Our Lighting, Video, and Audio Favs of 2026

Our Lighting, Video, and Audio Favs of 2026

Another year, another fresh cornucopia of video production offerings. Today, we're looking at six of our favorite new releases from 2026, ranging from affordable creator-focused gear to high-end professional tools that might just unlock your next masterpiece. These are the products we can't stop thinking about.

Lighting

Nanlite PavoSlim 360C RGB LED Light Panel

While high-output panel lights have always produced a nice soft look, they've traditionally been heavy, bulky and hard to fit in tight spaces. In comes the Nanlite PavoSlim 360C, an ultrathin offering with a pop-up softbox and full RGBWW color. The 360C is ideal for interview lighting, studio work, or any situation where you want a flattering key light without a ton of finagling stands or modifiers.

Nanlite PavoSlim 360C RGB LED Light Panel
Nanlite PavoSlim 360C RGB LED Light Panel

amaran Halo 600x Bi-Color LED Monolight

If a classic COB light is more your style, amaran's Halo 600x is both powerful and impressively affordable. This 610W fixture is lightweight, ballast-free, and still manages to pack a punch. Color accuracy scores are strong, the CCT range is wide, and the Halo 600x is a great option for content creators, podcast studios, streaming set-ups, or any situation where size and price point matter.

amaran Halo 600x Bi-Color LED Monolight
amaran Halo 600x Bi-Color LED Monolight

Video

DZOFilm Arcana Anamorphic Primes

The explosion of anamorphic offerings in the past few years means we're now seeing shockingly small lenses that still produce consistent, character-rich images. DZOFilm's Arcana Anamorphic Primes are 1.5x-squeeze T2.1 PL-mount lenses that have the classic oval bokeh and pronounced flaring we've come to expect, alongside a very wallet-friendly price point for the initial set, which includes a 32mm, 45mm, and 75mm.

DZOFilm Arcana Anamorphic Prime 3-Lens Kit
DZOFilm Arcana Anamorphic Prime 3-Lens Kit

GoPro MISSION 1 PRO

The MISSION 1 PRO is a strong return to form for GoPro, sporting a 50MP 1” sensor that delivers some of the sharpest, cleanest images we've seen out of an action camera. Also armed with the new GP3 processor, this camera can produce 8K footage that stands alongside many a mirrorless set-up. The fixed ultra-wide lens isn't right for every shooting situation, but it'll work well for quite a few.

GoPro MISSION 1 PRO
GoPro MISSION 1 PRO

Audio

Hollyland Solidcom M1 Pro

If you're trying to step up your on-set production game, the Hollyland Solidcom M1 Pro system is a great intercom option, with eight beltpacks and LEMO-connected headsets that feature environmental noise cancellation. The system uses 1.9 GHz full-duplex transmission and auto-frequency-hopping to keep your crew communicating clearly even across long distances, and the base station's beefy antennas can get you 360° transmission up to 985'.

Hollyland Solidcom M1 Pro Full-Duplex Wireless Intercom System with 8 Beltpacks & Single-Ear Headsets
Hollyland Solidcom M1 Pro Full-Duplex Wireless Intercom System with 8 Beltpacks & Single-Ear Headsets

Insta360 Mic Pro

If your audio and on-set needs are more modest, Insta360's new Mic Pro system is worth a look. This 2.4 GHz wireless audio system includes two coin-shaped transmitters with customizable e-ink displays and 32-bit float internal recording. They also transmit audio to the included receiver, with can be mounted onto a wide range of cameras or used with a phone. The included charging case sweetens the deal and makes the kit especially good for content creators on the move.

Insta360 Mic Pro 2-Person Wireless System
Insta360 Mic Pro 2-Person Wireless System

For more information about all the products mentioned above, including features, specs, and highlights, be sure to check out the detailed product pages.