action camera photo by Jakob Owens on Unsplash

2023 Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Action Camera Flashlight

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Are you looking for an action camera flashlight? If so, this buying guide is for you.

We'll discuss what to look for when choosing an action camera flashlight and provide some recommendations.

So, whether you're a seasoned adventurer or a first-time action camera user, this guide will help you choose the best action camera flashlight for your needs.

What Is an Action Camera Flashlight?

It is a small, lightweight, and durable flashlight that can be attached to an action camera. Action camera flashlights provide supplemental lighting when filming in low-light conditions.

Do Action Cameras Have a Flashlight When Buying?

Yes, some action cameras have a flashlight built-in. However, the flashlight on most action cameras is not very bright, and You can't use it while filming. Therefore, we recommend buying an action camera flashlight if you plan on using your action camera in low light conditions.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Action Camera Flashlight

Advantages

  1. One of the most significant benefits of an action camera flashlight is improved visibility. This flashlight provides additional light, which can help brighten up a scene, making it easier to see in low-light or dark conditions.
  2. An action camera flashlight can help improve your footage's quality by providing additional light when recording video in low-light conditions. This can help to reduce noise and graininess in your videos, resulting in clearer and sharper footage.
  3. Most action camera flashlights are built to be rugged and durable, with features such as waterproof and shock-resistant casing. This makes them ideal for use in harsh outdoor environments.
action camera
Photo by Akhil Yerabati on Unsplash

Disadvantages

  1. Adding a flashlight to your action camera setup can increase the weight, making it less portable and potentially more cumbersome. This can be particularly problematic for activities requiring a lot of movement or carrying multiple accessories.
  2. While action camera flashlights can be useful in low-light conditions, they have a limited range. If you're trying to capture footage of a subject far away or in a large open space, the flashlight may not provide enough light to illuminate the scene effectively.
  3. Some action camera flashlights can generate significant heat, particularly if they use high-powered LEDs. This can be uncomfortable to hold and may also cause damage to your camera if it's mounted close to the flashlight.

    How to Choose an Action Camera Flashlight?

    Choosing an action camera flashlight is an important decision that requires careful consideration of several factors. Here are some of the critical factors you should consider.

    1. Camera Compatibility

    Not all action camera flashlights are compatible with all cameras, so it's important to research the device you're looking to buy before making a purchase. When looking at camera compatibility, it's important to note the type of camera you're looking to use. While some action camera flashlights can be used with any camera, others are designed for specific camera types, such as DSLRs, mirrorless, or GoPro.

    2. Size and Weight

    The flashlight size should be compact and lightweight so it can be easily and conveniently carried in a pocket or bag while on the go. Opting for a larger light source would be ideal for achieving a soft light effect. Though compact-sized light sources are convenient to carry around, they may not be capable of providing a harsh light effect.

    3. Color Temperature

    Color temperature refers to the color of the light emitted by the flashlight and is measured in Kelvin (K). For action camera flashlights, it's important to consider the color temperature of the flashlight because it can greatly affect the color accuracy of the captured footage. The footage may appear cold and unnatural if the flashlight emits a bluish light. On the other hand, if the flashlight emits a yellow/orange light, it may distort the true colors of the subject being filmed.

    action camera

    Photo by Habib Dadkhah on Unsplash

    To ensure optimal lighting conditions when filming with an action camera, it is important to choose a flashlight that features multiple LEDs and various diffusers. This will help create a natural-looking lighting environment, avoiding the harsh shadows and depth issues that can occur when using a single, direct light source.

    4. Battery Life

    The flashlight's performance and runtime depend on its battery life. Short battery life can limit the time you can use your flashlight, making it less useful during emergencies or extended outdoor activities.

    When selecting batteries for your action camera flashlight, consider their capacity, durability, and power output. Lithium-ion batteries are the most commonly used for action camera flashlights due to their high capacity, low weight, and long shelf life. Rechargeable batteries are also a great option as they are more cost-effective and eco-friendly.

    5. Lumens

    Lumens refer to the total amount of visible light emitted by a flashlight. The higher the lumens, the brighter the light. When choosing an action camera flashlight, it is important to consider the light setting you will need for the environment you will be shooting in. For example, shooting in a dark area or a cave requires a higher-lumen setting to provide sufficient light. On the other hand, if you are shooting in a bright area, a lower-lumen setting will be more than sufficient.

    6. Weatherproof

    A weatherproof flashlight is designed to withstand harsh weather conditions such as rain, snow, and extreme temperatures, ensuring it will continue functioning even in adverse weather conditions. When selecting a weatherproof flashlight, it is crucial to check its IP rating, which indicates its level of protection against water and dust. A high IP rating flashlight like IP68 will provide better protection against water and dust, making it ideal for outdoor activities.

    How to Make the Most Out of an Action Camera Flashlight?

    • Aperture: Using an action camera flashlight will help you take photos with a shallow depth of field. This means that the background will be blurred while the subject will be in focus. To achieve this, set your aperture to the lowest possible setting.
    • Diffusers: Action camera flashlights are bright and can cause a lens flare. To avoid this, use a diffuser to soften the light.
    • Shutter Speed: If you want sharper images, set your shutter speed to a faster setting. This will help you freeze the action and avoid blur.
    • ISO: The ISO setting on your action camera will determine the sensor's sensitivity to light. The higher the ISO, the more light will be captured. However, too high of an ISO will result in grainy images.
    • White Balance: Action camera flashlights usually have a cool white color temperature. This means that the colors in your photos will be shifted towards the blue end of the spectrum. To avoid this, set your white balance to a warmer setting.

    Top 10 Action Camera Flashlight

    1. Suptig Waterproof Action Camera Dive Lights

    Suptig Waterproof Action Camera Dive Lights

    Source: amazon.com

    Suptig waterproof action camera dive lights are high-quality underwater lights compatible with many cameras. With their powerful LED lights, Suptig dive lights can illuminate even the darkest corners of the ocean, giving you the perfect shot every time. It is also waterproof up to 147 ft (45m), making it suitable for deep-sea exploration and diving activities.

    Specification

    • Compatibility: Gopro, Pentax Panasonic SLR, Sony DSLR, Canon DSLR, Nikon DSLR, Samsung DSLR
    • Material: Stainless steel
    • Lumens: 5000
    • Battery life: 2600Mha built-in lithium battery
    • Lighting modes: White, red, pink, blue, golden
    • Dimension: 4.33x 3.93x2.16 inch
    • Weight: 0.43lb

    Pros

    • The lights are compatible with many types of cameras.
    • It is a waterproof action camera light
    • Many different lighting modes.
    • Long battery life.
    • Made from durable material

    Cons

    • Waterproof up to only 147ft

    2. ULANZI VL120 RGB Video Light

    ULANZI VL120 RGB Video Light

    Source: amazon.com

    ULANZI VL120 RGB Video Light is a versatile, compact on-camera LED light designed for photography and vlogging. The light also features built-in 3100mAh rechargeable batteries, ensuring it stays powered up throughout your shoot. This light offers excellent color accuracy and consistency with a high color rendering index and a color temperature range of 2500K-9000K.

    Specification

    • Compatibility: GoPro, Nikon DSLR
    • Battery life: 15hrs (3100Ah battery)
    • Lighting modes: 120 RGB colors
    • Color temperature: 2500-9000K

    Pros

    • Has both warm and cold colors
    • Brightness is fully adjustable
    • Small in size
    • Long-lasting battery life

    Cons

    • Shorter battery life compared to other models.

    3. VIJIM VL100C

    VIJIM VL100C

    Source: amazon.com

    The VIJIM VL100C is a top-quality camera light with three adjustable color modes: warm, natural, and cold. It has a built-in 2000mAh rechargeable battery that supports Type-C charging port. The light has a multi-mount design with four cold shoe mounts and a universal hot shoe adapter that can be attached to a camera, tripod, microphone mount, or light stand.

    Specification

    • Compatibility: GoPro Hero 3-10, GoPro Max, GoPro Fusion, Sony DSLR, Canon DSLR, Nikon DSLR, and Panasonic SLR.
    • Lumens: 2000
    • Battery life: 3 hrs ( 2000mAh)
    • Lighting modes: Warm, nature, and cold light
    • Color temperature: 2500K-6500K
    • Power: 5w

    Pros

    • USB Type-C charging

    Cons

    • The charging cable is short.

    4. ULANZI VL49 RGB Video Lights

    ULANZI VL49 RGB Video Lights

    Source: amazon.com

    The ULANZI VL49 RGB Video Lights feature a 360° full-color spectrum, allowing you to select from a wide range of hues to achieve the perfect lighting for any shoot. Equipped with three cold shoe mounts, these lights can be easily attached to your camera, tripod, or other equipment, making them an ideal choice for on-the-go shooting. These lights also support the magnetic attraction, making it easy to attach them to any metallic surface for even more versatility.

    Specification

    • Compatibility: Canon DSLR, Panasonic DSLR, Sony DSLR, Nikon DSLR, Pentax
    • Lumens: 800 LUX
    • Battery life: Min brightness- 10hrs, Max brightness 2 hrs on average (2000 mAh)
    • Lighting modes: Warm, natural, cool
    • Led Beads: 60 high color rendering led beads
    • Color temperature: 2500K-9000K
    • Lighting angle - 120 degrees

    Pros

    • It is great for vlogging.
    • It has three different color temperatures, so you can adjust the light to match your shooting environment.
    • It also has a high color rendering index, so the colors in your video will look accurate and natural.
    • The light also has a wide-angle 120-degree beam, so it will evenly illuminate your subject.

    Cons

    • The only downside to the VL49 is that it is a bit pricey.

    5. VL-81 LED Video Light

    VL-81 LED Video Light

    Source: amazon.com

    The VL-81 LED Video Light is a portable lighting solution designed for photography and videography enthusiasts. The light comes with a softbox, which helps to diffuse the light and provide more even illumination, perfect for portrait photography and vlogging. With its cold shoe mount, the VL-81 can be easily attached to your DSLR camera, camcorder, or action camera, making it a versatile lighting solution in various settings.

    Specification

    • Compatibility: GoPro Hero 3-10, GoPro Max, GoPro Fusion, Sony DSLR, Canon DSLR, Nikon DSLR, and Panasonic SLR.
    • Lumens: Up to 850
    • Battery life: Appx 3hrs (3000mAh)
    • Lighting modes: Bi-color ( Warm light and White Light)
    • Color temperature: 3200K-5600K

    Pros

    • The light is very bright and can be used in various low light settings.
    • The battery life is very good, and the light can be used for a long time without worrying about running out of power.
    • The color temperature is adjustable, so you can get the perfect color for your needs.
    • The light is lightweight and portable, so you can take it anywhere.

    Cons

    • It is not a waterproof action camera, so it cannot be used in wet or humid conditions.
    • The light does not come with a case, so you must store it carefully to avoid damage.

    6. VIJIM VL120 LED

    VIJIM VL120 LED

    Source: amazon.com

    The VIJIM VL120 LED is portable and has six color filters, allowing for creative lighting effects. The 3200K-6500K dimmable LED panel light can be adjusted to fit different shooting environments and styles. Whether you're using a DSLR or an action camera, the VIJIM VL120 LED on-camera video light is an excellent accessory to enhance your photography and videography experience.

    Specification

    • Compatibility: GoPro Hero 3-10, GoPro Max, GoPro Fusion, Sony DSLR, Canon DSLR, Nikon DSLR, and Panasonic SLR.
    • Lumens: 1200
    • Battery life: 2.5 hrs (3100mAh)
    • Lighting modes: Bi-color (Warm light, cool light.)
    • Input voltage: 100-240V AC, 50/60Hz
    • Output voltage: 12V DC, 2A
    • Power consumption: 24W
    • Color temperature: 3200-6500K
    • CRI: >95 Luminous flux: 1200lm
    • Dimensions: 120x120x200mm
    • Weight: 1.2kg

    Pros

    • It has a high color rendering index (CRI) of 95, meaning it can accurately reproduce the colors of the objects it is shining on.
    • It has a wide color temperature range of 3200-6500K, so you can choose the perfect light for your needs.
    • The light has a high luminous flux of 1200lm, making it bright enough to light up a wide-angle low light area.
    • The light is also very lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry around and store.
    • The VIJIM VL120 LED light comes with a one-year warranty.

    Cons

    • It is not a waterproof action camera light, so you must take care when using it in wet conditions.

    7. VILTROX LED

    VILTROX LED

    Source: amazon.com

    The VILTROX LED is a top-performing video conferencing and broadcasting lighting kit with adjustable brightness and color temperature settings. The mini pocket video light is compact, lightweight, and easily portable, making it a must-have item for your camera bag. The built-in rechargeable lithium battery and USB charging port allow continuous working without needing an AC adapter to charge.

    Specification

    • Compatibility: GoPro Hero 3-10, GoPro Max, GoPro Fusion, Sony DSLR, Canon DSLR, Nikon DSLR, and Panasonic SLR.
    • Lumens: 720
    • Battery life: 1.2 hrs (3000mAh)
    • Lighting modes:
    • Color temperature: 2500K-8500K
    • Size: 110 x 68 x 14 mm
    • Weight: 108g
    • Power: 8w

    Pros

    • Comes with a diffuser
    • Has a built-in battery
    • Has a color temperature dial
    • Has multiple lighting modes

    Cons

    • The battery life could be better
    • It is a little pricey

    8. Simorr LED Video Light

    Simorr LED Video Light

    Source: amazon.com

    Simorr LED Video Light is a high-quality action camera flashlight that provides bright and consistent lighting for video recording and photography in low-light conditions. The Simorr LED Video Light features a powerful CRI 96+ LED bead and a wide beam angle of 120 degrees, which produces natural and vibrant color tones with excellent light coverage.

    Specification

    • Compatibility: Nikon DSLR, Sony DSLR, Canon DSLR
    • Lumens: 300
    • Battery life: Appx 2hrs (2200mAh)
    • Lighting modes: Full RGB
    • Color temperature: 2700k - 6500K

    Pros

    • Slim and lightweight
    • Fully adjustable color temperature
    • Battery life indicator
    • Comes with a hot shoe mount

    Cons

    • Shorter battery life compared to other models.

    9. Suptig High Power Dimmable

    Suptig High Power Dimmable

    Source: amazon.com

    The Suptig High Power Dimmable action camera flashlight is a versatile, reliable lighting solution perfectly compatible with various GoPro and other action cameras. The rechargeable battery has a capacity of 1050mAh and can provide up to 6 hours of running time, depending on the mode used. This underwater light is perfect for night and underwater use with a 147ft (45m) waterproof rating.

    Specification

    • Compatibility: GoPro Hero 3-10, GoPro Max, GoPro Fusion, Sony DSLR Canon, Nikon, and Panasonic SLR.
    • Lumens: 300
    • Battery life: 1.5 hrs (1050mAh)
    • Lighting modes: HI, LOW, SOS
    • Color temperature: 5600K-6000K

    Pros

    • Very bright
    • Dimmable
    • Long battery life
    • Many compatible cameras

    Cons

    • Shorter battery life compared to other models.

    10. VILTROX VL-162T

    VILTROX VL-162T

    Source: amazon.com

    The VILTROX VL-162T LED Video Light has a built-in LCD, making it easy to monitor and adjust the light's settings as needed. This camera light includes a white filter for softening the light, providing a more natural and flattering lighting effect. It also comes with a rechargeable battery, providing a convenient power source.

    Specification

    • Compatibility: Camcorders and DSLR
    • Lumens: 1070
    • Battery life: 3 hrs
    • Lighting modes: White, Red, Green, Blue
    • Color temperature: 3300K- 5600K
    • Power: 12w

    Pros

    • Variable color temperature
    • Lightweight and portable
    • Rechargeable battery
    • Multiple lighting modes

    Cons

    • The battery AC adapter is not included.

    11. LitraTorch 2.0 Action Camera Flashlight

    LitraTorch 2.0 Action Camera Flashlight

    Source: amazon.com

    The LitraTorch 2.0 action camera flashlight can withstand the toughest environments and deliver excellent lighting quality. It also includes a built-in magnet and a camera mount, making it easy to attach to various surfaces and positions. The LitraTorch 2.0 is waterproof up to 60 feet, making it suitable for underwater photography and videography.

    Specifications

    • Lumens: 800
    • Battery life: 4 hrs
    • Color temperature: 5700k
    • Size: 1.5in x 1.5in x 1.65in
    • Weight: 90 Grams
    • Connectivity: USB

    Pros

    • Excellent mounting capabilities
    • Charges easily with standard chargers
    • Excellent construction
    • Easy to carry around

    Cons

    • The battery does not last very long.
    • Expensive

    Conclusion

    We hope this guide has helped you choose the best action camera flashlight for your needs. We also have more articles about action camera, such as action camera microphone attachment,maybe you will like it. That's all for now. Happy Recording.

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