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29,
2024
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Choosing an LED panel that suits your needs can be quite a challenge. There's a wide range of different models available on the market, and the myriad of types, shapes and parameters makes the task no easier. That's why we decided to subject them to a detailed comparison and discuss all the features they offer. Find out what to look for when choosing a LED panel lighting and discover their basic functions & specs!
LED panels have been winning the hearts of photographers and filmmakers around the world for more than a dozen years now, as they're the easiest way to precisely illuminate both photos and videos. These are versatile and easy to use devices that can be used by anyone looking to create online content - from budding YouTubers shooting reviews or tutorials, to influencers showing their lifestyle on Instagram and Tik Tok, to professional streamers taking on the challenges in their favorite games.
This type of light is usually quite slim and portable and takes up little to no space - unlike incandescent bulbs or studio lights. This also means they're far less troublesome in transport and storage. Most often they can be powered in two ways - by battery and from an outlet, so they work well both in the studio and outdoors. Unlike many other types of continuous lighting, LED lights also offer simple and convenient light output adjustment - depending on the model, this is usually done from the back panel, a dedicated remote control or a mobile app. What's also worth mentioning is that they offer an exceptionally long lifespan of up to tens of thousands of hours - so they are able to serve photographers and filmmakers for years to come.
LED panel lights typically come in two basic versions: Daylight, which emits only neutral, white light with a color temperature of 5500 K, and Bi-Color, which allows you to choose warmer or cooler tones. As a result, the color of their light can be conveniently adjusted to suit the ambient conditions, or other light sources on the set. A special type of LED lights are those offering RGB light - they allow you to set virtually any color of your choice and unleash your creativity.
The power output of a light usually goes hand in hand with its size - a larger panel has more LEDs built in, which translates into a more intense light output, although there are exceptions to the rule in this regard as well. They can be used for practically any implementation, both photographic and film, but be sure to choose the right size - a light in the size of a notebook won't illuminate a wide frame properly, while a large-sized panel definitely won't come handy for a travel vlog.
LED panel lights are the perfect solution for those involved in the creation of any visual content for Instagram and Tik Tok or YouTube - influencers, streamers, youtubers, or bloggers. They can be successfully used for culinary, portrait, product and advertising photography, as well as interviews, feature films, music videos or TV series.
NOTE!The power output specified in watts (W) rarely is a reliabledeterminant of the intensity of its light. Much depends on its design - the type of diodes used, the use of a diffuser and many other aspects. When choosing a lamp, look for the parameter marked in lux (lx) - it's the one that best illustrates the intensity of the light output at a certain measurement distance. |
Unfortunately, there is no clear answer to this question, although we would very much like to give you one. All the lights offered by these brands feature slimness and compact size, which makes them a practical tool for studio and outdoor productions. Thanks to the high-quality diodes used in their construction, both brands guarantee phenomenal color reproduction, and thus vivid and natural colors in the photo or video.
Their clever design allows them to be mounted on any lighting stand or photography tripod. Many models are equipped with jointed mounts or U-brackets, so you can conveniently adjust their angle. However, when choosing an LED panel, pay close attention to its kit contents - AC adapters, filters or remote controls are included only with some of them. Comparing the series and models listed below, conclusions about their similarities come to mind - the essence of the right choice lies in knowing the small differences between them.
First of all, we present the simplest, basic models of LED panel lights in the Quadralite range. Compared to other lights, they are distinguished primarily by the lack of framing, so they are able to shine a soft and highly diffused light over their entire surface. Both models offer the possibility to adjust the color temperature in the range of 3200 - 5600 K.
Thea 160 |
Thea 450 |
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Dimensions | 18 ⨯ 17 cm | 25 ⨯ 35 cm |
Power output | 16 W | 45 W |
Qty of LEDs | 96 | 384 |
Illuminance | 1200 lux @ 0,5 m | 3650 lux @ 0,5 m |
Power supply | AC Adapter ✓ Battery ✓ |
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In the kit | Tripod mount | Tripod mount Power cable |
These models stand out somewhat from other basic panel lights. Their LEDs are positioned around their edges - combined with a special type of diffuser, they produce a soft, highly diffused light that is evenly distributed over their entire surface. Thanks to the use of two different types of diodes, they offer adjustable color temperature in the standard range of 3200 - 5600 K.
Thea 120 |
Thea 150 |
Thea 260 |
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Dimensions | 17 ⨯ 17 cm | 28 ⨯ 14 cm | 36 ⨯ 24 cm |
Power output | 12 W | 15 W | 30 W |
Qty of LEDs | 112 | 144 | 260 |
Illumination | 552 lux @ 0,5 m | 680 lux @ 0,5 m | 2200 lux @ 0,5 m |
Power supply | AC Adapter ✗ Battery ✓ |
AC Adapter ✓ Battery ✓ |
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In the kit | Tripod mount | Tripod mount Power cable Remote |
As we wrote earlier - there are many similarities among the models produced by each brand. The LEDP series from Godox is very reminiscent of the aforementioned Thea 120, 150 and 260 lamps - just like them, they provide soft and even light, and smooth temperature control in a similar range of 3300 - 5600 K.
LEDP 120 |
LEDP 260 |
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Dimensions | 17 ⨯ 13 cm | 36 ⨯ 24 cm |
Power output | 12 W | 30 W |
Qty of LEDs | 116 | 256 |
Illumination | 608 lux @ 0,5 m | 2200 lux @ 0,5 m |
Power supply | AC Adapter ✗ Battery ✓ |
AC Adapter ✓ Battery ✓ |
In the kit | Tripod mount | Tripod mount Power cable |
The design of these panels is already well known to photographers and filmmakers - similar models have been sold for a long time by various manufacturers. Among other LED lights, they are distinguished by built-in reflective barn doors, which slightly enhance the strength of their light. These models come in both Daylight versions, with a color temperature of 5600 K, and Bi-Color, offering its adjustment in the range of 3200 - 5600 K.
LED 308 II |
LED 500 LR |
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Dimensions | 18 ⨯ 18 cm | 25 ⨯ 17 cm |
Power output | 21 W | 32 W |
Qty of LEDs | 308 | 504 |
Illumination | 860 lux @ 1 m | 2900 lux @ 1 m |
Power supply | AC Adapter ✓ Battery ✓ |
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In the kit | Tripod mount Diffuser |
Tripod mount Power cable Diffuser |
We decided to discuss the following three lamps separately, as they are fundamentally different from the others in the series. Like the aforementioned models, they come in versions with fixed and variable color temperature of light. However, they're equipped with black matte barn doors, which optimally limit the angle of light spread. They also provide for a built-in U-Bracket, which offers an extremely convenient angle adjustment and light stand mounting, making working with them extremely convenient. All three models come with an additional diffuser, while the Daylight version also includes a warming filter (CTO) and a light cooling filter (CTB).
LED 500 |
LED 1000 |
LED 1000 II |
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Dimensions | 39 ⨯ 30 cm | 43 ⨯ 46 cm | |
Power output | 32 W | 70 W | |
Qty of LEDs | 504 | 1024 | |
Illumination | 2900 lux @ 1 m | 4400 lux @ 1m | 5400 lux @ 1 m |
Power supply | AC Adapter ✓ Battery ✓ |
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In the kit | Diffuser Power cable |
We return to the standard, most common design on the market. What they have in common with the Godox LED lights are reflective barn doors, an additional diffuser, and the way they are powered - they can be hooked up to both an AC adapter and NP-F batteries too. However, unlike the models above, they only offer a fixed light color of 5600 K. You can adjust it only with the orange filter (CTO) included with each one.
Thea 170 |
Thea 308 |
Thea 500 |
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Dimensions | 17 ⨯ 10 cm | 18 ⨯ 18 cm | 25 ⨯ 17 cm |
Power output | 10 W | 21 W | 32 W |
Qty of LEDs | 170 | 308 | 504 |
Illumination | 390 lux @ 1 m | 860 lux @ 1 m | 2900 lux @ 1 m |
Power supply | AC Adapter ✓ Battery ✓ |
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In the kit | Tripod mount Diffuser |
Tripod mount Diffuser Remote |
Tripod mount Power cable Diffuser Remote |
The best must always be left for last - it's finally time to discuss Quadralite's most advanced LED panels. Unlike other light sources of this type, the housing of the Thea PRO series lights is made entirely of aluminum - they are definitely more solid and durable than models made of composite plastics. They also definitely cope better with heat distribution, generated during work on set. Their design includes a special U-Bracket that allows them to be conveniently tilted and mounted on lighting stands.
As the best panels from Quadralite, they not only offer an impressive 2800-8000 K color temperature adjustment range, but also multi-color light and a range of special effects. Together with the Thea RGB 150 panel and SmartStick LED tubes, they make a practical and convenient system, offering the possibility to remotely control their light from a mobile app. Both versions include a removable, milky diffuser that attractively dissipates the light they emit.
Dedicated barn doors and softboxes are also available for purchase separately - a matching light modifier is an invaluable aid when working with LED panels. Both models additionally come with a sturdy bag for their transport and storage.
Thea 300 RGB PRO |
Thea 600 RGB PRO |
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Dimensions | 28 ⨯ 30 cm | 49 ⨯ 28 cm |
Power output | 30 W | 60 W |
Illumination | 890 lux @ 1 m | 1740 lux @ 1 m |
Power supply | AC Adapter ✓ Battery ✓ |
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In the kit | Power cable Bag |
In our comparison, we have finally arrived at the most advanced and best quality series of LED panels in the Godox range. The LD line of lights consists of large and extremely bright light sources, combining all the features mentioned so far in the article - color temperature adjustment, RGB colors, special effects and a robust U-Bracket for mounting on tripods or booms. However, they are distinguished by their solid aluminum housing and accessory holders, which also serve as additional reinforcement on its corners.
Despite their size and powerful light, they managed to maintain the slimness LED panels are known for. What makes them advanced devices for professional work are three ways to adjust the light. The first is based on a rear control panel that is clear and intuitive to use, while the second uses a dedicated Godox Light app to do so. For the most demanding productions, light operators can take advantage of the DMX function, which allows the light to be operated from the appropriate controller. Dedicated softboxes and grids are available for Godox LD lamps, giving you a new dimension of control over their light.
LD75R |
LD150R |
LD150RS |
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Dimensions | 41 ⨯ 44 cm | 74 ⨯ 43 cm | 54 ⨯ 51 cm |
Power output | 75 W | 150 W | |
Illumination | 9320 lux @ 1 m | 17 500 lux @ 1 m | 18 500 lux @ 1 m |
Power supply | AC Adapter ✓ Battery ✓ |
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In the kit | Power cable Barn doors Bag |
Why should LED panel lights for video & photography be different? Visit tel u