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High-quality, affordable RGB LED lights offer a creative edge for video production.
Lightweight and compact, they can be easily mounted or hidden to enhance scenes affordably.
These versatile lights allow for color precision and effects like emergency vehicle lights or a flickering fire.
This article lists the top 5 budget-friendly RGB LEDs for video, highlighting their key features and emphasizing quality over cheaper, lower-quality alternatives.
Table of Contents
VILTROX LED On Camera Video Light
The VILTROX LED On Camera Video Light offers videographers an economical lighting option with its high color rendering index and versatile temperature range, encapsulating functional and portable design features for diverse shooting environments.
With a commitment to innovation, this light is designed to meet the dynamic needs of content creators who demand quality and flexibility.
Its adjustable brightness and color temperature ensure that it can adapt to various indoor and outdoor conditions, providing consistent illumination for professional-looking footage.
This lighting solution is particularly well-suited for creators who are always on the move, thanks to its lightweight construction and built-in rechargeable battery.
The included magnetic diffuser further enhances its practicality, softening light output to produce more natural-looking results.
By integrating these features, the VILTROX LED light is an indispensable tool for videographers looking to enhance their production value without incurring significant expense.
Product specs:
- Color Rendering Index: 95+
- Color Temperature Range: 2500-8500K
- Brightness Adjustment: 10-100%
- Built-in Rechargeable Lithium Battery
- USB Charging
- Includes Mini Tripod & Phone Holder
Pros:
- High-quality light output
- Versatile and portable
- Intuitive controls
- Long-lasting battery life
Cons:
- Small buttons can be challenging to operate
- Build quality may feel flimsy to some users
- Micro USB charging port instead of USB-C
Aputure Amaran MC RGBWW Mini On Camera Video Light
The Aputure Amaran MC RGBWW Mini On-Camera Video Light offers videographers a compact, feature-rich lighting tool that delivers precise color control and a wide array of effects at a cost-effective price.
This innovative device encapsulates the need for versatile, portable illumination in the dynamic world of video production. With its vast color gamut coverage and full HSI color control, creative professionals can accurately fine-tune their lighting to match their visionary aspirations.
The Amaran MC’s nine built-in lighting effects, including lifelike simulations of lightning and police lights, allow filmmakers to create atmospheric scenes without the need for complex setups.
Product Specs:
- 95% BT.2020 Color Gamut Coverage
- Full HSI Color Control
- 400 Lux @ 0.5 Meters
- CCT range of 3200K-6500K
- USB-C charging with wireless capability
Pros:
- Highly portable and magnetized for convenience
- Wireless app control for remote operation
- Competitive pricing for its feature set
Cons:
- Limited brightness compared to larger fixtures
- Battery life may restrict prolonged use
- Magnet strength may vary on different surfaces
Aputure MC PRO On Camera LED Video Light Panel
Building on the success of its predecessor, the Aputure MC Pro elevates on-camera LED lighting with enhanced brightness, color accuracy, and a robust suite of control options, catering to the advanced needs of professional videographers.
Its innovative 5W RGBWW LED technology packs an impressive luminosity punch in a sleek, credit card-sized form factor, making it a powerhouse for dynamic lighting scenarios on the move.
The MC Pro’s new optical design achieves an outstanding 4X brightness increase compared to the original MC while maintaining a pocket and durable, lightweight profile.
The Aputure MC Pro’s versatility extends to its control and connectivity features, offering videographers a new level of precision and convenience.
With the Sidus Link Bluetooth app, DMX/RDM, and LumenRadio CRMX options, crafting the perfect lighting environment is intuitive and accessible.
The advanced HSI controls, white point CCT adjustments, and an extensive range of gel preset provide creatives with unparalleled customization to match any on-screen ambiance.
Product specs:
- 5W output RGBWW LED
- 1,585 lux @ 0.5m (5,600K)
- CRI: 96, TLCI: 96, TM-30 Rf: 94, TM-30 Rg: 103
- Color temperature range: 2,000K to 10,000K
- Built-in lithium-polymer battery
- IP65 dust and water-resistant
Pros:
- Exceptional brightness and color accuracy
- Comprehensive control options, including app and DMX
- Compact, lightweight, and weatherproof design
Cons:
- Advanced features require a learning curve
- Limited battery life under maximum output
SmallRig Pix M160 RGB Video Light
For videographers seeking an economical yet robust RGB lighting solution, the SmallRig Pix M160 RGB Video Light offers affordable features with professional-grade performance.
Its compact design is complemented by a dynamic color spectrum ranging from a warm 2500K to a cool 8500K, allowing for precise mood setting and scene matching.
The light’s 10% to 100% brightness control and 12 unique color effects provide unparalleled versatility, catering to various creative demands.
Constructed with an all-metal aluminum body, the SmallRig Pix M160 ensures durability and longevity.
Its built-in 3800mAh battery serves the dual purpose of powering the light and acting as a power bank, which is especially useful during extended shoots.
The positive feedback from users regarding the light’s brightness, color options, and overall quality attest to its reliability.
This model is suitable as a background light and excels as a close key light, adding to its adaptability.
Product specs:
- Dynamic RGB color range: 2500K to 8500K
- Brightness control: 10% to 100%
- 12 color effects, including Strobe and Fireworks
- Built-in 3800mAh battery/power bank
- All-metal aluminum body
- Includes versatile mounting options and carry bag
Pros:
- Affordable with professional-grade features
- Highly versatile color and brightness options
- Durable construction and compact size
- Positive customer reviews for brightness and quality
- Can be used as a power bank
Cons:
- Battery life may be limited depending on usage
- Light intensity might not be sufficient for all scenarios.
Lume Cube RGB Panel Go LED Light
Videographers seeking portable, versatile lighting options will find the Lume Cube RGB Panel Go LED Light an indispensable tool for on-the-go production.
Leveraging the latest in LED technology, this compact yet robust panel offers an impressive 360-degree spectrum of RGB colors, allowing for unprecedented creative control.
The durable aluminum construction and built-in rechargeable lithium battery underscore the unit’s commitment to mobility and reliability.
Whether shooting a documentary in the wild or a portrait in an urban setting, the Lume Cube RGB Panel Go’s adaptability makes it a shining beacon of innovation for content creators everywhere.
The RGB Panel Go is not just about vibrant colors; its functionality extends to adjustable brightness and color temperature, giving videographers pinpoint control over their lighting environment.
With 210 LEDs, the light output is powerful and precise, and the dual 1/4 20 tripod mounts provide versatile mounting options. This LED panel is more than just a light source; it’s a dynamic palette that paints scenes in any hue necessary, ensuring no shot is left in the dark.
Product Specs:
- 360 adjustable RGB colors
- Brightness range: 1% to 100%
- Color temperature: 3200K to 5600K
- 210 LEDs
- Dual 1/4 20 tripod mounts
Pros:
- Highly portable design
- Customizable lighting options
- Built-in rechargeable battery
Cons:
- Currently no customer reviews
- Limited feedback for potential buyers
- New product with market establishment yet to be assessed
Buyer’s Guide to On-Camera Lights. Things to Consider.
When choosing on-camera LED lighting solutions for videography, several key factors must be considered to ensure you get the best possible lighting for your video productions. Here are the things to look for:
1. Light Quality
Color Rendering Index (CRI): Look for LED lights with a high CRI (above 90 is good, above 95 is excellent), which means they render colors accurately.
Color Temperature: Adjustable color temperature is essential, ranging from warm (around 3200K) to daylight (around 5600K), to match other light sources and the shooting environment.
2. Brightness and Intensity
Lumen Output: Check the lumen output to gauge the brightness of the LED light.
Dimming Capability: A dimmer allows you to control the intensity of the light, which is crucial for getting the right exposure and mood.
3. Beam Angle
The beam angle determines how wide the light spreads. A narrow beam is good for spotlighting, while a wide beam is better for general illumination.
4. Power Options
Battery Life: On-camera lights should have a decent battery life if you plan to use them without a power outlet.
Power Flexibility: Look for lights that both AC adapters and batteries for greater versatility can power.
5. Build Quality and Durability
A durable construction is important for withstanding the rigors of fieldwork. Metal housings are typically more durable than plastic.
6. Size and Weight
The light should be compact and lightweight enough to comfortably sit on a camera without making it top-heavy or cumbersome.
7. Heat Dissipation
Good heat dissipation is important for the LED’s longevity and comfort if you work close to the light source.
8. Mounting Options
The light should have a standard shoe mount to attach to the camera and, ideally, additional mounting options for light stands or rigs.
9. Accessories
Look for lights that come with or can be fitted with modifiers like diffusers, barn doors, and gels, which give you more control over the light’s quality and direction.
10. Additional Features
Some LED lights offer extra features like built-in LCDs for precise control over settings, Bluetooth connectivity for remote operation, and the ability to link multiple lights for larger setups.
RGB on camera lights should also have nice effects such as fireplace, police car, and paparazzi flashes, which may be handy on set.
Conclusion
So, which light has piqued your interest?
It’s such an exciting time to be a filmmaker. With a DSLR or mirrorless camera and a couple of these lights, you can create attractive cinematic looks for your short film, corporate interview, or YouTube channel.
They’re small, portable, ready to go in seconds, and can be placed almost anywhere.
It sure beats dealing with hot fresnels and gels, in my opinion.
Anyway, as promised in the introduction to this article, here’s a table for easy comparison of all these amazing lights:
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