Creating online courses and videos can be a great way to share your knowledge with the world.

However, making them look their best can be challenging.

Good lighting is essential for creating an attractive and professional-looking video or course, but setting up traditional lights can be tricky and time-consuming. They also take up a lot of space and are not always easy to move around. For high-quality lighting on the go, you need to invest in portable video lighting.

In this guide, we’ll introduce you to portable video lighting kits that can make achieving good lighting on the go a breeze.

Read on to learn more!

Why Portable Video lighting?

Videos are starting to nudge out plain text as the preferred method of consuming content online.

According to projections by Zenith, the time people spend watching online videos each day jumped up to 100 minutes in 2021.

If you’re creating a video, then no matter where you are, the key to a great video is lighting.

While there are all sorts of lights you can purchase and use for your videos, portable video lighting is becoming increasingly popular because it’s so easy to use. You don’t have to worry about setting up complex lighting rigs or finding an outlet to plug in traditional lights. Instead, you can simply set up your portable lights and start shooting.

Portable video lighting kits typically include LED lights, which are energy-efficient and long-lasting. They also produce little heat, so you won’t have to worry about them making your space too hot. In addition, many of these kits come with stands or mounts that make it easy to set up your lights wherever you need them.

What to Look for in a Video Light?

When shopping for a portable video lighting kit, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind.

Consider how many lights you’ll need. If you’re filming alone, you may only need one or two lights. But if you’re filming with a group of people, you may need three or four lights to properly illuminate everyone.

Next, think about the color of the light. You’ll want to choose a light that emits a soft, white light. This will give your video a natural look and avoid washing out your subjects’ complexions.

Also, consider the price of the kit. Portable video lighting kits can range in price from around $50 to $200. It’s important to find a kit that fits your budget, but don’t sacrifice quality for the price. Look for a kit that includes all the features you need without breaking the bank.

There are many different kinds of lights available in the market. Some come with multiple features and others don’t. Most of them come with an app that helps you to adjust the settings of the light according to the environment. Here are a few other features to look for:

• Power supply: Make sure there is an option to run off either mains electricity or batteries.
• Colour temperature: Choose a range between 3000K and 5000K depending on what type of environment you want to shoot in.
• Modifiers: There should be options to add diffusion and/or filters to alter the light output.
• Flicker-free: A good LED light should be flicker-free.
• Bluetooth technology: Include Bluetooth technology in your LED lighting system so you can control the brightness and color temperature remotely via a smartphone app.

Types of Portable Lighting for Photography and Video

There are two main types of portable lighting for photography and video: continuous lighting and flash lighting.

Continuous lighting is exactly what it sounds like: a light that stays on continuously while you’re shooting. This type of lighting is great for shooting videos or taking pictures where you need a lot of light, such as in a low-light environment. However, continuous lighting can be expensive and produce a lot of heat.

Flash lighting, on the other hand, uses a flash unit to produce a brief burst of light. This type of lighting is typically used for taking pictures, as it can be more difficult to shoot video with a flash. However, flash lighting is less expensive than continuous lighting and doesn’t produce as much heat.

Hotshoe LED Panels

A hotshoe LED panel can be plugged right into a camera. It’s almost like a flash. These are popular and a good source of additional light.

For LED panels, you want to see how evenly the light is distributed across the panel. You also want to look at power consumption, color temperature, and flicker as well as the panel’s build quality, mount type, and included accessories.

Smartphone Lights

Phone shooters should consider adding a pocket-sized LED light to their arsenal. Most of these lights come with a diffuser to help soften the light and avoid washing out your subjects.

When shopping for a smartphone light, pay attention to the color temperature, brightness, and beam angle. You’ll also want to consider the price, as some lights can be quite expensive.

Pocket-sized LED lights are great for illuminating a smaller area. You don’t want to spend too much money on these lights, they should be inexpensive.

Ring Lights

LED ring lights are becoming increasingly popular among vloggers and YouTubers. They help to evenly illuminate your face, giving you a soft, natural look.

When shopping for an LED ring light, pay attention to the color temperature, brightness, and beam angle. You’ll also want to consider the price, as some lights can be quite expensive.

Studio Panels

Studio panels provide an alternative to studio strobes if you want to work outdoors. These panels offer a lot of flexibility. Panel lights are ideal for video because they provide a continuous, soft, and even light source.

When choosing a studio panel, you’ll want to consider the following factors: power, color temperature, flicker, and build quality. You’ll also want to consider the included accessories and the panel’s mount type.

Best Portable Lights

Here’s a list of the best portable lights for you to consider …

1. Zumy Portable Video Light

Zumy is a portable video light that can be used to improve the quality of your videos. The light is battery-operated and can be attached to your camera or tripod. It has two brightness settings, so you can choose the right amount of light for your needs. The light is very bright and it’s also dimmable, so you can create the perfect lighting conditions for your videos. Zumy has a lot of different accessories and is very easy to transport.

2. Emart LED Portable Lighting Kit

Emart’s LED Portable Lighting Kit is a great way to light up your video. The kit comes with two lights, each with its own stand. The lights are bright and can be adjusted to help you get the video lighting you need. The kit also includes a carrying case, making it easy to transport and set up.

3. On-Stage LED Ring Light Kit

On-Stage LED ring light kit is a great way to add some extra light to your next video. This light kit comes with an adjustable stand, remote, phone holder, and a 10″ ring light. The LED ring light provides a bright, even light that is perfect for illuminating the area right where you’re filming. The stand is adjustable so you can position the light exactly where you need it.

The light kit includes multiple functions like adjusting color temperature, dimming, and scheduling. And the power supply ensures that your LED ring light will always have a source of power.

4. Neewer LED Ring Light

Neewer’s LED ring light is a great way to add some extra light to your photography setup. The ring light has sixteen LEDs that provide plenty of brightness, and the three color modes (white, warm white, and yellow) allow you to adjust the color temperature to suit your needs. The ring light also comes with a tripod stand, so you can easily set it up and take it down as needed. Best of all, the Neewer LED ring light is very affordable, making it a great option for budget-minded photographers.

5. Manfrotto Spectra LED 500S

Manfrotto’s Spectra LED 500S is a great lighting option for both photographers and videographers. It offers a wide range of features, including dimming, color temperature control, and a built-in battery.

The Manfrotto Spectra LED 500S also has a robust construction that makes it durable enough to withstand the rigors of professional use. Additionally, the Manfrotto Spectra LED 500S comes with a carrying case, making it easy to transport. It is an ultra-compact, lightweight, and portable LED light.

6. Rotolight AEOS

Rotolight AEOS is a powerful and versatile LED light that is perfect for both video and photography. With a unique combination of features, it is ideal for a wide range of applications. The AEOS has a color temperature of 6500K, making it perfect for lighting up scenes in both warm and cool tones. It also has a CRI of 96+, meaning that colors will appear natural and true to life.

The AEOS also features Rotolight’s patented OCUS OLED technology, which makes it possible to see the exact color of light that is being outputted. This is incredibly helpful when trying to match light sources or when setting up complex lighting rigs. Overall, the Rotolight AEOS is a great choice for anyone looking for a high-quality LED light.

7. Lume Cube 2.0

The Lume Cube 2.0 is a small, portable LED light that can be used for photography, videography, or general lighting. It features a built-in battery, making it convenient for on-the-go use, and it has multiple power settings so you can control the brightness of the light.

The Lume Cube 2.0 also has an adjustable mount so you can attach it to your camera, tripod, or another surface. Whether you’re looking to add some extra light to your photos or videos, or you just need a portable light source, the Lume Cube 2.0 is a great option.

 

8. ikan ILED312-V2-2PT-KIT

If you’re looking for a versatile and affordable light kit, the ikan kit is a great option. This kit includes two ikan ILED312-V2 lights, each with a flexible gooseneck arm that makes it easy to position the light exactly where you need it. The lights are also dimmable, so you can get just the right amount of light for your scene. Plus, the carrying case makes it easy to transport the light to and from your shoot location. Whether you’re shooting videos or stills, this ikan light kit is a great way to get professional results.

9. Elation KL Panel 295 W LED Compact Studio Softlight

The Elation studio softlight is a versatile and powerful LED light panel that is perfect for both studio and field use. With a wide selection of built-in color modes and effects, this light is perfect for creating any desired lighting effect.

This light also features a wireless DMX receiver, making it easy to connect and control the light panel from a distance. With its 16,000-lumen output, the Elation KL Panel 295 is one of the brightest LED studio soft lights on the market, making it an essential tool for any professional photographer or videographer.

FAQ for Portable Lights

Do you need lighting for outdoor video?

Lighting is important for outdoor video because it can help to improve the quality of the footage. Natural lighting is often not strong enough to provide adequate illumination, and this can result in footage that is grainy or poorly lit. Additionally, shadows can create problems with visibility, making it difficult to see what is going on in the footage.

By using lighting, you can eliminate these problems and ensure that your video looks its best. There are a number of different lighting options available, so you will need to experiment to find the best solution for your needs.

How do I get the best lighting for outdoor videos?

If you’re trying to get the best lighting for outdoor video, there are a few things you can do. The first one is to try to shoot during the golden hour, which is the hour before sunset or after sunrise. The light during this time is softer and more flattering than during the harsh midday sun. Another option is to make use of natural light by positioning yourself so that the sun is behind you. This will help to illuminate your subject and reduce shadows. Also, don’t be afraid to experiment with different lighting techniques, such as using reflectors or diffusers to soften the light.

What is the basic rule for lighting your video?

You want to make sure to avoid creating harsh shadows. Shadows can be distracting and make it difficult to see what’s going on in the scene. To avoid creating shadows, try to position your light source so that it is pointing directly at the subject. This will help to evenly distribute the light and minimize the amount of shadow that is cast. Another tip is to use a diffuser to soften the light. This will help to create a more natural look and feel.

The Bottom Line

Portable video lighting is great if you shoot videos on the go. In addition, portable lights make the most sense if you find yourself setting up and taking down your lights to save on space.

Portable video lights come in different shapes and sizes, so you can find the perfect one for your needs.

Whether you’re shooting an interview, documentary, or vlogging, using portable video lighting will make your videos look more professional and allow for portability.

So what are you waiting for? Go out and create some amazing videos!