Using a Led Light/Power Panel off camera?

dmfw · 01-19-2013, 04:48 PM

Seeking comments or personal experiences on using Led Light (Power) Panel on and off camera. I would like a constant light source that does not require AC or heavy batteries. Also, the light source would be used with both Pentax and Nikon camera. I would get a std. TTL flash, but I would need different remote triggers for the 2 cameras.

The LED panels are independent of brand but are they a good alternative for a flash at 15 ft. or closer?

**JimJohnson** · 01-19-2013, 05:54 PM

Originally posted by dmfw

Seeking comments or personal experiences on using Led Light (Power) Panel on and off camera. I would like a constant light source that does not require AC or heavy batteries. The LED panels are independent of brand but are they a good alternative for a flash at 15 ft. or closer?

Depends on how BIG a panel you are talking about of course; and what kind of shutter speed/aperture/ISO you plan on using. I have a unit that's roughly 4X4 inches with 56 LEDs and runs on AA batteries. I bought mine for close-up and macro use. I could see stretching it to maybe 5 feet for still photography. After that, I would expect to need (take your pick) slower shutter, wider aperture or higher ISO. At that point, I probably start looking harder at electronic flash - even if I had to do some math and shoot manual.

adwb · 01-20-2013, 04:12 AM

I use one of these http://www.calumetphoto.co.uk/eng/product/calumet_digital_multi_led_video_light/cf9020,single unit not 4 as shown, which is good for close ups, macro, very powerful and adjustable.

Can be used with AA cells or rechargeable Minolta battery, comes with diffuser and ct1 filter also good at weddings etc as it does not blow out disco lights like a flash does.

Anvh · 01-20-2013, 07:30 PM

Problem with led are the colours though, thee is a dual spike in the spectrum that makes it hard to correct so white can be make to look white but most colours will appear muted.

fuent104 · 01-21-2013, 01:29 AM

Originally posted by dmfw

The LED panels are independent of brand but are they a good alternative for a flash at 15 ft. or closer?

At that distance, you would have to have a giant LED panel to compete with a flash. You should be able to find the numbers for the output of whatever units you are interested in. However, I'd keep this in mind. Flashes are powerful enough to compete with the sun during broad daylight. I can't imaging finding an LED panel that powerful, unless it is gigantic.

01-19-2013, 04:48 PM	#1
dmfw Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Dallas, Tx Photos: Albums Posts: 159	Using a Led Light/Power Panel off camera? Seeking comments or personal experiences on using Led Light (Power) Panel on and off camera. I would like a constant light source that does not require AC or heavy batteries. Also, the light source would be used with both Pentax and Nikon camera. I would get a std. TTL flash, but I would need different remote triggers for the 2 cameras. The LED panels are independent of brand but are they a good alternative for a flash at 15 ft. or closer?

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01-19-2013, 05:54 PM	#2
JimJohnson Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Summer:Lake Superior - Michigan Winter:Texas Hill Country Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,772	Originally posted by dmfw Seeking comments or personal experiences on using Led Light (Power) Panel on and off camera. I would like a constant light source that does not require AC or heavy batteries. The LED panels are independent of brand but are they a good alternative for a flash at 15 ft. or closer? Depends on how BIG a panel you are talking about of course; and what kind of shutter speed/aperture/ISO you plan on using. I have a unit that's roughly 4X4 inches with 56 LEDs and runs on AA batteries. I bought mine for close-up and macro use. I could see stretching it to maybe 5 feet for still photography. After that, I would expect to need (take your pick) slower shutter, wider aperture or higher ISO. At that point, I probably start looking harder at electronic flash - even if I had to do some math and shoot manual.

01-20-2013, 04:12 AM	#3
adwb Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Bristol UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,636	I use one of these http://www.calumetphoto.co.uk/eng/product/calumet_digital_multi_led_video_light/cf9020,single unit not 4 as shown, which is good for close ups, macro, very powerful and adjustable. Can be used with AA cells or rechargeable Minolta battery, comes with diffuser and ct1 filter also good at weddings etc as it does not blow out disco lights like a flash does.

01-20-2013, 07:30 PM	#4
Anvh Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 4,616	Problem with led are the colours though, thee is a dual spike in the spectrum that makes it hard to correct so white can be make to look white but most colours will appear muted.

01-21-2013, 01:29 AM	#5
fuent104 Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: California Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,356	Originally posted by dmfw The LED panels are independent of brand but are they a good alternative for a flash at 15 ft. or closer? At that distance, you would have to have a giant LED panel to compete with a flash. You should be able to find the numbers for the output of whatever units you are interested in. However, I'd keep this in mind. Flashes are powerful enough to compete with the sun during broad daylight. I can't imaging finding an LED panel that powerful, unless it is gigantic.

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