Nice review. Yes, I expect a "quality to value ratio" in a light like this. Sure, no bragging rights like with an Aputure 300d II, but the SD300S (5600 only) puts out more light than the Aputure does. I'll take a hit on quality for that because I am careful with my lights. Also, now that it is 11 months since you made this video, the SD300S that I have in transit is only $299!! I am not usually a gambling man but I have seen a number of people have good luck with these lights, even though success is usually hit-or-miss. I got a 2 year protection plan from Amazon with mine as well. It was cheap enough insurance. The light will earn me enough money to upgrade in the not so far future as well.

Just curious, when it came and you found it to be defective right away, why didn't you get it replaced or fixed on warranty? It's nice to know that we can replace the fan if needed, but when something arrives not working we usually just return it for one that does. Is there a 90 day warranty? 1 year?

I've been toying with getting this one or the 200. Have you experimented with the 200?