Choosing the right LED light panel for cinematography and video production has become an increasingly complex decision in recent years.
There are thousands of models and possibly a hundred or more companies making LED light panels for video. Many LED panels boast similar capabilities, at least on paper. Filmmakers find themselves navigating a sea of specifications.
From color accuracy and light intensity to portability and connectivity, the variety of factors to consider can be overwhelming.
In this article I’ll list five of the better LED panels for cinematography. Better not just for the light and color accuracy, but also in terms of:
- Affordability and bang for your buck
- Dependability and brand presence worldwide
- 60-100 Watts so it can serve as a key light, even when using diffusion.
- Battery and AC operated
- Bi-color
- RGB
- Gel mode
- FX modes
Let’s explore what makes each pick stand out in the crowded field of modern cinematography lighting.
1 Nanlite MixPanel 60 RGBWW
The Nanlite MixPanel 60 (Amazon, B&H) is amazing value for money. Here are its main features:
| Feature | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Power | 60 Watts |
| AC and DC both? | Yes |
| Size | 17 x 14 x 3″ |
| Bi-color? | Yes, 2700 to 7500K |
| RGB Colors? | Yes |
| Built-in effects? | Yes, Flash, Pulse, Storm, Siren, TV, Paparazzi, and Candle/Fire |
| Photometrics at 5600K | 5844 Lux at 3.3′ / 1 m |
| Dimming | 0 to 100% |
As a brand I own Nanlite and they have never let me down. I would have no hesitation in owning this panel.
The RGB mode employs 4-in-1 LEDs to deliver over 16 million different color combinations.
Yet another benefit is a 43-gel library which provides five CTO, five CTB, and thirty-three Calcolor choices. Really, it doesn’t get much better than this at this price point. Buy on Amazon, B&H.
If you want more power, I have yet another great suggestion from Nanlite.
2 Nanlite PavoSlim 120C RGB
Here are the important specs:
| Feature | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Power | 120 Watts |
| AC and DC both? | Yes |
| Size | 23.7 x 12.1″ |
| Bi-color? | Yes, 2700 to 7500K |
| RGB Colors? | Yes |
| Built-in effects? | Yes, hue loop, CCT loop, intensity Loop, flash, pulse, storm, police car, TV, paparazzi, candle/fire, disco, bad bulb, firework, explosion, and welding. |
| Photometrics at 5600K | 12,830 Lux at 3.3′ / 1 m |
| Dimming | 0 to 100% |
Two diffusers, a softbox, and an egg-crate are included in the kit. The Nanlite PavoSlim 120C RGB (Amazon, B&H) also has multiple presets for LEE filters.
If you want more power, but with the same feature set, this is it. Buy on Amazon, B&H.
3 amaran P60c RGB
Here are the important specifications:
| Feature | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Power | 78 Watts |
| AC and DC both? | Yes |
| Size | 10.5 x 8.2″ |
| Bi-color? | Yes, 2700 to 7500K |
| RGB Colors? | Yes |
| Built-in effects? | Yes, Lightning, Paparazzi, Strobe, Cop Car, Fireworks, Pulsing, Faulty Bulb, Fire, TV, and Party Lights |
| Photometrics at 5600K | 5900 Lux at 3.3′ / 1 m |
| Dimming | 0 to 100% |
The amaran P60c RGB (Amazon, B&H) is a smaller fixture that packs a punch, and is also cheaper. Amaran is the low cost brand of Aputure, if I understand it correctly.
There’s also a 46-gel library mode for chromatic control. All of these adjustments can be made locally on the unit or wirelessly from up to 262′ away with a smartphone and the Sidus Link app.
Aputure has been around for a while, and they have shown intent in the innovative products they have launched over the years. I have no hesitation in recommending them.
4 Kino Flo FreeStyle
Here are the important specifications:
| Feature | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Power | 78 Watts |
| AC and DC both? | Yes |
| Size | 15 x 7.5″ |
| Bi-color? | Yes, 2500 to 9900K |
| RGB Colors? | Yes |
| Built-in effects? | Yes, candle, fire, TV, police, lightning, paparazzi, pulse, and scroll |
| Photometrics at 5600K | 828 Lux at 3.3′ / 1 m |
| Dimming | 1 to 100% |
I don’t think anybody needs an introduction to Kino Flo. Once the ruler of all things fluorescent, they are still in the LED fight. One of the great things about Kino Flo is the quality of their accessories. They are designed to withstand the toughest shoots.
The Kino Flo Freestyle can easily fit into tight locations or can be handheld with the KinoGrip 41K Mount. The back of the fixture features a twist-on removable KinoGrip Center Mount, which can be adapted to work with multiple Kino Flo mounting adapters. Molded corners offer additional rigging options, and a louver is included, which is held in place with hook-and-loop fasteners.
Gel presets include blue and green screen, sodium vapor, and mercury vapor, as well as over hundred lighting gels. The power output is on the lower side, but the light is softer as well, and this is designed to be used as a fill light or a close key. You can’t go wrong with a Kino Flo!
Buy on B&H.
5 Godox LDX100R RGB
Here are the important specifications:
| Feature | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Power | 118 Watts |
| AC and DC both? | Yes |
| Size | 18 x 16″ |
| Bi-color? | Yes, 2500 to 10,000K |
| RGB Colors? | Yes |
| Built-in effects? | Yes, RGB cycle, party, police car, flash, lightning, cloudy, broken bulb, TV, candle, fire, fireworks, explosion, welding, and SOS |
| Photometrics at 5600K | 4620 Lux at 3.3′ / 1 m |
| Dimming | 0 to 100% |
The Godox LDX100R RGB (Amazon, B&H), as with the others, also has a Gel mode for a variety of sixty color filters.
The Godox Light app from a mobile phone controls the light via Bluetooth from up to 98 feet away. An optional RC-R9II remote controls the light wirelesssly from up to 164 feet away.
Godox is another brand I own and haven’t let me down in many years. Along with Nanlite and Aputure/amaran, I have no hesitation in recommending Godox.
That’s it for my list. LED panels have become very versatile over the years. I can’t believe lights with none of these features used to cost upwards of a thousand dollars just a few years ago. The features are insane for this price point.
I hope you found this list useful. Let me know what you think in the comments below.
