By Tati Taylor 11 days ago, Lighting & Studio
Affordable action camera flashlights for night or underwater shooting
If you need to shoot videos indoors or use your action camera in poor light conditions, you can’t do without using a reliable flashlight. When shooting underwater, it might be impossible to get clear footage with decent brightness unless you use a flashlight. Some of the models reviewed on this list are suitable for underwater use. With the best action camera flashlight, you can get perfect shots without any blur and take the most out of your action cam even when shooting in low-light situations.
It might be a daunting task to select the best flashlight for your action camera unless you know what things to consider. Read this article to learn about the differences between the most popular models. The best action camera flashlight should allow you to shoot footage indoors or outdoors when there is not enough light. Most models on this list are shock-impact-resistant and protected by tempered glass. If you want to shoot videos at night, make sure to choose an option that produces a powerful light beam.
Compatibility: All type cameras with hot shoe | Brightness: 5500K | Waterproof: - | Battery life: 2000mAh | Size: 7.5cm*6cm*3.1cm | Weight: 90g
This model is fitted with a cold shoe and is used mainly with the DJI Osmo action cam. However, it’s also compatible with other DSLR cameras, including the models released by Canon and Sony. It features a 2000mAh, which enables you to use it for 2 hours at max brightness. If you dim the light beam, you might be able to use it for 5 hours.
The flashlight consists of 49 LED lights. Its CRI reaches up to 5500k, which allows you to use it for taking macro photos. Due to these specs, you won’t need to spend a lot of time on post-processing. In addition, this model is fitted with 3 easy-to-expand connection joints, which makes it easier to use as a part of a lighting setup.
Compatibility: GoPro and other cameras | Brightness: 5500K-6000K by 36 LEDs | Waterproof: Up to 45m | Battery life: 1050mAh (up to 6 hours) | Size: 2.95 in(L) x 1.65 in(W) x 2.75 in(H) | Weight: 2.88 ounces
The housing of this flashlight for action camera is made of stainless steel, which prevents it from getting rusty. You can use it even in seawater. The flashlight has 36 LEDs and enables you to choose one of the available light modes. You can use it for up to 6 hours at maximum brightness, so if you need to shoot footage longer, you need to adjust the settings.
The rugged case is waterproof, which allows you to use it when working 147 feet (45m) underwater. This model is popular among scuba divers and snorkeling enthusiasts who are using GoPro cams and various GoPro alternatives.
Compatibility: GoPro | Brightness: Up to 200lm (5700K) | Waterproof: Up to 10m | Battery life: Up to 6 hours | Size: 0.79 x 2.4 x 2.56 inches | Weight: 5.3 ounces
In case you are interested in underwater shooting, the GoPro Light Mod might be a perfect answer to your needs. It allows you to capture videos while being 10 m underwater. You can switch between different light modes and use it as a strobe light to send a signal to rescuers. This model is compatible with a GoPro action camera and was designed for those who need to shoot at night.
To adjust the light beam and make it brighter or dimmer, you can select the most suitable lumens value. It supports 4 main light modes, starting from 20 lumens (min brightness). You can use this flashlight for only 30 seconds at the max brightness values. However, at a minimum brightness level, this model can be used for up to 6 hours. As this light is quite small, you can employ it with your GoPro camera during your trips. However, it’s incompatible with many popular camera models, so make sure to check whether your device supports it.
Compatibility: GoPro | Brightness: Up to 200lm (5700K) | Waterproof: Up to 10m | Battery life: Up to 6 hours | Size: 67.32 x 39.37 x 78.74 inches | Weight: 3.53 ounces
In terms of specs, this GoPro Zeus Mini is similar to the GoPro Light Mod. However, it’s more convenient to use thanks to the magnetic clip it comes with. You can use it in hands-free mode underwater or during your hiking trips to shoot great travel videos. Another selling point of this light is that it has a 360-degree swivel, which allows you to experiment with different angles.
Using the magnetic clip, you can attach it to metal surfaces easily. When shooting, you can switch between four brightness levels, depending on the situation.
Compatibility: GoPro, smartphone, action cameras and digital cameras, etc. | Brightness: 5500K | Waterproof: 164ft (50m) | Battery life: 5200mAh | Size: 4.9 x 2.95 x 1.57 inches | Weight: 7.4 ounces
The Suptig 60 stands out for its 60 LED lights. You can use it for 300 minutes at max brightness. If you dim the light beam a bit and use it mid values, it will last for about 6.5 hours. In low lighting mode, it can be used for 14 hours.
This action camera flashlight can be used with a range of GoPro Hero cameras, smartphones, DSLRs for video, and mirrorless cameras. As its body is fully waterproof, it’s suitable for underwater shooting at the depth of up to 164 feet (50 meters). Using this light, you can capture every minuscule detail when shooting underwater and produce a perfectly clear video.
Compatibility: Sony, Canon, Nikon, DJI osmo, GoPro Hero | Brightness: 850lm (3200K-5600K) | Waterproof: - | Battery life: 3000mAh (up to 480 min) | Size: 7.6*8.9*2.5cm | Weight: 120g
The VL81 model was created for those who travel a lot. It doesn’t weigh much, which allows you to take it with you wherever you go. The camera light is fitted with a hot shoe, which makes it a must for photographers who value easiness of use above all. Thanks to 81 LEDs, it has a CRI95 rating and allows you to shoot at 3200k -5600k. Its design gives it a soft-box-like look and enables you to shoot at a wide angle when taking photos indoors.
Compatibility: Action cameras | Brightness: 900lm (2500K-6500K) | Waterproof: - | Battery life: 2000mAh (Up to 480 min) | Size: 3.15 x 2.36 x 0.94 inches | Weight: 5.3 ounces
The VIJIM VL100C LED flashlight supports impressive max brightness reaching up to 900Lm (2500K-6500K). It has wide lighting angles reaching 120 degrees. What makes it the best action camera flashlight is that it has a color rendering index of 95+ and features 100 high-quality led beads.
You can use it as an external light source as it produces a soft light and can be used in three color modes. Using the convenient color wheel, you can quickly switch between different modes effortlessly. The model features a 2000mAh lithium battery that is easy to recharge. Thanks to its large battery capacity, you can shoot using this flashlight for up to 8 hours at max brightness.
Compatibility: Action cameras and DSLR cameras | Brightness: 6800K | Waterproof: 131ft (40m) | Battery life: 1800mAh | Size: 85 × 55 × 44.5mm | Weight: 103g
The Neewer WP11 Underwater flashlight comes with four color filters and an impressive waterproof rating (IPX8). When using this model, you don’t need to worry about flickering as the flashlight features 20 SMD LEDs.
You can choose between 3 levels of brightness. White, orange, red, and blue color filters allow you to achieve different lighting effects. You can choose any option depending on the lighting situation. If you employ it as strobe lights and set brightness to 35%, you will be able to send the SOS signal in case anything goes wrong when you are shooting during your trip.
| IMAGE | NAME | FEATURES | |
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ULANZI VL49
OUR CHOICE
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Suptig Diving Light
LIGHTWEIGHT
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CHECK PRICE → | |
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GoPro Light Mod
FOR GOPRO
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CHECK PRICE → |
Before placing an order, you need to check whether an action camera flashlight that you want to buy is compatible with your action cam. You can find plenty of flashlights on the market that are compatible either with action or DSLR cams.
Besides, the price of a model should be within your budget. Pay attention to the specs of a camera to avoid possible disappointment when using it during shooting. I recommend dimming the light beam to avoid overexposing your images. It will ensure that you will have great lighting conditions for shooting.
Battery capacity is another important thing that you need to consider before making a purchase. You can find flashlights with long and short battery life on the market. If you don’t need to shoot footage for long hours, it will suffice to buy a model with short battery life. However, for underwater shooting, it’s better to buy a flashlight that can last longer. Otherwise, you will need to resurface whenever you need to recharge the battery.
Besides rechargeable flashlights, there are models with changeable batteries as well. If you use the former, you may need to wait until your battery gets charged. However, it might be expensive to buy new batteries for the latter.
Unless you are on a tight budget, a battery-driven model will be a better choice as it allows you to charge batteries quickly without wasting much time. Such a flashlight will come in handy for everyone who needs to shoot for long hours.
Before selecting a model of a specific size, think about whether you need a compact or large flashlight. If you need to attach the action cam to your head, it might be inconvenient to use a big flashlight.
You should also consider the size if you use an action camera on a gimbal. While in some cases it makes sense to carry a flashlight, big and heavy models might cause muscle strain if you use them for long. Avid travelers will benefit from using a lightweight flashlight for action camera that doesn’t take up a lot of space in a backpack or a suitcase.
Take into account the number of lumens and color temperature. Powerful flashlights produce a brighter light beam. Regular models can produce about 300 lumens. It allows you to capture high-quality footage without worrying about lighting. If you often need to shoot at night or in poorly-lit rooms, a high-lumen flashlight will help you capture every detail, whether you prefer working underwater or in dark forests.
Another thing that you need to consider is the size of your flashlight as it has a direct impact on a light beam. Action cam flashlights are typically quite compact. Because of this, a light beam area might be too small for your needs. To ensure that you will be able to light your subject well, look for models with a larger beam area.
In case you are into water sports, you can’t do without a flashlight with a waterproof body. Depending on your needs, you can opt for models with different waterproof ratings. The best choice for such kind of shooting is Suptig Diving Light.
If you are going to shoot outside, make sure to consider the durability of the model you are going to buy. Durable flashlights have a sturdy body protected from shock impact. They are often made of aluminum and stainless steel, which makes them easy to carry around. A lightweight model will be a perfect option for those who travel a lot.
The battery capacity of an action camera flashlight depends on the type of device you are using. If you opt for the Suptig 60 LED Video Light, you will be able to use it for 14 hours at max brightness without plugging it in.
An action camera flashlight will enable you to minimize noise even when shooting in poor light conditions. Due to this, you can shoot at a lower ISO. Besides, if you have a powerful flashlight, you can use higher shutter speed values without worrying that your images will become blurry. It makes it easier to capture pictures of a moving subject.
To make the depth of field deeper, make sure to close the aperture. If you use a diffuser, remember that it makes shadows softer. You can solve this issue by making the beam stronger.
If you need to capture images in poor light conditions, you may use your flashlight at max power. However, most models enable you to adjust the beam by making it dimmer. If you use a low value, it will suffice for taking photos at sunset. Besides, you won’t need to recharge your battery often. In addition, you can turn off the flashlight to save the battery when you aren’t taking photos.
