Pixel K80 RBG Video Light Kit Review: All You need comes in a bag!
Pixel K80 RBG Light Kit
As we have recently mentioned in our Liber RBG Pocket Video Light review, Pixel also sent us the Pixel K80 RGB Panel Lights kit for our review. Functionality wise, K80 does everything that the Liber pocket light does and more, and turned out to be very handy in various video lighting scenarios that we have tested it.
Especially for beginner content creators on budget, this product is very exciting since the K80 RGB Light kit comes with almost everything you need - in a very well built bag- to start lighting your video content in a part of your house or a small studio. But this doesn't mean that it is only for beginners. If you already have some lighting equipments, you can use the K80 lights to compliment your existing equipment in order to create llight effects, backgrounds, etc. The bag that comes with the kit also makes this a very portable set which can be used in the field and thanks to its battery powering option, and relatively small size and weights, it provides great flexibility in ways you place them.
We will talk more about the use cases and the functionalities, but first the disclaimer:
Disclaimer: Pixel did not pay us to write this article and no money was exchanged. However, the company sent us the product (Pixel K80 RGB Video light kit )to review for free. This review is my unbiased opinion as Pixel did not modify the article before its publication.
The Review
We have been reviewing the Pixel K80 RGB light kit for 2 weeks in our studio and our impressions were mostly positive. The unpacking and preparing of the 2-light kit for use was extremely simple, it took me less than 10 minutes to fully assemble and start running. If you are familiar with how the RGB lights work, you may not even need to check the manual, but if you need it a printed one is provided in the package.
Pixel K80 RBG Light Back Panel
The included carrying bag is well built and provides enough padding to protect the equipment. It would also be our preferrred way for storage when the lighst are not in use for longer periods.
The light stands are not the sturdiest but they do their job in most conditions. Considering how light the RBG panels are, you don't need anything heavier anyways for studio use at least. If you are planning to use them outdoors, that's another story. Just make sure you support the legs with bags if needed. Height of the lights can be adjusted between 34" to 74". Max height could have been higher but it covers most of the use cases as is. The U bracket lets you rotate the panel 360 degrees to change the direction of the light. With the help of the attached barn doors, you can change the shape and size of the light, and fully close for protection.
The included diffusers are easy to attach in front of the panel to diffuse and create a softer light but don't expect softbox level softness. If you wan't to create more pleasing light, consider using an extra level of diffusion in front of the light.
Light Modes:
The K80 has 4 different modes:
- CCT Color Temperature Mode
- HSI Mode
- RGB Mode
- Special Effects Mode
Scene Modes:
There are 9 different built-in scene modes on the K80 RGB Light. If you are looking for an easy way to add some light effects to your video, these presets are what you are looking for.
- SOS
- Lighting 1
- Lighting 2
- TV Screen
- Police
- Ambulance
- Fire Engine
- RGB Circle 1
- RGB Circle 2
Battery Operation
I have to admit I hate cables and I avoid them whenever possible. Luckily K80 can be powered by two NP-F type batteries. I have used the K80 with 2 of my NP-F550 batteries with no issues. I haven't tested the battery life but it is apprently highly dependent on the output level that you are using it at and also the condition of the battery.
What is in the box?
Pixel K80 RBG Light Kit - What is in the Box
- 2 x RGB LED Video Light
- 2 x White Diffuser
- 2 x Power Adapter
- 2 x Power Cable
- 2 x Light stand
- 2 x Manual
- 1x Carrying Case
A note about the Remote Controller: Pixel is selling the K80 in different packages and combinations, such as 2 light, 3 lights, single light and also with&without the remote controller. The version I received was 2-lights kits with no the Remote controller. The wireless remote controller, Pixel LC8 can be purchased separately if you like ( I wanted to buy the LC8 RC to test but it was out of stock at the time of the review).
Pixel LC8 Remote Controller for K80 Lights
Pixel K80 Video Light Panel Controls and Layout
The controls are placed around the 2.2" LCD display on the back panel. There are 2 battery slots on left and right sides of the LCD.
What I like:
- Everything you need to start comes in the package (Lights, light stands, diffusers, barn doors, cables and adapters)
- Comes with a carrying bag also handy for storage
- Option to battery power
- Good general build quality
- High quality light with tons of adjustments
- Option to use with Wireless Remote Controller
- Affordable way to start for beginners
What can be Improved:
- Light stands could be sturdier although can't complain much considering the price
- Cable between the adapter to the panel could be longer
- Some competitors offer app controls
Conclusion:
There is lot to like about the Pixel K80 RBG light kit. First of all, it provides an all in one starter package for the beginners at an affordable price level. You don't have to search for light stands, barn doors or diffusers separately which would otherwise become a frustrating and costly experience for the less experienced users.
Being an RGB light, you don't need to use gel filters to change the colors. Lights are bright enough for most uses but take into account that the you will lose some brightness if you use an extra diffuser to soften the light. The panels are light and compact compared to my COB lights hence more flexible in placement and the battery powering options reduce the cable clutter.
Panel LED Beads
Price and Availability:
As of this this writing, Pixel K80 RGB Light Kit was selling for $269 at Amazon US which is reasonable considering the feature set, build quality and the included accessories.
Pixel K80 Video Light Panel Specs and Features:
- 552 SMD High-Brightness LED Beads (240 RGB, 156 warm, 156 white)
- Power Modes: Pug-in or battery powered use
- Detachable Barn doors and white diffuser included for extra control
- Maximum power: 45W
- Color temperature: 2600-10000K
- Color adjustment: 0-360°
- Wireless channel: 48(1-48)
- Color rendering: Ra:97+ Qa:97+
- Lumen: 0.5M-5500Lux
- Bright adjustment: 0-100% dimming
- Voltage: DC 14-18V 4A
- Wireless frequency: FSK 2.4GHz
- Weight: 3.1LB/1.4KG (with barndoor)
- Size: 25x34x2.5cm/9.7x13.4x1 in
- Input Voltage: DC14-18V/4A
- Compatible Battery models: NP-F 550/570/750/770/950/960/970
- Extendable stands: 35-74 inches
- Material: Aluminum alloy and plastic
More about Pixel
Pixel is a Hong-Kong based manufacturer of photography and videography accessories such as video lights, microphones, wireless flash triggers, wired and wireless camera remote cotrollers, battery grips and filters. For more information about the manufacturer and their product range, check Pixel Website. For more information about this product, check Pixel K80 RGB Light Official Product Page.