LED Panels
Versatile, soft lighting that mimics professional studio setups. Adjustable colour temperature and intensity for complete creative control.
Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more
Why Choose LED Panels?
LED panels are the workhorse of modern video production. They run cool, consume little power, and offer precise control over colour temperature and brightness. Unlike hot lights of the past, they're safe to touch and won't make your subjects sweat.
With one or two LED panels, you can create professional three-point lighting setups that make family interviews look like broadcast television.
How to Get Professional Results
Three-Point Lighting Setup
Key light (main light): 45° to side of subject, slightly above eye level. Fill light: Opposite side, lower intensity (half brightness) to soften shadows. Back light: Behind subject, separates them from background. This is the professional standard for interviews.
Single Panel Interview Setup
If you only have one panel: Position 45° to subject's best side (everyone has one!), slightly above eye level, 1-2 metres away. Use a white reflector or foam board opposite side to bounce light and fill shadows. This creates dimensional, flattering lighting.
Power and Portability
Battery-powered panels offer flexibility for location shoots. Mains-powered provide consistent brightness for long interviews. Consider a panel that does both - use mains at home, battery for family reunions and outdoor events.
Colour Matching Daylight
When filming near windows, set panel to 5600K to match daylight. This prevents ugly colour casts where subject is half warm, half cool. Mixed colour temperature is one of the most common beginner mistakes - match your sources.
Our Recommended Panels
Neewer 660 LED Panel
~$75-125Bi-colour (3200-5600K), dimmable, mains or battery powered. Comes with barn doors and diffuser. Excellent colour accuracy (CRI 96+). Best budget panel available - competes with $200+ options.
Check Price Affiliate linkAputure Amaran 100d
~$125-180Daylight-balanced 100W LED. Compact, fanless, Bowens mount accepts modifiers. App control via Bluetooth. This is what many YouTubers and small production companies use. Incredible output for size.
Check Price Affiliate linkGodox SL60W
~$180-250Powerful 60W LED spotlight. Bowens mount for softboxes and beauty dishes. Silent fanless operation. Separate controller box keeps noise away from mic. Professional tool at consumer price.
Check Price Affiliate linkElgato Key Light (pair)
~$250-380 for twoWiFi-controlled panels, edge-lit design, no hot spots. Perfect for two-light interview setup. App control from phone or computer. Streamlined aesthetic. Premium quality and convenience.
Check Price Affiliate linkAputure LS 300x Bi-Colour
~$750-1000Professional 350W output, perfect colour accuracy, DMX control, Bowens mount. This light can bounce off ceiling to light entire room or focus down to spotlight. What documentary crews use.
Check Price Affiliate linkPro Tips
- Diffuse hard LED panels with diffusion fabric or softboxes - softens shadows beautifully
- Colour accuracy matters: Look for CRI 95+ or TLCI 95+ ratings
- Battery-powered lights need spare batteries - V-mount batteries are industry standard
- Place lights close to subject for soft shadows, far away for defined shadows
- Barn doors (flaps on lights) control spill and prevent light hitting camera lens