Anyone who’s spent time trying to capture photos or video indoors, or even outside in less-than-ideal conditions, knows the struggle with poor lighting. Shadows fall where you don’t want them, colours look dull, and subjects can disappear into gloom. I remember early attempts at shooting interviews or simple product shots where the ambient light just wasn’t cutting it. This lack of sufficient illumination didn’t just make things look bad; it impacted the mood of the shot, made editing harder, and frankly, often rendered the footage unusable. It was clear that without a reliable, portable light source, achieving consistently professional results would be impossible. Finding a solution to this problem was essential for improving the quality of my work and avoiding frustrating reshoots or compromises.
Before You Invest: What to Look for in a Video Light
Before diving into a specific video light, it’s important to understand why you need one and who would benefit most. Video lights are crucial for anyone creating visual content – photographers, videographers, vloggers, content creators, or even just someone looking to improve their webcam presence. They provide continuous light, unlike a flash, allowing you to see exactly how the light affects your subject before you shoot. This makes them invaluable for controlling shadows, adding fill light, and ensuring proper exposure in various environments.
Who is the ideal customer? Someone who needs consistent, portable light for shooting video or stills, often on location or in varied indoor settings. They might be shooting portraits, interviews, product reviews, or documenting events. Who might not need one? Someone primarily shooting with ambient light or using a flash for traditional photography might find a continuous video light less essential, especially if they only shoot in well-lit conditions. Casual smartphone users who rely solely on built-in phone flashes or basic ring lights for selfies might also find dedicated camera-mounted lights more than they require.
Key considerations before buying include:
* Brightness (Luminance): How powerful is the light? Measured in lux, this determines how effectively it can illuminate a scene.
* Colour Temperature: Does it match ambient light (daylight, tungsten) or can it be adjusted? This affects the colour cast in your footage.
* Power Options: What batteries does it use (AA, specific lithium-ion packs)? Is there AC adapter capability? Battery life is critical.
* Portability and Size: How heavy and bulky is it? Will it fit on your camera or rig comfortably?
* Mounting: How does it attach to your camera, tripod, or light stand? A standard hot shoe mount is common.
* Durability: How well is it built? Will it stand up to regular use?
* Features: Does it offer dimming, include filters, or have other useful functions?
Thinking through these points helps narrow down the options and find a light that meets your specific needs without unnecessary complexity or expense.
- 【100 High CRI95+ LED Beads & Soft Light Board】The VIJIM VL100C led video light adopts 100pcs High Quality Color Rendering Index 95+ beads and the Max Brightness up to 900Lm(2500K-6500K),lager...
- 【5000mAh Hightly Capacity Rechargeable Battery】Built-in 5000mAh rechargeable battery, USB Type-C charging port, supports to 180 minutes at maximum brightness, making it a hassle-free way of...
- 【Portable LED Video Light】The new version SmallRig P96 RGB Video Light adopts 96 high effective light beads, illumination angle up to 120°, the brightness can reach toppest CRI95 cab completely...
Getting Acquainted with the Product
The NEEWER 160 LED CN-160 Dimmable Ultra High Power Panel Digital Camera/Camcorder Video Light is a compact, on-camera LED light designed to provide supplementary or key lighting for video recording and photography. It essentially promises optimal illumination and the ability to achieve professional lighting effects on a budget. When you purchase the CN-160, you typically get the LED panel itself, a hot shoe adapter for mounting, and two filters – one white diffusion filter and one orange (CTO) filter to lower the colour temperature to around 3200K.
This light is designed for creators using DSLRs, mirrorless cameras, or camcorders from various brands like Canon, Nikon, Sony, Panasonic, etc., who need more control over their lighting. It’s particularly suited for close-up work, interviews, or adding fill light where space or budget is limited for larger lighting setups. It might not be the best fit for lighting a very large scene or as a sole light source in extremely dark environments due to its size and power output limitations compared to larger, more expensive studio lights.
Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons based on my extended use:
Pros:
* Very bright output for its size and price.
* Excellent, smooth dimmable control via a simple rotate switch.
* Includes useful filters (diffusion and CTO) for versatility.
* Lightweight and portable without batteries installed.
* Compatible with multiple battery types (though this comes with caveats).
Cons:
* Build quality, particularly the battery compartment cover and hot shoe mount, feels flimsy.
* Battery compatibility can be inconsistent, with some standard battery types not fitting correctly.
* Battery compartment is exposed on the back, lacking a protective cover.
* Can become quite heavy when loaded with 6 AA batteries.
* Plastic hot shoe screw mount is prone to threading issues over time.
Exploring the Features and Benefits in Detail
Having used the NEEWER CN-160 for a considerable period, I’ve had ample time to get acquainted with its capabilities and limitations in real-world shooting scenarios. The core appeal of this video light lies in its straightforward functionality and accessible price point, making it a popular choice for beginners and those needing an affordable extra light source.
The Power of 160 LEDs: Brightness and Coverage
The most apparent feature is the grid of 160 individual LED bulbs packed into the panel. When cranked up, this compact unit can blast out a surprising amount of light. For close-up shots, interviews within a few feet, or as a fill light to lift shadows on a subject’s face, the sheer output is more than adequate. It’s capable of transforming a dimly lit scene into something usable, preventing issues like excessive digital noise that occurs when cameras struggle in low light. The benefit here is obvious: more light means cleaner images, better exposure, and more flexibility in choosing your shooting location regardless of ambient conditions. Over time, I’ve found that for many common uses, I rarely need to use it at maximum brightness, which speaks to its power reserve for those moments you truly need it.
Dimmable Control: Precision at Your Fingertips
Beyond just being bright, the CN-160 offers fully dimmable control via a rotate switch on the side. This isn’t just an on/off; it allows you to smoothly adjust the light intensity from its lowest setting all the way up to maximum power. This feature is invaluable. You can dial in exactly the right amount of light needed, preventing your subject from being overexposed or looking unnaturally harsh. This control is crucial for balancing the light’s output with existing ambient light or other light sources in your setup. The smooth transition of the dimmer makes adjustments during a shoot easy, allowing for fine-tuning on the fly. The long-term benefit is consistency and creative control – you’re not stuck with a single brightness level but can adapt the light to various scenarios.
Included Filters: Shaping the Light
The inclusion of two filters, a white diffusion filter and an orange (CTO) filter, adds significant versatility. The diffusion filter softens the light, reducing harsh shadows and creating a more flattering look, especially important for portraits or close-ups. Without it, the bare LEDs can produce a very direct, potentially harsh light. The orange filter is designed to lower the colour temperature, making the light warmer. This is essential when mixing the LED light with tungsten light sources (like standard indoor bulbs) or when you want to simulate warmer, evening light. These filters simply slide into slots on the front of the panel and are easy to swap out. While basic, they are incredibly effective tools included right in the box, saving you from immediate additional purchases and allowing you to experiment with different lighting qualities from day one. The fact they come with a small sleeve holder is a nice touch, keeping them organized and protected over time.
Battery Compatibility: Powering Your Shoot
One of the defining aspects of the NEEWER CN-160 is its purported wide battery compatibility. It’s listed as being compatible with NP-F series Li-ion batteries (like NP-F550, F750, F970), Canon LP-E6, AA Ni-MH or Alkaline batteries, Panasonic SD Series, and some Sony models (FH, FM, F series). This flexibility is a major draw, as many users already own some of these battery types for their cameras or other gear.
However, this is also where some significant drawbacks can arise, as experienced personally and echoed in user feedback. While the compatibility list is long, the actual fit and functionality can be inconsistent. For instance, some users (myself included, depending on the specific unit purchased) have found that standard NP-F550 batteries, despite being listed as compatible, are too wide for the battery adapter included with the light. The adapter might be labeled for a different battery type (like Panasonic D16 in one case mentioned in reviews), leading to confusion and frustration. Using AA batteries is an option (it takes 6), and this generally works, but AA batteries add significant weight and may not last as long or provide as consistent power as dedicated NP-F style packs, depending on the battery quality. The benefit of wide compatibility is potentially negated by actual fit issues, making it a bit of a gamble unless you specifically confirm battery type needs with the seller or are prepared to use AA batteries as a backup.
Furthermore, the battery compartment itself feels somewhat flimsy. The cover is basic, and when using AA batteries, the batteries are exposed on the back when the cover is off for installation. While they don’t seem likely to fall out once the cover is secured (as one user pointed out), the lack of a fully sealed compartment does raise concerns about dust, moisture, or accidental damage over prolonged use in less-than-ideal environments.
Mounting Options: Getting it On Camera
The light comes with a standard hot shoe mount adapter, allowing it to attach directly to the hot shoe on most cameras or camcorders. This is the most common way to use it, keeping the light source close to the lens. The mount swivels, allowing you to angle the light up or down. The adapter also has a 1/4″ thread on the bottom, so you can attach it to light stands or mini tripods if you prefer to use it off-camera.
The major drawback here is the quality of the hot shoe mount itself, specifically the plastic tightening ring used to secure it. This plastic screw is, unfortunately, quite cheap and prone to threading unevenly or getting stripped over time, particularly if you frequently attach and remove the light. Care must be taken when tightening it to ensure it threads straight. This is a point of failure I’ve encountered and seen mentioned by others; a metal mount would have significantly improved the product’s longevity and perceived build quality. However, once securely mounted (carefully!), it generally holds the light well enough for typical use.
Portability and Weight: On-the-Go Lighting
Without any batteries, the NEEWER CN-160 unit is surprisingly lightweight. This is a huge benefit when you’re carrying around gear or when mounting it directly onto smaller cameras or smartphone rigs (as one user noted it fits well with certain rigs). The compact size also makes it easy to slip into a camera bag pocket. However, as mentioned regarding batteries, loading it up with 6 AA batteries adds noticeable weight. While not prohibitively heavy, this extra weight on top of a camera can make the setup feel a bit unbalanced, especially if you’re handholding for extended periods. Using lighter NP-F type batteries (if you can find ones that fit consistently!) helps mitigate this. For run-and-gun shooting or travel, its inherent portability is a significant plus, provided you manage the battery weight.
Heat Management:
A pleasant surprise, noted in one review, is that the light doesn’t seem to get excessively hot, even after being on for a while. This is a benefit both for handling the unit and for the longevity of the LEDs themselves. It also means less discomfort for subjects if the light is positioned close to them.
Overall, the NEEWER 160 LED CN-160 packs a lot of functional lighting capability into a very affordable package. The core features – bright output, smooth dimming, and included filters – work well and directly address the problem of inadequate lighting. However, the areas where cost savings are most apparent are in the physical build quality, particularly the battery housing and mounting hardware, and the potential inconsistencies in battery compatibility. These are important considerations for long-term durability and reliable performance.
Insights from Fellow Users
After spending time using the light myself, I also looked online to see what other users experienced. The general sentiment seems to align with my own: this LED panel offers impressive brightness and features for its price, making it a solid budget-friendly option. Many users praise its adjustable output and the effectiveness of the included diffusion and warming filters. However, several people noted issues similar to mine regarding battery compatibility, finding that even listed batteries didn’t always fit properly or that AA batteries were the only consistently working option, adding unwanted weight. The build quality, particularly the plastic hot shoe mount and battery compartment, was also a common point of criticism, with some expressing concern about long-term durability. Despite these shared drawbacks, the overall consensus is that the performance-to-price ratio is excellent, making it a valuable tool for creators on a budget, provided they are aware of its limitations.
Final Reflections: Is This Light For You?
Struggling with poor lighting shouldn’t hold back your creative projects. The complications range from soft, noisy footage to unflattering shadows that detract from your subject. A reliable, portable light source is a necessity to overcome these hurdles and ensure your visual content looks its best.
The NEEWER 160 LED CN-160 is a great fit for solving this problem for several key reasons. Firstly, its significant brightness provides the necessary power to illuminate subjects effectively. Secondly, the adjustable dimmer gives you crucial control over the light’s intensity, allowing for perfect exposure and creative effects. Finally, the included filters add valuable versatility, enabling you to modify the light’s quality and colour temperature without needing extra gear. While it has minor drawbacks in build quality and battery compatibility, its core functionality and affordability make it a compelling choice for many users seeking to improve their lighting setup. To learn more about this useful LED video light, Click here to check it out.
Last update on 2025-06-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API