Mike writes in and asks if anyone has any feedback on a couple of Camtree 2000 LED video light panels. The lights can be powered optionally through a set of V-Mount batteries, are dimmable, and come with a few of colored gels. I don't know anyone who uses any of the Camtree stuff, so I can't really speak to the accuracy of color, build quality, or light output. Maybe you guys can chime in.
Camtree 2000 LED Video Lighting Dimmable V-Mount Battery Compatible
These look like (2) 1000 LED panels sandwiched into one housing. Personally I don't know if that's a good thing if you're trying to travel and pack down small. It's almost the same as buying two separate 1000 LED lights and mount them to one stand. If it were up to me, i'd stick with getting two 900 LED light panels which can also be powered via V-Mount batteries and can pack up easier. I've pretty much abused a few sets of the lights and only experienced one broken power cord. I guess the wiring inside the cable must have broke, but for the 600 and 900 panels, it's just a basic 14V DC (laptop type) power cord. Very common to find on eBay.
They do have a 1200 LED light panel version, but unlike the 600 and 900 it requires 24V. This doesn't make it compatible with V-Mount or any average battery power. I like the option, so I stuck to several 600 and 900 LED panels. The 600 and 900 LED panels are also a bit smaller making them easier to pack in common sized luggage when traveling. All of the lights still work great, so I can safely recommend these over other lights in it's price range.
1200 LED Dimmable Video Light Panel Still Photography Studio Portrait Lighting 24V DC, 110V-230V
Rod
Found a review on Camtree LED's, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bO6qowUlelI
I do like the carrying case this guy's lights came with. Anyone found anything similar?
MikeyMike
JakeyJake,
They can do it! I've been experimenting on my own with SMD chips and they are far brighter and cheap. It's just a matter of someone with manufacturing abilities putting them in the right housing.
N.K.Osborne
I'm actually interested in these lights for my inside lights (having watched the review video posted in the comment section). Not the 2000 LED though. I see no reason for that.
Looking at the 600 LED package. Two of those with the filters, bag, and stands, paired with my Fancier 500 LED and 4 z96 lights should work wonders for me.
I for some reason only like using Z96 lights outside. Maybe because I can always power them with AAs. A 48 pack of AAs at BJs is like $10 here.
JakeyJake
@MikeyMike - In response to "Come on Chinese! What’s the delay?" They have to make the dollar out of 15 cents!
JohnP
Emm... can you tell me the model# of the Pelican case you use for the LED lights? Does the case fit 2 900's?
MikeyMike
And where are the Plasma PED's and the other variations? Cramming 1000 X N isn't the way to go and we all know it.
MikeyMike
It's frustrating seeing these things when we know the future is going to be single chip or several high powered 50 - 100 watt LED chips. Waiting and waiting for these to come in at a decent price. Come on Chinese! What's the delay?
Peter
@Simon - Because your client will definitely be saying, "That better not be a 3-pin XLR power light."
Marcus V Warner
This guy seems to swear by camtree
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bO6qowUlelI
Emm
Post author@Apostolos - I use large rolling luggage slightly padded, but some have found a Pelican case that fits perfectly.
Apostolos
What do you use to pack these panels in when traveling?
Simon
I like the XLR option for power but it's 3pin! It should be 4pin to be compatible with pro setups.
I like the ball head mount - quite similar to Kino-Flo but I wonder about the build quality and light output...
Simon