Capturing fast cellular processes with widefield fluorescence microscopy and multiple fluorophores has historically required the addition of motorised components. The light source has often been overlooked as an affordable means of achieving multi-wavelength imaging, but LEDs have changed the game. Here we compare typical configurations for automated illumination systems in terms of speed, cost and signal-to-noise ratio (i.e. image contrast). We also explore how to transform a manual microscope into a powerful automated imaging system by capitalising on LED switching speeds, with lower cost filters and minimal requirement for expensive motorised components.