View Full Version : Six On-Camera Video Lights Shootout


Taky Cheung
May 13th, 2009, 10:41 AM
I put together 6 on-camera video lights to compare them side by side. They are

Canon VL-3
Canon VL-10li
Litepanel Micro (5600K, 3200K, Dimmer)
SWIT S2010 (5600K, 3200K, Dimmer)
Comet CM-LBPS900 (4500K, 3200K, Hi-Low Intensity switch)
Comet CM-LBPS1800 (4500K, 3200K, Dimmer)

Test #1 Small Room
YouTube - 6 On-Camera Video Lights Shootout - Test #1 Small Room (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TS4p3IQvx58)

Test #2 Medium Size Room
YouTube - 6 On-Camera Video Lights Shootout - Test #2 Medium Room (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9U08Phk0ao)

Test #3 Backlight Fill-in
YouTube - 6 On-Camera Video Lights Shootout - Test #3 Backlight Fill-in (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eOvrRTjnXfg)

Some pictures of the Comet LED lights is here

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/photon-management/235221-comet-camera-led-lights.html

Andy Wilkinson
May 14th, 2009, 02:40 AM
Very useful. Thanks!

Roger Shealy
May 14th, 2009, 05:37 AM
Good stuff Taky. The CM-lbps 1800 looks reallly good. I have the VL-10i and it helps, but doesn't seem to compare to the 1800.

I have problems with the VL-10i blinding the subject (people turning away....), I can only imagine the effects of the Comer lights on a subject. Any comments?

Dana Love
May 14th, 2009, 05:49 AM
Aaahhhh! Disappearing kitty! It's like a Fringe episode.

Nice shoot-out. That helps a lot.

Ethan Cooper
May 14th, 2009, 07:09 AM
Where does one buy a CM-LBPS1800? I can't find them anywhere online.

*EDIT* Wait, it's cause I was searching for Comet not Comer

Taky Cheung
May 14th, 2009, 11:14 AM
Ethan, I'm selling the extra ones I have

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/private-classifieds/235344-comer-led-lights-brand-new.html#post1143044

Taky Cheung
May 26th, 2009, 12:16 PM
I have updated the content of the video. So here're the new links

YouTube - 6 On-Camera Video Lights Shootout - Test #1 Small Room (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5q45jKFsun0)

YouTube - 6 On-Camera Video Lights Shootout - Test #2 Medium Size Room (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Hh-V4poDns)

YouTube - 6 On-Camera Video Lights Shootout - Test #3 Backlight Fill-in (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-c1jAcSZgQ)

Taky Cheung
June 2nd, 2009, 06:04 PM
Oops.. there were some copyright issue with the background music I used and some typos. Links to YouTube updated.

Test #1 Small Room
YouTube - 6 On-Camera Video Lights Shootout - Test #1 Small Room (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3dNuXSNZaA)

Test #2 Medium Size Room
YouTube - 6 On-Camera Video Lights Shootout - Test #2 Medium Size Room (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2CbyVIY4ak)

Test #3 Backlight Fill-in
YouTube - 6 On-Camera Video Lights Shootout - Test #3 Backlight Fill-in (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=707IATsFAUY)

Ellis Kendrick
August 4th, 2009, 11:59 AM
Thanks much for the fantastic videos! They are really a big help in making my decision. I'm definitely going to take a closer look at the Corner units...

Taky Cheung
August 5th, 2009, 10:08 AM
Glad you like the videos. I found myself trying different types of on-camera lights and ended up have 6 of them at home. Now I'm using the Comer lights and sold the rest =) i still have the VL-3 for my Canon HV30.

Taky Cheung
December 3rd, 2009, 02:45 AM
Update the page with the embeded Vimeo video

Test #1 Small Room
6 On-Camera Video Lights Shootout - Test #1 Small Room on Vimeo

Test #2 Medium Size Room
6 On-Camera Video Lights Shootout - Test #2 Medium Size Room on Vimeo

Test #3 Backlight Fill-in
6 On-Camera Video Lights Shootout - Test #3 Backlight Fill-in on Vimeo

Calvin Bellows
December 9th, 2009, 12:45 AM
You have a very patient cat.

Taky Cheung
December 9th, 2009, 01:12 PM
She is just very mellow. I can do whatever to her. ... Check out my CatTop computer My New Laptop Stand | L.A. Color Blog (http://lacolorshop.com/blog/view.asp?id=16)

:)

Simon Zimmer
January 8th, 2010, 04:08 PM
Thanks for the light review. Those Comer lights are great.

I wish amazon or B&h photo would sell them.

Thanks again,

Simon

Taky Cheung
January 11th, 2010, 01:01 AM
We are not the big guys like B&H or Amazon, but we work just as hard. The light itself is a great product. We provide good customer service and product warranty. There are many happy customers who are also DV Info members. Hopefully that should give you a peace of mind in buying from us, to support small business as well as DV Info sponsor. :)

Jeremy Harlan
January 11th, 2010, 03:07 AM
Those are fantastic results! I'm sold!!! Should get a check in Tuesday, I'll be in touch Taky!

I'm mortified by the performance of my LitePanels in comparison:( Dang!!!

Thanks for the shootout, much appreciated...especially the medium room performance. I may be able to leave some weight at home with these guys...

I checked your site....how is the weight on an HVX200 or EX-1? Are these comparable to the LitePanels? I'm going to pick up one of your Light/Video sound brackets as well...interested in mounting the 900 or 1800 and a small 5-7" monitor OR a Zoom H4n. Is this too much weight? Are these lights enough on their own on the smaller cameras or with a decent set of sticks, can I get away with this?

Sorry...somehow missed the weight specs on the light, but I'm sold! I'll be in touch Tuesday or Wednesday:)

Happy New Year, Thanks for the head's up!

Jeremy

Taky Cheung
January 11th, 2010, 02:44 PM
Hi Jeremy, I just measured the lights without battery. Comer 1800 weighted 15.4oz and Comer 900 is 9.5oz. Hope that helps.

Rich Perry
March 20th, 2010, 05:52 AM
I just purchased the CM-LBPS1800 from Taky, can't wait to test it out!

Rich Perry
March 23rd, 2010, 09:56 AM
The CM-LBPS1800 came in and I was frankly blown away by the output of this light. Using my HD200 which is not great in low light anyway the images were fine either with the diffuser on or without for indoor use and with tungsten. I am able to power it via the included power tap cable from the AB mount and cormer 160watt battery, I should also be able to power a DTE hard drive and have ordered the Ab splitter. Overall this is a great light to have for run and gun shooting for use with a mix of studio lights.

Here is the link to the light:
Comer CM-LBPS1800 On-Camera LED Light | L.A. Color Shop (http://lacolorshop.com/products/item.asp?id=cm1800)