Want to shoot underwater with your action camera ? or just want to shoot some night-time videos with it ? buying an action camera flashlight is a great way to get a lot more from your action camera.
Buying a flashlight for action camera can be very tricky. There are too many low cost and low quality products in the market and it can get really confusing.
Following are some of the important things you should look into, before buying a light for your action camera.
- Compatibility with your camera
- Dimensions and weight : This is important if you plan to mount it alongside the camera
- Luminance or beam strength : Underwater applications requires more beam strength. Luminance is more important for other general purpose usage
- Weather sealing and / or waterproof enclosure : Action cameras see a lot of rough weather and are also used underwater. You need to select the right light to go alongside your camera.
- Battery life : Provision for external batteries and long battery life can mean you can shoot for longer time.
- Price : There are many cheap , bad quality product in the market. Most good lights are in the range of $30 to $70
Here is a list of top 5 recommended action camera flashlights. We will see their key specs and pros vs cons in detail further in the post.
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What is a action camera flashlight ?
An action camera flashlight is a LED light which can be used along with an action camera. It generally has provision to be mounted alongside the action camera or can be used as standalone device light as well.
A typical action camera flashlight is capable of producing around 300 lumen which is bright enough to capture good videos. These action camera flashlights are also designed to work under water and in most cases can go up to 30-50 m under water.
The flashlight is generally used by mounting it alongside the action camera itself so that you always get the required illumination for your videos.
The best action camera flashlights are capable of intensely bright white light and can last for hours on some good batteries. The only way you’ll be able to use your action camera at night or in low light conditions.
If you own a action camera then you may also need an action camera protector. This helps your action camera to perform even underwater. A microphone attachment for action camera can also be useful.
Which is the best action camera flashlight ?
The most important thing that you need to take into consideration when looking for a flashlight for your action camera, is that it will be able to withstand the harsh environment and elements of an active lifestyle.
Here are some of the best action camera flashlights that you can buy. These are not in any particular order and all of them have some pros and cons. You can go through the features and decide where you want to invest your money.
LitraTorch 2.0 Flashlight
The LitraTorch is the most adaptable adventure picture and video light on the market. The Torch is 1.5″x1.5″ in size and produces 800 lumens of high-quality light.
The LitraTorch 2.0 has dimmable 16-LED Lights and is compatible with Smartphone, GoPro, DJI Drone, DSLR, Canon, Nikon, Camcorder and almost all action cameras.
Key Specifications
- Adjustable brightness with 800, 450, 100 Lumen settings
- Ultra wide beam angle to match camera wide angle formats
- 5700k, flicker free, smooth light pattern (daylight temperature)
- Lithium ion rechargeable battery, Micro-USB
- Waterproof, drop proof, aluminum body construction
- Flexible mounting with two 1/4-20 standard camera mounts
- embedded magnet, GoPro mount, belt clip
Each Torch comes with:
White Diffuser, Silicone Sleeve, Belt Clip, GoPro ¼ 20 Finger Mount, USB Charging Cable.
Pros
- High maximum brightness
- Flexible mounting system
- Waterproof and impact proof
- Required accessories are included in box
Cons
- Less battery life
- Gets hot when used at maximum brightness for long time
Buy LitraTorch 2.0 Flashlight
Nitecore GP3 Action Camera Light
The NITECORE GP3 is a small LED light that works with GoPro, Sony, and other action cameras. This light is waterproof and impact-resistant, and it has a built-in sliding diffuser for a softer output. It has a maximum beam throw of 344 feet when not employing the diffuser.
This is one of the best lights available in the market with all the necessary features to work with your action camera.
Key Specifications
- Five output settings enable you to choose levels from a low of 1 lumen to a maximum of 360 lumens.
- Maximum beam throw reach of 344 feet
- A nifty, GoPro-style mount is included for mounting the light and your camera side-by-side, or to mount the light alone.
- It is also compatible with a GoPro-style AHDBT-302 battery (not included).
- GP3 comes with one NLBGP3 (1180 mAh) battery, and a micro-USB charging cable and can last for 100 minutes on full charge
- Waterproof with IPX8 rating, submersible to 33 feet, and impact-resistant to 5 feet
Pros
- High maximum brightness
- Compatible with most cameras
- Waterproof
- Required accessories are included in box
Cons
- Less Battery life on extreme brightness setting
- Not easily available in online stores
Buy Nitecore GP3 Action Camera Light
GoPro Zues Mini Rechargeable LED Light
This is an official accessory from Go Pro , so you can certainly rely on it to the job. It is one of the most high quality action camera lights out there , however the maximum brightness of 200 lumens can be a limitation sometimes.
Key Specifications
- It’s a GoPro, so you can expect it to take on any challenge. This light is waterproof to 33ft (10m) and designed for real-life excursions.
- The built-in rechargeable battery offers up to 6 hours of usage. Battery life may be varied depending on use and other external factors.
- Attach it to metal surfaces such as appliances, equipment, pipes, and automobile parts. It’s ideal for jobs under the hood and around the home. The Magnetic Swivel Clip Light should not be mounted with the magnet to any moving objects.
- The Ultimate LED Work Light features a 360-degree rotation to easily adjust the angle of illumination. It may also be clamped to a hat, backpack strap, workbench, or table for hands-free illumination, making it suitable for every setting or workplace.
- With 4 levels of brightness ranging from 20 to 200 lumens, you can choose how much (or little) light you want.
- Overdrive Mode: 200 lumens (burst of super bright light up to 30 seconds for ultra-illumination). Strobe mode lets you let people know where you are and show yourself off. It’s great for signaling, being seen, and spontaneous dance parties.
Pros
- Internal magnets and swivel gives added flexibility for mounting
- Waterproof
- Good battery life
Cons
- Low maximum brightness level
- Expensive for the set of features it offers
Buy GoPro Zues
Suptig Video Lighting Dive Light
This is one of the most popular action camera flashlight in the market. It offers various features which are not offered by any other light in this list. It is also compatible with a large variety of cameras.
Key Specifications
- The light is compatible with almost all GoPro hero action cameras , other brands of action cameras and almost all DSLR cameras.
- lights have 5 colors, White light, Red light, Blue light, Pink light, Golden light, The brightness of the different color diving lights can be adjusted to meet your different color needs.
- The scuba diving light can be waterproof up to 147ft(45M), You can shoot the photos and videos you want at the bottom of the sea to bring you the perfect visual effect.
- The light is weatherproof and can sustain rain and extreme heat
- The light has 2600Mha lithium battery, White lights mode use about 2.5 hours, Red lights mode use about 3.5 hours, Pink lights mode used about 3.5 hours, Golden lights mode about use 3.5 hours, Blue lights mode about use 3.5 hours,
- Suptig Diving lights used 72-leds high-brightness LED desing that provides bright and wide angle light. The angle of light is approximately 60 deg.
- Light comes with 24 months warranty and 30 days money back guarantee.
Pros
- Reasonably bright
- Compatible with most cameras
- Waterproof and weather proof
- Provides different color options
Cons
- Not high quality in terms of build
- Does not sustain reported depth of 45m
- Works better with offset mounting
Buy Suptig Video Lighting Dive Light
ULANZI L1 PRO / CUTE LITE
Ulanzi L1 Pro / CUTE LITE is a lighting tool for creators designed to go anywhere and tackle any challenge. Meticulously crafted to meet our standards for small size and powerful impact, the lightweight and travel-ready CUTE LITE stands just 1.6” tall and packs enough power to light up a room.
Key Specifications
- Water resistance: IP68(diving depth 10meters) , Magnetic charging port, enclosed body provide good water resistance even at diving depths up to 10m or30 feet
- Color Temperature: 5500K , provides balanced light for video
- Illumination: 0.5m(1000Lux)/1.0m(300Lux)
- Illumination Angle: 60 degrees
- Batter Capacity: Lithium Battery(3.7V/800mAh)
- Latest imaging LED technology emits a daylight balanced 95+ CRI light
- Working Time: 1(max brightness) – 4 hours(min brightness)
- Weight: 70g
- Size: 414138mm
Pros
- Reasonably bright for indoor use
- Waterproof up to 30 feet / 10 m
- Value for money
- Lot of accessories included in the box
Cons
- Magnetic charger has weak connection
- Not suitable for lighting people due to small concentrated light source
- Less battery life
Buy ULANZI L1 PRO / CUTE LITE
Summary
Action cameras have changed the videography field because of the point of view that can be created using action cameras. Action cameras can be mounted using various creative ways to give different perspective of the scene.
Action cameras however, do not have the low light capabilities like a DSLR or Mirrorless camera. They also do not support high ISO and the footage can become really grainy and practically unusable. A flashlight is the only way to add low light capabilities to your action camera.
They also have to handle a lot of abuse and need some protection to perform well over a period of time.