Best On-Camera LED Light For Video

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On-camera LED Lights will be your go-to lights when your shooting style dictates that you just don’t have time to create the perfect lighting setup. So that includes newsgathering, documentaries, and event videos.

If you are starting out as a Vloggers or YouTuber, and working with a tight budget, on-camera LED lights may also be right for you. They will be useful for piece-to-camera shots, man-on-the-street interviews, and any other type of run-and-gun videography.

Think of them as light, compact, and portable video lighting kits for solo video creators working away from their studio.

Which on-camera LED light is right for you?

What do you need to consider when choosing on-camera lights for video production? Well, your choice of light will depend on several factors. These will include the following:

1. Your budget.
2. How much illumination do you require?
3. Where you will be filming.
4. How much weight you can mount on your camera?
5. The ruggedness you need.
6. How you intend to power your light.
7. Where you are going to mount your light.

More budget equals better lighting

Like most camera gear, the amount of money you need to spend is tied to what you need and what you really want. For instance, will you be happy with a cheap unknown brand from Chinese or do you want a well-established and fashionable brand?   

ULANZI VL49 RGB Video Light

You don’t have to spend a lot to get an LED light on your camera. The ULANZI VL49 RGB Video Light is a very affordable RGB LED Video light. It uses sixty high color rendering led beads that have a CRI value of 95 and adjustable brightness from 0-100%. At maximum brightness, you can get an illumination of 800LUX at 0.5m.

Last update on 2024-03-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

NEEWER 160 LED CN-160 Dimmable video light

For about the same price you could have the NEEWER 160 LED CN-160 Dimmable video light with 160 LED beads. By using the included filters, you can adjust the Color Temperature between 5600K (Daylight) and 3200K (Warm light). The light provides illumination of 900Lux at 1m, reducing to 40Lux at 5m.

Last update on 2024-03-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Yongnuo YN300Air II RGB LED video light

By spending a little bit more you can get the Yongnuo YN300Air II RGB LED video light. This LED light is dimmable and comes with a 2.4G remote control. The color temperature is adjustable from 2500k to 5500k, and the high CRI value of 95 ensures realistic skin tones.

Last update on 2024-03-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Rotolight NEO 2 LED Camera Light.

You can, of course, spend even more and opt for the professional Rotolight NEO 2 LED Camera Light. This light provides powerful continuous light for video work and High-Speed Sync flash for photography. You can also adjust the color temperature electronically.

Last update on 2024-03-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

How much light is enough light?

The amount of light you need will partly depend on your camera and lens. If you have a Canon EOS R mirrorless camera with RF 35mm f/1.8 lens you will need less light than a light hungry Canon XF100 video camera.

A typical on-camera LED light will have a reach of about 15ft. However, the useful working distance is probably up to 6 to 8ft. Therefore, they work best when shooting single subjects rather than large groups.

Location, location, location

Where you intend filming will also determine your choice of light.

Obviously, you will need a more powerful light if shooting indoors with lower light levels, such as a wedding venue or business conventions. If that is your typical shoot get a light with a higher light output but ensure it’s also dimmable for when you get closer to your subject.

If shooting under artificial fluorescent or tungsten lights, cheap daylight-rated LED lights will result in strange color effects, depending on your camera’s white balance. Here you need a light that has color filters or allows you to adjust the color temperature to match the ambient lights.

On the other hand, if you are outdoors and shooting your subject at 6ft, you may only need a low-power light to fill in the shadows on their face.

Get the right size of LED light for your camera

Pick an LED light that matches the size and weight carrying capacity of your video camera. If too large and heavy the light will seriously unbalance the camera in your hands. You will also regret the weight if you must hold your camera for more than a few minutes at a time.

If you do need a light with more “reach” and decide to get something bigger, consider building a rig, such as the one in the image at the start of this article. With a couple of handholds and improved balance, the camera will be easier to control.

If you are shooting with an iPhone or smartphone, you can also use an on-camera light if you use an appropriate camera rig.

I have the ulanzi iPhone rig, as shown above. It has several iPhone accessory mounting points, both cold shoe and female 1/4-inch screw mounts.

The rig can be held by the handles on either side or even mounted on a monopod or tripod for extra stability.

Mounting the light on your camera’s hot shoe

Most LED lights are mounted on the camera’s hot shoe. Ensure it is well secured to prevent accidents.

To give you a little extra control, use a mini ball head like the Smallrig 1/4″ Camera Hot Shoe Mount. Lock it in place in your camera’s hot shoe and then screw on your light. This will allow you to tilt your light up or down as appropriate.

Whichever way you mount the light it is worthwhile making sure the mount is sturdy and well screwed down. This will prevent the light wobbling and illumination of your subject appearing to waver.

Powering your LED light

Batteries are almost always the power source for on-camera LED lighting kits for video production. The purpose of these lights is to give you the freedom to move about while filming on location.

The smallest lights can take AA batteries but would be well advised to take a pocket full of spares. Slightly larger lights may take AA or rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, such as Sony NP-F550 compatibles.

The larger options, such as the Yongnuo YN300, will probably take an NP-F970 rechargeable battery. My experience is that this light and battery combination will give a few hours of service. Long enough to get enough shots at a typical event, but a spare battery is always worth having, especially if it is cold.     

If you would like to learn more about getting the best LED panel lights for your home or office studio, check out my article here.