First test
PRICE: £189.99
KENRO.CO.UK
Kenro Smart Lite RGB Video Light A powerful and high-spec LED panel aimed at photographers and vloggers
exposure of 1/60sec at f/5.6 and ISO 400, varying by just 0.2EV at both extremes of the 3200-7500K colour temperature range. I did some test shots in colour temperature mode with a colour test chart. I shot using a Nikon Z 7II in manual Kelvin white-balance, choosing a value to match the colour temperature that the Kenro light panel was set to. The out-of-camera JPEGs proved that the light’s output was accurate. WC
IF YOU’RE IN the market for an LED light panel, you’ll find there’s plenty of choice. Kenro has joined the throng with its RGB Video Light – a highly featured, all-purpose unit that is competitively priced. The panel features 624 LEDs with maximum output of 4600 lumens, and power controllable from 1% up to maximum. A mains adapter is supplied, or run the light from two Sony F-series batteries. The unit comes with barn doors, each flap is secured by two Phillips screws, and it comes mounted on a
yoke that’s fitted with a standard light stand mount. Also featured is a slide in/out diffuser panel. Output and feature selection are handled by two control knobs and an LCD info panel keeps you informed. The right knob controls the actual setting, while the left alters brightness. The unit has Bluetooth and there’s a free LightSystem app (Android and iOS) for wireless control with your smart device. Most users will be working with the colour temperature mode, where there’s a range from 3200 to 7500K. Many panels stop at 6500K, so that extra headroom is welcome. The extra versatility provided by RGB and nine special effects modes is a real plus point. With RGB, there are 360 hues or colours to pick from. Slipping into saturation mode means you can fine-tune the output within a 1-100 range to suit your needs. Power output is decent for a compact panel. On full power at 1m, a Gossen light meter indicated an
SPECS › Price £189.99
› In the box KSLP103 light, four-way barn doors and
removable diffuser, UK power adapter, carry case, instructions › Rated power 60W › LEDs 624 › Brightness 4600 lumens › Illumination (7500K) 7300 lux at 0.5m, 2000 lux at 1m › Special effects Flash mode 1 and 2, flickering screen, RGB colour cycle (slow and fast), flame, police car, ambulance, fire engine › Colour temperature 3200-7500K › Brightness control 1-100% › Power DC power adapter included › Dimensions 245x238x25mm › Weight 1640g › Contact kenro.co.uk
Verdict Kenro’s Smart Lite RGB Video Light panel is a classy unit, well-made and nicely featured to suit image makers of all kinds. PROS Good output, features, dual power options, user-friendly CONS Nothing
YOU’VE GOT THE POWER The RGB Video Light has dual power, from mains or two Sony F batteries (not supplied)
PRICE: £169.99
KENRO.CO.UK
Kenro Smart Lite 19in RGB Ring Light The perfect tool for flattering light, with top-quality output levels
SPECS › Price £169.99
› In the box KSLR101 ring light, KSLX104 light stand, KSLX105 tablet & smartphone holder, KSLX103 main ball head with long shank, mains cable, carry case, instructions › Rated power 60W › LEDs 480 › Brightness 3200 lumens › Colour temperature 3200-7500K › Brightness control 1-100% › Power input interface DC › Dimensions 580x480x34mm › Weight 960g › Contact kenro.co.uk
course, that means it’s slightly less agreeable when behind the camera, but the option of the free LightSystem app (available in iOS and Android) means this is not a problem. Control matters wirelessly using a smart device. From the front, the left knob adjusts output from 1 up to 100%, while pushing the right knob scrolls through the various modes; rotating it changes the actual setting. For example, in colour temperature mode, the range of adjustment goes from 3200 to 7500K in 100K steps. I checked power using a Gossen light meter. At 100% output and 5500K, I got a reading of 1/60sec at f/5 and ISO 400 at 1m. That’s a decent amount of light, and output was fairly consistent throughout the colour temperature range, dropping off by around 0.2EV towards the 3200 and 7500K ends. WC
RING LIGHTS ARE known for delivering shadowless lighting, but their effect can be harsh and revealing unless suitably diffused. Once diffused, results can turn out flattering and even. They are incredibly versatile, photographically speaking, and also great for vlogging and video conferencing, which is where this Kenro 19in Ring Light comes in.
This is a 19in light with 480 LEDs, built-in diffuser front and an extensive collection of features, and can be powered by the mains using the supplied adapter, or two Sony F-type batteries (not supplied). Also featured is a tablet and phone holder, a ball head on a long shank and a removable coldshoe fitting. It comes with a standard-fit light stand mount and may be tilted by 180° to face straight down for flatlays and macro – or upwards. Two 1/4in fittings on the rear mean extra accessory arms can be added, and two USB ports keep devices charged up when plugged into the mains. Two control knobs and an LCD info panel are found on the front LED side of the unit. Their placement means it’s convenient for vloggers, because it’s easy to control when you’re in front of the camera. Of
Verdict The Kenro Smart Lite 19in RGB Ring Light is straightforward and delivers quality performance. PROS Output, dual-powered, controllability, position of the control knobs, Bluetooth, colour temperature range, two USB A output ports CONS Controls/LCD when behind the camera unless you use the app
CONTROL MATTERS Two knobs and a user-friendly LCD panel make this 19in Ring Light dead simple to operate
Issue 101 | Photography News 65
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