Like many people venturing into creating online content, I quickly ran into a frustrating problem: inconsistent and unflattering lighting. Shadows in the wrong places, washed-out colours, or just a general lack of brightness made everything look amateurish. This issue wasn’t just cosmetic; poor lighting makes it hard for cameras to focus properly and affects the overall quality and professionalism of your videos or photos. I knew I needed a dedicated light source, and solving this problem was crucial to improving my content and making a better impression.
- 【New Upgrade】Vibe P96 Pro is the 2nd-generation product in SmallRig's Vibe LED Light series. Inheriting the iconic ring-shaped metal stepless knob design, it now features an embedded LCD color...
- 【Professional Performance】Premium 5W Bi-Color Light Source with CRI > 95 and TLCI > 98, delivering 1160Lux @ 0.3m/5600K, suitable for entry-level content creators, photography enthusiasts,...
- 【Versatile Lighting Modes】With built-in cool/warm light, and special effects modes, it can simulate 2500K-6500K daylight and 5 special effects. Ideal for facial illumination, tabletop still life...
What to Look for in a Portable LED Video Light
So, what exactly should you consider before diving in and buying a portable LED video light? Primarily, you’re looking to solve problems related to inadequate or unflattering light – brightening subjects, filling in harsh shadows, adding catchlights to eyes, or providing ambient light in dim environments. Someone seeking this product is typically a content creator, vlogger, photographer, or anyone needing supplementary light for close-up work, tabletop shots, or even live streaming on the go. This category is ideal for users who prioritize portability and versatility over high-power, large-area illumination needed for professional studio setups. If you need to light up an entire room or overpower bright sunlight outdoors, a small LED panel probably isn’t for you; you’d need larger, more powerful lights.
Key factors to think about before buying include:
* Brightness and Colour Accuracy (CRI/TLCI): How powerful is the light, and how accurately does it render colours? High CRI/TLCI is essential.
* Colour Temperature Range: Can you adjust the light from warm (tungsten) to cool (daylight) to match ambient light or create a specific mood?
* Battery Life and Charging: How long does it last on a charge, and how convenient is recharging (USB-C is a plus)?
* Mounting Options: Does it have standard mounting points (like 1/4″-20 threads or cold shoes) for easy attachment to cameras, stands, or rigs?
* Portability and Durability: Is it small and light enough to carry easily, and is the build quality robust enough for travel?
* Ease of Use: Are the controls intuitive, and is there a clear display for settings?
* Special Features: Does it offer special effects or the ability to daisy-chain multiple units?
- 【30 LIGHTING MODES】The LED video light has 3 Color temperatures (2800K, 4800K & 6500K). Equipped with 160 Led beads which offers 12w max power output. Features a high CRI of 85+ for precise color...
- 【MULTIPLE COLOR TEMPERATURE & ADJUSTABLE BRIGHTNESS】Provide 3 Color temperatures (2800K, 4800K & 6500K)to create various lighting atmosphere; This Upgraded Studio Light which is equipped with 352...
- 【Professional RGB LED Video Lights】The new version VL49 RGB LED video light adopts 60 high color rendering led beads, illumination angle up to 120°, the brightness can reach [email protected], topest...
Introducing the SMALLRIG Vibe P96 Pro LED Video Light
Enter the SMALLRIG Vibe P96 Pro Led Video Light. This compact, portable lighting solution is the second generation in SmallRig’s Vibe series, promising to be a versatile fill light for content creators, photographers, and streamers. When you purchase it, you typically receive the SMALLRIG Vibe P96 Pro light itself, a USB-A to USB-C charging cable, and a user manual. It aims to provide professional-grade performance in a small package, making it suitable for close-up subjects and tabletop scenarios rather than lighting large spaces. It’s designed for those who need a flexible, easy-to-use light source on the go or as part of a smaller setup. It’s likely not for large-scale productions requiring massive light output or complex DMX control. Compared to its predecessor, the original Vibe P96, the Pro version notably adds an embedded LCD screen and an upgraded knob design for easier parameter viewing and adjustment.
Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons I’ve experienced:
Pros:
* Excellent portability and compact size.
* Accurate colour rendering (high CRI/TLCI).
* Wide, adjustable colour temperature range (2500K-6500K).
* Convenient USB-C charging.
* Versatile mounting options.
* Useful LCD screen for easy setting checks.
Cons:
* Battery life is somewhat limited at full power.
* The adjustment knob/button can be a little fiddly initially.
* Not powerful enough for lighting large areas.
Exploring Features and Benefits
Having used the SMALLRIG Vibe P96 Pro for a considerable time, I can delve into the features that make it a valuable tool, along with how they perform in real-world use.
Compact Size and Robust Build
The first thing you notice is its size – it’s genuinely pocketable, smaller than most smartphones. This portability is a massive benefit. I can toss it into any camera bag, backpack, or even a jacket pocket without it adding significant bulk or weight. The build quality feels solid, combining a high-strength ABS frame with anodized aluminum alloy knobs. It doesn’t feel cheap or flimsy, which is reassuring when you’re taking it out on shoots or constantly attaching and detaching it from gear. While it’s not water-resistant, it seems durable enough to handle the occasional bump or knock that comes with being portable. The inclusion of a soft light panel is also a nice touch, aiming to provide softer, more uniform light dispersion right out of the box, which is crucial for flattering portraits or still life.
Professional-Grade Colour and Brightness
The core function of any light is, well, light! The Vibe P96 Pro features a 5W bi-colour light source. What truly sets it apart at this price point is its excellent colour accuracy, boasting a CRI (Colour Rendering Index) of over 95 and TLCI (Television Lighting Consistency Index) of over 98. In practical terms, this means the light reproduces colours faithfully. When I’m shooting food, products, or people, I can trust that the colours captured by my camera look natural under this light, without weird colour casts that cheaper lights can produce. This saves a significant amount of time in post-production trying to correct colours. The light provides up to 1160 Lux at 0.3m at 5600K, which is ample brightness for close-up subjects – think illuminating your face for a vlog, lighting a small product for a review, or adding a highlight to a tabletop setup. It’s not designed to illuminate a distant scene, but for its intended purpose as a portable camera light, it delivers well.
Adjustable Colour Temperature
Flexibility is key in lighting, and the ability to adjust the colour temperature is invaluable. The SMALLRIG Vibe P96 Pro Led Video Light offers a wide range from 2500K (warm, like a candle or incandescent bulb) to 6500K (cool, like bright daylight or an overcast sky). This allows me to match the ambient light in a scene, whether it’s indoor tungsten lighting or outdoor daylight, for a natural look. Alternatively, I can intentionally use a warmer or cooler temperature to create a specific mood or effect. This adjustment is smooth and easy to control, enabling precise tuning to get the exact look I need.
Intuitive Control and LCD Screen
Controlling the light needs to be quick and easy, especially when you’re trying to film or shoot simultaneously. The P96 Pro utilizes a ring-shaped metal stepless knob design, which is an upgrade from previous versions. Parameter adjustment is done primarily with this knob. While it generally works well, initially, I found myself fiddling a bit to switch between adjusting brightness and colour temperature; it requires a press-and-turn action that takes a moment to get used to. However, the standout improvement is the embedded LCD colour screen. This screen clearly displays the current brightness percentage, colour temperature in Kelvin, and remaining battery life. No more guessing or relying on external meters! This clear visual feedback allows for easy single-handed adjustment and ensures I can replicate settings if needed. It’s a seemingly small addition that makes a huge difference in usability.
Versatile Lighting Modes and Effects
Beyond standard white light, the SMALLRIG Vibe P96 Pro offers cool/warm light modes and five special effects. These effects can be useful for adding a touch of creativity or simulating specific scenarios. While I don’t use the effects constantly, the lightning or candle flicker effects can be fun for creating atmosphere in videos or specific shots. Primarily, I rely on the adjustable white light for facial illumination, tabletop shots, and general fill light purposes. The flexibility of switching between different modes and adjusting brightness and temperature makes it adaptable to various shooting situations.
Flexible Mounting Options
A portable light is only useful if you can put it where you need it. The Vibe P96 Pro includes both 1/4″-20 threaded holes and a cold shoe mount. The cold shoe mount is perfect for attaching it directly to the hot shoe or cold shoe of a camera, rig, or cage. The 1/4″-20 threads allow it to be mounted on standard tripods, light stands, magic arms, or other accessories. This versatility means I can easily switch between having it on top of my camera, mounted off to the side on a small stand, or even held by an assistant. The quick-release cold shoe adapter is handy, though I do wish the included cold shoe adapter had tilt or swivel functionality for more flexible positioning without needing an additional adapter.
Battery Life and Charging
Powering the light is a built-in 1500mAh lithium polymer battery. This portable camera light supports USB-C charging, which is a huge plus as I can use the same cables and chargers as my phone and laptop. SmallRig states it provides up to 1.2 hours at full power and around 3 hours for regular shooting. In my experience, the 1.2 hours at 100% brightness is accurate. While sufficient for shorter shoots, longer sessions at high power will require connecting it to a power bank via the USB-C port. This ability to run it off a power bank is a lifesaver and significantly extends its practical usage time. It’s not the longest battery life on the market, but the USB-C charging and power bank compatibility mitigate this limitation effectively.
Hearing From Other Users
Curious about how others felt, I looked online for feedback from other users. Many echoed my positive experiences, praising the SMALLRIG Vibe P96 Pro Led Video Light‘s compact size and surprisingly powerful output for its form factor. Users frequently highlighted the excellent color rendition, appreciating the high CRI/TLCI scores for natural-looking footage and photos. The adjustable color temperature was also a popular feature, offering great flexibility. Some users noted the convenience of USB-C charging and the clear information provided by the new LCD screen, calling it a significant upgrade. A few users, like myself, mentioned that the control knob took a little getting used to but found it intuitive once mastered.
Final Thoughts and Recommendations
Ultimately, the problem of poor lighting can significantly detract from the quality of your visual content, making it look unprofessional and hindering your camera’s performance. Solving this is essential for anyone serious about creating videos or photos. The SMALLRIG Vibe P96 Pro Led Video Light is a great fit to solve this problem for several reasons. Its combination of portability, accurate colour rendering, and adjustable output makes it incredibly versatile for various close-up lighting needs. The new LCD screen and improved control knob make it easy to use, even for beginners. While the battery life at maximum output requires management with a power bank for longer sessions, the overall package offers excellent value for its performance and features. If you’re looking for a reliable, compact, and high-quality portable light to elevate your content, the SMALLRIG Vibe P96 Pro Led Video Light is definitely worth considering. Click here to check it out for yourself!
Last update on 2025-07-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API