By technical editor Matt Allard
There are a lot of LED lighting options out there in the market. I took two from the opposite ends of the pricing spectrum and decided to review and compare them.
The Litepanels 1×1 5600k Flood which retails for $1850US and the Manda CN 900-HS which retails for $400 US. Check out the video to see a comprehensive review and comparison between the two lights.
One thing I didn’t mention in the video is that as far as colour accuracy goes the Litepanels is listed as having a colour rendering index (CRI) of 90. The higher the CRI the more faithful the colour reproduction. The Manda’s CRI is not listed. The Manda has a slightly lower color temperature (closer to 5400k than 5600k). When balancing the camera using the Litepanels 1×1 the color seemed more accurate (ie. Closer to natural light). Turning the Manda on and using the same balance that was achieved with the Litepanels I did notice a slightly greener tinge – this indicates that the Litepanels has a truer daylight look. I imagine this is the difference in quality between the types of LEDs being used. For many people this won’t be an issue. A greener tinge and lower CRI affect skin tones and this is an important point to remember so for people wanting a more accurate colour rendition with their light then the Litepanels definitely has an advantage. At the end of the day budget often dictates your purchase. While the Manda may not be perfect is certainly is very, very good value for money for people wanting an alternative to more expensive LED lights.
Note: I do not have any commercial arrangement with Litepanels or Manda. I own both of these lights. My opinions and views are strictly my own and not those of any company or organization.
About Matthew Allard, Aljazeera Senior Field Cameraman, Kuala Lumpur:
Matt has been a Camera/Editor in TV news for more 20 years, previously working for both Channel 9 and Channel 10 in Australia. Twice Network Ten Australia’s cameraman of the year as well as being a Walkley Finalist for outstanding camerawork in 2006 (for coverage of the Cronulla Race Riots) and a Logie Finalist for outstanding news coverage 2006 (Bali 9). He is a multiple ACS (Australian Cinematographers Society) award winner. His Sword Maker story that was shot on a 7D won the prestigious Neil Davis International News Golden Tripod at the 2011 ACS Awards. He has covered news events in more than 35 countries, from major sporting events to terrorist bombings. Based out of the Kuala Lumpur broadcast centre in Malaysia he is an avid user and follower of new technology, shooting stories on HD broadcast cameras, the Sony F3 as well as new Canon DSLRs.
