Panel Lights VS COB Lights - What To Use and When

Check out the Pixel P80 Panel Video Light here:

THE GEAR I USE:
*Some of the following links are affiliate links, so if you decide to purchase something, I get a very small commission at NO extra cost to you - Thanks in advance for supporting the channel!

CAMERAS:
My Main Cam (Lumix S5ii)

My B-Cam (Lumix S5)

My C-Cam (Lumix S1)

PRIME LENSES:
Panasonic LUMIX 24mm F1.8

Panasonic LUMIX 35mm F1.8

Panasonic LUMIX 85mm F1.8

ZOOM LENSES:
Sigma 28-70 F2.8

Panasonic LUMIX 16-35 F4

Panasonic LUMIX 70-200 F4

AUDIO SETUP:
Rode NTG4+

Tascam DR60 MKii

Hollyland Lark 150

LIGHTING SETUP
Godox LA200d

Colbor CL60

Godox SL60w

Smallrig Softbox

DESK & COMPUTING
My Main Computer (Mac Mini)

Laptop (M1 Pro MacBook Pro 1TB)

Computer Monitor (Viewsonic ColorPro VP2786-4K)

Logitech Craft Keyboard

Logitech M590 Mouse

Samsung T5 SSD 1TB

SanDisk G-Drive 6TB

Panel lights are COB LED lights are the most common among smaller production crews, and normally either of the two can be found in a freelancers lighting kit.

I use both panel lights and COB lights, but for different reasons, so in this video I wanted to talk about the differences between COB LED lights and Panel lights so hopefully you know what one would be better suited for your applications.

The Pixel P80 Panel Video Light is a great example of what a panel light can do and has a great build quality overall with decent colour accuracy, so it's definitely one to consider.

Thanks for watching and I hope this video was helpful to you!

[RMCProductions]

This feels more like a product placement than a comparison video. You've gone into two differences and the rest was just babbling about the pixel...

[ivanbertello]

Great video, keep It up! I've been working with my S5 for almost a year and your videos are always a great help, can't wait to see more!

[earlgreybeard]

Thanks Josh. Interesting angle. I am looking at lighting a live unamplified concert in a largish public room, probably with a single light to complement existing lighting. What would you use in there do you think? My current choice is a GVM 200w COB, driven principally by the amount of light it produces. With that I could do a ceiling bounce, or go direct with the usual diffusion and honeycomb. But I will have to see how it looks when I get there. This COB light also has the special effects etc. that you mentioned were exclusive to panel lights. I am not sure they are any more. Have things changed recently do you think?

[vgman]

For product photography (selling clothes, furniture, toys etc), what would be better? A COB light or led panel light?

[whatughbeast]

Hi Josh in your opinion which one has the better 5.9k 10bit video between the Panasonic s1 with firmware update or Panasonic S5 with atmos ninja V. I am torn between the two, your input would be very much appreciated

[crystalballoonstudio]

What is the core difference between a $150 LED light panel（like GVM 1200D）and a $5, 000 LED light panel（like Arri Skypanel and Gemini)? Why can their prices vary so much? Are they even using the same LED technology?

[tamimaliraqii]

Great video as always Josh! How soft is the light on the subject? Would it be good for photography?

[ljc]

Great info but sorry, you talk WAY too fast! i keep having to rewind to take in the info. PLEASE slow down.