Top lights for streaming 2021? Not everybody uses a DSLR to shoot video and with the latest advances in technology, more and more vloggers are choosing to shoot footage using their smartphones. Why not, when they can capture impressive 4K footage? Profoto has the perfect LED for this crowd in the shape of the C1 Plus, which is suitable for both stills photography and video. A built-in rechargeable Li-Polymer battery helps the unit deliver over 40 minutes of continuous light at full power, which is impressive, given the tiny size of the C1 Plus. This also means it can deliver more than 2000 flashes on a single charge too. The continuous light is flicker-free to ensure smoothly-light footage and the battery takes just two hours to recharge via a USB-C connection, which means you can power up while you’re on the go. Compatible with Profoto’s AirTTL remotes, the C1 Plus can be paired with a number of accessories, including grids to modify the light or a selection of different coloured gel filters to shift the colour temperature of the scene. The accessors connect via a magnetic mount, resulting in a speeded up operating time and no more messing about with awkward screw-on fittings.
This 10-inch ring light gives ROY G BIV a whole new meaning. The boldest of the bunch, it boasts three filters that can be adjusted to achieve seven unique colors. The icing on the cake? It comes with a tripod, extension stick, phone holder, Bluetooth remote, and even a mirror attachment to keep you from staring at your phone while shooting. Like the Hangdayi’s ring light mentioned above, this is one of the best selfie ring lights out there, but not only for its low price point and compact size. This clip-on light features exceptionally bright LED bulbs and a wide-angle lens.
We’re starting to get into serious lighting territory now. Here’s a well-specced 18-inch model from Neewer, with 240 LEDs, a colour temperature of 5500K and a wide dimming range from 1 to 100%. Instead of colour temperature controls, this ring light instead comes with white and orange colour filters that you can combine with the dimming controls to get the temperature you need. It has a lightweight but strong tripod, and as well as a phone holder it also comes with a hot shoe so that you can work with a DSLR instead of your phone. Read additional details on best lights for streaming.
If you use your phone as your webcam, the 10-inch selfie ring from UBeesize is just what you need. This affordable kit includes a dimmable ring light with three color options, a mini desktop camera holder, an adjustable tripod, and a Bluetooth remote. Set the tripod on your desk or the floor, and you’re ready to take calls or film video. You can even leave your phone off the tripod and place this light behind your computer’s webcam for precise lighting. If you need to upgrade your camera and your lighting system, reach for the NexiGo StreamCam. It’s a 1080P webcam with an attached ring light. If you’re a privacy junkie, you’ll dig the privacy cover that slides over the camera when it’s not in use. This setup fits atop your monitor and also works as a standalone unit on any flat surface.
You get lots of options with this model: it can be used with a phone or nearly any type of stand-alone camera, since the kit comes with two cold-shoe mounts and a 1/4-inch-20 mounting option. It runs on the included AC power adapter or, when you’re far from a power outlet, on the two included NP-F750 lithium-ion batteries. These provide up to 70 minutes at full power, according to the manufacturer. It’s also fully dimmable and equipped with an adjustable color temperature ranging from 3200K to 5600K in increments of 25 Kelvin. And all of the components can fit into an included carrying case, for easy travel and storage. See additional info at https://brokenmoonmedia.com/.