Pancake Lights, What do they do? || Viltrox VL-500T LED Bi-color Lights

[@geraldundone]

Of course I noticed your shirt became markedly less purple. 😜 Great video. I like this channel. Your personality is shining through more and more (which is great), and your content is top notch. Cool hair too! 👍

[@FellowFilmmaker]

Haha, I thought if anyone would notice it would be you! :D I'm happy to hear, from you and others, that me being more chill is well received! :D Haha, I think the hair is cool too :P Hope you're staying warm in Canada, it's lovely cold here today.

[@GeraldBertramPhotography]

Even a video about a product that you DON'T recommend still provides a ton of value.

[@FellowFilmmaker]

Oh good! I'm glad :D

[@gallo.s.chingon]

THIS! I wish there were more KZbinrs that would post videos like this. Or even alternative uses/suggestions.

[@authenticarkansas]

This +1 - it's almost more helpful to know what's downright bad rather than infinite shades of "good"

[@sglynnphoto]

Great review, not as a criticism but here are a few things that may help someone. Bringing the light closer softens a light, with a limitation of how wide the frame is (you’ll see it if it’s too close). To get around this you could also use two (or more) of these lights as your main key (or a larger pancake light). An array of multiples lights will make a larger light source and softer look. A softbox light is more useful for many applications, these types are great when you can’t have 3-4 feet of softbox between you and the light, I.e. ceiling mounts, desk mounts, small spaces, etc. where their slim design can be a game changer.

[@tombuck]

I love pancake lights, but I didn’t know this was how they were constructed. Super cool!

[@FellowFilmmaker]

Yeah! It was really fun to take apart and look inside. Made me feel like I could make it myself, to be honest. The science is very very simple behind it.

[@marin_real_estate_photography]

Thanks for the review. I just wanted to mention that it looks like you were having fun doing this video, and I encourage you to have fun and let your personality come out more in future reviews.

[@FellowFilmmaker]

Thanks for that! I did have fun, decided to loosen up a bit and not really worry as much about things. :D Learning along the way that professionalism and personality can present at the same time.

[@LeeZavitz]

I use to keep one of these in my car in case the MUA needed a light on set. Sometimes they don't bring their own. Great review

[@FellowFilmmaker]

Thanks for watching!

[@NatesFilmTutorials]

Thanks for the honest review! I like these lights. I mainly use them as hair lights on a cheap light stand. It's not too harsh and doesn't need to get too bright. I have used these as practical lights, it usually means cranking up my key light so i can bring the intensity of the whole image down to make it dimmer.

[@FellowFilmmaker]

I remember watching your video on these awhile back, it was what made me interested in these lights. They are great hair lights.... or kitchen lights! Haha :D

[@FaviMarti]

I appreciate you’re honesty, do find it hilarious that you ended up using it in the kitchen, I actually bought a set of two last year as a form of lighting while I’m on vacation in my hotel room, but never did use it. Spent most of my time outdoors 😂

[@FellowFilmmaker]

Haha, thank you! :D Sometimes vacations just do that, haha :D Hope it was a good one

[@FaviMarti]

@@FellowFilmmaker it definitely was, thank you!

[@StephenMougin]

Thanks for the honest review. I was just looking at these as a possible addition to my kit. I’d like to learn more about how you create the moody background with colors/practicals/shadow without making it look cheesy! Your set rocks.

[@FellowFilmmaker]

Glad it was helpful! I'm planning a video on that very soon! Anything specifically you'd want me to cover? I mean, mainly it's all in the lighting, haha, so there's that

[@StephenMougin]

@@FellowFilmmaker what I’m missing from all of the videos I’ve seen is how they “got there”. It’s usually a simple “well, I put the key here and I needed to control the...” BUT no one shows the first moment when you set the lights and identify things that are not working, showing the adjustment and WHY you made that determination. For pro’s I’m sure it’s 2nd nature and instinct. For me, I struggle with the “it’s not quite right, but I don’t know why and I don’t know what to change to make it better”.

[@FellowFilmmaker]

Got it! So you want to get inside the head more than just know the gear, you want to know the why's. :D Just like me!

[@StephenMougin]

@@FellowFilmmaker definitely!

[@peterbikker896]

I was looking into the presented Viltrox VL-500T as a lower-priced sub for a Fotodiox Pro FlapJack Studio (C-700RSV). Your presentation saved me a lot of time and grief. Thanks and keep the vids comin' !

[@FellowFilmmaker]

Youre welcome, glad I could help

[@adamparliman488]

I was really thinking these lights would be great overall but it's good to know they are very situational! Thanks as always for your reviews!!

[@FellowFilmmaker]

My pleasure!

[@DigiDriftZone]

Hahaha, "I ended up using it as a kitchen light", love it. Thank you, really useful to know, I was thinking to get one for a key light, I won't now!

[@FellowFilmmaker]

Glad it was helpful! :D Haha, yeah, it's a great kitchen light! Use it all the time

[@RC534]

Really like the 'kitchen light conversion', great stuff :-D

[@FellowFilmmaker]

Glad you like it! :D

[@nicholairisvang]

Sorry didn’t notice the shirt, but those eyes though... Loving the content. The stuff your are showing are more in reach for us normal people. Keep it up. Totally agree about the Pan cake light. It is a bit harsh

[@FellowFilmmaker]

Glad you're enjoying the videos! :D Happy to hear it was helpful

[@christianhotter]

Not terrible for someone starting out that wants to add lights for a low paying job. I like the bi-color part. I have the VL 150 and I would like a safe and easy way to add CBO gels when using a softbox. There's probably already a solution for that, but I've not figured it out yet.

[@FellowFilmmaker]

Agreed, they can be used for little gigs and other odd things. The bi-color is nice, yes, I like it in my kitchen hahaha :D

[@aliateeqvisuals]

Good to know! I have a much larger pancake light and I found that to be super useful and I would have imagined these little ones would be very versatile but only going down till 20% is a killer. Thank for all your great content, esp on lighting!!

[@FellowFilmmaker]

You are most welcome! :D I know, the 20% was not cool for me

[@YuvakTuladhar]

You reviews are really honest. Thanks!

[@FellowFilmmaker]

My pleasure!

[@ilkoallexandroff]

Straight forward, I like! I am using a similar light on my desk, and I just noticed it’s been on 24/7 for almost 2 years already... should give it a break!

[@FellowFilmmaker]

Haha, wow that's a long time!

[@KrisKhunachak]

Honestly, wasn't even aware of lights like this. Huh. Thank you for the insight!

[@FellowFilmmaker]

Most welcome! :D They make much bigger versions than these little pancake lights, I've heard those do perform a bit better....

[@AlexMinor]

Its refreshing to hear someone say "No, I don't recommend this product."

[@FellowFilmmaker]

Very true. I aim to be straightforward regardless if something is sent to me for free. :D

[@KarthikMcyclist]

Yet another awesome honest review. I was worried that you will make me buy this light.

[@FellowFilmmaker]

Haha, saved you this time! :D

[@bobbythompson901]

Thanks - I'd been kinda wondering about picking one up, for the occasional product shot, or just to bring up the entire room. (Still using some old Lowell Tota's that refuse to die for that. lol) You saved me that hassle, I was already concerned about the lack of control, but the lousy mount seals the deal. :-)

[@FellowFilmmaker]

Yeah, you could always put it onto the stand without the gopro piece, but then you can't angle it if you wanted to, so there's that. For me I feel it's better to save a little more money and get something that might work better in the long run.

[@DandyDoesIt]

I angle these all the time. Just crank em down. I don't use batteries on them however so I don't have that added weight.

[@anthonypc1]

impressive quick change

[@FellowFilmmaker]

:p haha, yeah

[@bennycode]

Thank you for this honest review. It helped me very much to make my buying decision. :)

[@FellowFilmmaker]

You’re welcome 😊Glad I could help

[@AngeloVerona]

My next kitchen lights!

[@FellowFilmmaker]

haha :D

[@richardowens9061]

Thanks, for the honest review! I don't think I want my flapjack light flapping, either! So, if I got that style of light, I would choose a different brand with better build quality and more flexibility that would allow me to reduce the intensity down to 1%, if needed.

[@FellowFilmmaker]

For sure! I'm sure other brands of something good

[@forewarnedfilm]

A career on the Cookery Channel awaits!

[@FellowFilmmaker]

Haha :D Bet I'd make great pancakes there!

[@IMDABROWN]

thanks a million for your honesty.

[@FellowFilmmaker]

My pleasure!

[@Dangerousangel1234]

Great video. I did not see the shirt changing :) But I have the Viltrox L116T and it is fun to see another Viltrox in this video. I am very happy with my light, I use it as a key light for my Zoom meetings at the moment and it is doing his job very well. It is build the same with the leds on the side of the panel shining to the middle. But with my light the shadows are not so harsh te see on the face, it is even not that very soft.

[@FellowFilmmaker]

Happy to hear you enjoy your light! Thanks for watching this video

[@HaiTomVlog]

This was really helpful, thank you! 🤙🏼

[@FellowFilmmaker]

Glad it was helpful!

[@JackieDElia]

Appreciate the honest review. I find most of the LED panels to be a bit harsh as well. I wish I had room for a softbox -- but space is limited.

[@FellowFilmmaker]

You could always try bouncing a light to get a soft look. Course it'll spill everywhere, but it's an option I suppose

[@JackieDElia]

@@FellowFilmmaker Thanks. Good suggestion. I just tried Viltrox 116T and while they are soft (ish) - they're too small.

[@Frainkiz]

I love your straight-forward-honest review. And I think this is my first time watch gadget review that do not recommended people to buy it.. It's kind like "HAHA" video for me. keep up the good work. Love to see more from you 👍🏼

[@FellowFilmmaker]

Happy to hear you enjoyed the video! More coming really soon

[@epradeep]

Did not notice the change of shirt.. your content is so good and interesting that the shirt is not the focus :). Another practical honest video. Thank you.

[@FellowFilmmaker]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@narutodayo]

Great video, very helpful!

[@FellowFilmmaker]

Happy to hear that, thanks for watching!

[@thenothing_podcast]

great review as always,do you think these would be good for wedding videographers starting out?

[@FellowFilmmaker]

I'm not sure they would be very far reaching, but I suppose you could use anything really :D We all start somewhere

[@AaronMarasigan]

I wasnt gonna comment that I did notice but nothing quells my ocd quirks and my keen eye for detail! (still watching even if im not really interested w pancake lights lol)

[@FellowFilmmaker]

Hahaha, well I appreciate you watching the video even though you don't care about the pancake lights :p

[@shahbajhussain01]

Honestly now i really feel we should not waste money on cheap alternatives when we're not sure of the quality of the product ee should instead save some money and biy something that really works. + You're video quality is so good wish to make videos like you ❤️❤️

[@FellowFilmmaker]

Sometimes it is best to save a bit and get good overall quality items. It's not that cheap can't work in some cases, but there are times and places for all things. And I'm glad you like the video quality! :D I'm working on sharing about it soon

[@GeologyDude]

Have you tried your pancake lights with soft boxes yet? The Kamerar D-fuse circle model (11.5 inch) fits on my Generay Mini Moon (the Mini Moon has a better mount too). And you can get the diffuser with a grid too (it fits well, and the soft box has twice the diameter of the pancake light). I like it that the diffuser limits light spill-there is too much spill otherwise. The pancake lights save lots of room, compared to traditional full size soft boxes. BTW, I appreciate your knowledge, enthusiasm, and sincerity in your videos! I have been scouring KZbin for video sites like yours, over the past year, but only recently came across your channel. I thank you for producing good videos!

[@FellowFilmmaker]

I have not tried that. Honestly I want to like them but they haven't proved too useful yet. I think it's the lack of stronger power and easy control over the light. Maybe I'm picky, haha. I like the concept, and probably would like it more on a larger scale. And very happy to hear you love the channel!

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Great stuff as always Heather. You cannot put a price on honesty either :)

[@FellowFilmmaker]

Very true. I appreciate that, and thanks for watching this video :D

[@Shiva-zu3el]

Pancake light👌 nd thanks for showing such an interesting things in lighting nd nice guitar

[@FellowFilmmaker]

Haha, thanks :D

[@alextab25]

Are all pancake lights subject to the same flaws as the viltrox, or could say the Neewer brand "pancake" lights works as a fill and key light?

[@FellowFilmmaker]

Its not that pancake lights like this can't be used for fill and key, its just trickier to get it to look flattering on the subject (for key) and not spill all over the place (key and fill). As a key, I'd want it to be bigger and softer but also controlable- so at least 3 ft. diameter and some sort of grid for it, unless of course I didn't care about the spill in the room.

[@daggerman-dcgk]

Thank you! I am considering these kind of lights made by Elgato to use exclusively to light a green screen. Do you think that might be a good use for his type of light? Greetings and thanks for all the excellent advice!

[@FellowFilmmaker]

You could use them, but they will cause hot spotting. You might consider something that can have a softbox attached so you can get more even coverage.

[@KarimElghotmy]

In Egypt Cost only 70$ Good for Price ?

[@FellowFilmmaker]

If it's $70 for all three, that's a steal! If it's per each, well I'm sure it can be helpful for some work, but if you need a good keylight I'd say get a single source light like the Godox SL60w with a softbox as it'll do more for you in the long run.

[@KarimElghotmy]

@@FellowFilmmaker 70$ for all 3 In Egypt Amazon

[@FellowFilmmaker]

Oh wow, that's cool :D Yeah they could be helpful if you think you'll use them. I myself use them for unrelated filmmaking things (in my kitchen haha)

[@DandyDoesIt]

I've owned this kit for a couple of years now using it for all my videos. I angle the lights just fine. It works. You just have to tighten it up really good. My biggest complaint pretty much echoes yours about the hardness of the light. No matter what I do, the light is just too hard and doesn't disperse / diffuse enough. I'm looking at small soft boxes for them. I do green screen and overhead unboxing videos etc. Very handy in general though. (My original purpose was for a photo booth and they have worked wonderfully for that.)

[@FellowFilmmaker]

Yeah they certain can be used, just needs patience and refinement with other tools or materials

[@DandyDoesIt]

@@FellowFilmmaker I'm going to try sticking some paper over the front and seeing if that helps.

[@talonsix]

I use these all the time as fill lights for interviews.

[@FellowFilmmaker]

Nice! :D

[@gewooneerlijk]

Are this pancake light recommended for youtube video broadcasting ?

[@FellowFilmmaker]

I suppose you can use them in any way you choose... so, yes, likely you can use them in that capacity.

[@gewooneerlijk]

@@FellowFilmmaker Thanksss but which light do you use in the studio

[@FellowFilmmaker]

I do have a whole video on the channel that goes over all the lights and things I use in the studio. But my keylight is a Godox UL150. :D

[@avendano1985]

really good video, saludos desde tijuana, mexico

[@FellowFilmmaker]

Thank you! :D

[@tomgilchrist553]

I bought the Falcon Eyes SO28TD with hopes of using it as a key, and I got some some okay results, but wound up moving it to use as a fill, a hair, etc, now I'm not so sure I'll use it much. I will say the FE brand has a cool feature in the rear edge lip which seems perfectly sized for C47's to hold a gel over it if you wanted to color it. It had to be designed on purpose, it's just too perfect, but I don't see it mentioned in their literature. I also messed around with bowing some added diffusion over it to soften the shadows as a key...it works to a degree but by that point you are losing light and scattering it so much it becomes cumbersome, but you can get a softer effect despite conventional wisdom on these lights. I really wanted the pancake lighting to work out in my tiny space, but, I'll just have to make more room for a light dome or something. Great review as always!

[@FellowFilmmaker]

Yeah, I wanted them to work for me as well, I think they're good in certain situations but with the scattering being so much to maintain they are a cumbersome piece.

[@majeczkagwiazdeczka3189]

good work, thanks

[@JasonTheZoologist]

Yep, I noticed the change of shirt colour. My profession trained me to pay unreasonable attention to details unfortunately... XD

[@FellowFilmmaker]

What's your proession?

[@STONEDECISION]

Hey does Godox have something comparable with the apputure 600d or x. Am going to shoot a video at sunset coming through trees in background but want to capture details of people in the frame. Can I use it with it with batteries? And if not your thoughts?

[@FellowFilmmaker]

I don't think they do at this time, in terms of a dedicated video light, they do have a stobe I believe that is comparable. They might be announcing one soon, I'm not fully sure. Sorry.

[@faizalfzy7483]

godox SL 60 ×2 vs godox sl 150+ reflector. which one you recommend?

[@FellowFilmmaker]

Depends on what you hope to do. If you need a really good keylight, then I'd recommend the 150. I personally love the Godox UL150, but the VL150 is also great. I think the 150's will be used in the long term alot more while the SL60's can be grown out of a bit.

[@Frameable]

Thank U atas racunnya mbak

[@FellowFilmmaker]

Most welcome :D

[@diy_kreativni]

Hello, thank you for great review! I have one question. I make DIY videos, so I need to have lights for bad weather days, that will light up my desk (most of the time for flat lay videos, sometimes from the side). Do you think that this lights would work for me? Thank you.😊

[@FellowFilmmaker]

These lights can work if you want them to, the quality of light is decent just a bit harsh in comparison to a fully diffused light source.

[@diy_kreativni]

@@FellowFilmmaker Thank you😊

[@DamianBrown]

Great vid, thanks

[@FellowFilmmaker]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@davidaylsworth8964]

Nteresting departure from videos that recommend everything. When a product is not fit for purpose it shows. Good review.

[@FellowFilmmaker]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed

[@petrthingsilike8487]

Even though the sound is bad, your presenting skills keep me watching the video :D hahaha I wonder if the pancake light would be further away than just your hand distance, would it help to be softer? and btw I did not notice you have changed the shirt hahaha I guess I was stuck to you eyes hahaha

[@FellowFilmmaker]

Well I'm happy my presence made up for sound quality! And with light, the further away it is the harder the light will be (unless it's a HUGE light source), so it wouldn't have changed the softness of the light, just the intensity.

[@ToniLeirvikLarsen]

I didn't notice 😝 But I'm playing your video on my second monitor while I'm editing pictures on my main monitor, soooooo I guess that means I'm doing my job!? Or I'm not paying enough attention to what you're doing, hahaha.

[@FellowFilmmaker]

Haha, well then it's way better you're getting personal work done at the same time :D

[@terryjstudios]

Excellent

[@FellowFilmmaker]

Thank you so much 😀

[@michaelruffinelli6757]

thank you so helpfull !

[@FellowFilmmaker]

You're welcome!

[@jamesburton1050]

The audio was still good though. It could be a moonlight...

[@FellowFilmmaker]

Thanks! And possibly...

[@zatoichiable]

The light is not so diffused...

[@FellowFilmmaker]

Yeah, sadly

[@ashvinshibu]

😍😍

[@FellowFilmmaker]

:)

[@crazyclefproductions]

Need more ukelele!

[@FellowFilmmaker]

Haha, I just picked it up recently, but maybe it'll appear a bit more in the future :P

[@NicholasSpeaks]

its probably cause you had it too close to you. put it on a stand and farther back and the light will get softer

[@FellowFilmmaker]

Well, the further light is from a subject the harder the cast is, so it really wouldn't be all that much softer. It has to do with the size of the light, and lack of diffusion to make that light act larger and therefore softer.

[@danielschaller-digitalcrealab]

Well next, we want the recipe is whatever you cook with your new 'kitchen light'' :-), more seriously, refreshing to once in a while see a video where the output is 'well, sorry but no, useless...' bon appétit :-)

[@FellowFilmmaker]

Haha, my favorite go-to is artichokes with dip sauce :D But glad you enjoyed the video

[@dymonmein]

Love your content but hilariously bad review 😅 I mean the review itself was great, just not great for the light lol I think it’s just the use case. In fashion and beauty, a harder soft light is actually preferred; just look at the beauty dish right? It’s very helpful for Paramount and Loop lighting, for example. They’re also great set lighting, especially RGB when used on a backdrop. Not necessarily *practical* set lighting though lol