Introduction

Creating an engaging and compelling video relies on one crucial element: lighting. While natural light is ideal in certain situations, it’s inconsistent and unreliable. A video light is essential to produce content that looks professional, inspires trust, and is appealing to watch. LED studio lights stand out as a versatile choice for beginners building their setup and an essential component for indoor lighting setups and YouTube videos, highlighting their adaptability and impact on video production.

However, there are many types of video lights on the market. Which one is best for you? This blog post explains the benefits of choosing an LED video light for your videography and tells you how to buy a best video light.

We based our list on flexible lights for various situations and affordable for enthusiasts or those starting their journey as professional videographers. We specifically chose lights that used LEDs as their light source because LEDs are energy-efficient, have a long lifespan, and emit minimal heat, making them ideal for continuous use in video applications.

We also wanted lights that could be adjusted to produce a range of color temperatures to allow you to match the ambient light or key light or create specific moods in your videos. We insisted that the lights offered some light control, such as dimmers to adjust the light output and/or diffusers to soften the light.

COB light technology, with its advantages such as strong light intensity and realistic colors, has revolutionized the use of ring lights, LED panels, and point sources LED in video recording. The videos are different in form but perform nicely. A ring light is particularly suitable for beginners, makeup tutorial creators, vloggers, beauty content creators, and YouTubers due to its portability, soft light production, and compatibility with smartphones for self-filming purposes. The lights are typically placed on a standing platform and adjusted in the correct position to illuminate the topic effectively. Now, let’s check out different led video lights.

LED Lights

An LED, which stands for Light-Emitting Diode, is a semiconductor device that emits light when an electric current passes through it. LED lights are highly energy-efficient. They convert a much more significant portion of their energy into light than traditional options, leading to lower electricity bills.

Unlike incandescent bulbs that generate significant heat, LEDs are ideal for continuous use and won't overheat the environment. This is a considerable advantage, especially during long shoots, as it avoids discomfort for your talent and crew.

Since LEDs come in various sizes and configurations, they are suitable for diverse applications, from tubes to large lighting panels. Whether you need a key light for run-and-gun shoots or a powerful panel for studio setups, an LED light suits your needs and is suitable compared to natural light.

Additionally, many LED lights are lightweight and portable, making them easy to transport and set up on location. Maintaining consistent color temperature is crucial for achieving a polished, professional video look. LED lights offer exceptional color consistency, ensuring your footage maintains the desired temperature throughout the shoot.

HMI Lights

An HMI, Hydrargyrum Medium-arc Iodide, is a metal halide gas-discharge lamp designed for video and entertainment lighting applications. HMIs provide robust and consistent lighting for large studio setups and outdoor filming. The light resembles natural daylight, reducing the need for additional color correction in post-production.

They are usually used for key light, providing the primary light source for a scene. Still, they are also helpful in backlighting (separating the subject from the background and adding depth) and fill light (reducing shadows and creating a more even lighting distribution).

The HMI lighting comes in three types: HMI kits and single HMI units, Fresnel lights, and Par lights. It could produce more efficiency than tungsten when compared against each other. However, they are less energy-efficient than LEDs, and HMIs generate significant heat.

Tungsten Lights

A tungsten light, or incandescent light, is a type of lighting fixture that uses a tungsten filament to produce light. The advantage of tungsten lighting is its smooth and seamless dimming capabilities, allowing for precise control over the light's intensity. This flexibility is crucial for creating different lighting effects and moods within a scene. The warm color temperature of tungsten lights is also considered more flattering for portrait and close-up shots, as it can soften facial features and create a more inviting atmosphere. Still, you must remember to set your white balance to ‘tungsten,' or you will not produce natural skin tones in your subject.

Basic tungsten lights can be relatively inexpensive to purchase; however, they generate heat and make it uncomfortable for the subject. They are less energy-efficient than LED alternatives, and the lifespan of a tungsten filament is generally shorter than that of LEDs.

Fluorescent Lights

Unlike incandescent bulbs that rely on a heated filament, fluorescent tubes, like Godox TL60 RGB use mercury vapor and phosphors to generate light. Once found in many homes and offices, fluorescent lights have found a niche application in video lighting. Although less widely used than LEDs, they offer unique advantages for specific situations. They produce diffuse and widespread light, similar to natural daylight, which can be beneficial for creating a soft and even light distribution on your subject. This is particularly helpful for close-up shots or interviews. This light could also offer users better dimming performance than fluorescent lamps.

Fluorescent lights come in various color temperature options, ranging from warm white (around 3000K) to daylight (around 5600K). This allows you to choose lighting that complements the scene and your desired mood.

Fluorescent lights are more energy-efficient than incandescent bulbs, but LEDs offer lower running costs. While some fluorescent lights offer decent color rendering, LEDs are generally better. Traditional fluorescent lights can also produce flickering, which can be problematic when capturing video.

How to choose the best video light for video recording: 9 factors to consider

Navigating the market for video lights can be daunting, with options ranging from budget-friendly to professional-grade equipment. To choose the perfect video light, it's essential to consider budget, features, and functionality. Here are some tips for buying lighting equipment for an LED video light.

Price is the first consideration you should check as a beginner. Higher-priced lights often have more features and functionalities than entry-level options. This can include adjustable color temperatures, higher light output, more comprehensive dimming ranges, built-in diffusion, various lighting effects, and remote control capabilities. Budget-friendly options may lack some of these features, requiring additional equipment or limiting your creative control. 

Quality

Quality is one of the most essential tips for buying LED video lights or studio lighting. Generally, expensive lights often come with better build quality and use more durable materials, allowing them to withstand frequent use and harsh environments. Budget-friendly lights might be made with cheaper materials, potentially leading to faster wear and tear or being more susceptible to damage.

Direction

The direction of video lighting dramatically impacts the final look of your video. Harsh light creates deep shadows and emphasizes texture. Soft light is all about gentle diffusion. LED panels and tubes give your subject an even glow, softening shadows and creating a more forgiving, youthful look. When you need to separate your subject from the background, a small directional light or LED panel positioned high behind the subject works as a light source.

Color Temperature

In terms of the color temperature, it is a little tricky for some beginners. Color temperature, measured in Kelvins (K), refers to the ‘warmth' or ‘coolness' a video light emits. Warm Light (2700K-3500K) mimics incandescent bulbs and indoor lighting, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. It's ideal for interviews, portraits, and creating a cozy feel.

Daylight Balanced (5000K-5600K) resembles natural daylight, making it perfect for replicating outdoor environments or achieving a neutral look. It's widely used in product demonstrations, documentaries, and professional shoots. Cool Light (5600K-6500K) creates a more modern, energetic feel.

When shooting indoors with LED video or studio light, choose an LED video light with a similar color temperature to avoid color casts. If you plan to shoot outdoors in various lighting conditions, consider a bi-color light with adjustable color temperature.

Output

Light output is critical to achieving proper exposure and a well-lit scene. The output of a video light, measured in lumens or lux, determines how much light it emits. A video light's output must be strong enough to overpower ambient light or create a well-lit scene, especially in low-light conditions.

A lower output light might be sufficient for close-up shots or filming in small areas. A higher output light is necessary to illuminate a more extensive scene or when shooting far away from your subject. Look for lights with adjustable brightness to control the intensity and achieve the perfect exposure for your shot.

Power

For studio setups, AC-powered lights offer unwavering strength for long shoots. But if you work on location, battery-powered lights are necessary. Be mindful that battery life is shorter when working with powerful lights at total output. Consider hybrid options for the best of both worlds. But if a continuous light comes with a power supply, it could allow for long-time use.

Beam Angle

Beam angle is your tool for shaping light and directing the viewer's focus. Lights with narrow beam angles are perfect for highlighting specific subjects or creating pools of light. Wide beam angles disperse light over a larger area, ideal for bathing an entire scene in even illumination.

Edge Color Distortion

Edge color distortion occurs when the light emits slightly different colors at the edges of the beam than at the center. While some color casts can be corrected in post-production, severe edge color distortion can be time-consuming and tedious.

For portrait and beauty shoots, edge color distortion can be particularly problematic. It can cause uneven skin tones, making your subject appear blotchy or discolored. If you are a professional videographer relying on accurate color reproduction, edge color distortion is a significant concern. However, it might be less critical for hobbyists who may prioritize affordability or basic lighting needs.

To avoid edge color distortion, choose lights with a high Color Rendering Index (CRI), which indicates a light's ability to reproduce colors accurately. Purchase lights with a CRI of 90% higher to minimize the risk of edge color distortion.

Accessories

The availability of compatible accessories can significantly impact your purchase. A light with a wide range of attachments, like softboxes, barn doors light stands, and battery packs, lets you achieve various effects without needing multiple lights.

This versatility stretches your budget and adapts to different shoots. Look for a lighting system with various accessory options to expand your photographic style and explore new techniques.

You can transform your footage from flat to fantastic with the right video light. If you are a budding videographer, any of the LED lights listed above will help you unleash your creative vision. So, power up one of these lights, grab your video camera, and start illuminating a cinematic masterpiece! 

You can transform your footage from flat to fantastic with the right video light. If you are a budding videographer, you can find a portable light for your studio based on the above buying guide, which will help unleash your creative vision. So, power up one of these lights for YouTube videos, grab your camera, and start illuminating a cinematic masterpiece! If you also want some continuous lights, please check our in stromal store.

What is the best light for videography?

A ring lamp, a Luminary Panel, or a point-sensing LED are the most frequently used types. These are different shapes and are good in some video formats. Ring lights for video recording: This is good for individuals who shoot in the exact location and need decent illumination for vlogs. 5 December 2023.

How many lumens are good for video?

When watching a movie on a 120-inch projector, around 1500 lumens of brightness are ideal. When a projector is 3,000 watts or more significant, it displays clear images.

What light is better for video quality?

Utilize a lighting system with 3 points: The lighting in the 3-point setting is ideal for video recordings. This light has three modes - light-filling light and light-up backlights. Key lights are the main lights positioned in the same 45-degree position as speakers facing either left. June 10, 2020.

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