Video Lighting! Color Edition

​In film, the role of Director of Photography is assigned to someone in charge of the camera and lighting crew. The word "photography" in Greek literally means "drawing of light." Lighting is so important in creating a scene. It helps define characters, illuminate certain points of focus, draw emotions, set the mood, and so much more. 

In certain sets or scenes, colored lighting may be useful to set the mood, create emotions, or complement a color theme. For certain video genres such as sports or music, it helps infuse energy and creativity to the scene. (For lessons on color theory, check out my colleague CJ Murr's blog on color theory!) Here are my favorite RGB LED tools for adding colored lighting to a set:

RGB TUBE/WAND LIGHTS
RGB tube/wand LED lights are very popular. They can range from 1ft to 4ft in length and provide a nice, linear gradient of color for the length of the LED tube. The Astera tubes are the industry flagship for these kind of lights, but at $850+ per tube, that is a steep price for most people to pay. Here are my top options:

DIGITALFOTO Chameleon 4ft RGB Tube Light
This RGB LED tube is probably the closest to the Astera Titan tubes. It has full RGB mode, 2800-9990K color temperature mode, and 12 lighting effects modes. It can be controlled remotely by phone or by DMX (which could be programmed with a lighting board).

Godox LC500R RGB LED Wand Light
This RGB wand is a great handheld option. It comes with barndoors to control the direction of light. Has full RGB mode and can be controlled with a remote. It can also be mounted on a tripod, light stand, or C-stand.

Sutefoto RGB Tube Light
This is the best budget option for tube lights! At a low price, you get full the full RGB spectrum mode (and the option to use HSL to pick your color), 2500-8500K mode, and 10 lighting effect modes. Though it lacks a remote control mode, it is feature-packed for the price and includes a bag and charging adapter. 

RGB BOWENS-MOUNT LIGHTS
Bowens-mount lights are my favorite type of video lights. There are many types of Bowens-mount light modifiers that you can use on them such as softboxes, strip boxes, barn doors, snoots, etc., all of which help shape and direct the light. 

Sutefoto P80RGB with NP Battery Plate Kit
This is a fantastic RGB option. It is a Bowens-mount light which can be used with various modifiers. It also can come with a battery plate (for NP-F or V-mount batteries) which makes this a good portable, outdoor option. It can also be controlled remotely through a phone app.

RGB POCKET LEDs
Smaller RGB LEDs are very useful on all types of sets. They can illuminate smaller points of emphasis or perhaps be placed inside shelves or products. They can also be hidden behind things on set when you want a light in a tight spot but don't want the light source to show in frame. 

Sutefoto Magnetic LED Light Stick
This is a great small-sized LED tube. It can fit in tight spots. The magnetic feature is great to mount on any metal frames on your set. 

Weeylite RB08P RGB LED Light
This LED light is very handy to have on set. It is a small panel that can fit anywhere. It has full RGB and HSL capabilities, 2500-8500K color temperature mode, and it also has 20 lighting effect modes.