My Favorite LED Panel lights ..cheap, small & lightweight for video, vlogs photography, zoom calls

I LOVE flat panel LED lights! They are so lightweight, portable, simple, easy to use, great for travel, storage, and FUN. I like flat panel LED lights more that COB LED lights for video, vlogging, photography and camera work, especially when traveling light. Lightweight, simple, cheap and easy are important. These flat panel LED lights run for a long time on basic NP batteries from 1 to 3 hours full power. Most are bicolor and some are even RGB LED lights. Great for fast product photography shots or run and gun video interviews or on-camera lights, these are cheap and bright. Great for low light and night shooting, even in shade during the day, these LED panel video lights are a joy as on camera lighting. Be sure to see my previous video showing 50 portable on-camera lights • FIFTY small Video Ligh...
Of course the Zhiyun X100 and Yidoblo ZC-100 bi are great bright lights, but I like flat panels more because they are flatter, easier and more fun to use.
Here are my most favorite flat panel LED lights for video, vlogging and photography camera work and fun
Yongnuo YN600L amzn.to/44mltZL
Neewer PT-176S amzn.to/3y4pC8t
Yongnuo YN300 III silver barn doors amzn.to/3UCKZGT
Viltrox VL-200T amzn.to/4bcuUgC
Vidpro LED-330 amzn.to/3QQ7ea9
Vidpro LED-530 amzn.to/3V5qRxj
Genaray BL-5X7-RGB amzn.to/3wP5pmT
Neewer NL 288A RC amzn.to/3UlvIZB
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[@moderndiscourse]

Who needs the sun when you have Marcus?

[@DallArtOrigins]

Marvellous point 😂

[@charlesteton]

😭😭😭

[@a20010494]

the reflection of his hair exceeds my needs lol

[@agentbey]

You illuminated my knowledgebase with these lights. Awesome. Thanks always.

[@Papparratzi]

Why do I like this channel? Well I think Markus surrounded by all that equipment like a kid in playing with toys in his room explains it. 😂 Seriously, it’s because it confirms that he’s a thinker, not a follow the “ rules “ guy. A thinker chooses the best practical way to accomplish the task. As a real estate photographer, I know there’s the right way, and the best way to create a great shot. I keep in mind that I’m not shooting to capture an image that photographers will be wowed by, im shooting to capture the attention of a perspective buyer. There’s an old saying in construction that applies to “ some “ photography. Looks great if ya can’t see it from my house. So for the traveling photographer, you can often ditch bringing your studio and still get great results. Markus proves this time and time again.

[@chargv]

Just comming to say how cool it is to see the good energy you and Cara have! I wish you guys all the best!

[@agentbey]

Super informative!

[@jasonzdora]

Such an open and honest channel. Love your work, Markus!

[@silverlightphotoco]

Love it! And I thought I was the only person who didn’t like COB lights…I have 2 Raleno panels (1 large, 1 medium) and I put them in the laptop and tablet slots in my laptop backpack, and they fit great. Thank you so much for MAKING SENSE instead of copying others!!!

[@chrissymc1985]

Great tips, thank you!

[@katemaleny]

After wasting hours searching through reviews for a lightweight, affordable lighting set-up this honest and thorough video really opened my eyes to how biased some KZbinrs are, I was about to waste a ton of money on rubbish products! Thanks for saving me a ton of money and a ton of weight in my bag!

[@FireTheGuy]

Free diffuser material that I use ... find a Plasma Screen TV on the curb for trash. Remove the front screen panel and there will be a full size sheet of a diffuser material in that TV. Cut it to size and either tape it on your light or place it under the frame in front of the light. I have used it on every light I have (just about). It really works well and you can always double up and diffuse more. MarkusPix ... surely you will find ways to treat it and/or paint it or something. I can send you a chunk to try out if you have an address to share ... your neighborhood probably doesn't have the same bulk garbage nights like my neighborhood I look for these curb side TVs for that material. Just know ... the material is tough/strong and works really well, it is free and worth salvaging ... at least for me. Thanks MarkusPix! 👍

[@MichaelWTurner]

I've owned 2 yn300 iii(s) for 6 or 7 years. They've been with me to numerous weddings, commercial shoots and I've shot most of my youtube content with them. I love them for all the reasons you mentioned, plus they come with a wireless remote, which is super useful on wedding shoots.

[@AVION360]

I have been following Markus and his lovely wife Cara's channel for a while now. They make an awesome team together even with the "GAS" syndrome he suffers. (Gadget Acquisition Syndrome). He has a wealth of experience, humble and makes honest recommendations. He have an entire range of video production cameras and accessories all the way from the ultra expensive to the affordable range. But he truly understands the average beginner content creator's financial limitations and recommends what we need. Keep it up Markus - Greetings from Singapore.

[@gabrielmease1169]

You are like a kid showing off his Lego collection. I love it. Good job living your best life Markus!

[@johnsaucerhunter]

Always enjoy your enthusiasm Mr. Markus. I can have a rough day and after watching one of your video's my day seems to glide smoother.

[@georgehenry3384]

Markus you make our days brighter! Love your passion!

[@MarkusPix]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3KrXqOYqLNkjtk

[@kennethnielsen3864]

Thanks for sharing.

[@alphaskwurl]

So frustrating, KZbin isn't giving me hit notifications again. Glad I realized it, because I've been wondering your opinion on LED panels!

[@MarkusPix]

Just check every Sunday and Wednesday mornings

[@briandipierro8865]

I've bought a couple of those panels with the diffusion. I've had several of 'em come just broken. I ended up getting one of those Neewer flapjack lights and even on 1% it's to strong for my basement but it lasts forever with my little NPF 550 on it.

[@gregelgie]

I thought I was the only one with a lot of these panels. I love their portability! Thanks for sharing, Markus.

[@TungstenOvergaard]

This video is a service for all users. Love it. Love Markus.

[@chainsov]

Thanks for including the Neewer NL 288. It looks like a really appealing option for a desktop light, as big and probably as soft as an Elgato Key Light, but with proper controls, a remote and versatility to use it with batteries.

[@gordon3988]

Ok, I know it was simple audio adds, but I loved the audience noise, the crash etc. Energetic and creative Video…fun!

[@nicksavage4763]

Glad You Test all these So I dont have to and Maybe find I got tricked into products that dont Measure up ✅

[@rewind2play]

love your child on Christmas day enthusiasm... very entertaining and entertaining

[@MarkusPix]

😊

[@1imanni1]

My new favourite KZbin channel!

[@stealthman448]

Nice video! You're a good dude.

[@SoloTraceur]

I had a case of 6x Yongnuo YN300 lights, unfortunately they were stolen :( great lights, loved them and used them all the time. Work horses. Need to get some more.....

[@ShaggyMummy]

Ive got a 3 pack of those Viltrox Panels, But that RGB one caught my eye!

[@rogergelik5078]

Informative. Who doesn't like a big light in a small package?

[@wakuyanow]

Markus, your energy is great! Could you teach us how you would light a two person on camera interview and the lightest equipment you would use? I walk and must carry everything including camera, lights, and stands in my backpack. Thank you. EDIT: Assume no light from a window.

[@FabiokiOjedaBuitrago]

Very useful info. I have panels and COB led lights and the panels are true workhorses.

[@akyerit]

How do you like the tube lights? They offer them in all different sizes at all different prices. 6 inch, 12 inch, 4 foot, etc etc. I love having a few 12 inch pavotubes. Theyre rgb, internal battery that can be charged while using them, and they put out a good amount of well diffused light. Plus they fit in any bag and theyre magnetic. Neewer has some, and other companies that can get very fancy and more expensive. I ended up finding a colbor 100 watt bi color cob light for like 120 on sale at B&H that i ended up pairing with a super foldable 24 inch softbox with grid, and im amazed at how versatile, while still remaining extremely portable the entire setup is. it all compacts into an extremely small package. And can light up any situation, plus the grid gives me tons of control while the softbox (Godox) gives me plenty of beautiful/professional looking light

[@MarkusPix]

I have 4 Pavo tubes but never use them for some reason kzbin.info/www/bejne/b4HEY5-NmamCqtE Is this the Colbor you are talking about kzbin.info/www/bejne/fIbapZmsdqqLiqs The 100 is no brighter than the 60 (!) for some reason so I returned it

[@akyerit]

@@MarkusPix Huh interesting.. I have found the small tube lights incredibly handy and portable for so many occasions (including actual everyday lighting, like for a flashlight lol). The Colbor I got was the cl100x. Super powerful bicolor light that is also super portable. It does have some downsides and is far from ideal or perfect. I hate the clamp that it uses to attach to a lightstand or what have you. Mine is so janky, it doesnt even hold it in any other position but perfectly upright/horizontal. But i managed a weird macguyver sort of way to attach it to the godox softbox adapter that ends up making it an incredibly useful and versatile bit of lighting kit. Happily surprised. Inalso haven't figured out a great way to keep a battery pack attached like so many of your lights that you have shown, nut I'm sure there is a way lol

[@digialityproductions793]

Thank you

[@ragericardo]

Perfect timing! I was searching for portable lights, and... you save the day... Again! Thanks!

[@wEBMedPL]

I got a super good catch on Neewer RGB 176S - difference is they contain extra set of RGB lights and run on 8W instead of 11W. A set with NP-F550 battery, charger, mounting head and transport box is... 25 USD$! Did I remember to mention it HAS bluetooth and full RGB? Can also connect them together (grouping) and control 2/3/4 together at the same time with a phone. A better version of your favourite lights! Got two so far, considering another two, haha. AWESOME LIGHTS i got thanks to you. I am traveling to Gdansk in two days to make some videos there - I will be using just the two of them (normal lights I use weigh too much thus I leave them behind) i'll see how they do! Cheers and awesome video as always Markus! BTW - sidenote - i install them with crab mounts directly on tripod - cuts down on weight further, but I prefer two bigger panels with lightstands for overhead lighting together with these two smaller ones from below to give complete light (and sunlight from behind for hair-light).

[@_HMCB_]

Great video. This is the best channel I watch. It’s enjoyable to tune in and you learn too.

[@chainsov]

I tested the YN300III and YN600 air and I would never describe them as softboxey. The light just was not very pleasing, it was like having 100harsh shadows on every pore and blemish. Returned the 600 air and stuck the 300 inside a 60x60 softbox. The softness and remote makes it the best streaming light for me. The only downside is that a softbox collects a lot of dust.

[@DH-kx7ej]

Hallo Markus, ich mag Licht/"Lights" auch mehr als Kameras und Objektive. Deshalb heissen wir ja auch Photo-Graphen. Grüße aus Deutschland, Thomas

[@DanielScottFilms]

I love this channel so much! Thanks for showing us your toys!

[@jennygarcia5227]

Love you Markus you are so cool thanks for all the awesome videos I love minimal/compact gear and you have the best advice on this topic! Thanks for your enthusiasm as well! You light up our days with your content! ☀😎☀

[@alexcostafotografia]

I have two of those YN600 use the on my desk with square foldable softboxes... I like them... bought than second hand unfortunately they came without the remote and you just cant find it to buy. But they are good lights... I would buy two more if I find it at a good price

[@EmoEmu]

Fun video! Thanks for sharing.

[@akhyarrayhka4048]

im gonna binge all of the markus light video to prepare what to buy on my plan to go to korea

[@KeatonWard]

Markus, it’d be wild if you someday came out with your own light. It’d be smart for one of the manufacturers to get your direct feedback during the development process.

[@MileyonDisney]

Illuminating!

[@rachelcookswithlove]

Can you tell me which camera you would recommend for me, I do cooking videos in my kitchen and want to start doing outdoor kitchen too. My husband wants the easiest simple camera possible since I usually just stand in place. You have been so much help, and we have been watching your videos alot. Thank you.

[@MarkusPix]

Maybe this little camcorder? kzbin.info/www/bejne/jF7GqKKsnruff8k

[@Pine4205]

I like these lights. Thank you.

[@ModMax69]

Markus = Benjamin Buttons. I wanna be a rich 15 year old genius artist too! We love you and Cara, Markus!!! Still waiting for a director commentary on your film please :)

[@BoozeandChill]

I too like simplicity. Just wish I had some of those

[@frankluo230]

I like Neewer 176s too but always wonder about the extra powerful ones. The Lupo smartpanel 700, the Comer Radiant 360, etc.

[@MarkusPix]

I have three Lupo Super panel 1000's and featured them years ago in a battery powered LED video they are super bright but bulky and weigh a lot

[@sglivetv]

Loving all your lighting reviews! Please do a tube light one too!

[@elgenioronda7336]

Can you please show us a photo of each light at 100% and same temperature taken with the same camera settings? to really see the power of the LEDs

[@goodshepard00]

Thank you for the great info!

[@BigMichaelR1]

Thanks again Markus!!

[@fistfulloflenses]

great thanks, just what im looking for

[@rob19632]

Lumens is the important measurement for light output .watts is just power consumption.

[@MarkusPix]

Correct, which is why I use light meter readings. I don't trust lumen specs the products say in their ads

[@ronbdallas]

Great informational video.

[@MMACoach79]

Love your videos. Learned so much and you inspired me to do my own DIY solutions. Questions: 1. What LED light would you recommend for a studio podcast setup? I'm thinking two YN600 lights (mark 1 or 2), but not bi-color so I can get double the daylight diodes. One light for me and one for the guest. 2. What small light for online podcast? In both cases, lights need to be plugged into the electrical socket as I don't want to deal with batteries. Btw, I've been using YN300 III with the big battery for years and that has been the only light on my channel.

[@MarkusPix]

Yes the 600s are awesome

[@MMACoach79]

@@MarkusPix Thank you.

[@tptrsn]

Thanks for this information Markus!

[@dukecha]

Incredible information!

[@fiveable]

Seems like someone could make cob(spelling?) light reflectors that collapse like telescoping camping cups. Downside would be more to fiddle with like barn doors.

[@DariusOutdoors]

Watching your videos is so enlightening! (hrhr)

[@Armbrust210]

Hey Markus, i'd left a similar comment on a previous video, but I still wonder wether you've checked out the Samsung NX300. After i saw your videos on the NX500 i wanted to get one and while researching came across people discussing the colorscience and perceived resolution of the NX300 beeing superior to the NX500. I've also seen sample pictures that make me think there might be some truth to that. Thought you might want to check that out. Especially as the NX300 usually goes for way cheaper then the 500 and with the Mini rising in price, i could see it beeing a cool budget option

[@MarkusPix]

No I haven't.

[@patrickcadette]

Ohhhh nice... 😁😁😁👍👍👍❤️❤️❤️

[@tlukasiewicz6433]

When does the MarkusPix led light come out? I'm buying six of them! Time for another give-away?

[@johncarambat4762]

Hey bud post some of your recent commercial production work

[@davegoldsmith2588]

Really enjoy your videos. Thanks

[@sbcinema]

I found something you might like, a mini COB light that is so small that it fits in your pocket. Depending on where you buy it, it only costs $2. It is called “4in1 usb magnetic mini cob light” and it can even be screwed onto a tripod.

[@diana-davis333]

I'm new to your channel, and I love the helpful information you share with everyone. I have two of the Neewer Arc 288 for home video recording. I either stand or sit at my desk. I'm still finding the lighting situation very challenging. I still have lots of hot spots on my face and under the chin shadowing. I don't know how to correct this. I'm in a very small office space with no windows. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Maybe positioning another smaller light below or a foil cover on my desk? I'm 63 yrs young and want to look my best.

[@MarkusPix]

Hot spots often happen when the light is too much in front of you. Put them off more at 45 degrees. Yes some lights below help with under chin shadows. I have many lighting tutorials on this channel like this one kzbin.info/www/bejne/hnOboJuMbJuNipo

[@diana-davis333]

@@MarkusPix Thank you, I’ll check it out!!!

[@jimpurcell]

Thank you very much for the info!

[@MarkusPix]

My pleasure!

[@AMarie_USA]

that is a literal vault of equipment wow

[@MarkusPix]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/h6CmnZuua7Z6aqM

[@sushi_donut]

Are there panels with a built in battery? Could be a cool idea if there was just a large/flat panel with a rechargeable power source built in!

[@MarkusPix]

These have built in batteries but they are not very bright kzbin.info/www/bejne/hIe8dKGne86kmqM You don't want built in batteries because they can run out of power halfway through your video and then what? You have to recharge them, whereas on other panels, you just swap the battery and continue

[@sushi_donut]

@@MarkusPix the king replied!! 😭😭👑 thanks Markus, good point!

[@soreeyez]

The downside of having built-in 🔋 is it's lifespan. Such LED lamps lasts only as long as the 🔋. Once the 🔋 bloats, it's only a matter of time before it ends up in the bin. That's what happened to several of mine. ☹️

[@wswess3998]

but leds with reflector are like 6 times brighter .-. because of that its more compect than any panel led

[@DoughboyGod]

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@PeppePascale_]

thanks Markus

[@JoshuaBelanger]

Great video and thanks for your insights! Would I be wrong to assume you prefer these to the Molus G60? I ask because I own two and don't find them as practical as I thought I would.

[@MarkusPix]

Zhiyun lights put out a good amount of light but I dont like the awkward Molus batteries. Plus, flat panels are like little softboxes

[@JoshuaBelanger]

@@MarkusPix Right! Then after you add adaptor for bigger soft box the small size doesn't matter anymore.

[@MarkusPix]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/q3PHdauKrLmEh9k

[@jerazi3936]

Thank you for this intensive overview of LED light sources! BTW: Do you have any thoughts on the lightweight Panasonic S9 (I suspect it unfortunately lacks a viewfinder)?

[@MarkusPix]

No viewfinder, no hotshoe (no flash photography), short video time limit, no mechanical shutter. Its a great looking little camera but takes big heavy lenses !? I'm sticking with MFT

[@Htbaa]

Though not cheap have you ever tried the Rotolight Neo 2 (or any other version)? I own two, I like them, but for the costs of them I would’ve liked a lot more light output. Glad I got them on a discount.

[@MarkusPix]

Overpriced, overhyped and overweight

[@Htbaa]

@@MarkusPix yeah I guess I agree. Not regretting my purchase but like I said I expected more of them. Really need to crank up the ISO with these lights. And overpriced for sure. They recently had an offer where all of their newer stuff was about 50% off. Imagine the profit margins on these things. I’m not against companies making a decent profit. But if you can discount that much you’re basically telling you’ve been ripping off your customers.

[@MavricSaid]

Instant like 😊

[@log0log]

I had few 30w panels and sold them immediately after I saw the offer from Zhiyun - barn doors are almost useless with the panels, because of the wide aria of light. They are only adding ugly stepped shadows on the sides - There is no magic, if the power consumption is the same, why the COB lights can't run for 4 hours? Yongnuo YN-600L is ~30w light and it takes more space than CX100 or Ulanzi 40W Pro without reflector. With the reflector they are a way brighter, so, nothing to compare here. - Watts are not representing the real brightness of the light or anything about the aria the light will illuminate. But, if we are talking about the single object - it is better to look at lux at 1m distance

[@PapaBruno]

9:42 So if you remove the barn doors do you get the YN300 III Open Air? 😅 Also, I would love to get some brand recommendations for NP 550 batteries. I have a couple Wasabi, but I feel their overall lifespan isn't that great. Lastly, I would love to see a video from you covering smaller accent tube lights like the Nanlite PavoTube II 6C RGB. 🙏

[@MarkusPix]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/b4HEY5-NmamCqtE

[@anthf1940]

beaucoup de choix :)

[@DougFresh]

Hello Markus, I really dig the LED vids , I love LED lights, wondering ,have you ever ( I tried to find a vid you may have tried it )... tested the small light Godox M1. They claim 2.5 hrs at full power , they seem one of the brightest small panel style LEDS, they are pretty cool , have you tried these?

[@MarkusPix]

I think its basically a Zhiyun M40 looks exactly the same www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1733447-REG/zhiyun_tech_c040005g2_fiveray_m40_pocket_led.html The M1 has a power consumption of 15w and the M40 says 40 watts but that seems strange. The internal battery on the M40 lasts only 24 minutes and then you have to recharge it for half a day. I assume the M1 is no different. The Neewer 176 is just as bright as the M40, weighs less, has no fan noise and can run 2 hrs on one tiny NP550

[@DougFresh]

@@MarkusPix Thanks for the low down!!

[@pokedrawcryptokids]

Love It thanks

[@Jwitherow1964]

Yahoo ❤

[@Juventinos]

i'm learning so much from you it's kind of ridiculous

[@theoell2049]

Hi Marcus ,i have idea for a week now, how to multiply the light of alight panel with cheap way,i was thinking to make experiment by my self and they say to you but this video pop up and i cant wait.I look for email to send you the idea but i couldn't find.Is it ok to post my idea here?

[@250LM4me]

Off topic. Have a question. Do Leica or Hasselblad digital cameras have a longer lifespan then the Japanese brands By lifespan I mean repairable 5 or 10 years out and camera body construction.

[@5timesm]

Hi Marcus. As you have a history in miniature model filming I‘d like you to suggest an indoor light to be as bright as filming a 1:72 scale model outside on a sunny day. As I am on a budget, what would you use? Thanks

[@MarkusPix]

The brightest light you can get- 100 to 500w LED COB light because you need maximum depth of field (f16 or f22) or else it looks like a miniature.

[@5timesm]

@@MarkusPix Thanks…. I will go with the Zhiyun Molus B500 then 👍🏻

[@oo0RECON0oo]

Hi Markus, I thought I’d ask you because you would know best, what is the best Bowen’s mount RGB light that has a battery pack??? I can’t find this information anywhere. Your help would be very appreciated. Thank You

[@MarkusPix]

amzn.to/4cKdvMy

[@israelmateos9320]

hey markus when you do your lighting tests, what camera are you using to film yourself?

[@martinsmith6049]

Marcus... you sold me on the Godox 200s...now you telling me to get LEDs?!

[@MarkusPix]

Totally different things. One is for indoor video, the other for outdoor flash photography (which are a thousand times brighter)

[@SaulGarcia1959]

Marcus, the question I have is how fur can these lights light up? I like small but if I'm doing a wedding and I want to use a light on a camera, I need to light up as many people as I can. What do you recommend?

[@MarkusPix]

You'll need more power for that, like a Zhiyun X100 or Yidoblo 100

[@Ugonmacritic]

You have tools man..👍

[@starperformer7154]

Love the camera person's - assuming Cara's dynamic framing and following technique, and especially the scene at kzbin.info/www/bejne/mGrEomiwacqrfKMsi=cIJxhMserGHwrMi6&t=227 Ha! Great tutorial and selection of continuous LED lights for travel. Thanks, Markus and Cara! Appreciate all that you do!

[@ananonymoususer7693]

but which one is the brightest'?

[@GrenlandUnderVann]

No Amaran lights?

[@soreeyez]

what's your opinion of those LED panels long term? i have LED flashlights🔦 that started out cool white to slightly warm. due to the LED chips accumulating heat damage over time.

[@MarkusPix]

LED flashlights are usually COB and overheat easily. Panels dont

[@soreeyez]

@@MarkusPix hi Markus, thanks for ur reply. The flashlight🔦 colour temperature that warmed over time wasn't a COB. But my understanding of LEDs is that they are mostly chips (whatever it's size) mounted on circuit boards, even if they're not explicitly stated as COB. The real non-COB LEDs are those where a resin dome is often exposed. Usually used primarily as indicator lamps in circuit breaker🚨 panels of commercial buildings or older consumer 📻electronics📺. Either way, I believe if one can feel the LED panels warm or moderately warm to touch, it's a sign it may get damaged by heat over time? But how fast it occurs or to what extent, may vary? 🤔

[@FisherPost]

What do you use to create the animated opens?

[@PinnaclePete]

Would it be better when comparing light brightness to use lumen output?

[@MarkusPix]

I don't go by what product specs say. I go by what my light meter measures.

[@soreeyez]

I believe that lux levels is more relevant in photography and videography? 🤔

[@PinnaclePete]

@@MarkusPix Good answer.