Best Continuous Lights for Photography and Videography

Editor’s Key Takeaways: Top Continuous Lights for Perfect Photography & Videography

Studio light in a photography studio

Here is a summary of the blog post on continuous lighting in photography:

  • Continuous lighting provides consistent illumination, showing real-time light and shadow effects on the subject.
  • It’s essential in genres like product, food photography, and videography, helping both beginners and professionals especially in dynamic environments.
  • Key factors to consider include shutter speed, color temperature, and CRI (Color Rendering Index) for color accuracy.
  • Portability, power source, and adjustability are crucial for on-location work and achieving precise lighting effects.
  • The blog identifies top continuous lights for 2024, highlighting their features to help you choose the right equipment.

Top Picks for 2024 include:

  • Pixel K80 RGB Photography Light: Wide color temperature range, high CRI for vivid color reproduction.
  • Neewer FS150 LED Video Light: Reliable light output, suitable for various photography needs.
  • NEEWER FS150B LED Video Light: High-powered LED with adjustable settings.
  • NEEWER MS150B 130W Bi Color LED Video Light: Versatile bi-color lighting with tunable temperature.
  • GVM PD60B 60W Studio Lights: Compact design, great for studio setups.
  • NEEWER MS60B LED Video Light: Portable and powerful with good color accuracy.
  • Neewer 18″ LED Video Light Panel Kit: Ideal for videography with easy setup.
  • RALENO 80W LED Video Light: Consistent and bright illumination for professional shoots.

Choosing the right continuous light involves balancing these features based on your specific task and environment.

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Introduction

Continuous lighting plays a crucial role in photography, providing consistent illumination that helps photographers see exactly how light and shadows fall on the subject in real-time. Unlike flash, continuous lights stay on throughout the shoot, which can be particularly useful for beginners or for those working in dynamic environments. This type of lighting is commonly used in various photography genres, including product photography, food photography, and videography.

When choosing the best continuous lights for photography, there are several factors to consider. Key elements include the light’s color temperature and CRI (Color Rendering Index), which affect color accuracy. Portability and power source are also important, especially for photographers who work on-location. Additionally, the light’s adjustability, including dimming options and the ability to shape and control the light via modifiers, can be critical for achieving the desired results.

With numerous options available, it’s essential to identify which features align with your specific needs. Based on our extensive testing and research, we’ve identified the top continuous lights that meet a range of requirements and budgets.

Best Best Continuous Lights for Photography and Videography: Top Picks for 2024

1. Pixel K80 RGB Photography Light

Pixel K80 RGB Photography Light

The Pixel K80 RGB Photography Light is an excellent choice for versatile and portable studio lighting needs.

Pros
Wide range of color temperatures
Multiple special effects modes
Convenient remote control via app
Cons
Barn doors may not block light effectively
No remote included
Somewhat bulky package

The Pixel K80 RGB Photography Light is a powerful lighting solution, equipped with 552 SMD LED beads. Its wide color temperature range from 2600K to 10000K, coupled with a high CRI of 97+, ensures accurate and vivid color reproduction for your shoots. This makes it suitable for vlogging, portraits, weddings, and more.

What sets this light apart are the 9 special scene modes, including various lighting effects like SOS, TV Screen, and RGB Circles. These preset modes add versatility and creativity to your projects, allowing you to achieve different visual effects without extensive post-processing.

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With the addition of Bluetooth app control, you can adjust settings remotely, making it practical for solo creators or complex setups. The dual power supply option—either by AC adapter or battery—adds flexibility for different shooting environments. If portability and ease of use are priorities, this lighting kit is definitely worth considering.

2. Neewer FS150 LED Video Light

Neewer FS150 LED Video Light

This lighting solution offers powerful, versatile features for both professional and amateur photographers.

Pros
Exceptional brightness with 130W output
Accurate and diverse dimming options
Versatile Bowens mount for various light modifiers
Cons
Slightly heavy, requiring a sturdy stand
Lacks adjustable color temperature
Requires a separate V-mount battery for cordless use

The Neewer FS150 LED Video Light impresses with its 130W powerful output, making it suitable for various photography and video recording needs. Its compact design and 180° tilting stand allow for flexible positioning without much hassle.

Precision in brightness control is enhanced by PWM dimming technology, ensuring that users can fine-tune the light intensity to fit different scenarios. High CRI and TLCI ratings promise true-to-life color reproduction, making it an excellent choice for accurate color work.

The convenience of wireless control through the NEEWER app adds an extra layer of functionality. It supports group control for multiple lights, easing the complexity of managing several fixtures. While the product shines in many areas, its weight might necessitate a more robust light stand, and the lack of adjustable color temperature could be a limitation for some advanced users.

3. NEEWER FS150B LED Video Light

NEEWER FS150B LED Video Light

A great choice for photographers in need of powerful, versatile, and quiet continuous lighting.

Pros
High-quality COB LEDs for remarkable brightness
Adjustable color temperature and brightness levels
Silent cooling fan ensuring quiet operation
Cons
The power brick lacks a hanging hook
Android app connectivity issues
Higher price compared to some competitors

The NEEWER FS150B LED Video Light offers an impressive array of features for anyone in need of robust continuous lighting. Its 130W output and exceptional brightness make it ideal for various professional applications, from studio production to live streaming. The adjustable color temperature ranging from 2700K to 6500K allows for versatile lighting setups, ensuring excellent performance in different environments.

This light also shines (quite literally) in its precision dimming capabilities. With four types of dimming patterns and the ability to adjust brightness from 0 to 100%, it caters to specific lighting needs. Its high CRI and TLCI ratings guarantee accurate color reproduction, crucial for professional photography and video recording.

One significant advantage is the silent cooling fan that reduces heat without creating noise, ensuring a distraction-free shooting environment. Unfortunately, the power brick does not have a hook for hanging, which might inconvenience some users. On a similar note, users may experience occasional connectivity issues with the Android app, though it’s loaded with advanced control features.

Despite these minor drawbacks, the NEEWER FS150B stands out in its class. Its compatibility with various light shapers and dual power sources add to its appeal, making it a well-rounded choice for those seeking reliable and adjustable continuous lighting.

4. NEEWER MS150B 130W Bi Color LED Video Light

NEEWER MS150B 130W Bi Color LED Video Light

This light is a versatile and powerful tool for photographers and videographers looking for reliability and performance.

Pros
High CRI and TLCI for vivid color accuracy
Portable design makes it easy to transport
Wide dimming range for flexible use
Cons
Batteries must be purchased separately
Lower power output on battery mode
Not water-resistant

We find the NEEWER MS150B 130W Bi Color LED Video Light to be an excellent option for those who need a portable light that offers precise control over brightness and color temperature. The high color rendering index ensures your subjects look their best under this light.

One standout feature is the dimming range, allowing for fine-tuned adjustments down to 1% increments. This flexibility can be extremely helpful in various lighting conditions. Despite its compact size, it offers impressive illumination levels.

It’s important to note that while this light excels in many areas, the need to purchase batteries separately can be a minor inconvenience. Additionally, the power output drops when using battery mode, but this is a trade-off for portability.

In summary, the NEEWER MS150B is a solid choice for those in need of a reliable portable light with excellent color accuracy and versatile control.

5. GVM PD60B 60W Studio Lights

GVM PD60B 60W Studio Lights

A top pick for portable and flexible continuous lighting that suits various photography needs.

Pros
High color rendering (CRI 97+)
Adjustable brightness from 0% to 100%
Silent operation with intelligent temperature control
Cons
Relatively heavy at 5.22 pounds
Limited to a specific brightness range
Requires 1 Lithium-Ion battery

GVM PD60B 60W Studio Lights are designed for photographers who need a reliable, high-performance continuous light. The light offers an ultra-high color rendering index (CRI 97+), ensuring colors are accurate and vibrant. The adjustable brightness allows precise control over lighting conditions, making it versatile for different shooting environments.

Another strong point is its noise-free operation due to intelligent temperature control. This feature is particularly useful for video recording sessions where ambient noise can be a distraction. In addition, the metal aluminum alloy build ensures durability and portability, a significant advantage for outdoor shoots.

Despite its many advantages, the light’s weight might be a drawback for some users, especially those who have to carry it for extended periods. The brightness range is also somewhat limited, making it less flexible for specific lighting needs. Lastly, the requirement of a Lithium-Ion battery adds a layer of dependency on power availability.

This GVM model is a strong candidate for anyone in need of a versatile and reliable lighting solution. The blend of high-quality output and practical features makes it an excellent investment for both amateur and professional photographers.

6. NEEWER MS60B LED Video Light

NEEWER MS60B LED Video Light

An excellent choice for versatile lighting needs due to its compact size and powerful output.

Pros
Extremely portable and lightweight
High color accuracy with CRI 97+ and TLCI 98+
Versatile power options
Cons
Not as bright as some might expect
Batteries sold separately
Battery cannot be charged while in use

One notable aspect of the NEEWER MS60B LED Video Light is its compact and lightweight design. Weighing only 1.5 pounds, this light is easy to transport, making it ideal for both studio and outdoor shooting. Despite its small size, it boasts a 65W output and advanced PWM dimming technology, providing exceptional flexibility in lighting conditions.

The MS60B offers a high level of color fidelity, which is crucial for professional photography and videography. With a CRI of 97+ and TLCI of 98+, users can expect accurate color rendition in their shots. The color temperature range from 2700K to 6500K means this light can adapt to various lighting environments, enhancing the creative possibilities.

Additionally, the MS60B supports multiple power sources, including NP-F batteries and V-mount options, although these are sold separately. The ability to control the light via a dedicated app or through 2.4G wireless technology adds convenience, especially during dynamic shoots. This feature-rich light certainly caters to a wide array of needs, making it a solid investment for photographers and videographers alike.

7. Neewer 18″ LED Video Light Panel Kit

Neewer 18″ LED Video Light Panel Kit

This lighting kit is a versatile and economical solution for photographers seeking consistent and adjustable illumination.

Pros
Highly adjustable brightness and color temperature
Good quality build and lightweight design
Convenient remote control for ease of use
Cons
Light stands could be sturdier
Remote control durability is questionable
Batteries not included

The Neewer 18 offers exceptional value with its dual light setup, making it a great choice for both beginners and seasoned photographers. The ability to finely tune brightness and color temperature ensures that we can adapt to different lighting conditions efficiently.

The included remote adds a layer of convenience, allowing us to adjust settings without interrupting the shoot. The compact and lightweight design makes it easy for us to transport and set up in various locations.

However, the stability of the stands could be improved, especially on uneven surfaces. Additionally, while the remote control is handy, its build quality leaves something to be desired, as some users have reported issues with durability. The absence of included batteries necessitates an additional purchase to fully utilize the kit’s portability.

8. RALENO 80W LED Video Light

RALENO 80W LED Video Light

This versatile and powerful continuous light is a smart choice for photographers and videographers looking for reliable illumination.

Pros
High brightness with stable color temperature
Efficient cooling system to prevent overheating
Whisper-quiet operation under 50 decibels
Cons
Only single color temperature available
Brightness limited to 65% with battery use
Batteries are not included

The RALENO 80W LED Video Light stands out for its high brightness and constant color temperature, making it a valuable tool for video and photo projects. The CRI 95+ rating and fish-scale lampshade enhance the light quality, ensuring your subjects are well lit.

An efficient cooling fan keeps the light cool during extended use, preventing overheating and maintaining performance. Noise-sensitive projects will benefit from the light’s whisper-quiet operation, with noise levels kept below 50 decibels.

The Bowens mount increases versatility by allowing you to use various accessories like softboxes and umbrellas. Power flexibility is another plus, as the light can be used with either an AC adapter or NP-F series batteries, though the brightness is somewhat limited when using batteries, and they aren’t included in the pack.

Buying Guide

When selecting the best continuous lights for photography, we need to consider several key features.

Brightness and Adjustability: It’s important to choose a light with adequate brightness and adjustable settings. Look for products with high lumens for better lighting. Variable power output can help us control the intensity.

Color Temperature: We should look for lights with adjustable color temperature. This allows us to match the lighting to different environments. Typically, a range from 3200K to 5600K is ideal.

CRI Rating: Color Rendering Index (CRI) indicates the light’s ability to show colors accurately. A CRI of 90+ is recommended for photography to ensure true color reproduction.

Portability: Depending on our needs, we might need portable lights. Lightweight and compact designs with battery options are beneficial for on-location shoots.

Heat Emission: LED lights are preferred because they produce less heat. This makes them safer and more comfortable to use, especially in long sessions.

Build Quality and Durability: It’s essential to check the material and build quality. Robust construction ensures the light can withstand regular transport and use.

Mounting Options: Versatile mounting options can make our setup more flexible. Look for lights that can be mounted on stands, tripods, or cameras.

Here’s a quick reference table for essential features:

FeatureRecommended
BrightnessHigh lumens, variable power output
Color TemperatureAdjustable, 3200K to 5600K
CRI Rating90+
PortabilityLightweight, compact, battery-operated options
Heat EmissionLow (preferably LED)
Build QualityDurable materials
Mounting OptionsCompatible with stands, tripods, cameras

By focusing on these factors, we can make a well-informed decision.

By focusing on these features, we can find a product that best suits our needs.


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About the Author
Close-up portrait of Andreas De Rosi, founder of PhotoWorkout.com

Andreas, with a background in economics and marketing, heads PhotoWorkout's editorial team in Berlin. Starting his photography with film at 14, he's developed his craft through courses and hands-on experience, focusing on travel photography. Andreas blends academic and practical insights to shed light on the latest trends in photography. Connect with him on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

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