Do You Need Brighter Video Lights? Aputure 300D Mark II Review

Today we review the new Aputure 300D Mark II and talk about how much light you actually need and if you should get a brighter light for video/film work.
300D Mark II on Amazon (PAID LINK): geni.us/ak9DrH
300D Mark II on Aputure's Store: store.aputure....
300D Mark II on B&H: bhpho.to/2M5dtXJ
Other Lights/Gear Mentioned in this video:
Older 300D Mark I
Amazon (PAID LINK): geni.us/aputure...
B&H: www.bhphotovid...
Aputure 120D Mark 2
Amazon (PAID LINK): geni.us/RYxp
B&H: www.bhphotovid...
Aputure's Store: store.aputure.c...
Light Dome:
Amazon (PAID LINK): geni.us/Opparl
B&H: bhpho.to/2M7APfi
Aputure's Store: store.aputure....
MY MAIN CAMERA SETUP
Panasonic GH5s on Amazon (PAID LINK): geni.us/gh5s
Viltrox Speedbooster on Amazon (PAID LINK): geni.us/y2CORa
Sigma 18-35mm on Amazon (PAID LINK): geni.us/sigma18
Benro Tripod on Amazon (PAID LINK): geni.us/i2ZUCA
MY LIGHTING SETUP
Aputure 120D on Amazon (PAID LINK): geni.us/88Akm
Aputure Light Dome on Amazon (PAID LINK): geni.us/aputure...
Falcon Eyes 24TDX on Amazon (PAID LINK): geni.us/OdOb
Rolling Stand on Amazon (PAID LINK): geni.us/Jh97BK8
MY AUDIO SETUP
Deity Shotgun on Amazon (PAID LINK): geni.us/aputure...
Sound Devices MixPre-3 on Amazon (PAID LINK): geni.us/vHsiYi6
DISCLAIMERS:
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
This light was supplied to me from Aputure free of charge. This review and it's content was not reviewed or paid for by outside persons or manufacturers.

[@piso11studio47]

i really like the more wide field of view of the studio. your content delivery looks more dynamic

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Thanks! Definitely a first for me! Was never able to get shots like this in the old space.

[@Albanez39]

Agreed!

[@KyleAckerProductions]

You are always my go too for gear reviews especially lights. You break down all the details very clearly and cover more than just "it's bright, I like it."

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Thank you Kyle!

[@ThisIsTechToday]

Now that I have that big blanket working as a sound panel, I need to think about using it as a bounce!

[@dslrvideoshooter]

I've been bouncing with the blankets since I built them. My foam boards are left crying in the corner!

[@melankolikfilms]

“Eye flicker brain stuff.” Genius.

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Starting a new medical practice. Would you like to be my first patience? 😉

[@TristanBarrocks]

I love how you are able to touch on things in a way that make sense for creatives. I really want to get this light but I also need to sell the older version first. Great job and I love the blue orange look. The only thing I need to test is how this light looks on darker skin tones.

[@Visethelegend]

Tristan Barrocks how much would you sell it?

[@BasicFilmmaker]

As usual, great coverage. That studio has to be so FREEING compared to the old basement setup. Good move!

[@SpectreSoundStudios]

The new Aputure lights are utterly stellar!

[@jambononi]

'Eye flicker brain stuff...' I didn't know you studied medicine!?!

[@geraldundone]

👌😂

[@RavKan]

Ha! Video terminology for brains

[@DoubleOhEA]

Classic!

[@whichlens435]

Must have played video games long time ago, and remembered about kind of paranormal effects.

[@fjadermediaoy]

Hi! I love this new diagnose. My old "epileptic" diagnose was quite boring to be frank XD

[@DanCroitor]

The shots towards the end bouncing the 300D MII (with diffusion) look amazing and a good enough reason to consider it

[@EposVox]

I love my 120D, but dayum this is a nice upgrade

[@eskala1640]

Im really liking your style lately.i have been a sub since a lot of time but now looks just so crunchy your footage.You’re a game changer on quality my friend!

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Thank you Gabriel!

[@belalelgendy3712]

Very Interesting light and and thanks Caleb for this great tips for making our videos more brighter.

[@AmitTiwari]

Videos about lights are never enough! Great video!

[@samfatima1320]

I disagree with the notion that if I am going to use a soft box with the 300d Mark II, I’m better off getting the 120d mark II. I do headshots and need more power than the 120d mark II. While I won’t be using the 300d Mark II output fully in a soft box, it still much better and gives me more power to play with than the 120d mark II. BTW: I love all your videos and thank you for taking the time to test this awesome light!

[@rgsauve]

For tungsten use with the dome, get some CTO, cut it, form it, and tape it into a cone. Then you can just slip it over the unit so it slips between the outer edges of the front bulby part and the bowen mount. Easy and quick! Been doing this for a few years and works awesome.

[@rgsauve]

Photo of it here: m.imgur.com/a/2v541M4

[@John_Hughes]

Great comparison video! A heads up, I was watching this video and the new BMPC 6k video on my living room TV. The music was nice and loud. All other audio though was a bit low. I had to really turn it up when you spoke and then I was blown away when the ending music played.

[@MarcosElMalo2]

Yay! Grippage! One of the attractions of your videos is that you’ve moved beyond the soft box. I love it when you do simple grip set ups. I’m a big fan of the Ask the Gaffer channel (in fact, I worked for Alan a couple of times in the 90s and a bunch of times for his best boy). I’m willing to bet that, on your work outside of KZbin, you’re using a buttload more grip equipment. I think it would be cool if you did a video where you broke down a very complicated set up, showing what each flag, net, scrim, bounce, was doing. Toppers, siders, float a single net up to tone down highlight, just go nuts. You’ll help a lot of people get to the next level when they see how it’s done. As far as my opinion on 300 vs 120, bigger is usually better. You’re not going to get more light out of the 120, but you can cut down light from the 300. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience, and most of all, your calm presentation.

[@DogwoodMedia]

Dude your stuff is so good. Thank you for knowing what you're talking about and not being annoying.

[@CarloTimothy]

great video as usual. but I gotta say - I am LOVING the set. each week is a different look. I feel like you can really spread your wings now dude. dope

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Thank you Carlos! Means a lot man!

[@douglasperry1131]

Excited to potentially see the 300d MkII in my local rental shops as a less expensive option to ARRI lights.

[@BartJohnsonProd]

Fantastic video, Caleb! I am loving my 300d Mark II and can't wait to get it onto a shoot!

[@lyzrchllyhvd]

You should add a seizure warning before the flashing, like linus does - something like "seizure warning, it will be safe to look after the audible chime."

[@manmadewilderness]

Good one, Caleb. Especially like the ladder in the set. Every composition is improved by having one included.

[@Holtenstein]

As an owner of the 300D, I really like the improvements they've made on this light. The good news is you can buy used 300Ds for about $800 now and it's still a quite capable light. I might have to pick up the new one too. Its so great it works on the smaller V mount batteries. The high amperage ones that the original required are quite pricey and heavy. So much better that I can use smaller batteries and now its got an app and FX too. Very good.

[@vivianvaldi7871]

Hi there, for those who didn't catch it on KZbin or IBC 2019. Aputure LS-300x Bi-Color / Q1 2020

[@mikewinburn]

i've got an eye on it... a little disappointed in the output volume to be honest, though.

[@vivianvaldi7871]

@@mikewinburn Good quality, even better than the 300dII. Kind of universal 120d, ready for all terrorist attacks.

[@front_row_video]

The video review I've been waiting for!

[@tomdchi12]

There are good reasons that bigger, higher end productions use 8'x8' and larger book light setups regularly - and when you are 1) bouncing (potentially off unbleached muslin for warming), then 2) running that through diffusion for super softness and 3) lighting up more than head and shoulders - potentially 2 people, you need a lot of output - often even more than the 300d MkII can put out (one or more 800w HMIs - I've heard the 300dII compared with a 575w HMI.) For the price difference, saving a bit more and going with the 300dII vs the 120dII makes sense unless you are only doing tighter shots of one person (ie a lot of KZbin content.)

[@sunsetchasers581]

I’ve had the 300d mk I for a while, and love it. Definitely want to get a mkii, and am really really looking forward to the new 600 watt fixture they just announced. The 600d should let me start using bounce light for key light on location, and having two other 300d’s to balance it out will really let me do some nicer setups against ambient daylight in the room

[@Romafedorov]

Almost at 400k! Congrats! Thank you for all your informative videos, i learned so much from you!

[@geraldundone]

First?

[@dslrvideoshooter]

🔥🥇🏆🥇🔥

[@Albanez39]

There must be a reason why my two favourite camera and filmmaking KZbinrs are friends... Keep up the great work and I wish you both the best!!! :)

[@mitchdoll1254]

@@dslrvideoshooter Either of you looking at reviewing Nanlite's Forza line-up?

[@HiveBoxx]

If you are just starting out and want to invest in some nice gear, would you choose a gold-mount or v-mount? Also, for versatility, would you go with a 300D Mark 2 or 300X?

[@tysonfdigital]

Hitting like after hearing the intro alone. You sir, are the man.

[@MaxHuisman]

What I think is interesting about this light is shooting it through a window and lighting the interior of a home, in a way that it looks like sunlight. To replace the famous Arri HMI fixtures (like the M18). But I don't think it's powerful enough..

[@NolanGunn]

My little aputure almw has the same effects! It's been a really great little light for me 👍

[@davidalanmedia]

Super helpful, I've been debating purchasing either of these and bouncing a more powerful light makes sense to me.

[@rphysamstill]

i used 120D II but when i watch this i think im gonna sell my 120D II and prepare for 300D II. thanks for sharing

[@MuhammadAli-bs3pn]

Absolutely loved the video! Everything was explained so well. I was looking to buy this light and this video was a great help in giving me a detailed analysis of the practical aspects and application of the light.

[@Babsdoproductions]

I’ve had my eye on the 300D as an option for a while and I saw the unveiling of the Mark II at NAB, this is definitely the LED light to beat for big light jobs. I would say that you wouldn’t be too far left behind if you already have the Mark I though, sometimes you need big light no matter how you get it. If you haven’t checked them out, Rotolight fixtures are really nice for a lot of things and would be a perfect companion to the 300D Mark II with all the FX presets.

[@simonelewis8276]

0:46 ambient light setup 8:47 take advantage of light output

[@Gmakamian]

hey Caleb, I just ordered this light for my girl's cooking youtube channel and we are both really excited! We were thinking to save some money and get the 120d, but we thought to buy one light that can do everything and since we have a fairly large kitchen we got this. Can't wait to get this baby!

[@shriramrabinthiran7487]

How's the light been? Any updates?

[@Gmakamian]

@@shriramrabinthiran7487 so far pretty amazing. Haven't had any issues, and the light fills up the whole room. I'm glad I went with this instead of the 120d as I think it wouldn't be enough. I have the light usually at 80% power.

[@shriramrabinthiran7487]

@@Gmakamian wow awesome. I'm on this fence at the moment. Should I get the 120d ii or step up to the 300d ii so that I have the versatility of a more powerful light when I need it. Your point is swaying me towards the 300!

[@Gmakamian]

@@shriramrabinthiran7487 Imo I would get the 300d as a first light as it will give you more room for different kind of jobs and more power. The price difference isn't that big. If you know that you will use the light only in a small room then get the 120d, but for me the 300d is more future proof for just a bit more money :)

[@Gmakamian]

@@shriramrabinthiran7487 also, here's a funny story! Me and my girl did our engagement party at our house, and instead of buying lights, we just used the 300d to bounce light off of a wall and it filled the whole garden with beautiful light!

[@techable7524]

Loving the retro look!

[@robertfeliciano5723]

For now, I'd rather have more power than bi-color. Those that need bi-color can gel, it isn't hard. Eventually all of these will be full RGB, so it won't matter.

[@RayValdezPhotography]

how do u gel this?

[@robertfeliciano5723]

@@RayValdezPhotography Depends on your diffuser. You can simply binder clip the sheet to the reflector, but the 300D II might get too hot at max power. With barn doors, there's usually a gel holder frame that slides in. With a softbox, you make a cone with the sheet, use a paper clip or staple to hold the cone shape and pinch it under the speedring. Much easier that gelling the entire front of the softbox.

[@anhquansei]

I dont think RGB led would match the power of this light in near future but yeah gel it guy. It is much easier to gel a daylight light than tungsten.

[@robertfeliciano5723]

@@anhquansei The Arri SkyPanel 60C is already brighter, it's been out over a year. The problem is that it costs 5x as much.

[@mikewinburn]

They've put a RGB light just recently. I do hope future will find RGB lights in this form factor (versus panel), AND be able to output this amount of power. I would be in heaven, then :)

[@curtishalladay]

Such a put together and methodical speaker. Then you say « eye flicker brain stuff » 😂

[@theTechNotice]

I bet soon they'll release bicolour versions of the 120d and 300d. I guess they'll be called 120DT?

[@highks496]

I don't think so. Bi-color is really hard in a single-source light like this. All bi-color lights that I know use two different types of LEDs in a mix, or the newer and fancier ones even have additional rgb LEDs mixed in there. In a single-source like this where would you pack multiple LEDs? It's just one big LED in the middle, and a single LED cannot change its color temperature.

[@PeterYacono]

Foot candles is my jam.

[@Athenascars]

Thank you for sharing! I now realized I’ve been doing it slightly wrong!

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Using a soft box isn't wrong at all! Just not the best way to light a wider shot with a powerful light. Mainly was trying to show how you could put the light to work at 100% and get better results with larger setups.

[@vudo2555]

I have a small studio where I need to light 2 people at a standing counter/desk (news room type format) - space is approx. 10’ left to right. Would you recommend one 300d II or two 120d II lights for lighting this scenario considering light budget would max on the 2 light setup? Thanks much in advance if you can help with this decision. Funny how every single video I have watched on KZbin of this caliber on talent lighting only shows single person talent....would love to see a video on lighting the scenario I described above. Your info and videos are absolutely appreciated and amazingly helpful - thank you for all you do!

[@larcomstopher]

Not sure of the how the room is laid out or camera placement, but lanterns can be helpful for 2 person setups. One light, lantern softbox.

[@TechReflex]

Waiting for your video on Blackmagic’s new 6K Pocket camera.

[@scribe2006]

Everyone is always talking about Aputure 120 and the 300 but have you head of or looked at any of Intelley Tech Lights Intellytech Light Cannon Kit, Includes F-165 Bi-Color Portable High Output 165W 5" LED Fresnel with DMX, Four-Leaf Metal Barndoors, Silver/Black

[@olakunlesmith1092]

Wonderfully detailed video as usual. Please, when are we going to see a review of the Z Cam E2 from you? I will really like a review of that camera in your usual detailed manner. Thanks.

[@faithcommunitychurch3712]

You mentioned wishing Apurture would get into the bicolor "game." What are the best lights you would recommend for a powerful bicolor setup?

[@boshxc]

awesome as always!

[@XavierPil]

You’re the best reviewer ever!

[@VideoBakery]

Thank you for being so accommodating of my eye-flicker-brain-stuff condition.

[@diyweights3692]

This beast is 36 thousand lumens. Makes sense. Love the reflection off the ceiling tip with this much light you definitely gotta use it differently than a regular light source. Also love the "character" of this sort of ceiling-reflected lighting, I find it to be very intriguing and unique. What about double umbrellas as big as 60 inches how would that look like.

[@diyweights3692]

Also what about competing with sunlight in an outdoor environment with this much light output that might result in a very unusual shoots as well.

[@hoodaffairstv]

Definitely needs to come in bicolor

[@godboy159]

Thanks I have a 120d mII and have been looking into getting more lights and recently settled on going with 2 more 120d mkII lights thinking I won't need the extra power. After watching this video I'll be going with 2 300d mk II since I tend to love bouncing light combined with diffusion a lot and it never really struck me how much better it can be with more power. Makes sense. How are these lights plugged into standard American household outlets? 15amp? I have multiple dedicated 20amp outlets at the studio but you never know where you'll find yourself shooting. Thanks again!

[@mikewinburn]

The cord termination is standard 3 prong grounded. Its a separate cord. So if you have a convert/adapter btwn you 20 A wall plug and a 15A power cord - you should be fine.

[@itchywow]

Great review - thanks for taking the time

[@innercynic2784]

A drop in gel holder would be better... get the benefit of tungsten with the higher output but the simplicity of changing out gel "slides"

[@MojoPapiFPV]

Would be really helpful to add what your camera settings are at full power bouncing off ceiling and through diffusion and the various shots. ISO800 f/2.8 1/50s? etc

[@GlenReed]

👉🏻 Have you considered any of the Godox lights? I currently use the Godox sl-60w and for the price it’s hard to beat.

[@dslrvideoshooter]

I've got the 100w and its a great starter!

[@GlenReed]

DSLR Video Shooter Godox is definitely far from Aputure quality, that C300D looks like it’s built like a tank. You totally get what you pay for. But for now I will stick with my starter lights till I can up my lighting game 😉.

[@alanychung]

I have the godox sl60w and it's only -.1 stop darker than the original 120d. Which isn't too much in my opinion. The light I bought for $100 and people are always shocked at the price and output. Only thing that sucks is no portable battery power and kind of noisy fan. I sometimes choose the sl60w over the 120d because it only requires one cable to power up the light ahaha

[@MrAlwaysOnTen]

Anybody knows the diffusion and rolling stands he used in this video?

[@BigBlobProductions]

Please take a look at the Zuma LED60 studio lights. They are incredible bang-for-buck single chip LED studio lights.

[@christopherpurple4603]

Will Caleb give any recommendation on the Godox SL-60W/100W ? Compared to the Aputure lights.

[@lewisfilms]

Would love to hear your take on the Clar illumi max 120/300 lights from Adorama.

[@aybee5908]

Good review. Would be to compare it with the genaray ak-230, which is almost half the price.

[@juandiosdado]

Great review as usual Caleb! Could you please try to do a comparison with the new K5600 300 bicolor LED?

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Joker lights aside, I've yet to try their stuff!

[@HopeProphecy]

Great review! Newbie question: what would be the benefit of having bi-color on a key light? Could a similar benefit be gained by using gels?

[@Nagrooven]

It would allow you to use it on more circumstances whether it’s outside or inside and also allow you to make more controlled changes to the subject in its environment. If you use a... say 3200K light on a subject, yet the surroundings are lit by a 5500K lights, white balancing to the subject (3200K) would make the surroundings seem bluer. This could help with the teal & orange style in some situations. You could also vice versa and make the surroundings warmer than the subject. You could just use gels, but bicolor is there for convenience.

[@HopeProphecy]

@@Nagrooven makes sense. Thanks man!

[@saintkelley99]

Is it possible to buy just the original standard reflector to put on the 300 ii? If so, do you have an idea of where? I can't find it on b&h.

[@BrandonLuckain]

Pretty sure you can use any regular 7" Bowens reflector

[@arianadiego3709]

great video, very helpful to me...deciding between an 8c kit or a 300 mk II; leaning toward the 300 right now... I think I'd rather have a bright light and gel it than a dimmer bi-color light, personally...😃

[@LightIsBeautyPhoto]

This is a near perfect review. Only wish someone would throw a light meter up at the std ISO 800 and 1/60s so we can see what the f/X is at max power. Lux and Lumens don't really translate as well as a f/t stop at a fixed distance.

[@RallenMan]

Good review. Great sound.

[@mikewinburn]

i was excited about the sidas link - until i found you had to log-in in order to use the app. I found it disconcerting that the only apps that require me to log-in are those that need access to your personal information (like financial apps or service providers.) i hope they update this in the future so i can use the app without having to give sidas access to my personal information to use it. (For example, if i want to control my Pre/Pro from my phone, i just click on the app, which only needs to connect to my network; no need for me to set up and share my information with Marantz to use the app.) Otherwise, i'm loving my 300dII about to pick up a second one in a couple weeks.

[@AlexKeller1]

What is that homemade barn door thing at 9:30?

[@KrisVandeSande]

Alex Keller it’s called Blackwrap

[@Lauryyno]

It would be amazing if you could review godox sl lamps like you do with these aputure ones. Does anyone know how strong of magenta shift does godox sl lamps have?

[@michaelwmccoy]

Great review!

[@eleanorgoldsmith7027]

Great review. Just bought two of them! Wondering which batteries to buy...any suggestions?

[@edmundology6304]

For the tungsten balanced issue, I’ll be using a Mole-Richardson 407 👍🏻

[@pablomarin1746]

Great review, but how about the photometrics at 3ft with the lightdome II ????????

[@MelkonEsso]

Aputure heard your wishes and launched the 300X.

[@TheAndrewforbes88]

Caleb, weird question, but what shoes are those. They look fresh but comfortable.

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Ecco shoes. My knees and back are trash and after using Ecco shoes I'm totally good to go! Expensive, but they last much longer and feel like I have a titanium foundation. So great.

[@TheAndrewforbes88]

@@dslrvideoshooter I also have bad knees and back. I'll check them out!

[@danielISTPhoto]

hello, could you do a review of the jinbei lights and a comparison with aputure, it would be very interesting to see the versatility of both brands

[@Alonnnz]

Just in time, I was deciding about buying this or the 120D MII. Opinions?

[@dslrvideoshooter]

I Talk about it in the video :-) in short, 120D unless you need the extra house power from time to time.

[@elcasanelles5806]

that extra juice that allows you to bounce it.....

[@Alonnnz]

@@dslrvideoshooter Was too soon and enthousiast with my comment, thanks haha :) Good video once again! Looking forward to the videos you make

[@anhquansei]

What he did not mention was the battery. Consider in the cost of battery too. You need high power battery to even run 120dii at 100%. Depend onyour work, do you have to contest with daylight often or not? Do you work in a studio or on location? How big is your studio....

[@photogenic2010]

Good review, well made product. could you do a review with alternative brands please, with best umbrellas that open up like an umbrella (that don't require building a tent) :-)

[@kurtismoss6390]

Ironically just watched this for the first time today... @dslrvideoshooter, Aputure is releasing the bi-color "300x" as we speak! Check it out!

[@primo8825]

incoming 120d mark III bi-color or perhaps even RGB

[@TommyCallaway]

.... I love lamp :)

[@sergthemane]

I currently don’t have any lights except an LED Panel by Aputure. I forget which one. But I want to invest into a light soon especially because I want to start doing more cinematic filming and have a hard time shooting indoors because my cameras lowlight isn’t the best. You think this would be a better bet over the 120D?

[@RonaldReidJr]

Yes

[@TheCameraPro]

What's that giant diffuser in all of the shots?!?!

[@robertjordon5782]

You got some good ideas

[@elcasanelles5806]

simply, thanks!

[@Ranger7Studios]

So, with the single battery setup, does the unit limit your output, thus making it like a 120d, or do you you have to adjust the power level and set it appropriately? The latter would probably burn through the battery quicker if there is no limiter function in place.

[@CoreyMorrison]

Do some hard lighting examples or ext night tests, soft light is too common of a setup. For the price of that 300D MKII, you can instead buy over TWENTY FIVE 2ft 5600k Quasars units and light that entire building with soft light.

[@anlagrdr5229]

This light promoted as fanless heat sink design. But it still has fan?

[@Praxiszooms]

so Apurture had listened :D

[@Milestonesoflove]

Is anyone using these for weddings? Seems like a great use for it.

[@franklinmichael671]

Do you get both reflectors with the light? Also, not being bicolor is the main reason I haven't bought one

[@Vervoult]

Hi What is the weight of a controller and head without any modifier? Nowhere can find this information.

[@JuanTheBone]

How the hell is it that you tend to put out a video on a topic I am always currently struggling with?

[@PRAISEGODMEDIA]

Is there a light that isn't $700 or more? I do want a light with parabolic soft box to use above individuals for interviews.