If you are an adventurer who loves capturing breathtaking moments on your action camera, you know how important it is to have the right accessories. And when it comes to filming in low-light conditions or during nighttime, having an action camera flashlight can make all the difference. In this article, we will explore what an action camera flashlight is, why it is important, and how to choose the best one for your needs.
What is an action camera flashlight?
An action camera flashlight is a small, portable light source that attaches to your action camera to provide additional illumination during low-light or nighttime conditions. These flashlights are specifically designed to be used with action cameras and are often compact, lightweight, and durable, making them ideal for outdoor adventures.
Why is an action camera flashlight important?
Without adequate lighting, your action camera footage can appear dark and grainy, making it difficult to see the details of your adventures. An action camera flashlight can help to illuminate your surroundings, providing bright, clear footage even in low-light or nighttime conditions. Additionally, some action camera flashlights can also be used as a backup power source for your camera, providing extra battery life when you need it most.
How to choose an action camera flashlight
When it comes to choosing the best action camera flashlight for your needs, there are several factors to consider. Here are some of the most important:
- Compatibility: Make sure the flashlight is compatible with your action camera model.
- Brightness: Look for a flashlight that provides sufficient brightness for your filming needs. Some flashlights come with adjustable brightness settings, which can be useful for adapting to different lighting conditions.
- Battery life: Consider how long the flashlight’s battery will last and whether it will provide enough power for your needs.
- Durability: Look for a flashlight that is durable enough to withstand outdoor conditions and rough handling.
- Size and weight: Choose a flashlight that is compact and lightweight, so it doesn’t add too much extra weight to your gear.
- Additional features: Some flashlights come with additional features such as waterproofing, red light mode, or adjustable beam angles. Consider whether these features are important for your needs.
Best action camera flashlights for a night or underwater shooting
Action camera flashlights are essential for shooting in low-light conditions, providing additional light sources to capture clear and detailed footage. Here are some of the best action camera flashlights to help you shoot in low-light conditions, along with their pros and cons.
GoPro Light Mod
The GoPro Light Mod is a versatile and easy-to-use action camera flashlight that attaches directly to your GoPro camera. It delivers up to 200 lumens of brightness and has four different brightness settings. The Light Mod is also waterproof up to 10 meters and can be charged using a USB-C cable.
Pros:
- Versatile and easy-to-use
- Waterproof up to 10 meters
- Multiple brightness settings
- Attaches directly to your GoPro camera
Cons:
- May not be as bright as other options
- May not be compatible with non-GoPro cameras
LitraTorch 2.0
The LitraTorch 2.0 is a compact and waterproof action camera flashlight that delivers up to 800 lumens of brightness. It has four brightness settings, a strobe mode, and a battery life of up to seven hours. The LitraTorch 2.0 is also durable, with a drop-proof rating of up to 1.5 meters.
Pros:
- Compact and waterproof design
- Four brightness settings and strobe mode
- Long battery life
- Durable construction
Cons:
- May be too bright for some situations
- Slightly expensive compared to other options
ULANZI VL49
ULANZI VL49 is a portable and waterproof LED action camera flashlight with 49 high-brightness LED beads and three brightness levels. It’s compatible with a wide range of action cameras and has a built-in 2000mAh rechargeable battery. While it’s lightweight and versatile, some users have reported issues with its battery life and brightness. Overall, it’s a solid choice for outdoor activities and low-light filming, but may not be suitable for extended filming sessions.
Pros:
- Portable and waterproof, making it great for outdoor activities and underwater filming.
- Versatile with three brightness levels and 49 high-brightness LED beads, providing additional lighting for low-light shots.
- Compatible with a wide range of action cameras and comes with a cold shoe mount and a 1/4-inch screw hole for easy attachment.
- Built-in 2000mAh rechargeable battery provides up to two hours of continuous lighting on the highest brightness setting.
- Lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry on your adventures.
Cons:
- Battery life may not be long enough for extended filming sessions.
- Some users have reported that the brightness may not be as strong as they expected.
GoPro Zeus Mini
GoPro Zeus Mini is a compact and powerful action camera flashlight designed for use with GoPro cameras. It features a built-in rechargeable battery that provides up to six hours of continuous lighting on a single charge. The Zeus Mini has four brightness levels, including a strobe mode, making it a versatile accessory for any low-light situation. It’s also waterproof up to 33 feet, making it ideal for use in underwater filming. The Zeus Mini comes with a variety of accessories, including a magnetic swivel clip, a lanyard, and a cold shoe mount. Its small size and lightweight design make it easy to carry on your adventures.
Pros:
- Built-in rechargeable battery provides up to six hours of continuous lighting on a single charge.
- Four brightness levels, including a strobe mode, make it a versatile accessory for low-light situations.
- It is waterproof up to 33 feet, making it great for underwater filming.
- Comes with a variety of accessories, including a magnetic swivel clip, a lanyard, and a cold shoe mount.
- Its small size and lightweight design make it easy to carry on your adventures.
Cons:
- Designed specifically for GoPro cameras, limiting its compatibility with other action cameras.
- Some users have reported that the brightness levels may not be as strong as they expected.
- The price point may be higher than other action camera flashlights on the market.
Aputure AL-M9
The Aputure AL-M9 is a versatile and powerful action camera flashlight that delivers up to 900 lumens of brightness. It has nine different brightness settings, adjustable color temperature, and a battery life of up to 1.75 hours. The AL-M9 is also compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around.
Pros:
- High brightness and adjustable color temperature
- Multiple brightness settings
- Compact and lightweight design
- Ideal for use with both action and regular cameras
Cons:
- Shorter battery life compared to other options
- May be slightly expensive compared to other options
When choosing an action camera flashlight, consider factors such as compatibility, brightness, battery life, durability, and additional features. GoPro Light Mod, LitraTorch 2.0, ULANZI VL49, GoPro Zeus Mini, and Aputure AL.
FAQs
While it is possible to use a regular flashlight with your action camera, it is not recommended. Regular flashlights are not designed for use with action cameras and may not provide the same level of compatibility, brightness, or durability.
Some action camera flashlights are waterproof and can be used underwater, but it is important to check the manufacturer’s specifications before using any flashlight underwater.
While action camera flashlights are specifically designed for use with action cameras, it is possible to use them with other types of cameras. However, compatibility may vary, and you may need to use additional accessories to attach the flashlight to your camera.
The brightness of the flashlight you need depends on the environment you will be filming in. If you are filming in complete darkness, you will need a brighter flashlight than if you are filming in a dimly lit area.
Battery life varies depending on the flashlight and the brightness setting being used. Some flashlights can last up to seven hours on a single charge, while others may only last for a couple of hours. It’s important to check the battery life of the flashlight before making a purchase.
The cost of an action camera flashlight varies depending on the features and the brand. Some flashlights may be relatively affordable, while others may be more expensive. It’s important to consider your budget and needs before making a purchase.
Final recommendations
If you’re an adventurer who loves capturing your outdoor experiences on your action camera, an action camera flashlight can be a valuable tool for enhancing your footage. When choosing the best flashlight for your needs, consider factors such as compatibility, brightness, battery life, durability, size and weight, and additional features. By finding the right action camera flashlight, you can ensure that your footage is clear, bright, and memorable, no matter what conditions you encounter.
