Neewer Bi-Color 660 LED Video Light Review: What You Actually Get
If you've shopped for an inexpensive studio light kit, you've probably seen the Neewer 660. It seems to pop up in almost every budget lighting kit video on YouTube. And there are reasons for this. The Neewer Bi-Color 660 LED video light is a real bi-color panel light with barn doors and a stand for the price most people expect to pay for a single soft box.
It's not fancy. However, it does the main job, well enough that many working creators keep one or two around as fill or background lights.
The following is a curated look at how this light really performs based upon reports from owners rather than spec sheet fantasy. Let’s get into what you’re really buying.
What the Neewer Bi-Color 660 Actually Is
The Neewer 660 is an area light built from a 660-diode LED panel. Those LEDs are divided into daylight and tungsten emitters, giving you the ability to set your color temperature anywhere between 3200K and 5600K.
The key difference between the Neewer 660 and most other bi-color lights is that the Neewer lets you change color temperature by simply turning a dial. No need to gel your daylight fixture to match the warm tones of the room. You just dial in the appropriate color temperature using the knob.
This unit has a maximum power draw of 40 watts and produces approximately 3360 lux at one meter. This provides ample illumination for many applications including talking head setups and product tables. However, this amount of light may not be sufficient to compete with direct sunlight.
Included with the purchase of the panel are built in "barn doors", a diffusion panel, a u-shaped yoke mount, and a carrying case. To say that this represents a complete solution for a product of this price would be an understatement.
For those starting from scratch, the version to get is the two-light kit with stands. In general, a single light will not provide enough coverage, and even then a three-point lighting system requires at least two lights. If you're interested in purchasing this unit directly from the manufacturer, you can do so via the official NL660 product page.
The specs that matter
- Color temperature: 3200K to 5600K
- Dimming: 1% to 100%
- Color accuracy: rated CRI 95
- Mounting: standard 5/8" receiver via the yoke, fits any light stand
- Power: the included AC adapter, or two Sony-style NP-F batteries (purchased separately)
Brightness, Color, and Everyday Output
This section explains where the Neewer 660 earns its reputation. As an indoor shooting option, it’s significantly brighter than many new users would expect. One user who shoots on his iPhone noted the lights get very bright and won't limit you at all for that kind of work. This mirrors how the Neewer 660 panel works well (as expected) in close-to-medium range.
While the Neewer 660 has a smooth dimmer allowing users to adjust their output levels, reviewers also praise the amount of control users can apply while riding the brightness level down to a soft fill without changing diffusions. Users state that this allows for more flexibility on smaller sets. Know that the output of the Neewer 660 drops off rapidly beyond a couple of feet, so this is best used as a close-quarters light source, not a big-room workhorse.
Bi-color range and CRI 95
Color rendering appears to be much better quality than what the price indicates. At CRI 95 the Neewer 660 panel renders skin tones and product colors accurately enough that you don’t need to fight a green or magenta tint during grading. If you’re interested in learning about the technical information behind color rendering index, there is additional reading available.
One reviewer who used the panels for both product photography and filming praised how versatile the positioning was and how clean the light looked. The color across multiple Neewer 660s matches closely enough for a multi-light setup, which isn’t always true of other low-cost LEDs.
Build Quality, Power, and the One Real Gripe
Reviewers were really impressed with the design of this product. They have said it has been well-designed and made very sturdy for the price.
Many reviewers were "surprised at how good the build was," and many said the all-metal body felt strong and heavy-duty, like a serious piece of equipment. Although the light is relatively large compared to other video lights in its class, it remains quite portable and can be packed into a bag easily due to its lightweight design.
The major complaint about the unit, and it comes up again and again, is that there is no display on the unit. You cannot look at the light and tell exactly what color temperature or intensity you have selected. A reviewer stated their wish for an "LED screen or something" so they could verify whether or not they had matched their two lights exactly. This is a minor issue when working with multiple units, but something you will certainly notice.
Powering the panel
There are two ways to power the unit. The first is via an AC Adapter (also included). The second method uses the built-in dual battery plates.
These allow you to use Sony NP-F550 through NP-F970 cells. The batteries themselves are not included, so budget for a Neewer NP-F550 battery and charger set if you plan on using this light on location.
Two owners also reported that the AC cords were too short. If you place your light on top of a stand that is taller than average, then you may find yourself having to hang your transformer below where you would prefer. An inexpensive extension cord would solve this problem, but you should consider it when purchasing.
What Reviewers Say
Generally reviewers were very happy with their purchase, and almost every reviewer mentioned similar features. The major positives are consistently about price, amount of light produced, and how small they are. Most people state that the 660 is a "great price, great lights," or "so much bang for your buck."
People moving from standard 1x1 panels have said the 660 is slightly smaller than expected, but the panel produces enough light to be useful. For most creators doing run-and-gun work or working from a home studio, the smaller size can actually be an advantage.
Most complaints are minor. Some of the negatives include lack of a screen for fine tuning settings, short power cables, and stands do not fit into the carrying case. While these are some negative aspects of the product, no one has referred to them as deal-breakers.
They are simply trade-offs made because of the low cost. If you would like to see what other options there are in the lighting world for filmmakers, our guide on the best lights for filmmaking shows where products like the 660 place relative to higher end lighting solutions.
Alternatives Worth a Look
You have plenty of options in the Neewer LED family, and one may suit your work better depending on how you plan to shoot.
If you are interested in having color-changing capabilities and an application controlled light, then the Neewer 660 PRO RGB will offer you full RGB capability along with Bluetooth control and a display, and it costs very little more. It fixes the exact display gripe the bi-color model has, so if setting precise temperatures matters to you, the 660 PRO is the logical step up.
A great alternative to a flat-panel as a single source would be a COB LED light such as the Godox SL60IID. A COB (Chip On Board) daylight light offers much higher output due to its unique design as opposed to a flat-panel. Additionally, because it is equipped with a Bowens Mount you now have the option to add large softboxes and other modifiers. Our podcast lighting setup guide leans on lights like these for keying duties.
At a lower cost than the 660 bi-color kit, the smaller Neewer 480 bi-color kit provides less power and weighs less. If you are looking for a soft, wrap-around quality, consider a flexible panel specifically designed for that purpose, such as the Soonwell FB-21. Lastly, if you need help building your own starter setup, our film lighting kit breakdown is another resource worth exploring.
Ultimately however, the 660 is likely going to be the best overall value purchase within this price range for most users. It is well built with barn doors, provides accurate CRI 95 color reproduction, and comes with a stand, all at a budget-friendly price. The missing display and short cords are real, but they are the sort of thing you work around rather than regret. You can grab it on Amazon or check current pricing at B&H.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Neewer 660 bright enough for a home studio?
Yes. For shooting indoors near or slightly beyond "medium" distance (it produces about 3360 lux @ 1m) it is suitable for typical talking head, product, and interview shots. The Neewer will be unable to outdo daylight coming into your window, therefore consider using it solely indoors.
Does the Neewer Bi-Color 660 come with batteries?
No. Included are only an AC power cord and a pair of removable battery plates. These plates require Sony-type NP-F550 to NP-F970 cells. Adding a battery and charger set makes sense if you plan on working outside of an electrical source.
How accurate is the color on the Neewer 660?
Neewer claims its color accuracy rating is CRI 95. Owners have reported that their skin tone and product colors appear accurate without a pronounced green or magenta cast, far superior to other lights at this cost level.
What's the biggest downside of the Neewer 660?
The absence of a display. In order to determine your precise color temperature and brightness settings, you won't be able to view them on the light. While you can still achieve color consistency, you'll need to rely on a little trial-and-error when attempting to match multiple lights. If having the ability to see these values is important to you, you may wish to look into the 660 PRO RGB version, which includes a screen and remote application controls.
Can I use a softbox with the Neewer 660?
Since the panel has a unique mounting system on the front, you will only be able to attach accessories made by Neewer. However, it does come with a diffusion panel included in the box. Additionally, if you're looking for a variety of softboxes and diffusers with Bowens mounts, then a COB type light such as the Godox SL60IID might be the way to go.
Should I buy one light or the two-light kit?
You will save money by purchasing the two-light bundle. Most people find it difficult to create effective lighting unless they have some form of lighting combination, at least a key and a fill.