continuous lighting for video

3 Essential Continuous Lighting Kits for Video Success: A Must-Have Guide

If you're aiming to elevate your video production quality, investing in continuous lighting kits is a smart move. Three standout options like the GVM LED Video Lighting Kit with APP Control, Torjim Softbox Photography Lighting Kit, and NEEWER Photography Lighting Kit with Backdrops offer features like bi-color variability and adjustable brightness. These kits guarantee you get versatile and high-quality results, but how do you choose the right one for your specific needs? Let's explore the key factors to examine, and why these three kits could be game-changers for your projects.

Key Takeaways

  • GVM LED Video Lighting Kits offer bi-color variability from 2300K to 6800K and adjustable brightness, ideal for diverse video production needs.
  • Torjim Softbox Photography Lighting Kit features energy-saving LED bulbs with 7500K color temperature and portability, perfect for on-the-go video shoots.
  • NEEWER Photography Lighting Kit includes comprehensive accessories like backdrops and softboxes, ensuring versatile and professional lighting setups.
  • High CRI and TLCI ratings in these kits ensure accurate color representation, making video content look natural and vibrant.
  • Durable build quality and easy setup reduce stress and ensure stability, essential for frequent transport and professional use.

GVM LED Video Lighting Kits with APP Control (3 Pack)

portable led video lights

If you're a content creator or videographer looking for versatile and high-quality lighting, the GVM LED Video Lighting Kits with APP Control (3 Pack) might be your best choice.

With bi-color variability from 2300K to 6800K and adjustable brightness from 10% to 100%, you can tailor your lighting to any scene. You'll appreciate the 480 high-quality LED bulbs, each boasting a lifespan of 70,000 hours.

The kit includes essential accessories like light stands, diffusers, and barndoors, all neatly packaged in a deluxe carrying case.

The U-sharp bracket design allows for 360-degree rotation, perfect for multi-angle shooting.

Despite some reviews mentioning flimsy tripods and short power cables, the overall rating of 4.5 stars speaks to its reliability and performance.

Best For: Content creators and videographers looking for versatile, high-quality lighting with customizable color temperature and brightness.

Pros:

  • Adjustable color temperature from 2300K to 6800K and brightness from 10% to 100%.
  • Includes essential accessories like light stands, diffusers, and barndoors.
  • U-sharp bracket design allows for 360-degree rotation and multi-angle shooting.

Cons:

  • Some reviewers mentioned that the tripods are not sturdy.
  • Power cables are short.
  • Only includes two soft diffusers instead of three.

Torjim Softbox Photography Lighting Kit (2Pcs)

softbox photography lighting kit

The Torjim Softbox Photography Lighting Kit (2Pcs) stands out as an excellent choice for videographers and photographers seeking reliable continuous lighting.

You'll appreciate the soft box's inner nylon reflector and removable white diffuser, which provide soft, uniform light.

The two 85W energy-saving LED bulbs offer 7500K color temperature and 80% energy efficiency, ensuring long-lasting, pure white daylight.

With a 210° rotatable head and adjustable tripod stand (27"-74.5"), you can easily position the light for the perfect shot.

Weighing just 10.03 pounds and featuring a carrying bag, it's highly portable.

While users love its ease of setup and adjustability, some have noted issues with bulb durability and customer service.

Enjoy peace of mind with a 12-month warranty and professional after-sale support.

Best For: Videographers and photographers looking for reliable and portable continuous lighting with adjustable positioning.

Pros:

  • Soft, uniform light with inner nylon reflector and removable white diffuser
  • Energy-efficient 85W LED bulbs with long service life
  • Highly adjustable and portable with a carrying bag included

Cons:

  • Some users report issues with bulb durability
  • Customer service response can be slow
  • Limited to 7500K color temperature, which may not suit all lighting needs

NEEWER Photography Lighting Kit with Backdrops

complete studio lighting solution

For aspiring videographers and photographers seeking an affordable yet exhaustive lighting solution, the NEEWER Photography Lighting Kit with Backdrops stands out as a top choice.

This kit includes 4 light stands, 2 single head light holders, 4 LED bulbs, 2 umbrellas, 2 softboxes, 3 polyester backdrops, 6 backdrop clamps, 1 background stand support system, and 2 carry bags.

The light stands feature stable, heavy-duty construction with adjustable legs.

The umbrellas and softboxes guarantee soft, even illumination, while the UL-certified LED bulbs deliver a color temperature of 5700K.

With an average customer rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars, this kit offers excellent value for money, despite minor issues with stand stability and backdrop quality.

It's an unbeatable starter kit for any budget-conscious creator.

Best For: Aspiring videographers and photographers seeking an affordable and comprehensive lighting solution.

Pros:

  • Comprehensive kit with multiple lighting options and accessories.
  • UL-certified LED bulbs with a color temperature of 5700K.
  • High customer rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars, indicating overall satisfaction.

Cons:

  • Some customers report issues with the stability of the light stands.
  • The quality of the backdrops has received some negative feedback.
  • May not be suitable for professional, heavy-duty use due to minor quality concerns.

Factors to Consider When Choosing 3 Essential Continuous Lighting Kits for Video Success

When choosing the right continuous lighting kits for video, you should think about brightness and adjustability to guarantee your shots are well-lit.

Consider the portability and setup time, especially if you're filming on location.

Additionally, focus on the color temperature range, build quality, and power options to match your specific needs and certify reliable performance.

Brightness and Adjustability

Considering brightness and adjustability is essential when you're selecting continuous lighting kits for video success.

The brightness of a lighting kit, measured in lux, determines the intensity of the light. Higher lux values mean greater intensity, which can be pivotal for achieving the right level of illumination for your video shoots.

Adjustability is equally important. The ability to adjust color temperature, typically from 2300K to 6800K, lets you create various ambient moods and effects, adding depth and dimension to your videos.

Accurate color representation is essential, so look for LED lights with a high CRI (Color Rendering Index) and TLCI (Television Lighting Consistency Index). These features guarantee your subjects appear natural and lifelike on camera.

Dimming capabilities, allowing you to adjust brightness from 10% to 100%, provide precise control over the lighting atmosphere. This flexibility is invaluable for creating seamless shifts and maintaining consistent lighting throughout your shoot.

Lastly, consider the power source of your lighting kit. Adapter-based kits offer reliable power, but battery-powered options provide greater flexibility, especially for on-location shooting.

Portability and Setup

Choosing the right continuous lighting kit isn't just about brightness and adjustability; portability and setup are equally crucial.

When you're selecting a kit, think about its weight and dimensions. A lightweight and compact kit is easier to transport, especially if you're moving between different shooting locations.

Kits with collapsible designs that fit into a carrying case or bag make your life a lot easier and keep your gear organized.

You'll also want to ponder how quickly and easily the kit can be set up. A simple setup process saves you time and reduces stress, letting you focus more on capturing high-quality video.

Check the number and type of accessories included, like light stands and diffusers, as these can impact both portability and setup time.

Durability is another key factor. A well-built kit can withstand frequent transport and use, ensuring it lasts longer and performs reliably.

Choosing a kit with high-quality components means you won't have to worry about damaging your equipment on the go. Remember, a portable and easy-to-set-up lighting kit isn't just convenient; it's essential for maintaining a smooth workflow and achieving video success.

Color Temperature Range

Finding the perfect continuous lighting kit for video success hinges on understanding the importance of color temperature range.

A range of 2300K to 6800K allows you to adjust from warm, soft light to cool, bright light, making it suitable for various shooting scenarios. This flexibility is vital for creating specific moods or atmospheres in your videos—warm tones for cozy indoor scenes or cool tones for crisp outdoor shots.

You'll also want to pay attention to the Color Rendering Index (CRI). A high CRI of 97+ guarantees that your light source accurately reproduces colors, which results in more natural and vibrant footage.

When colors are true to life, your content looks more professional and engaging.

Bi-color LED lights with a high Television Lighting Consistency Index (TLCI) of 97+ are another essential feature. They provide consistent and accurate color rendition, which is ideal for professional video production.

Continuous color temperature adjustment allows you to fine-tune the light to match your desired aesthetic or ambiance. This capability is invaluable for achieving the perfect look and feel for your content.

Build Quality

When evaluating continuous lighting kits for video success, build quality stands out as a pivotal factor. Additionally, durability and sturdiness are important considerations when selecting a continuous lighting kit. The build quality of the materials used in the construction of the lighting equipment can have a significant impact on its performance and longevity. It’s also essential to consider the versatility and adjustability of the lighting kit to ensure it can meet the demands of various shooting scenarios. Finally, make sure to take advantage of scene setting tips to maximize the impact of your lighting setup and capture the best possible video footage.

You need a sturdy and durable kit to guarantee it can withstand regular use and transportation without compromising performance. High-quality kits often feature aluminum or steel components, which are robust enough to support heavy lights and accessories. These materials provide the strength necessary to keep your setup stable and secure.

Pay attention to the joints of the lighting kit.

Secure and adjustable joints are essential as they allow for smooth and precise adjustments to the light's position and angle. This flexibility guarantees you can always achieve the perfect lighting for your video shoots.

Consider the kit's weight and portability.

While heavier kits may offer greater stability, they can be cumbersome to transport. On the other hand, lighter kits are easier to move but may sacrifice some durability. Striking a balance here is key.

Power Options

Selecting the right power options for continuous lighting kits is essential to guarantee versatility and reliability during your video shoots.

You'll find that having power adapters and batteries, or a combination of both, offers the flexibility needed for different environments. This means you can smoothly shift from studio to location shoots without worrying about power availability.

Pay close attention to the voltage and wattage of the power source. These factors influence the brightness and color temperature of your lights.

For example, LED lights with low power consumption, such as 29W, aren't only energy-efficient but also minimize heat generation. This makes them ideal for extended use, guaranteeing you can shoot longer without overheating issues.

Battery life is another pivotal consideration. With options boasting up to 70,000 hours, you can shoot confidently at events or locations where power outlets are scarce.

The type of battery, like Sony F550/F750/F970 li-ion, also impacts portability and convenience. These batteries are well-regarded for their reliability and ease of use, making them a preferred choice for many videographers.

Accessories Included

Among the key factors to ponder when choosing continuous lighting kits for video, the accessories included can make a significant difference in your shooting experience.

Having the right extras can streamline your workflow and enhance your video quality. Look for kits that come with essential accessories such as light stands, softboxes, and diffusers. These items help you control light direction and intensity, ensuring you get the best possible shots.

You'll also want to weigh whether the kit includes color filters or gels. These can be invaluable for creating different moods and tones in your videos without having to rely heavily on post-production editing.

Additionally, barn doors can help focus the light precisely where you need it, providing greater control over your lighting setup.

Don't overlook carrying cases and bags. They might seem trivial, but they make transporting your gear much easier and offer protection against damage.

Some kits even come with remote controls, which allow you to adjust settings without having to physically touch the lights, saving you time and effort.

Price and Value

Choosing a continuous lighting kit for video involves balancing price and value to certify you're making a smart investment.

Start by evaluating the overall value, considering the quality of the lights, accessories, and durability relative to the price.

Remember, higher-priced kits aren't always the best value. Sometimes, you can find kits offering similar features and quality for a lower price point.

To get the best bang for your buck, break down the cost per component.

Evaluate the number of lights, stands, and diffusers included in the kit. Verify each piece adds substantial value to your setup.

Also, don't overlook the inclusion of a carrying case or bag, as this adds significant convenience and value, making transport and storage much easier.

However, be cautious of extremely low-priced kits.

These often compromise on quality or durability, potentially leading to a shorter lifespan or subpar performance.

Investing a bit more upfront in a reliable kit can save you from frequent replacements or unsatisfactory results.

Balancing these factors will help you select a lighting kit that meets your needs without breaking the bank.

At a Glance

When you're choosing the right continuous lighting kit, focus on what matters most to you—whether it's the GVM LED Video Lighting Kit's app control, the Torjim Softbox Kit's soft illumination, or the NEEWER Kit's versatile backdrops. Each of these kits offers unique features to elevate your video production. By weighing factors like brightness, portability, and build quality, you'll find the perfect lighting solution to make your videos truly shine. Happy shooting!

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