8 Best LED Lights for Film Production in 2023 [Professional-Grade]

Are you professionally invested in filmmaking or high-end product photography? If yes, it might just be the right time to pick an LED light for film production, just to complement the camera you own. Also, if you are starting out as a film photographer or videographer, you must immediately pair the concerned DSLR with at least a mid-range LED light, asap.

But then, as a film photographer, you need to set your priorities straight before picking the LED lights for filmmaking. If you are a top-level professional, you might want to invest in a multi-light production kit, preferably with USB charging ports, wireless charging ports, and a wide range of controllers.

Or, if you are simply into specifics, you must emphasize features like Color Rendering Index or CRI, panel size, max brightness, and even the number of LEDs before selecting an LED light for video production.

Choosing a good LED light, however, is easier said than done. A wrong selection can cost you a fortune as the lights might end up being way too dim. Or the LEDs might lack the requisite controllers that might allow you to manage the brightness and luminance with ease.

Considering the requirements and the associated pain points, I have collated a list of handpicked LED lights to get for film production which caters to a wide range of user requirements, shooting conditions, and budgets.

8 Best LED Lights for Film Production in 2023

In the subsequent section, I shall enlist 8 of the best LED light setups that can be used by videographers, photographers, and other professionals. Also, I tested close to 23 products before coming up with a list of 8 after consulting professional film producers, web series shooters, short film directors, and other top-level professionals who are clear about the choice of lights and production kits.

1. Best Light Kit: Aputure MC

If you are a hardcore technician or a professional filmmaker, the Aputure MC is the best LED light panel for video in the retail space. And most importantly, this product boasts excellent color quality, courtesy of the availability of white LEDs.

Features and Usability

The Aperture MC light kit comes equipped with a wide range of usable traits, including 12 wireless pads for charging. While the wireless charging feature makes it a portable light kit, the 10W power setup promises exceptional color quality. Plus, there are 3 USB slots in play for adding to the existing setup.

Coming to the Color Rendering Index, this product boasts 96+ CRI levels, which makes the entire lighting setup look insanely close to how it would appear under actual sunlight. In case you are into specifics, this lighting kit boasts high saturation, full hue, and intensity levels, thereby making it good enough for every type of film.

Plus, there are multiple lighting modes in play, which can be activated using the mobile application.

Should you buy this?

You should invest in the Aperture MC only if you want a multi-faceted light setup that can work with multiple filmmaking modes. And as compared to other products on the light, MC comes equipped with a charging case to add to the portability quotient.

2. Best in Terms of Power: GVM LED 896S-B3L

The GVM LED 896S-B3L is one of the best LED lights for professional filmmakers who prefer shooting in studio-like conditions. 

Features and Usability

First of all, this LED light setup from GVM is loaded with a wide range of innovative features, including 896 LEDs. Also, this translates into a peak brightness level of 6800, whilst showcasing other relevant specs like ‘Master and Slave’ device control, wireless remote control, memory function, and multiple controllers.

Plus, this kit comes equipped with built-in diffusers that are great at softening light and making it good enough for some of the more demanding conditions. Also, the 97+ CRI makes room for truest color clarity. And when it comes to usability, there is a 25-degree mode for getting the perfect focus.

Should you buy this?

If you are a top-level filmmaker who prefers working for long hours without compromising heat dissipation, this aluminum-alloyed device is certainly worth investing in.

3. Best Single Source Panel: Nanlite Compac 200

If you plan on setting a complete video recording and shooting setup at home or any professional location, you simply cannot ignore the Nanlite Compac 200.

Features and Usability

For starters, you get access to an exceptionally slim profile. Plus, this is a standard single source LED panel that is great for achieving softbox-like lighting performance. And most importantly, you can use the same for lighting a wide range of scenarios, including interviews, headshots, portraits, and more.

When it comes to overall usability, the 95 CRI level is one of the better features in play. Complementing this is the maximum brightness level of almost 5000 Lux. Plus, this is still a light device with thickness fixed at 4 inches. Also, the heat dissipation is on the higher side, which is instrumental in keeping the device cooler than usual.

Should you buy this?

Yes, you should definitely consider investing in the Nanlite Compac 200 if you want a soft lightbox to complement live streaming, vlogs, and even food photography. Also, this is one of the few products to throw in rear controls for working in tandem with strobes and other accessories.

4. Best Color Fidelity: Aputure 120D Mark 2

The Aputure 120D Mark 2 is arguably the brightest COB LED in the market, best suited for professional-grade film production and photography.

Features and Usability

Coming to the features, this product boasts exceptional color fidelity, courtesy of 96+ CRI levels and a peak brightness of almost 135,000 LUX, which is a 25% increment as compared to the likes of 120D. In terms of power consumption, this single-structure LED light takes up 180W.

Other relevant specs include pre-programmed lighting effects and support for external adapters and light control accessories. Plus, this product comes stacked with a controller unit that supplies power to the device followed by a locking yoke and a feathery layout that translates into a manageable weight of 4.8 pounds.

Should you buy this?

If you want your LED light to feature relevant specs like excellent light control, 2.4G control for wireless management, and integrated built-in upgrades, the Aputure 120D Mark 2 is the perfect device to invest in.

5. Best for Portraits: Fovitec 2-Light

The Fovitec 2-Light setup is an excellent choice for illuminating portraits. Plus, this is an exceptional resource for balancing colors, filters, and bright sunlight.

Features and Usability

As far as individual features are concerned, this setup comes with greater coverage, exceptional light quality with a peak brightness of 12100 LUX, and availability of additional usable light. Plus, the 95+ CRI level makes the color quality pop out, irrespective of the scenario.

In terms of usability, this product comes equipped with light stands, filter sets, power adapters, and even barn doors.

Should you buy this?

Overall, this light setup is one of the best resources in play, especially if you want something with outdoor production, chroma key, and even relevant broadcast sets.

6. Best with App Compatibility: GVM G100W

The GVM G100W is one of the best video lighting setups, especially if you are looking for softbox lighting compatibility. Also, this is one of the few dimmable lights in the retail space, bolstered further by the existence of a carry bag, focus reflector, power cord, and other accessories.

Features and Usability

When to comes to the specs sheet, this product comes equipped with 480 individual LEDs, uniform lighting capabilities, master-slave lighting modes, and an app control system. Also, as far as usability is concerned, this product boasts excellent heat dissipation, uniform lighting, step-less light adjustment, and even bi-color temperature.

Also, the CRI at 97+ makes way for excellent color fidelity. Finally, in terms of usability, this is one of the few light setups in play with app control.

Should you buy this?

If you are interested in purchasing a premium light for location shooting, vivid effects, and advanced photography lighting, the GVM G100W is the perfect product to invest in.

7. Best Value: Fovitec 2-Light 2000W

This illuminating setup from Fovitec is easily one of the more affordable products to invest in, and that too without compromising on the specs sheet. Plus, Fovitec 2-Light 2000W is one of the few lighting modules to invest in provided you want something for your video conferencing needs, YouTube videos, live streams, and portraits.

Features and Usability

This product comes equipped with 10 high-power lamps, dedicated light stands, and 90+ CRI levels to match the best color fidelity standards. And if you are interested in usability, this product is the perfect choice if you want something to cater to different brightness levels and positions.

Coming to the lamp wattage, the 45W setup is good enough for managing almost every task with considerable ease. Plus, you can use the same with a wide range of accessories, especially for product and headshot photography.

Should you buy this?

If you want an affordable light setup that is bright and boasts exceptional color fidelity as well, the Fovitec 2-light, 2000W product is certainly worth investing in.

8. Best Studio Kit: Neewer Light Kit

The Neewer Studio Light Kit is certainly worth investing in, especially if you want a bundled setup, loaded with a light stand, umbrella stand, light holder, and even background clips.

Features and Usability

As far as the overall features are concerned, this product stacks 4 top-shelf light bulbs, which can assume peak brightness levels of almost 6000 LUX. Plus, the stand featured alongside the device can be height adjusted. Also, there is a high-end umbrella reflector in play that can evenly spread light and add to the overall quality of the images.

In terms of usability, the light kit from Neewer features light heads, backdrops, bulbs, softboxes, and even clamps to make the setup compatible with a wide range of requirements.

Should you buy this?

If you are on the lookout for a high-quality light kit for studio-level conditions and basic scenarios, the Neewer studio light is one of the better choices to look at.

Frequently Asked Questions

Verdict

If you are serious about picking the best LED light for film shooting, you can consider any of the mentioned options, right away. However, if you are new to videography and photography, selecting the best light can be a stretch, and therefore, I have collated a handful of choices based on specific use cases.

• If you want a top-shelf single source LED panel for professional-grade usage, the Nanlite Compac 200 is the perfect option to invest in.
• In case you want to invest in a top-level production kit with 12-LEDs with high luminance and better control, the Aputure MC is quite a good choice.
• Also, if you want a cost-effective option that offers high CRI and peak brightness, the Fovitec 2-Light 2000W setup is worth considering.

While these are some of the best choices to make, you can pick any other product from the list, depending on the brightness requirements, aesthetics, portability, budget, and other factors.