Guide to video camera light for content creators

Video camera light is a must for video recording. It illuminates the subject and the scene, creates moods to convey more messages, and draw viewers’ attention for improved engagement. It is ideal for piece-to-camera shots, street interviews, vlogging, and many other run-and-gun video filming. In this article, we will go through the following topics to tell you more about camera lights.

1. On camera video light basics
2. How to choose the best camera light for video shooting?
3. What are the best options at COLBOR video light manufacturer?
4. How to set up video camera lighting?

Basics to know about on camera light for video

In this part, we will talk about its differences from off-camera options and the pros and cons of using it for video recording.

On-camera VS off camera lighting options for video: What are the differences?

Off-camera lighting is commonly employed for filmmaking, and there are several fixtures available to give ample illumination and subtle lighting both indoors and outdoors. On-camera lighting, on the other hand, is fixed to the camera to potentially add greater adaptability. While off-camera options can be beneficial in many situations to provide high-quality illumination, in other circumstances, on-camera lights can produce the same or even better results while saving money, time, and space.

There are many different types of on-camera lights for video recording available for various video cameras, including LED lights, webcam lights, lights with numerous colors, big attachments, and compact pocket lights.

Pros of using LED video light for camera

• LED video light for camera is small and light enough to fit in a kit bag with the camera. Furthermore, no specific stands are required to utilize these lights.
• Because they are mounted on top of the camera, you do not require a lighting helper. You can illuminate anywhere you point the camera.
• Most of them utilize inexpensive rechargeable batteries, you may easily store two or three extras in your kit bag.
• They are relatively affordable.
• These lights can be used in non-video situations. They've come in handy during power outages and while exploring dark cabinets or car trunks.

Cons of using video camera light

• If your subject is gazing directly at the lens of your camera, the on-camera led light will shine directly into his or her eyes. They may be bothered by the glare.
• The light's location precludes the use of a teleprompter.
• Because low-power lights have a limited practical range, you will need to move closer to your subject.
• The lowest versions may use fragile or weak mounts. In severe circumstances, your light might go loose, but a more likely scenario would be your camera's light wavering. This would be seen in your clip since the lighting on your subject would appear to shift.
• Larger versions require more power and may rapidly deplete your batteries.

Factors to consider for the best camera light for video shooting

Here are the important factors to consider for light for camera video.

Price: Decide how much you are willing to spend on the video camera light. This can help you narrow down the options.

Wattage output: This determines the power output. How much wattage output you need depends on the recording environment and the required amount of lighting.

Place: You will need lights with modest tints for outdoor use. However, you might require equipment that can deliver a powerful beam with adjustable brightness and color temperature if you're working inside or capturing nighttime photos.

Battery: Take into account models with longer battery life if you want to record videos outside. The camera light battery should be able to last at least two hours. Low-power LED panels often offer longer battery life.

Power source: Consider a model with a built-in rechargeable battery if you travel regularly. For persons who work indoors, an LED light with a panel that runs on a direct power supply is appropriate. For trip videographers, those that operate with a USB cord are excellent.

Color temperature: It measures in Kelvin and falls in the range of 1,000K to 10,000K. The lower the color temperature, the warmer the color. Likewise, the higher it is, the colder the color. A bi-color option is ideal if you want to build various moods.

Portability: Portable video camera light is a must for most video creators to obtain optimal lighting everywhere. Bulky on-camera lights are not suitable for this. Therefore, take into account a model that is small and light.

Which video camera light to choose from COLBOR?

COLBOR has several LED lights for video shooting that can be used on-camera and off-camera. Read on to pick the one that suits your recording needs.

Table: Product overview based on aforementioned factors

COLBOR PL5: Camera light for YouTube videos in pocket size

The COLBOR PL5 is a 5W LED light for video recording. You can mount it on the camera cold shoe by using the supplied cold shoe mount. It can also be used with your smartphone by using its magnetic back and metal plates. The 1/4’’ screw hole allows it to mount on tripods, rigs, etc.

The color temperature ranges from 2700K to 6500K, so you can adjust it to match various shooting scenarios. The 95+ CRI allows the PL5 to reproduce the colors of the subject and object accurately. Two preset lighting modes, Fire and lightning, can simulate real-life scenarios, thus saving the time of post-production.

COLBOR PL8B: Light for vlogging camera with a large capacity of battery

It has a wider range of color temperature, from 2700k to 9000K. The 98+ CRI ensures almost the same color rendering as that of natural lighting. There are 10 lighting modes for you to choose from to create scenes like Fire, Strobe, etc. In addition, the PL8B comes with a large capacity of inbuilt battery of 5000mAh. This allows it to run for 125 minutes under 100% brightness. You can also use it as a power bank as it has a Type-A DC Output port. All these features make the PL8B an ideal choice for video shooting especially for outdoor filmmaking.

COLBOR PL8R: RGB camera light to offer full-color options for video shooting

The COLBOR PL8R differs from the PL8B by its RGB LED beads. It is adjustable at saturation and hue ratings to create full colors. This allows you to create any lighting you want for video shooting with adjustable color temperatures and brightness. It comes with 13 lighting modes, including Fire, Fireworks, Pulsing, Cop Car, CCT Chase, etc. It is really helpful when you want to make your videos creative. You can make lighting adjustments using onboard buttons and display screen. Wireless app control is also available and plays a big role when the PL8R is at a distance.

Video example of video camera light setup

You can use only one video camera light for filmmaking with a simple setup. It is also feasible to use it with other lights to achieve a 3-point lighting setup. In this video, the YouTuber Mark Wiemels shows how he turns a dark basement into a decent YouTube studio. Check to get the idea.