To set your content apart and enhance the visual appeal of your YouTube videos, investing in lighting equipment is essential. Not only does proper lighting make your productions more visually appealing, but it also broadens the scope of shooting locations, ultimately making your channel's content more engaging. But what studio lights for YouTube to use? In this article, we will explore if it is good to use natural light, recommend some studio lights for any budget, give tips for several YouTube lighting setups, and discuss some FAQs.
Is natural light a good option of light for YouTube studio?
Generally speaking, natural light is free and offers a natural look for YouTubers. However, it is inconsistent and not controllable. Therefore, it is not a good choice to only use natural light for YouTube studios.
Depending on where you record YouTube videos, you might be positioned near a sizable window that offers ample natural light for extended periods daily. While this is a cost-effective lighting solution for filming, it does have its drawbacks. One issue is the inconsistency of the lighting – if a cloud obscures the sun, your video will dim, causing your well-lit face to appear dark suddenly. Relying on natural light also restricts your streaming/recording schedule to daylight hours. For individuals recording at home after work, maintaining sufficient light as the day transitions to night can be challenging. During winter, darkness may fall before the average working adult returns home to record.
In conclusion, using natural light only is not recommended as it yields varying results each time. Having a controlled lighting setup that is consistent ensures high-quality outcomes consistently.
What studio lights do YouTubers use: 3 COLBOR picks for any budget
It can be challenging to determine the most suitable option for your studio lights for YouTube. This is where we step in. Below, you will discover a selection of COLBOR LED studio lights tailored to various budgets. We have provided detailed information on the features, specifications and prices of each product to simplify the process of finding the perfect match for your creative requirements.
COLBOR PL8R: Portable studio light for YouTube under $100
The COLBOR PL8R is a 8W RGB video light for YouTube studios. It features a rear color OLED display, making it convenient to check the various settings of this compact LED panel. Adjusting the color temperature is made easy with the side dial, allowing for a wide range of options. Additionally, the HSI mode enables selection from a diverse range of creative colors, eliminating the need to physically attach gels to the light as required by other models. For those creating dramatic content for YouTube channel, the panel offers 13 animated lighting presets, Fire, Fireworks, CCT Chase, Pulsing, Cop Car, TV, etc. Furthermore, two 1/4 threaded holes facilitate mounting the light on a stand or tripod, and the included cold shoe adapter allows for convenient placement above a DSLR or mirrorless camera for a YouTube light on the go.
Specifications
- Color temperature: 2500K-9000K
- CRI: ≥98
- Battery capacity: 5000mAh
- Battery performance: About 125 minutes at 100% brightness
- Power requirement: Built-in Lithium Battery/DC Power Supply
- Lighting effects: 13 presets
- Power: 8W
- Material: ABS
- Weight: 187g
- Dimensions: 125x75x17mm
Reasons to buy
- Full lighting colors
- Accurate color reproduction
- Portable design
- 13 preset lighting effects
Reasons to avoid
- Not powerful enough for key light in YouTube studios
COLBOR CL60: A fixture for YouTube home studio lighting under $150
The COLBOR CL60 is a great option for YouTubers looking for a lightweight lighting solution. Although it's just about the size of a cola can, its 65W output gives enough brightness for close-to-mid-distance scenarios like studio shootings or talking to the camera, and the built-in fan keeps it cool. Besides being powered by the mains power, it also accepts power supply via V mount battery, PD power bank, and NP-F battery. This reduces the limits of the locations that you can record YouTube videos. Adjustment of brightness and color temperature is easily achieved through the COLBOR Studio App via Bluetooth, or manually using control dials located on the rear of the device.
Specifications
- Color temperature: 2700K-6500K(±200)
- CRI: 97+
- Illumination: 2,843Lux (at 1m 5600K, No Reflector); 19,665Lux (at 1m 5600K, With Reflector)
- Lighting effects: 10 presets
- Power: ＞60W
- Material: Aluminum Alloy+ABS
- Weight: Light: 550g; Light Base: 160g
- Dimensions: 140x80x90mm
Reasons to buy
- Impressive brightness given its compact size
- Highly portable
- Efficient cooling fan operates silently
- Outstanding range of accessories available
Reasons to avoid
- No RGB options
COLBOR CL220: 220W LED studio light for YouTube videos under $350
The COLBOR CL220 is one of the flexible and powerful studio lights for YouTube intended for professional video recording. The CL220 provides changeable color temperatures ranging from warm to cool light, allowing for versatility in a variety of filmmaking circumstances. This light uses high-quality LED bulbs to provide steady and flicker-free illumination, making it excellent for taking sharp and clear YouTube videos. The COLBOR CL220 has brightness control, which allows you to alter the intensity of the light to meet your demands. Similar to the above-mentioned COLBOR products, the CL220’s light effects, brightness, and color temperature can be controlled remotely via the COLBOR Studio App. Whether you're taking portraits, interviews, product videos, or anything else, the COLBOR CL220 is a reliable and useful tool for improving your lighting setup.
Specifications
- Color temperature: 2700K-6500K(±200)
- CRI: 97+
- Illumination: 9,430Lux (at 1m 5600K, No Reflector); 52,700Lux (at 1m 5600K, With Reflector)
- Lighting effects: 10 presets
- Power: 220W
- Material: Aluminum Alloy+ABS
- Weight: 1570g (Light Base Included)
- Dimensions: 212x128x219mm (Light Base Included)
Reasons to buy
- Powerful light
- Easy to use
- Many adjustment settings
Reasons to avoid
- Doesn't come with stand
YouTube studio lighting setup: Tips for 5 common lighting types
Besides the aforementioned studio lights for YouTube, you can invest in many other different types of models of light for your YouTube channel. Setting them up properly is the key to a natural and professional look. Here we will give you some tips for the setup of each type.
Natural light
- Capture your shots during the golden hours (either sunrise or sunset) to benefit from gentle, warm lighting.
- Place your subject towards the light source to achieve a pleasing glow.
- Employ diffusers or reflectors to soften and manage intense sunlight.
- Stay alert to clouds and weather shifts that may impact your lighting.
- Plan your shoots according to the specific lighting conditions you aim to achieve.
Softbox lighting
- Attach the softbox rods and secure the diffusion panel.
- Position the softbox on a light stand or mount.
- Insert a light source, like a studio flash or continuous light, into the softbox.
- Fine-tune the angle and distance from the subject to attain the intended lighting effect.
- (Optional) Enhance light control by adding diffusers, grids, or baffles.
Ring light
- Place the ring light in front of the subject, surrounding the camera lens.
- Adjust it to achieve uniform brightness illumination at the preferred brightness level.
- Add diffusers or filters to soften the light and minimize strong shadows.
- Choose studio lights for YouTube that are adjustable to customize the color temperature.
- Shoot through the center of the ring for the distinctive catchlight effect.
- Angle the ring light for various lighting styles and effects, especially for close-up shots.
LED lighting
If you have a studio LED lighting kit for YouTube videos, you should pay attention to the following tips:
- Strategically place the LED lights to achieve even illumination on the subject.
- Adjust the brightness according to your preference.
- Fine-tune the color temperature to achieve the desired aesthetic.
- Attach diffusion materials or softboxes to create a softer and more diffuse light.
- Ensure proper alignment between the camera and the LED lights.
3-point lighting
Setting up a 3-point lighting system entails placing three light sources that operate together. Here's a quick rundown of how to set it up:
- Set up the key light at a 45-degree angle to one side of the subject, slightly elevated and pointing downward. This light serves as the primary source, offering the main illumination.
- Place the fill light on the opposite side of the key light, either at a lower intensity or farther away to diminish shadows cast by the key light. It helps soften shadows while maintaining a balanced appearance.
- Position the backlight behind the subject, typically at an elevated angle and directed towards the subject from the rear. The backlight aids in separating the subject from the background, adding depth and highlighting the subject's contours.
- Fine-tune the intensity of each light to achieve the desired effect. Experiment with angles and brightness levels to control the lighting mood and style.
- Verify the lighting setup by capturing test shots or short video clips. Make adjustments as necessary to achieve the desired lighting outcome, focusing on shadows, highlights, and overall equilibrium.
FAQs
What type of studio lights are best for YouTube videos?
LED lights are popular for YouTube videos because they are energy efficient, have changeable color temperatures, and can be dimmed. Softboxes and ring lights are also often used to provide pleasing, diffused lighting.
How many studio lights for YouTube do I need for my YouTube setup?
This depends on the size of your video-making area and the effect you wish to achieve. Many YouTubers begin by using a key light (primary light), a fill light (to decrease shadows), and a backlight (to make the subject stand out from the background).
What is the ideal color temperature for YouTube videos?
The ideal color temperature is often between 5000K and 6500K, since this range produces a natural-looking, daylight-balanced light that is suitable for most YouTube videos.
Do I need light modifiers like softboxes or umbrellas?
Softboxes, umbrellas, and diffusers may soften and disperse light, eliminating sharp shadows and giving a more pleasing look. They are usually suggested for producing professional lighting results.
Should I invest in continuous lights or strobe lights for YouTube videos?
Continuous lights are useful for YouTube videos because they display the lighting effect in real time, making it easy to change and control. Strobe lights, on the other hand, are commonly employed in photography to provide short bursts of light.
Are there any lighting tips for creating a professional-looking YouTube video?
To make a visually appealing and professional-looking video, experiment with different light positions, think about the background and overall mood, and pay close attention to the lighting quality and color. As with everything DIY, there is always the aspect of determining what works best for you. This might include adjusting the illumination levels of each light to get the desired effect, altering the color by using color gels or LED lighting settings, or moving the camera's location to create a more shadowed and defined face.