Today when everybody is working remotely and most meetings are conducted virtually, it is essential to have the best lighting for Zoom calls. Even if you are back-to-back on Zoom meetings, having the right light setup can change how you look on that screen.
This article will lead you through making the best light choice for Zoom meetings in 2024, taking note of the many lighting solutions and how they can raise your virtual presence.
The Relevance of Lighting in Zoom Meetings
Good lighting is vital to video conference etiquette, thus setting the right mood. Poor lighting may depict you as tired, not very attentive, and—worst of all—under the moon. Properly setting lights for Zoom will ensure that those qualities from your appearance are brought forth and that you shine even brighter and are more expressive. It’s especially needed in settings where visual communication is central.
Besides this, well-optimized lighting ensures that your eyes suffer no strain from those long and extensive meetings. Inconsistencies and rather hard contrasts from natural light create a lot of unflattering shadows. A properly installed lighting system will enhance your overall presence through even illumination in great measure, which is going to keep you comfortable all through your meetings.
Factors in Choosing the Right Lighting for Your Zoom Meetings
Before looking at the best lights for Zoom meetings, one needs to know what makes lighting good.
1. Brightness and Adjustability: The best Zoom lighting options give you full control over what kind of light and how much of it you want to exert on a subject.
2. Colour Temperature: Colour temperature refers to the warmth or coolness of light. The warmer shades make it a cozy setup while the cooler ones are for a professional environment.
3. Portability: This would be ideal if you constantly travel or move from one work location to another.
4. Ease of use: The best cameras and lights for Zoom meetings will be easy to set up and use and thus won’t require detailed technical know-how.
5. Compatibility: Be sure to buy a lighting solution that will work with what you already have, including camera equipment.
Top 5 Zoom Meetings Lights in 2024
Here is an in-depth look at some of the best lights for Zoom meetings available in 2024:
1. Elgato Key Light Air
Due to this very reason, the Elgato Key Light Air remains top on the list of most professionals due to its build quality and well-thought-out features. This Zoom light can attain a maximum of 1400 lumens of brilliance and is adjustable to allow you to have colour temperatures from as low as 2900K to as high as 7000K. It is also easily controlled with wireless settings using your smartphone.
2. Newer Ring Light Kit
Ring lights are trademarks for virtual meetings. One of the best ring lights for Zoom is the Newer Ring Light Kit. It has very good, even, soft light to reduce shadows and bring out features. The ring is 18 inches in diameter and large enough that you can let it light up your whole face; perfect for whoever needs to look perfect on camera.
3. Lume Cube Broadcast Lighting Kit
For the ones in search of an ideal blend of portability and performance, the Lume Cube Broadcast Lighting Kit is the solution. It’s compact but bright; it has adjustable brightness and colour temperature. Easy to mount to laptops or desktop monitors, the Lume Cubes are versatile in their deployment.
4. Razer Ring Light
Specifically, and designed for streamers and content creators, the Razer Ring Light is also one of the best lighting options for Zoom calls. It has a professional-grade 12-inch ring light, so you can use it on your terms with either brightness or colour temperature settings. The ring light is particularly useful because it is designed to alleviate the dark circles of shadows so that a person will look less messy during video conferencing sessions.
5. Logitech Litra Glow
One of the newer entries into the market, the Logitech Litra Glow, has quickly been tagged as effective and very simple to use. It’s got a soft, diffuse glow, so your eyes will feel relaxed, and, at the same time, it will be bright for your Zoom workmates to see you. Plus, it’s powered by USB—another convenient, no-fuss aspect.
Ring Lights: The Newest Essential for Zoom Meetings
Of the various types of lights available, a large number of users have used ring lights for Zoom meetings. The design of light is circular, ensuring an even source of light throughout that abolishes brutal shadows making your facial features look good in the camera. It helps to create an appealing appearance on the camera. Meanwhile, it is also versatile by supporting photography, video recording, and live streaming.
How to Set Up the Best Lighting for Zoom Calls
Picking the best light for Zoom meetings is only half the battle: you need to set it up right, too. Here are a few tips to get the job done:
1. Position the Light at Eye Level: Your light source should be placed at your eye level so you can get an even distribution of light across the face. It prevents shadows under your eyes and chin.
2. Use Multiple Light Sources: Use two or more lights, if you can, to achieve a balanced lighting setup. This can take away the shadows and ensure that a photo looks professional.
3. Set the Brightness: At times, you may also be required to set your light brightness level at different periods of the day, based on the environmental conditions. Ensure it’s not extremely glaring to avoid over-exposure.
4. Experiment with Colour Temperature: Different skin tones and environments require distinct colour temperatures. Experiment with warmer or cooler tones to see which one suits you best. 5. Think of Your Background: Also, your background does matter in the way light will appear to be in front of the camera. It, however, shouldn’t be very cluttered or reflective to draw all the attention from you. Best Camera and Light for Zoom Meetings And while lighting is important, you can easily invest in a good camera to accompany the installation of your lighting. A good camera combined with the best light for Zoom meetings can truly greatly add up to a better virtual appearance.
A built-in camera light is not that effective to get professional quality. Consider investing in a separate lighting solution that matches what your camera is capable of. The powerful camera, along with the adjustable lighting, can capture every fine detail to ensure that the image is well-seen and professional. It works best for those people in client-facing roles or who must present a lot of information over video. Affordable Alternatives Not everyone has the budget to invest in high-end lighting equipment. Fortunately, there are budget-friendly options available that still offer excellent performance:
1. UBeesize 10-inch Selfie Ring Light: The budget-friendly ring light offers three colour modes and 10 levels of brightness, making it versatile for a lot of different lighting needs.
2. VIJIM VL120 LED on Camera Video Light: The LED light is small and pocket-friendly, making it ideal for handheld lighting solutions. With adjustable brightness and a range of colour temperature settings, this light can adjust to all environments.
Conclusion: Choosing the Best Lighting for Zoom Meetings
Selecting the best lighting for Zoom calls in 2024 involves considering factors such as brightness, colour temperature, portability, and ease of use. Whether you’re looking for a ring light for Zoom meetings or a more versatile lighting kit, the options listed above offer something for everyone. Remember that the right lighting can enhance your professional appearance, boost your confidence, and improve your overall communication during virtual meetings.
By investing in a quality lighting solution, you can ensure that you always look your best on camera, regardless of the time of day or the setting. From the Elgato Key Light Air to the Logitech Litra Glow, the best lights for Zoom meetings are designed to help you shine in every virtual interaction.
In addition to enhancing your visual appearance, these lights contribute to a more comfortable and engaging meeting experience, reducing eye strain and creating a welcoming atmosphere.
