RGB video light has become an essential tool for content creators, offering dynamic color options and versatile lighting effects. For beginners, choosing the right RGB video light can be a bit challenging. This article will serve as a guide to help you make an informed purchase by covering:
- Its definition and types
- Key considerations when making the purchase
- The best 4 picks at COLBOR
- Tips for using RGB lights in YouTube videos
What are RGB video lights and their types?
RGB video lights are LED lights that produce various colors by mixing the three primary colors. RGB stands for red, green, and blue. They can be used in video production to create different effects and moods, whether for lighting the background, subject, or green screen. Common RGB video lights include four types:
Point source RGB video light
Point source RGB video lights offer a familiar interface for photographers who are used to working with strobes. They not only have a similar physical design to strobes but also often use the same mounts for modifiers. This means if you already have accessories for your strobe, you will likely be able to use them with your LED. Additionally, using the same types of modifiers as with a strobe allows you to shape the light from a point source LED in the same ways you do with a strobe. This is a significant advantage for photographers and videographers who need precise light placement.
RGB tube light for video
RGB LED tube lights are lighting fixtures that use red, green, and blue LEDs to produce a broad spectrum of colors. These tube lights are designed to deliver soft, even illumination, enhancing the appearance of your visual content. The fixture features a long, narrow tube housing with LEDs arranged in rows along its length.
In the film and photography industry, RGB tube lights are favored for their versatility and adaptability to various project needs. They are especially effective at generating diffused light, which minimizes harsh shadows and creates a more naturallooking image.
RGB video light panel
RGB video light panel features a flat surface with embedded RGB LEDs. When an electric current flows through these LEDs, they generate bright and even illumination. It is engineered to distribute light consistently, removing shadows and glare to create a comfortable lighting environment.
RGB strip
RGB strip lights are a modern and versatile lighting solution. Although there are various types and exceptions, they generally share the following features:
- Composed of multiple individual LED emitters mounted on a narrow, flexible circuit board
- Powered by lowvoltage DC power
- Offered in a broad range of fixed and adjustable colors and brightness levels
- Supplied in long reels (typically 16 feet / 5 meters), can be cut to size, and include doublesided adhesive for easy mounting
How to choose the best RGB light for video: 6 factors to consider
Before making a purchase, consider a few key factors to ensure you select the best RGB video light for your needs:
Color Temperature Range: RGB lights vary in color temperature. Choose a light with a versatile range (typically between 2500K and 10000K) to accommodate different photography needs.
Brightness Adjustment: It's important to have control over brightness. Look for RGB lights that offer easy adjustability, ideally with stepless dimming, to achieve your preferred intensity.
Color Rendering Index (CRI): CRI measures how accurately a light source renders colors. A higher CRI (above 90) provides better color reproduction, resulting in more vivid and accurate images.
Battery Life & Power Options: Long battery life is essential for extended shoots. Opt for a light with a durable battery and flexible power options (like USB or AC adapters) for convenience and reliability.
Control Options: Review the control options available. Most lights offer good onboard controls and a useful app. If you need DMX control, ensure the light supports it.
Portability & Mounting Options: A portable and lightweight RGB light is easier to transport and set up. Also, check if the light has mounting options, such as hot shoe or tripod mounts, for seamless integration with your photography equipment.
Four RGB video lights recommended at COLBOR
In order to solve the lighting problems of video creators, COLBOR has launched several excellent RGB lights. Here we will introduce these products and their features to help you choose the most suitable RGB video light.
COLBOR W100R: 100W portable RGB video light for indoor and outdoor videography
The COLBOR W100R is an excellent portable RGB LED video light with a sleek camera-like design. Despite its pocket size, it delivers a powerful 100W output. Equipped with large Φ31mm LED beads and advanced diffusion technology, it produces a uniform beam of light while reducing glare. It offers full-color lighting options, with a high CRI of 97+ and a broad color temperature range from 2700K to 6500K, ensuring natural and vivid lighting conditions. The W100R provides flexible power solutions, including the COLBOR power grip, DC adapter, or PD Type-C fast charging options. Its extensive accessory ecosystem allows seamless integration with other COLBOR accessories, making it the perfect choice for content creators who need versatility for both indoor and outdoor videography.
Features
- A CRI of 97+
- Adjustable color temperature range from 2700K to 6500K
- Full-color options with adjustable hue and saturation
- High illumination of 6,500 lux (1m at 5600K, with reflector)
- Flexible power solutions: power handle, DC adapter, PD Type-C
- Extensive COLBOR accessory ecosystem
- Smart app control
COLBOR CL60R: 65W RGB LED video light for unique audiovisual experience
The COLBOR CL60R is a versatile, high-quality RGB LED light, making it an ideal lighting solution for video creators. It offers a powerful 65W output, and the modular design allows you to combine several units to create a maximum output of 650W. With a color temperature range of 2700-6500K, a high CRI of 97, and full RGB color control, the CL60R delivers accurate color reproduction and full-spectrum lighting options. Its flexible power design supports PD adapter, PD adapter, V mount battery, etc. Additionally, the CL60R features a responsive audio system that automatically generates suitable lighting effects based on the surrounding sounds, providing a unique audiovisual experience.
Features
- A CRI of 97+
- Adjustable color temperature range from 2700K to 6500K
- Full-color options with adjustable hue and saturation
- High illumination of 22,655 lux (1m at 5600K, with reflector)
- Flexible power solutions: PD adapter, PD adapter, V mount battery, etc.
- Smart voice recognition function
- Smart app control
COLBOR CL220R: 220W powerful RGB video light for professional and versatile video shooting
The COLBOR CL220R is a powerful professional studio video light, essential for content creators who demand high quality and professionalism. With an output of up to 220W, it can deliver 30,600 lux of 5600K illumination at 1m with the COLBOR BHR45 reflector. It offers full-color lighting options, an adjustable color temperature range (2700K to 6500K), and a 97+ CRI rating, ensuring diverse and accurate colors for your videos. The CL220R is designed to improve your work with its precise color control through the M/G (Magenta/Green) balance function. This feature ensures accurate white balance and color correction, whether you're photographing skin tones, jewelry, food, or vivid fabric. This enhances the true colors and textures of your subjects. In short, the CL220R almost meets all your lighting needs for video production.
Features
- A CRI of 97+
- Adjustable color temperature range from 2700K to 6500K
- Full-color options with adjustable hue and saturation
- High illumination of 30,600 lux (1m at 5600K, with reflector)
- Flexible power solutions: DC adapter, V-mount battery
- Smart app control
COLBOR PL8R: 8W RGB pocket light for mobile video recording
The COLBOR PL8R is the best choice for mobile recording, especially for smartphones. With a color temperature range of 2500K-9000K and a CRI of 98+, it ensures high-quality lighting for any scene. The light features 105 LED beads, including white, yellow, and RGB colors, providing full-color illumination. It is equipped with a 5000mAh battery that offers approximately 125 minutes of runtime at 100% brightness. The Type-A DC output port also allows for charging your recording smartphone, ensuring continuous recording. It supports both physical and app controls, enabling easy adjustment of settings and creation of custom lighting scenes. Its magnetic back and universal mount make it compatible with various devices and surfaces. With its impressive features, the COLBOR PL8R stands out as an essential tool for content creators.
Features
- A CRI of 98+
- Adjustable color temperature range from 2500K to 9000K
- Full-color options with adjustable hue and saturation
- Magnetic back, cold shoe, and 1/4-inch screw hole for flexible mounting
- 13 preset lighting modes to efficiently simulate scenes
- 5000mAh battery capacity, also usable as a power bank
- Smart app control
- HD display intuitively showing lighting settings
Video tutorial: How to use RGB lights for YouTube videos?
Video by David Zhou
There are many creative ways to use RGB video light for extraordinary effects in videos. However, for beginners, the standard four-point lighting setup is the recommended approach to achieve a cinematic atmosphere. The above video demonstrates how to set up this four-point lighting using RGB lights, including key, fill, back, and background lights.
Key Light: This is the primary light source, placed at a 45-degree angle to your subject. Use an RGB light with a neutral or warm color to highlight the subject’s features. Ensure the light is strong enough to define the subject without overpowering it.
Fill Light: Positioned on the opposite side of the key light, the fill light softens shadows created by the key light. Use a cooler color from your RGB setup to balance the warmth of the key light. This light should be softer to avoid flattening the subject.
Back Light: Also known as the rim or hair light, this RGB light is placed behind the subject, aimed at the back of the head or shoulders. The purpose is to create a subtle outline that separates the subject from the background. Opt for softer, less intense colors, like pastels or cool tones, to avoid harsh contrasts.
Background Light: This light illuminates the background and is crucial for setting the mood of the scene. Use contrasting or complementary RGB colors to make the background visually engaging. Adjust the intensity based on the effect you want to achieve; higher intensity for a vibrant look, or lower for a more subdued ambiance.