Ever watched a video and thought, “Wow, that looks amazing!”? Good lighting is a secret ingredient for great videos. But have you ever tried recording yourself and ended up looking…well, a little dull? You’re not alone! Bad lighting is a common problem for anyone making videos. Whether you’re a vlogger, a student, or just want to share your life online, the right light makes a huge difference.
Picking an on-camera video light can be tricky. There are so many choices! Different types, sizes, and brightness levels can be confusing. You might worry about getting the wrong light and wasting money. You might also struggle to get the best results. But don’t worry, this blog post is here to help!
By the end of this guide, you’ll understand the basics of on-camera lights. You’ll learn what to look for, and how to choose the perfect light for your needs. We’ll break down all the important stuff. Get ready to say goodbye to blurry, dark videos and hello to clear, professional-looking footage! Let’s dive in and find the perfect light for you!
Our Top 5 On Camera Video Light Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
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RALENO LED Video Light | 8.6/10 | Check Price |
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ULANZI VL49 RGB Video Lights | 9.4/10 | Check Price |
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NEEWER 9″ LED Video Light Panel | 9.5/10 | Check Price |
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SmallRig RM120 RGB Video Light | 9.4/10 | Check Price |
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VILTROX VL-162T CRI95+ LED Video Light | 9.0/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 On Camera Video Light Detailed Reviews
1. RALENO LED Video Light
Rating: 9.5/10
The RALENO LED Video Light is a handy tool for anyone who loves taking pictures or making videos. It’s a small, portable light that helps you look your best. It is great for live streaming, video calls, and outdoor photography. With adjustable brightness and color, you can create the perfect lighting for any situation.
What We Like:
- Soft, even lighting that won’t hurt your eyes, thanks to the edge-lit technology and diffusers.
- Long battery life, up to 80 minutes on full brightness. You can also use it while it charges.
- Includes a mini stand for different shooting heights.
- Easy to change the brightness and color temperature.
- It’s small and easy to take with you.
- The LCD screen shows you the brightness, color, and battery life.
- Works with many cameras and stands.
- Comes with a one-year guarantee and good customer service.
What Could Be Improved:
- Needs a 5V/3A adapter for best lighting performance.
Overall, the RALENO LED Video Light is a solid choice. It’s a great value for anyone who needs better lighting for their photos and videos.
2. ULANZI VL49 RGB Video Lights
Rating: 9.4/10
The ULANZI VL49 RGB Video Light is a small, bright LED light for your camera. It lets you add color and light to your photos and videos. This light is great for taking pictures of people, kids, or even weddings. It’s also good for making videos for YouTube or vlogging.
What We Like:
- The light has 60 bright LED beads.
- You can change the color, brightness, and temperature of the light.
- It has a built-in battery that lasts a long time.
- It can stick to metal surfaces with its magnetic back.
- It’s small and easy to carry.
- It has a standard screw to attach to tripods.
- It has three cold shoe mounts for more accessories.
What Could Be Improved:
- The light may not be bright enough for very large spaces.
The ULANZI VL49 RGB Video Light is a handy tool for anyone who takes photos or makes videos. It gives you a lot of control over your lighting in a small, easy-to-use package.
3. NEEWER 9″ LED Video Light Panel
Rating: 9.4/10
The NEEWER 9″ LED Video Light Panel is a great tool for anyone who takes photos or videos. It is a soft light for cameras. This kit comes with a light panel, a mini tripod, and a cold shoe adapter. It is perfect for shooting videos, live streams, and taking photos. The light is dimmable and has adjustable color temperature. It is a good choice for content creators, streamers, and influencers.
What We Like:
- The light panel has 58 warm and 58 cool LEDs.
- You can adjust the brightness from 0% to 100%.
- The color temperature changes from 3200K to 5600K.
- The light has a built-in 4000mAh battery.
- You can charge it with a USB Type C cable.
- It includes a mini tripod.
- The cold shoe adapter fits on many cameras.
- The tripod extends up to 7.1 inches.
- It has a high CRI of 95+, which is good.
What Could Be Improved:
- A carry bag is not included.
This NEEWER LED light panel is a versatile and useful tool. It is a good choice for people who want to improve their photos and videos.
4. SmallRig RM120 RGB Video Light
Rating: 9.4/10
The SmallRig RM120 RGB Video Light is a handy little light for creators. It is small but packs a punch. This portable LED video light is great for TikTok, content creation, and photography. It offers a long battery life and many color options. The RM120 is easy to carry and use. You can take it anywhere you go.
What We Like:
- Long Battery Life: The 5000mAh battery lasts up to 180 minutes.
- Bright and Colorful: It offers 1580Lux brightness and a wide color temperature range (2500-8500K). You can adjust the colors with 360° Hue adjustment.
- Easy to Use: It has an OLED screen and simple controls.
- Portable and Durable: The light is small and made of metal.
- Comes with Accessories: The package includes a diffuser, charging cable, and cold shoe mount.
- Great Support: It has a 1-year warranty and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
What Could Be Improved:
- None specified.
The SmallRig RM120 is a great light for anyone who needs portable and versatile lighting. It is a solid choice for content creators looking for a budget-friendly option.
5. VILTROX VL-162T CRI95+ LED Video Light
Rating: 8.8/10
The VILTROX VL-162T LED Video Light is a bright and portable light for your camera. It helps make your videos and photos look better. This light has dimming and color options. It comes with a battery and charger. You can use it inside or outside. It also has a clear LCD screen to show you settings.
What We Like:
- You can change the brightness.
- You can change the color temperature from 3300K to 5600K.
- It has a battery and charger.
- The LCD screen is easy to read.
- It has a high CRI 95+, which means the light is very accurate.
- You can link multiple lights together for more light.
- The filters are easy to use with magnets.
What Could Be Improved:
- The AC adapter is not included.
This VILTROX LED video light is a great tool for photographers and videographers. It is easy to use and gives you good control over your lighting.
Shining a Light on On-Camera Video Lights: Your Buying Guide
Choosing the right on-camera video light can make your videos look way better. This guide will help you pick the best one for your needs. Let’s dive in!
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for a video light, think about these things:
- Brightness (Measured in Lumens): This tells you how bright the light is. More lumens mean a brighter light. You’ll want a light that’s bright enough for your shooting environment.
- Color Temperature (Measured in Kelvin – K): This shows how warm or cool the light is. Daylight is around 5600K (cool), and a regular light bulb is around 2700K (warm). Some lights let you change the color temperature.
- Color Rendering Index (CRI): A high CRI (90+) means the light shows colors accurately. It’s important for natural-looking skin tones.
- Battery Life: How long will the light last on a single charge? Look for a light that lasts long enough for your shoots.
- Size and Weight: You want a light that’s easy to carry and attach to your camera.
- Mounting Options: Does the light fit on your camera’s hot shoe? Can you attach it to a tripod?
Important Materials
The materials used in the light can affect its quality and how long it lasts:
- LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes): These are the light bulbs. They come in different types and qualities.
- Housing: The outside of the light. It’s often made of plastic or metal. Metal housings are usually more durable.
- Diffusers: These soften the light. They can be made of plastic or other materials. They help prevent harsh shadows.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Here’s what makes a good video light:
- Quality LEDs: Better LEDs give off better light. They will also last longer.
- Build Quality: A light made with good materials will be more durable.
- Heat Dissipation: Good lights have ways to keep cool. This helps them last longer.
- Adjustability: Lights that let you change brightness and color temperature are more versatile.
- Brand Reputation: Some brands are known for making high-quality video lights.
Things that reduce quality:
- Cheap LEDs: These may flicker or produce unnatural colors.
- Poor Build Quality: The light might break easily.
- Bad Heat Dissipation: The light could overheat and fail.
- Limited Adjustability: You have less control over the light’s appearance.
User Experience and Use Cases
On-camera video lights are used for many things. Here’s how they work in different situations:
- Vlogging: Lights help you look your best in front of the camera. You can easily mount them on your camera.
- Interviews: Good lighting makes the subject look clear and professional.
- Product Reviews: Lights help show off the product’s details.
- Close-up Shots: These lights add detail to small subjects.
- Shooting Indoors: Lights help when the room is dim.
- Shooting Outdoors: Lights can fill in shadows and make faces brighter, even when the sun is out.
You will find these lights easy to use. Most have simple controls for brightness and color temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best type of light for beginners?
A: A small LED light with adjustable brightness and color temperature is great to start with. These are often easy to use and affordable.
Q: How do I know how bright a light is?
A: Brightness is measured in lumens. The higher the number, the brighter the light.
Q: What is color temperature and why is it important?
A: Color temperature describes how warm or cool the light looks. It is measured in Kelvin (K). It is important because it affects the look of your video.
Q: What does CRI mean?
A: CRI stands for Color Rendering Index. It tells you how accurately the light shows colors.
Q: Should I buy a light with a built-in battery or one that uses batteries?
A: Built-in batteries are convenient. Replaceable batteries offer more flexibility.
Q: How do I attach the light to my camera?
A: Most lights attach to your camera’s hot shoe, which is a small slot on top of your camera.
Q: What is a diffuser, and do I need one?
A: A diffuser softens the light. It helps to prevent harsh shadows. Many lights come with built-in diffusers.
Q: How long does a video light usually last?
A: The lifespan of a video light depends on its quality. LEDs can last for thousands of hours.
Q: How do I choose the right size light?
A: Consider the size of your camera and what you are filming. Smaller lights are good for vlogging. Larger lights are better for interviews.
Q: Can I use a video light with my smartphone?
A: Yes, many video lights come with adapters to mount them to smartphones.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
My name is Gary Flores, the creator of deepskyblue-owl-132507.hostingersite.com.. With a passion for creating cozy, functional, and beautiful spaces, I share my personal experiences and expertise about everything related to home improvement. From practical tips to design inspiration, my goal is to help you make your home the best it can be.