Digital Ninja® 11/21/18 Digital Ninja® 11/21/18

The Digital Ninja® 3 Point Quick-Clip, Mini-Light Kit

The Aputure AL-M9 LED Light is an older model, rechargeable, lightweight, and pocketable light source. It is extremely bright, considering it's size. With some key accessories, you can build an exceptionally powerful little kit, enabling you to move faster & lighter.

The M9 debuted 2 years ago and was an extremely sought after light because of it's versatility, features, and price point. These days you can pick up a brand new one for around $45. Aputure's latest model the MX, is priced at $145. For the price of the MX, you could get (3) M9's. There are other mini LED models similar to the M9, but the copycats don't measure up in build quality. If you are looking for a solid mini-kit, pay the extra money for the Aputure brand. They are worth it.

The M9's are definitely my favorite lights (that I own) because of their size and amount of light they output. They also come in handy for special lighting scenarios where a mini light source is necessary. One of my favorite things about them too, is the package they come in. A case is included and there is room for some extras. I had some left over gels and made a series of gel kits for them. The magnetic face plate makes it easy to switch to any color I want.

M9 mounted on Ball-Head Clip (with Anker PowerCore & Powerline Cable)

The lights, by themselves, last about 1hr 30min on high. Initially I went and bought 6 ft. cables and power adapters to keep them plugged in and charging if I was ever near outlets. Later, I found the Anker PowerCore 10000 battery packs which were roughly the same size as the LED's. I got some Velcro and married the battery packs to the lights. I then purchased some 1ft. cables to make the kit look really clean and professional. With the battery packs and lights connected, I can run these lights all day. I make sure to turn them off when not in use and have them charging during meal breaks.

I enjoy keeping my gear nimble and the cases that come with the lights- they help keep everything organized. I'm able to stash the 1 ft. cables and gel kits in the cases, then I attach the longer cables to the included carabiners. The batteries pack easily. The clips are the only unruly pieces, but will still fit in a regular sized bag or backpack. Sometimes I just attach the clips to a strap on the outside. This mini-kit allows me to get into almost any room quickly and utilize a 3pt light set-up. The clips also make pretty good stands if I am able to place them on a flat surface.

Be warned: These won't illuminate an entire room, but they will definitely help you in low light situations. The M9's really shine as fill lights, catch lights, and hair lights, and also for interviews, headshots, 2 shots, and talking head scenarios. This light has been aptly named the "Swiss Army Light". This is the kit I leave the house with when I think I might need a bit of light help.

- Aputure AL-M9 LED Light $45

- Anker PowerCore 10000 $26

- Anker 1ft. PowerLine Cable $6

- 1/4" Ball-head Clip $9

*I wouldn't skimp on the cables. Anker makes solid cables & you don't want cheap cables in-between your batteries and lights!

I hope you enjoyed this glimpse into my Digital Ninja® 3 Point Quick-Clip, Mini-Light Kit. Follow me on Instagram @d1g1tal_n1nja, YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/DigitalNinja3 or bookmark my website: www.digitalninja.us .

- Digital Ninja®

Digital Ninja® 12/10/17 Digital Ninja® 12/10/17

Affordable Gels for LED Lights

I found a youtuber online JustMEduardo showing how he made some Gels for his LED lights. He went to the dollar store and found some plastic dividers to us. It's a really affordable Do-It-Yourself project to add some mood to your lighting.

My Neewer CN-216 Lights came with two filters, a clear diffuser and a warming, Amber one. They are great for changing the color temperature, but not at helping add any style or setting a particular mood.

After watching a YouTuber, I went to my local Dollar store and looked for some plastic folders or dividers that might work. They had some lighter weight cellophane wrapping paper, but I wanted something a little thicker. In the school/office supply section, I found what I was looking for; 8 different colors!!!

If you are going to do this project this is all you will need: Plastic Dividers, Scissors, a Marker-Pen, and your LED filter so you can outline/stencil it.

Plastic Dividers, Scissors, Sharpie, LED Filter

I was able to make 3 gels from one folder. I laid down the Amber filter and traced it 3 times. I kept the scraps and was able to make an additional gel for an old Canon Camera Light.

After I cut them out, I checked them in the light to make sure the size and fit we're good. I did this for each of them to makes sure they weren't buckling and slid in really easy.

They look pretty good. They are a little thin though. They add a subtle hue, versus, a deep or rich color. What I found is if you double up the light blue with the blue, or light pink with red, you get some really nice color. They make more expensive, thicker ones and even light corrective ones. Those run like $80!!! For $3 and an hour and a half, these will add a little versatility to your LED light kit.