NEEWER® 160 LED CN-160 Dimmable Ultra High Power Panel Digital Camera / Camcorder Video Light, LED Light compatible with Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Panasonic,SONY, Samsung and Olympus Digital SLR Cameras

NEEWER 160 LED CN-160 Dimmable Ultra High Power Panel Digital Camera / Camcorder Video Light, LED Light for Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Panasonic,SONY, Samsung and Olympus Digital SLR CamerasI purchased this light panel in 2014. At the time, I was really interested in video production and I needed a powerful but light and affordable light system. My camera rig consisted of a Canon 70D mounted to an Opteka X-GRIP, which is basically just a simple, foam-handled camera grip. Now I did not realize this when I bought X-GRIP, but this exact combination was popular with skateboarders. It is because they can glide down the road carrying their SLR in one or two hands, and simultaneously record smooth footage of their ride. Furthermore, I noticed many of these skaters shot at nighttime. In order to capture their footage, they mounted a powerful, little light panel to the hot shoe that’s built into the top of their Opteka X-GRIP. It’s nifty, little setup. After seeing how powerful the light is, I decided to purchase two CN-160 light panels for myself.Budget Three-Point LightingNow I’m not a skateboarder. I was just a budget videographer who needed a cheap and portable three-point lighting system. The CN-160 was the answer to my problem. Once again, I am not a professional videographer. However, I was able to create professional looking stuff using two of these light panels plus the cheap soft box I already owned. Of course, I needed to attach each one to a light stand, which was an additional purchase. (I purchased the cheapest Cowboy Studio light stands I could find on Amazon.) I also needed to order two light stand adapters. I went with high quality Manfrotto adapters. You do not want to cheap out when it comes to this. The plastic ones break too easily. I think if you’re trying to produce your own YouTube videos, this is a good product for you. If you’re trying to pull off professional lighting for a paid gig like a wedding or glamour shoot, you might want to look into more professional stuff. However, if you’re just getting into videography, this is more than adequate. Just be sure to purchase two. Also, make sure you have light stands and adapters so you can position the panels anywhere and make adjustments on the fly.Not Just For VideographyI use my CN-160 light panel every day and that is not an exaggeration. My apartment is kind of dim. My family is always complaining about the lack of light fixtures. I’ve been meaning to address that issue, but lately I find myself using my light panel for countless every day activities. For example, it’s a great reading light, especially if you pair it with a flexible tripod such as a GorillaPod. Simply position it on your nightstand and use the dimmer switch to adjust its level of power. (It is extremely bright. You won’t need to use its highest setting.) I also use the CN-160 to do repairs around the house. It certainly came in handy when I had to work underneath the kitchen sink. It’s easier to set up than a plastic droplight and you don’t need to deal with a 25-foot extension cord. I’ve even used it to change my car battery at night. This light panel has helped me on dozens of little jobs. I bought this light panel to help me with my videography and I’m not even doing that anymore. So I’m glad it’s getting plenty of use instead of collecting dust in my junk box.Battery LifeAccording to its Amazon description, the CN-160 will accept several different types of rechargeable batteries, which are produced by Sony and Panasonic. I simply didn’t feel like purchasing those special battery packs. I simply use rechargeable AA batteries (Panasonic Eneloop). The CN-160 requires six AA batteries. Sometimes when I fall asleep reading, I forget to switch off the light panel. Nine hours later, the light is down to about 20 percent, but still quite bright. I don’t know how many hours NEEWER promises, but I’m happy with my battery life. I will admit that if I were using regular, non-rechargeable batteries, it probably would start to get expensive.

Just received the lights and I must say they are fantastic! Took some pictures and video with my Panasonic Gh2 with the lights set up, doing some simple tests and I must say these lights are truly amazing for the money!Now the build quality is pretty much all plastic including the shoe mount but that being said, they don't feel flimsy. In fact I don't mind the plastic casing because it makes it them lighter, even with the batteries installed. I wouldn't throw them around and I certainly wouldn't drop them down a flight of stairs or let them fall off your tripod or stand, but with proper care these should last!The dimmer is great, smooth and responsive. The filters are nice but I will probably in the end just use the white diffuser. They come in a small folder which is cheap but usable. In the end I will use gels, and soft diffusers that attach by velro.As for the shoe mount, it is plastic and probably the only thing that I wished that was metal or really thick tough plastic. But as with the rest of the product, with proper care, it should be OK and last. Other reviews have complained about the lock on the shoe mount, but it seems secure to me and it is now ratcheted...so it feels more secure when you are loosening the lock and your light won't just lean fast, toppling over. So overall a secure shoe mount but I do wish it were metal or some other tougher material.I use the lights with rechargeable double AA's and two Sony NP-FM50 batteries, charging them with a Pearstone recharger bought from B&H. It so convenient to have multiple battery options! That is so plus! I can't comment on battery drain since I haven't used the lights for long shoots, but that will be on my follow-up when I start working on longer projects.Now as for brightness these puppies blow me away! I agree with all the other reviews...these lights are bright and powerful! I bought two and they fill up a room, 500 square feet, with more to spare! Just awesome! After using tungsten and Halogen lights for video shoots and worrying about blown fuses and generating tremendous heat these lights are a godsend. A few seconds and you can't touch a halogen or tungsten but these LEDs generate such little heat if at all. Now these lights won't fill up an auditorium but they work beautifully on set, like a room, car or even larger space.I do wish you could plug this suckers into a outlet, but I guess I'll have to do some research and figure out how to jury rig these beauties for that.Otherwise very happy with the purchase so far and if you are curious about these LED lights for shooting video or picture, seriously give them a try. For the price they really can't be beat! LED lightning has really come down fast in price...yeah they're still pricey compared to regular lights but are now starting to come within reach of almost everyone!