GVM SD300D Video Key Light REAL World Review

[@northcoaststudios]

I mentioned in a comment 10 months ago that I was looking at the SD300S (daylight only). I bought one and tested it for 2 hours at 100% before using it. During that test and all the uses since, it has been flawless. Its construction also has not been a problem. I am very happy with the light. I've been very pleased with the light for the money.

[@kirimagemedia]

this video deserves more views! thanks for a detailed real-life review. I appreciate your work! it might just push me over the line. thanks

[@glynnpowell7864]

Great video! It’s great to see light examples instead of just talking the whole time!

[@Featherlightstudio]

Thanks Glynn, I appreciate that.

[@ronaldmercado670]

One of the best light product reviews I have seen. Great info. Thanks!

[@northcoaststudios]

I am really considering getting the SD300S in 5600 only, but there's only a few reviews of it on KZbin, and not particularly well done at that. I really appreciate you demonstrating this light in a number of circumstances and lighting situations. This is what I value most in a review. You really help to understand what the light output is like. All my lights are Amaran brand, but it's time to step up to even brighter lights, and moving to Aputure 300 watt lights and greater is just not in my budget yet, thus my interest in the GVM light. What I've seen of GVM in the past has been questionable, and even now reviews on Amazon of the SD300S are hit and miss in satisfaction, but with more hit than miss. I am not a gambler but I believe I am going to roll the dice on the 5600 unit. Even if it gives me 3 years of service I would be satisfied for the price. By that time I will have made enough income on projects to replace them with Aputure lights. I am also not above purchasing used lights. I've purchased a lot of used equipment and have really extended my inventory that way.

[@Featherlightstudio]

I think that's really where budget lights like these have a purpose. If your considering used lights, these are a great alternative for similar cost that probably have newer, more usable features than older used gear. Durability wise, there are not going to compete with all metal body apertures but, I always treat my gear pretty well and the included bag makes that a lot easier to do.

[@northcoaststudios]

@@Featherlightstudio - My Amaran lights are all plastic, but not cheap plastic, but as you said, I too take care of them. If I used lights every day, professionally, then that would be something different. At that stage, I wouldn't be able to get away with my Equipment Hatchback either. 😉

[@Featherlightstudio]

@@northcoaststudios lol!!

[@northcoaststudios]

@@Featherlightstudio - My experience (though short lived) packing trailers for Yellow Freight has really helped me with fitting more equipment into my Focus Hatchback than Ford ever thought would fit in there. I marvel at it too. It's either that, or because I am too cheap to get an SUV or a truck. However, mine is a stick-shift, and it's a ball to drive. I enjoy it too much to get rid of it, even for more hauling capability.

[@TheCorbettMediaGroup]

Great review. Thanks for the detailed analysis!

[@untraditionalfilms]

Thanks for the great review!

[@danielbarbosa5474]

Great review, the best one about GVM SD300D !!

[@AlmegAfilms]

I have bought 2 of these lights. Plan on getting more as well as some other lights like the 600d light. Pleased to know, that this is a wise decision for an independent filmmakers needs. Thank you fit this video.

[@TheCorbettMediaGroup]

With the time that has passed, how is the light fairing now? Have your thoughts changed any. Again, thanks so much for your thoroughness!!!

[@Featherlightstudio]

There is definitely some stiff competition in the affordable high powered key light category, Aperture/Amaran for example but this light continues to be a daily tool and is still wicked powerful for its price.

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

I have this light for review - I am getting the exact same colour readings. 7300 is 5500K and 7400 on the light is about 5600K. But then weirdly, 7500 vaults the light into about 6500K

[@Featherlightstudio]

Yeah, Im hoping they release a firmware to change the LCD readout to be at least a little closer to 5600k. Its not to hard to workaround but it would be nice.