No studio is complete without outstanding lighting, and when it comes to online video, a single main light may make all the difference. Key lights are used by YouTubers, game streamers, and Instagram celebrities to make sure they appear their best on camera at all times. Elgato, a well-known maker of high-quality gaming peripherals, released its key lights. However, is the Elgato Key Light pricey?
The instantaneous improvement in content quality makes the Elgato Key Light priceless. The key light is made of durable material, has color control, and is powerful enough to illuminate even the darkest spaces. Additionally, these lights are very portable and simple to set up and operate.
Because lighting is one of the most crucial aspects of filmmaking, photographers and videographers spend a lot of time and money trying to create the ideal lighting setup. The need for key lights is at an all-time high because of the advent of live streaming and vlogging, and there is a fierce rivalry to locate the greatest one. Let’s find out what distinguishes the Elgato Key Light and whether the cost is justified.
Do You Need a Key Light?
The answer is a resounding yes if you take your web material seriously. The quality of your content can drastically change with the addition of one key light.
Your footage will appear flat and grainy without the main light, and you’ll frequently be underexposed. On the other side, with decent key light, you can add depth, dimension, and shadows that give your content a more polished and expert look.
For streamers and YouTubers who frequently have to record in less-than-ideal lighting settings, key lights are also excellent for filling in any gaps in your lighting setup.
Not to mention, the immediate lighting boost will help you appear and feel more assured in front of the camera.
The key light is therefore an investment you won’t regret making if you’re serious about raising the quality of your online material.
Key Light vs. Ring Light
Although ring lights and key lights are two very popular lighting solutions for content producers, there are some significant differences between the two.
Usually square or rectangular, key lights are positioned to the sides of or behind the camera. Their light is therefore more focused, which is perfect for highlighting particular features or creating dramatic shadows.
To create the ideal look, you might need more than one key light because they are challenging to the position. Key lights are also pricey, and the price will go up even further if you want specific features like low heat output and adjustable color temperature.
On the other hand, ring lights are positioned in front of the subject and are round in shape. This offers even, gentle lighting that is ideal for close-up photographs.
Additionally, because they may be put directly on the camera, they are simpler to the position. Ring lights aren’t as good for low-light situations because they often have less power than key lights.
Furthermore, some content producers might not like the reflection that ring lights create in their eyes.
Is the Elgato Key Light Worth It?
The Elgato Key Light was designed with streamers in mind, which distinguishes it from other key lights. It can be placed on a desk or monitor with ease and has a sleek, minimalist design that doesn’t take up much room.
You don’t need large light boxes because the light is quite bright and has built-in diffusing panels.
But the Elgato Key Light’s minimal heat production is what stands out. For content producers who frequently have to film for extended periods, this is a game-changer. There aren’t many other vital lights in this place, and they frequently get uncomfortable hot in a matter of minutes.
The Elgato Light, on the other hand, doesn’t have a heat problem, making it a safer and more comfortable lighting solution for prolonged filming sessions.
The Elgato Key Light is among the best key lights available thanks to several additional features, including a broad color temperature range, simple smartphone controls, and an adjustable mount.
Although the cost is greater than average, it is worth it in terms of quality, design, and, most significantly, the fact that you won’t be sweating buckets at the end of a long day of filming.
Elgato Key Light vs. Key Light Air
Elgato currently sells the Key Light and Key Light Air key lights, both of which are available on Amazon (also on Amazon). Here are a few of the main variations between the two:
Brightness: The 160 LEDs in the Elgato Key Light panel can produce up to 2,800 lumens of brightness. The Key Light Air contains 80 LEDs with a 1,400-lumen maximum output.
Both lights have changeable color temperatures ranging from 3,200K to 6,500K.
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The Key Light is less portable than the Key Light Air because it is a little heavier and bigger. Both include stands and mounting choices, but only the Key Light offers a desk clamp choice.
Price: The Key Light costs more, though prices vary depending on where you buy, so the difference might not be very significant.
Both lights must be controlled using the Elgato Control Center app because they lack any physical controls. You may customize your device with features like brightness, color temperature, and lighting effects.
Chroma Performance: The incredible chroma keying is one of the Elgato Key Lights’ primary selling points. Although the chroma performance of both lights is excellent, the Key Light has the advantage because of its greater brightness and more equal light distribution.
The choice between the two ultimately depends on your needs and financial situation. Both Elgato lights are excellent choices and give good results. The Key Light outshines the Key Light Air significantly in terms of brightness, making that difference the most important.
The traditional Key Light is preferable if you need to light a broad area or are shooting in low light. The Key Light Air is a fantastic option if you’re looking for a more portable light that is still bright enough for most circumstances.
Other Key Light Options
There are several excellent alternatives if you’re not set on purchasing an Elgato Key Light. One of the most well-liked alternatives is the Lume Cube Edge LED (on Amazon), which costs almost half as much as the Elgato Key Light.
Additionally, it rotates 360 degrees and includes bright LEDs with an adjustable color temperature. You can trust Lume’s quality because it is a well-known name in the content development industry.
The Neewer Super Slim LED is yet another excellent choice (on Amazon). Although it isn’t quite as bright as the Elgato Key Lights, the battery-operated alternative makes it more portable.
The Neewer LED may be mounted on a tripod or set down on a flat surface, and its color temperature and brightness can both be adjusted.
The VILTROX 116T light is a great choice if you’re searching for something in between the two (available on Amazon). It is incredibly lightweight, with a soft diffuser surface, and long battery life. Additionally, VILTROX provides different mounting options and brightness controls.
