GEAR
LITTLE LEDS
PETITE POWER
Our tests of the most compact LED panels prove they are worthy additions to your kit
M ore is not necessarily better when it comes to LEDs. Though many filmmakers splash out on large light panels or COBs with huge modifiers, often a small, well-used light works wonders. These powerful, pint-sized units can be put atop a camera as a fill light to pop a little catchlight in a subject’s eyes – or to get you out of a hole when filming in a dark location with virtually no ambient illumination. And as many are so small, they can be carried with you at all times and whipped out when most needed. But the latest LED panels offer so much more than just a white-coloured fill light. Take them off the camera and they can be used as small practical lights, hidden in small places or grouped together to form an even bigger light source. They can be full-colour with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, app or even DMX control. Some can occasionally be used with flash control to pump out more power for stills. We’ve had our hands on a few of the latest bright ideas at a range of different prices to see what shines out.
ATTRACTIVE OPTION The MC Pro can fit to a ball head, but also has two magnets on the rear to fix to metal surfaces
“The latest LED panels offer so much more than just a white-coloured fill light”
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PRO MOVIEMAKER
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