UPDATE - Pilotfly reached out after this test and helped me find the output frequency setting (holding the mode button, scrolling through some settings, finding frequency) - adjusting that to 120khz eliminates the flicker issue and even makes it perceivably a little brighter.. so they get an additional point back for passing the flicker test.
at the end of the day just sheer light output (provided it is still high quality CRi) is the most important factor since tiny lights like these can barely ever hold their own in anything but complete darkness.
If you think about it, you could attach multiple Apurture MC to a piece of metal using the magnets. Would cost less than buying multiple magic cube lego pieces ($20-25) each.
@@frappoGarcia same I got the Falconeye F7 2 and same thing stopped working after a couple charges seems like they all have the same issues no matter how much money you invest in the light! im looking at getting another one but im afraid no matter what brand I go with its going to stop working!
I had to have my Boling replaced for the same reason. It showed no signs that it was charging. The replacement has worked well since then. Unfortunately, it died when I was away covering Vidcon, and it was my only on camera light I had with me. Charged it to full, no signs of life after.
Great review / comparison... I've also just discovered a similar unit from a brand called "Koolehaoda" on Amazon only evidently. It's got a metal body and battery lasts forever. Seems most like the Falconeyes F7, but without the magnetic ability or modifiers. Was $100 CAD, so probably just $75USD or so... crazy good value.
Just came over from your video at the Make Art Now channel. Great stuff man. On par with Gerald and Caleb. Safe to say the Subscribe button has been... lit...
great comparison video. really helps to watch it thru, cus if u just skip forward you may just decide with the MC, but after watching I think falconeyes takes it, at least for me.
I’ve had the FalconEyes in my wishlist forever lol then Aputure came out with the MC and I like the phone app. But seeing the brightness compared up against each other 🤔 I’m torn! Need to watch this video about 10 more times. Thanks for taking the time to make this! Awesome video
We used the Falcon Eyes on a short film for tv effect. It was great. I wish the effects were customizable but for the price I can’t complain. I highly recommend Falcon eyes F7.
New to your videos. Really enjoyed this review! Very chill vibe and informational without being clinical. Thanks for all of the practical tips. Looking forward to more!
@@TommyCallaway You're welcome. I think I'm going to go with the PilotFly Atomcube. They offer a grid for it now which looks pretty dope, and it's smaller than the other with the grid (F7) and the battery life really impresses me.
Aputure MC almost check out every feature to be the perfect portable RGB panel, except for the lack of lux power / brightness, for now I'm still using a cheap $30 Fantaseal RGB light, maybe until brighter version of MC came out.
Great review. I am sure it would be easy enough to dual mount Aperture lights but perhaps not quite as easily as with the magic cube. Now all I have to do is wait for the Aperture to be back in stock.
If you are looking for Vertical poles though, you should try the Manfrotto Autopole. If you have a light, that almost never gets moved, this pole saves lots of floorspace. Just put it up, and mount the light with a Superclamp and a Spigot. Also works for pole-dancing... so extra value right there!
@@TommyCallaway Yes especially in produktphotography or sit downs, C-Stands just won't go low enough, thats why I always keep some of those cheap stands around.
Oh my, I just waiting for my Boling P1 RGB light from the mail.... if I new I would think twice before buying. Hope I am lucky to dont get a broken one!
@@TommyCallaway good news I received it today and they fix it! I fully charged and the led info display was still on. Which is the cell phone app for the Aputure MC, please? Thanks
It would be nice to also know the total light output in lumens, rather that just what is landing on a surface. When lights get scored in lux only, they start to win by narrowing the angle of emission. I can always bring light closer or pull them back to cover the desired angle. Or use a standalone fresnel to focus. Not really the point of these light, I know. But I would really just like to know the total amount of light being put out.
its funny because this doesn't age well. I bought my p1 way before this video and its still kicking. Holds a charge forever. Interesting. Although, the fact you didn't reach out to get them to help and give a chance to support really speaks volumes.
@@ShiftDawgie Their iOS app also is out now too, so the RX-818 is app controllable - but I usually just use it around 5% power at around 5500k overhead with the included grid. Really great quality light, it's become a permanent fixture in my studio.
@@TommyCallaway Have you had any issues with Falconeyes products? I shoot alot of music videos, really looking at buying a few new RGB pocket lights but have concerns about durability and longer term battery life. Would really appreciate any feedback on this
Great video comparison, but I have doubts. I have bought the MC. It has horizontal stripes(frequency issue when it takes more than 1/500) The photos taken are completely unusable. So I returned .
I please have a question. Is it better to bay 2 Mc Aputure or only one Rx1 ?? I need some graphics lights to made a short movie, but i also need it to torche our face ( so Aputure had not anought lux ?) Thanks you again
The f7 has 97 cri at full white compared to 94 pilotcine, also the F7 comes with light modifiers for less price ($90 on ebay) where RX1 you buy them in addition. RX1 plus shipping plus import fees just doesn't make it competitive enough for me.
Awesome vidéo thanks u ;) that's relly a great job and the best video comparison i'v seen those days, and u definitely made me make a choice finnaly...THANK YOU keep doing
There is also a diffuser and a grid for the pilotfly, they are on amazon, I didn't wanted to post the links directly so it doesn't look like I am hijacking your video! Thanks for it BTW Tommy, I am going for the atomcube!
my favorite is the ones I make. Seriously it's cheaper than all the options and you can kick all of these out out the door. SMD's, power, controller and about 2 hours. A 3d printer wouldn't hurt but I've just hot glued some to wood with diffusion paper.
have you evaluated the weeylite rb9? it seems like a contender against the falconeyes. i've watched a TON of videos on rgb lights today and YOU appear to be the ONLY ONE that showed side by side WHITE performance (which is what originally sold me on the falconeyes)
If I just want to use the light as a selfie light, would the MC be enough? I like it that it is cheap and light, comes with a magnet so I am really interested in buying one.
I am a wedding filmmaker and still learning about lights. I am looking to buy a small and bright Bi-color light but now those RGB lights make me very confused. I don't know which one is the best option for me. Originally I was thinking to buy Aputure AL-F7. I would really appreciate your suggestions.
you might take a look to the new light from PFY called "PFY Matrix" which they just released from Germany. The cool thing is they have a smaller version as well.
Are you aware and that the RX-1 Now has a diffusion panel as well as a grid available? With that being the case it seems like it's the clear winner here am I correct?
I would go with the Aperture, These small RGB lights are most useful for effects, and the small size and magnets really helps with that. these usually don't require that much power. If power maters I would rather go with a larger Panel, as those usually have better value for money. And if you are lighting anything but a plane background, you should use Color gels anyway. Oh and for Grids, I recommend going in amazon an buying the Cheapest flashphotography grid and just cutting it down and lining the edges with Gaff-tape, That way you can grid almost any size of small panel.
Did you know I did another showdown, but for GIMBALS? ua-cam.com/video/kKrL70-SMS8/v-deo.html
Tommy Callaway I did not. I will look for it.
UPDATE - Pilotfly reached out after this test and helped me find the output frequency setting (holding the mode button, scrolling through some settings, finding frequency) - adjusting that to 120khz eliminates the flicker issue and even makes it perceivably a little brighter.. so they get an additional point back for passing the flicker test.
Based on your video, I think the Pilotfly won this shootout. I also like aputure but I prefer the built of the Pilotlfly
@@RollyMagpayo yeah, plus is the brightest witch makes sense.
at the end of the day just sheer light output (provided it is still high quality CRi) is the most important factor since tiny lights like these can barely ever hold their own in anything but complete darkness.
Thank you so much for this review. I was planning to buy Aputure but after this review, I’m going with the F7
If you think about it, you could attach multiple Apurture MC to a piece of metal using the magnets. Would cost less than buying multiple magic cube lego pieces ($20-25) each.
Haha, use a piece of flat scrap metal.
Was thinking the same thing. Would be a very simple solution provided that the magnets don't slide too much if you move that improvised mount/stand.
This review expanded my options. I was only considering Aputure before.
Really good review. One of the first where I did not feel he was either selling a product or himself. Good job.
I have the Falconeye F7 and would highly recommend it. Super easy to use, extremely well built and really good battery life. Can't go wrong.
It really is a fantastic light
I want to know if after 11 month of use it is still worth it, I bought the mini version and it didn’t last 3 uses 😔
@@frappoGarcia same I got the Falconeye F7 2 and same thing stopped working after a couple charges seems like they all have the same issues no matter how much money you invest in the light! im looking at getting another one but im afraid no matter what brand I go with its going to stop working!
Ah man, this is the video that led me to my favorite new light. The, Pilotfly AtomCUBE Rx1. I was so impressed I got a second pair. Thanks, dude.
Thanks for watching man, I appreciate it!
I've had my Bolling P1 for almost a year, never had any issues. I even dropped it a few times
Love how my browser shares my data. I just picked up the Aputure MC on Amazon then your video shows up.
I can't complain, I got a view and a comment out of it.
@@TommyCallaway AND a subscription! Fancy that.
The PilotFly RX1 has a honey grid and diffuser too. Have to buy separately.
I had to have my Boling replaced for the same reason. It showed no signs that it was charging. The replacement has worked well since then. Unfortunately, it died when I was away covering Vidcon, and it was my only on camera light I had with me. Charged it to full, no signs of life after.
At least we know we're not the only ones with that issue
Man, thank you. I’ve been undecided on which to get for a while now. Thanks for the help.
You got it!
Awesome video, Im glad I just bought the Falcon F7. I found a Fold version for $130 from B&H OB.
Finally an honest review, and not some bs sponsored video. Thanks! I’m subscribing.
Great review / comparison... I've also just discovered a similar unit from a brand called "Koolehaoda" on Amazon only evidently. It's got a metal body and battery lasts forever. Seems most like the Falconeyes F7, but without the magnetic ability or modifiers. Was $100 CAD, so probably just $75USD or so... crazy good value.
Thanks for this, will check them out too.
Aputure MC is always sold out for a reason. Which I do believe this video proves why. Thanks for sharing.
After watching your video. I got the F7. Thank You. I'm happy with the F7
Great, detailed review!
Thumbs up and subbed...
Gonna have to watch it again to get everything ;-)
Just came over from your video at the Make Art Now channel. Great stuff man. On par with Gerald and Caleb. Safe to say the Subscribe button has been...
lit...
I’m honored :) thanks man
The Aputure has got a magnet back. You could attach that to any metal bracket should you want to attach more than 1 light.
Hi GVM. I bought your RGB because of Tommy and Gerald.
great comparison video. really helps to watch it thru, cus if u just skip forward you may just decide with the MC, but after watching I think falconeyes takes it, at least for me.
I’ve had the FalconEyes in my wishlist forever lol then Aputure came out with the MC and I like the phone app. But seeing the brightness compared up against each other 🤔 I’m torn! Need to watch this video about 10 more times. Thanks for taking the time to make this! Awesome video
No prob! Good luck, it's a close battle!
Got 1 MC and returned light brightens is too low
I don't know if it's a new thing or not, but the Falcon Eyes does have app control.
Nicholas Monteleone For the F7 or the new F7 Fold?
Wow you are so underrated! Great Camera Quality
We used the Falcon Eyes on a short film for tv effect. It was great. I wish the effects were customizable but for the price I can’t complain. I highly recommend Falcon eyes F7.
isnt it like too harsh? did you soften it somehow? or was it used as back/accent light so it doesn't matter how soft it is?
Nooo reallyyy?!? Damn bro I thought u could modify effect intensity... but if u say that isn’t possible I have to choose another product....
New to your videos. Really enjoyed this review! Very chill vibe and informational without being clinical. Thanks for all of the practical tips. Looking forward to more!
I bought the Falconeyes F7. I am a lighting designer and I find it best overall.
Wonderful review and a tremendous help! Just purchased from your link.
Great job! I already hit the subscribe and like button before I even finished. You did a solid review and hope to see more great content from you.
Thank you :) You made my day!
Really nice review, good job. Def is helping with my decision on which pocket light I'll pick up!
Thanks Garrett! Which one will you end up going with?
@@TommyCallaway You're welcome. I think I'm going to go with the PilotFly Atomcube. They offer a grid for it now which looks pretty dope, and it's smaller than the other with the grid (F7) and the battery life really impresses me.
Wow, you just chucked that light at the wall!!! #savageAF
That PilotFly seems really cool. It’s like, LEGOlite!!!
Aputure MC almost check out every feature to be the perfect portable RGB panel, except for the lack of lux power / brightness, for now I'm still using a cheap $30 Fantaseal RGB light, maybe until brighter version of MC came out.
Aputure MC is definitely not the brightest among the others, but all the features are very interesting!
Great review. I am sure it would be easy enough to dual mount Aperture lights but perhaps not quite as easily as with the magic cube. Now all I have to do is wait for the Aperture to be back in stock.
Solid tests. Def sold me on the Falconeyes. Thanks
Thanks for the shout-out, Tommy. Really enjoyed the video. Question: Which stands were those at the end that looked like mostly vertical poles?
Thanks! Just plain old amazon basics aluminum light stands. $25 for a 2 pack. Still find myself using them all the time!
If you are looking for Vertical poles though, you should try the Manfrotto Autopole. If you have a light, that almost never gets moved, this pole saves lots of floorspace. Just put it up, and mount the light with a Superclamp and a Spigot. Also works for pole-dancing... so extra value right there!
@@TommyCallaway Yes especially in produktphotography or sit downs, C-Stands just won't go low enough, thats why I always keep some of those cheap stands around.
Super helpful, just what I needed, thanks Tommy
No prob, Dylan!
Thank you, this video saved me a big headache. Liked and subbed. 💯🔥
No prob :) Thanks!
Great review, bro!
I had the same problem with the Boling stuff. Had three units die with different battery related problems.
Oh my, I just waiting for my Boling P1 RGB light from the mail.... if I new I would think twice before buying.
Hope I am lucky to dont get a broken one!
It’s been awhile since I published this, I imagine they’ve fixed those issues by now
@@TommyCallaway I hope so my friend, great review... i didnt know the others ones... thiniking to maybe get the falconeyes too! thx
or aperture, not sure yet
@@TommyCallaway good news I received it today and they fix it! I fully charged and the led info display was still on.
Which is the cell phone app for the Aputure MC, please? Thanks
Hope you get the chance to try out the GODOX M1 came out after this
It would be nice to also know the total light output in lumens, rather that just what is landing on a surface.
When lights get scored in lux only, they start to win by narrowing the angle of emission.
I can always bring light closer or pull them back to cover the desired angle. Or use a standalone fresnel to focus. Not really the point of these light, I know. But I would really just like to know the total amount of light being put out.
Right, that’s why I included the visual / practical example after showing the numbers. In both white and red 👍
Great review I have been waiting for something like this. The main three all have huge benefits over the others. Hard choices lol 😂
I know!!! haha, I feel totally the same way
its funny because this doesn't age well. I bought my p1 way before this video and its still kicking. Holds a charge forever. Interesting. Although, the fact you didn't reach out to get them to help and give a chance to support really speaks volumes.
Great video! Subbed brother, made me very keen on the falconeyes
I love their RX-818. Amazing roll flex rgbww light mat. It’s mounted above me in the studio :)
@@TommyCallaway Do you have a video on this?
@@ShiftDawgie I sure do! ua-cam.com/video/-AUSvun1U8Q/v-deo.html
@@ShiftDawgie Their iOS app also is out now too, so the RX-818 is app controllable - but I usually just use it around 5% power at around 5500k overhead with the included grid. Really great quality light, it's become a permanent fixture in my studio.
@@TommyCallaway Have you had any issues with Falconeyes products? I shoot alot of music videos, really looking at buying a few new RGB pocket lights but have concerns about durability and longer term battery life. Would really appreciate any feedback on this
Great video comparison, but I have doubts. I have bought the MC. It has horizontal stripes(frequency issue when it takes more than 1/500)
The photos taken are completely unusable. So I returned .
Hmm. I only measured at 100% output. Do you know what settings the light was at?
@@TommyCallawayI set it at 100%. And test different outputs with the same result.
This was great and very useful. Thx Tommy for this vid!
No prob Tobias! Thanks for watching
Thank you Tommy!
I please have a question. Is it better to bay 2 Mc Aputure or only one Rx1 ??
I need some graphics lights to made a short movie, but i also need it to torche our face ( so Aputure had not anought lux ?)
Thanks you again
The f7 has 97 cri at full white compared to 94 pilotcine, also the F7 comes with light modifiers for less price ($90 on ebay) where RX1 you buy them in addition. RX1 plus shipping plus import fees just doesn't make it competitive enough for me.
Awesome vidéo thanks u ;) that's relly a great job and the best video comparison i'v seen those days, and u definitely made me make a choice finnaly...THANK YOU keep doing
You lucky for getting all this light from almost every where. 😂
Turns background wall to a purple color with the GVM light, and mentions Gerald Undone. Coincidence? I think not.
There is also a diffuser and a grid for the pilotfly, they are on amazon, I didn't wanted to post the links directly so it doesn't look like I am hijacking your video! Thanks for it BTW Tommy, I am going for the atomcube!
Thanks man! I know they said that was in development when I published this video.. I will add links in the description!
Thanks. I thought to buy godox m1, but now i think ill go on the aputure
Great video. Thanks.
Have you seen/tried the Yongnuo yn365?
This video was a big help. Thanks
i never knew there's somthing called Pocket Video Light, now i need one .
Such a great review! Thank you
my favorite is the ones I make.
Seriously it's cheaper than all the options and you can kick all of these out out the door. SMD's, power, controller and about 2 hours. A 3d printer wouldn't hurt but I've just hot glued some to wood with diffusion paper.
have you evaluated the weeylite rb9? it seems like a contender against the falconeyes. i've watched a TON of videos on rgb lights today and YOU appear to be the ONLY ONE that showed side by side WHITE performance (which is what originally sold me on the falconeyes)
Great detailed review.
Most perfect video! Thank you!!
Really good review!
Tommy do you have any feedback on Pixel RGB LED ?
Nope. Haven’t heard of them
Wow also drop test included
Great video! Thanks for the info!
Yep. Same problem with Boling Pt, but can’t return it as border between HK and China remains closed.
Are all of these suitable to be used as a "key" light? Or are they only good for background/fill lights?
Another great video my good man.
Thanks! I’m going to do several more in this series. Really like the format.
Hey Tommy, you need DF digitalfoto YY150 RGB panel light. its performance prior to this video you mentioned
Thank you for this review! Which tripods did you use at 16:00 for your small back lights?
I love Josh yo.
He inspired me a lot. AND YES YOUR VIDEO WAS VERY HELPFUL FOR ME. Before this I only knew Aputure 🤭
If I just want to use the light as a selfie light, would the MC be enough? I like it that it is cheap and light, comes with a magnet so I am really interested in buying one.
Definitely. It’d be a fine choice for that
I am a wedding filmmaker and still learning about lights. I am looking to buy a small and bright Bi-color light but now those RGB lights make me very confused. I don't know which one is the best option for me. Originally I was thinking to buy Aputure AL-F7. I would really appreciate your suggestions.
How well do these work to light your face in virtual meetings?
Best Buy Employee: How much sound proofing material do you want?
Tommy: YES
Thank you. Super awesome
No prob Paul. 👍
Well explained review! This video helped me narrow down my options. Thank you.
Tommy, just FYI the link you provided for the Falcon Eyes I think is actually for a knock off one.
Thanks!! Fixed!
The Boling P1 is a great light! I haven't had any problems....
Some people haven’t had any issues - that’s okay! I must have had units from a bad batch.
Agreed P1 is great.
Tommy Callaway only wish it lasted longer. Dies kinda fast
can the aputure change to fx modes without a phone/app?.. just via buttons on the unit? didn't see that.. hmm..
Great presentation and information, thank you!
Thanks for watching! :)
with any magnetic plate you could actually group your apature lights with even more flexibility than the cubething
you might take a look to the new light from PFY called "PFY Matrix" which they just released from Germany. The cool thing is they have a smaller version as well.
Gut gemacht
Vielen dank
I’m subscribing to all of the Content creators 💪
I'm guessing it wasn't available at the time of shooting this, but the Falcon Eyes F7 does have app control.
How many of those atomcubes would you need to stick together to match the brightness of the GVM panel?
my boling p1 flickers sometimes unfortunately, i bought it before all these other products were on the market though
Does the P1 not have a warranty for them to send you a replacement light or fix the one you have??
Are you aware and that the RX-1 Now has a diffusion panel as well as a grid available? With that being the case it seems like it's the clear winner here am I correct?
If you have godox m1, please measure light and how do you find y c onion pudding light?
Excellent review , thank you..
Thank you so much!
Between the Apurture and Pilotfly, which has the best effects?
How can you give points for size, where output is the least of all? I really don't get this!
I would go with the Aperture, These small RGB lights are most useful for effects, and the small size and magnets really helps with that. these usually don't require that much power. If power maters I would rather go with a larger Panel, as those usually have better value for money. And if you are lighting anything but a plane background, you should use Color gels anyway. Oh and for Grids, I recommend going in amazon an buying the Cheapest flashphotography grid and just cutting it down and lining the edges with Gaff-tape, That way you can grid almost any size of small panel.