GVM 800D-RGB LED

Cheap background & effects light for Video & Filmmaking

The GVM 800D-RGB is an inexpensive RGB LED video light that offers some really handy effects and background options. Tons of questions have come in this past year about working from home and needing to get setup for video. Even if you have no interest in video making, no one wants to look bad at work. It has certainly been a struggle at times, but overall, everyone has done a remarkable job of adjusting to life as content creators.

What if you’ve been at it a while now though & still aren’t happy with the results? We should probably revisit your lighting. That’s what lead me to buying this fixture honestly. I have a few good lights, and everything works, but it wasn’t making me happy. I’ve tried backdrops and began considering a green screen. Considering the expense of properly hanging and lighting a green-screen, it seemed smart to just light the background first.

Light is good

Making YouTube videos, instructional or content, or participating in a panel discussion or video meeting, lighting is your best friend. The best way to improve your look & get more out of any camera you are using, is to simply add more light. However, learning how and where to add that light can make all the difference.

I’m sure you have your key (main) light sorted out. But have you addressed the light behind you or your subject yet? Ideally, we’d want to light the background itself properly. Then we’d look to separately light the subject from behind with a ‘kicker’ or ‘hair’ light. In practice the hair light can be a very small light, you don’t need a ton of power. The difference though in separation between your subject and the backdrop can be dramatic.

Aputure 120d II 180W Daylight Video Light

Neewer Bi-Color 480 LED panel

Aputure AL-M9 Pocket Sized LED Panel

GVM 800D-RGB LED with Effects

Cowboy Studios Fluorescent Bulbs

Check out Peter McKinnon’s lighting tutorial for a quick guide to the basics. Caleb from DSLR Video Shooter also has some great video lighting tutorials and reviews for a ton of brands. Check out Slanted Lens for some great examples of how you can use the effects modes to really sell a scene in a small film or video project.