is the Best Budget-Friendly RGB LED Panel for Video?
With various affordable RGB LED panels to choose from, how do you find the right one? Start by thinking about the amount of light that you need.
Some LED panels only emit enough light to accentuate the existing lighting in the room. If you need to illuminate a dark environment fully, you need a powerful LED panel.
The amount of illumination is typically measured in lux at a specific distance, such as 1,000 lux at one meter. However, not all manufacturers list this detail.
The most powerful lights tend to require AC power. A DC power source, such as a USB charger or a lithium battery, lacks the voltage needed to power the brightest LED panels.
The next consideration is the color temperature range, which allows you to adjust the lighting’s warmth or coolness.
Many LED panels have a range of color temperatures from around 3000K to 5600K.
Broad daylight has a color temperature of about 5600K. This produces a cool light that helps bring out more vibrant colors in skin, objects, and backgrounds, which is why you tend to get better video and photos when shooting outdoors in the middle of the day.
RGB LED panels also come with different settings and control options. While almost all LED panels include onboard controls, some options allow you to control the lights via a mobile app.
Use these details to narrow your selection and find the best budget-friendly RGB LED panel for your next video or photography project.
If you want smaller RGB lights you can mount on top of your camera have a look at 5 Best Budget On-Camera RGB LED Lights For Video.
About the author:
Jan Sørup is a videographer and photographer from Denmark. He owns filmdaft.com and the Danish company Apertura, which produces video content for big companies in Denmark and Scandinavia. Jan has a background in music, has drawn webcomics, and is a former lecturer at the University of Copenhagen.