If you’re just starting out creating video content or thinking about how to improve your video quality output one of the key upgrades you can make is not to your camera or even your lenses – it’s in your lighting setup. In my most recent Holiday Buying Guide I recommended purchasing a tube light to help model lighting for shoots where stand light might not work. Recently, Great Video Maker (GVM) sent me their GVM-BD-25R LED bi-color stick light to test out – here’s what I learned in the process.
Great Video Maker GVM-BD-25R Tech Specs (via GVM website)
- Product Size (mm): 50*56*400MM
- Product Weight: 0.8KG
- Color temperature: 2700K~10000K
- Hue: RGB 0°~360°
- Saturation: 0%~100%
- Voltage: AC100V~240V
- Power supply mode: DC power supply / battery power supply
- Power supply: DC15V/3A
Setup & Getting Started
When the box first arrived, I was surprised to find the unit included a rather elegant carrying case that kept everything neat and easy to carry around. As far as accessories go, the GVM-BD-25R includes a power adapter and suspension hardware (for hanging the light or rigging above your subject). The light can also be powered by two NP-F750/770 battery packs which GVM provided for this review. Once unpacked, it was a straight-forward process to get the light onto a light stand and begin poking around.
At the rear of the light, you’ll find your main control panel including the On/Off (Play/Pause) button, a Mode button, a Tab button (for menu navigation) and “+” and “- “buttons to select between menu items and adjust the intensity of the light output. These controls are standard and provide immediate controls out of the box, but the real “magic” is in the accompanying GVM LED II app (available for both iOS and Android). While you can cycle through a handful of pre-programmed lighting effects to take full advantage of lighting effects, colors, and intensities, the app is necessary. At first there was a challenge in getting the app to recognize the light – you’ll have to carefully read the included instructions which weren’t clear (this most likely the result of translation issues) or do what I did and search YouTube. Once you’ve successfully paired the light, then you can do several high-level and granular controls that will make working with the light far more flexible.
Lights, Camera, Action
I had an opportunity to test the GVM-BD-25R in two distinct scenarios – as a separation light for stills at an event and the main light for some simple b-roll shots for other reviews. I found that as a separation light for a step-and-repeat setup, the light allowed me to control the light available for my background without creating “hot spots” when using off-camera flash. For this application, having a constant light to meter against helped create the desired effect – a shiny backdrop that was properly lit while being able to take portraits of my subjects with a flattering off-camera flash.
Outside of photography, the GVM BD25R got me thinking about how it would function as intended – a video creation light. With multiple lighting effects built-in and the ability to dial-in color, intensity, and effect durations the GVM BD25R is a great special effect light to give your videos an elevated feel to them. While testing out the light, I found myself often using it enhance my background while recording my podcast or hosting video calls. Giving the person on the other side the impression that I’m not in my nook in the living room but in something that feels more like a studio space.
Final Thoughts on the GVM BD25R
Lighting is a big part of making great photographs and video. The right lighting can liven up an otherwise boring space (like my home office) or add drama and emotion to a scene. Additionally, if you don’t have multiple strobes to take for portraiture work, a constant light in the right spot can help create much needed separation between your subject and the background. What I found that I like about the GVM BD25R was that its size and design make it a very versatile light – it can be rigged just about anywhere and thanks to its standard tripod mount thread, you can easily rig it to any number of arms, brackets, and stands. It allows itself to be used in places you couldn’t otherwise rig a light without sacrificing power output for portability. If you’re currently looking for ways to improve your video production quality or simply like working with constant lighting without being bogged down to just white light, the GVM BD25R may be what you’re looking for. One note of caution – take time to read the manual if you want to use the app to control it or a group of lights. ($149 on Amazon)
