Elgato lights are edge lit. Cheap LED panels on Amazon use cheaper LED's that are pointed outward. That means Elgato lights produce soft light out of the box, while the cheap LED panels are harsh. If you want to tame the cheap LED panels, you need to spend $30-50 for bulky soft boxes. One of the main reasons for the price difference is the kind of LED lights that are used. It takes more light energy to reflect the light, and that means more heat that needs to be dissipated in a tighter space. That means better quality LED's are needed. The only company that produces a similar panel charges $300 for theirs. So $199 with PC control isn't that bad. I've been thru every configuration of light panel imaginable. The only "budget" friendly DIY option that comes close is the cake pan light.
Try this: put your camera on a separate stand. Elevate your ring cam, and tilt it down, and place it to the side a little. A fatal flaw is the ball joint. If you try to tilt it with any weight on it, the ball joint will fail. Simple unacceptable on this price point. So you wouldn't want to place a prosumer camera on this any way.
Would love to hear your thoughts. I am debating between the Elgato Ring Light or the Key Light. I will place it behind my monitor.... which is a 32 inch BenQ PD3220U monitor. Now you might say go for the Key Light. But my thought is if I get the Ring Light and also maybe the base, I can use it in other areas and that could be beneficial. I am not 100% which route to go. Do the key light (yes I know I should do a 2 light setup, but not going to invest that much right now... maybe in the future) then that stays strickly behind the computer or get the right light and be able to move it with a base and use it for other content (future forward thinking). So what do you think? No room for tripods. Can only use the clamp on the desk. Massive PC Tower, BenQ monitor, XP-Pen Artist 24 Pro and another laptop. LOL... I ran out of desk space. I also have a Wacom Cintiq Companion 2 and Wacom MobileStudio Pro... which now sit on the side and I use in the dining room from time to time.
Loved this video. My question is how can I setup both ring light and key light and control it on the stream deck even when one is on on 2.4 and the other one is on 5
Thank you for the great video. I also have the ring light, but as i use it more, i notice that it wobbles at the slightest though? I'm not sure if i'm just bad at securing it or if it's my table. When i type i can see the camera shake, like a small earth quake :(
I do want to get this because I’m planning on running a Dual pc set up with the elgato wave XLR audio interface with a stream deck XL the 4k60 capture card and the cam link pro for multiple camera angles so having it all set up where it all is set up and controlled via elgato software sounds really nice
Hi, would it be possible to keep temperature or light to remember mode setting? For example, I want to mode 1 to take picture A, and mode 2 to take picture B. They can quickly change mode easily. Thanks.
Hey Brandon, would appreciate your insight on this -- seeing a lot of reviews that say the app is not reliable. Is Wifi reliable though? I would really like to connect it to the stream deck.
That’s exactly my concern, that this tripod seems to be too tall at its lowest. How can Elgato make such a mistake? I can’t buy it because of this. If they say it’s a desk mounted thing, then at least make it work as a desk mounted thing.
Curious... I have debated between the Elgato Ring Light and Key Light. I would probably set mine up just as you have in your video. Which do you think is better and why? I do like them both and lean both ways when it comes to deciding. I do like that I could mount a camera on the Ring Light. Another question. If I am wearing glasses and my Ring Light were set up like yours do you think I would get a glare in the ring... I have 32 inch BenQ Monitor raised to the highest notch with a XP-Pen Artist 24 Pro sitting in front of it. So my light might even be placed higher than yours.
Glare is a real possibility for both with your glasses. With a ring light you are looking directly at the light because your camera is essentially "inside" it, so higher chances of glare. If money were no concern, I'd go with two key lights. That gives you the most flexibility in terms of your lighting options if you wanted more dramatic looking shots.
Thanks! Your review helped me a lot since I am somehow in your situation. Once it is mounted, how much is the minimum height from the desk up to the highest part of the light? (I have to place the Ring Light under a sort of bookshelf hanging above the desk).
This is the second video I have watched of you and the Elgato Ring light. Thank you for both the information and the video presented. I do have one question: Do you feel that a more "complete" lighting system should include both the ring light AND two Elegato Key Light Airs, one on either side of the streamer? Total lumens would be around 5300. Do you feel this is adequate lighting for the typical streaming situation?
I was concerned about the height of the stand, by chance I found your video and you just gave me what I needed not to buy it. The team who designed the stand, what went through their mind as they tried it out? Do they have extreme double chins and wanna avoid showing it?
The principle is to only choose the right and not the expensive. This principle applies only to popular demand. Now the common parameters of the latest lamps in 2022: 1. (1) There are 10 levels of brightness, and the color temperature is 2900K-6700K. If you can't reach it, you can pass it directly, because they are out of date; (2) The computer clip used by 6-8inch has the disadvantage of damaging the computer screen. 10-12inch use desktop stand, limited lighting range and usage scenarios. 14-16 inches, these two sizes are relatively small, neither big nor small, and the scope of application is limited. 18-20 inches, more recommended, the brightness and usage scenarios can meet most needs, 21-22 inches, the brightness is better, but due to the large head of the lamp, the bracket is unstable and easy to tilt. (3) Most of the brackets on the market are of the same specification, and the selling points of each are concentrated on the ring light. 2. 1%-100% LED display, I suggest that non-professional photographers do not need to choose, can you see with your eyes where the difference in brightness between 10% and 15% is? When we generally use it, we use our eyes to see if it meets our lighting effects. It is just like the general rotation and buttons to adjust up and down. 2. There are two types of power supplies, one is USB and the other is Power Adapter with Plug. If you have high requirements on the brightness of the light, choose the Power Adapter with Plug, because it includes all the brightness of USB and higher. 3. The number of lamps directly affects the effect of lighting. The more lamp beads of the same specification, the more evenly distributed the light. Color Rendering Index CRI>90, the higher the CRI, the better, the closer to natural light, the more expensive the price. 4. The more lamp beads of the same specification, the more uniform the light will be. If you can't remember so many parameters, it doesn't matter. Look at the title. The parameters displayed in the title represent the seller's advantage. If the advantages of the title cannot reach the above parameters or the description indicates that this parameter is lower than the basic parameters on the market, Sellers want to highlight their advantages and make you want to buy. Different usage needs, you can choose the one that suits you according to your own needs.
I liked the ring light, but returned it. As someone who wears glasses, the inability to lower and raise the light and camera independently was a no go. Just ordered two key light airs. Love Elgato products.
If your camera rig isn't that heavy you can mount a $20 magic arm on the ring light, and the camera to the other end of the arm. That way you can adjust the camera independently.
Is the Elgato Ring Light strong enough to bounce the light off a white wall (my desk is in a corner, so it will come off two sides) just behind so that I get strong enough light without the ring reflection on my glasses and without the strain on the eyes?
as an artist, i need to light my desktop. I want to mount the ring on an arm so that the ring with my phone mounted in the middle is parallel to my desktop. Will this ring do it?
Great video! Pretty fresh content creator/music producer here and I have been eyeballing the Elgato Ring light a while to improve my lighting situation. Loved this video and how to the point your style is, and this video just answered all my questions. Curious about the Discord too, might have a look! Thanks for the video!
so I'm wondering if anyone can help. I can connect my ringlight to my PC's version of control center but when i try to connect it to my iphone, it says it cant be found, does this mean it can only be connected to one or the other? thanks
It can be connected to both at the same time, the software has been a bit sporadic for me in terms of when it decides to not work. Might just need to keep repeating the setup process
I am using this light and it''s honestly TOO BRIGHT, yet doesn't brighten up anything else around me. So I still need supplemental lights prior to recording. The elgato light has to be on a VERY low setting. Also depends on the camera. My webcam has the lighting as too low, but my M50 has it automatically WAY too bright.
You may want to look at your ISO settings on the M50. If you are washed out easily on your M50 you have your ISO too high. I shoot on about a 200 ISO, which means I crank up the Elgato light to a high level. Webcams are generally more sensitive to light, so you'll likely use low light settings. If that is still too bright, you can lower the exposure through software.
If not having respect for other people's time was an award, this dude would get it. Just cut to the point. You're not explaining quantum mechanics here. I'll help you: "Beware: Lamp is high". See? Easy right?
I'll just make my own light, which I can connect to my computer to control the brightness and color and it will only cost me about $25, not $200, nor would I need to spend even more money for the stream deck.
Skip to 5:18 where, after rambling for so long that it gave me a headache, he finally addresses the flaw he perceives with the ringlight.
you couldnt clean your keyboard and stream deck
before recording this?
Elgato lights are edge lit. Cheap LED panels on Amazon use cheaper LED's that are pointed outward. That means Elgato lights produce soft light out of the box, while the cheap LED panels are harsh. If you want to tame the cheap LED panels, you need to spend $30-50 for bulky soft boxes.
One of the main reasons for the price difference is the kind of LED lights that are used. It takes more light energy to reflect the light, and that means more heat that needs to be dissipated in a tighter space. That means better quality LED's are needed.
The only company that produces a similar panel charges $300 for theirs. So $199 with PC control isn't that bad. I've been thru every configuration of light panel imaginable.
The only "budget" friendly DIY option that comes close is the cake pan light.
Try this: put your camera on a separate stand. Elevate your ring cam, and tilt it down, and place it to the side a little. A fatal flaw is the ball joint. If you try to tilt it with any weight on it, the ball joint will fail. Simple unacceptable on this price point. So you wouldn't want to place a prosumer camera on this any way.
Would love to hear your thoughts. I am debating between the Elgato Ring Light or the Key Light. I will place it behind my monitor.... which is a 32 inch BenQ PD3220U monitor. Now you might say go for the Key Light. But my thought is if I get the Ring Light and also maybe the base, I can use it in other areas and that could be beneficial. I am not 100% which route to go. Do the key light (yes I know I should do a 2 light setup, but not going to invest that much right now... maybe in the future) then that stays strickly behind the computer or get the right light and be able to move it with a base and use it for other content (future forward thinking). So what do you think?
No room for tripods. Can only use the clamp on the desk. Massive PC Tower, BenQ monitor, XP-Pen Artist 24 Pro and another laptop. LOL... I ran out of desk space. I also have a Wacom Cintiq Companion 2 and Wacom MobileStudio Pro... which now sit on the side and I use in the dining room from time to time.
Loved this video. My question is how can I setup both ring light and key light and control it on the stream deck even when one is on on 2.4 and the other one is on 5
Thank you for the great video. I also have the ring light, but as i use it more, i notice that it wobbles at the slightest though? I'm not sure if i'm just bad at securing it or if it's my table. When i type i can see the camera shake, like a small earth quake :(
Thank you very very much for an absolutely crystal clear review that justifies the price.
I do want to get this because I’m planning on running a Dual pc set up with the elgato wave XLR audio interface with a stream deck XL the 4k60 capture card and the cam link pro for multiple camera angles so having it all set up where it all is set up and controlled via elgato software sounds really nice
My son got the light 2 weeks ago and now it will not turn on. Just a bit frustrating and can't figure out what has happened.
Hi, would it be possible to keep temperature or light to remember mode setting? For example, I want to mode 1 to take picture A, and mode 2 to take picture B. They can quickly change mode easily. Thanks.
what camera lens are you using?
Is there a way you can mount that on some sort of boom arm? I'd like to use it for close ups while doing build videos Thanks
Yep the ring light detaches from the mount and can screw on any standard mount/arm
Thank you for your incredible work. I needed the exact content you spoke about. Thank you
is the height adjustable and is there different shades? example yellowish vs bright white? thx!
Hey Brandon, would appreciate your insight on this -- seeing a lot of reviews that say the app is not reliable. Is Wifi reliable though? I would really like to connect it to the stream deck.
Try a microphone stand with a small base. You need an adapter but that’s it.
That’s exactly my concern, that this tripod seems to be too tall at its lowest. How can Elgato make such a mistake? I can’t buy it because of this. If they say it’s a desk mounted thing, then at least make it work as a desk mounted thing.
Anyone that has this ring light is not using the additional power supply plugs (like the ones for other countries) ? I’m looking for spare ones.
Because of you I dressed up as Micheal Myers for Halloween. Starting to binge your vids. Keep it up!
Haha! Love it!
How much weight can the camera mount support, up to 1kg?
i have two key light air shuld i get the ring light too?
Can it run wireless?
So will I have a problem with an Elgato facecam ?
Curious... I have debated between the Elgato Ring Light and Key Light. I would probably set mine up just as you have in your video. Which do you think is better and why? I do like them both and lean both ways when it comes to deciding. I do like that I could mount a camera on the Ring Light. Another question. If I am wearing glasses and my Ring Light were set up like yours do you think I would get a glare in the ring... I have 32 inch BenQ Monitor raised to the highest notch with a XP-Pen Artist 24 Pro sitting in front of it. So my light might even be placed higher than yours.
Glare is a real possibility for both with your glasses. With a ring light you are looking directly at the light because your camera is essentially "inside" it, so higher chances of glare. If money were no concern, I'd go with two key lights. That gives you the most flexibility in terms of your lighting options if you wanted more dramatic looking shots.
Thanks! Your review helped me a lot since I am somehow in your situation. Once it is mounted, how much is the minimum height from the desk up to the highest part of the light? (I have to place the Ring Light under a sort of bookshelf hanging above the desk).
Thanks mate great info!
This is the second video I have watched of you and the Elgato Ring light. Thank you for both the information and the video presented. I do have one question: Do you feel that a more "complete" lighting system should include both the ring light AND two Elegato Key Light Airs, one on either side of the streamer? Total lumens would be around 5300. Do you feel this is adequate lighting for the typical streaming situation?
I think using all three would be overkill! Either the ring alone (maybe a single keylight as a hair light, maybe) or the two keys.
My only issue with a ring light is, as a glasses wearer, it really makes it distracting to the viewers
Get a ring light that has a swivel and can be raised/bent at an angel to remove the light/circles from your glasses
I was concerned about the height of the stand, by chance I found your video and you just gave me what I needed not to buy it. The team who designed the stand, what went through their mind as they tried it out? Do they have extreme double chins and wanna avoid showing it?
The principle is to only choose the right and not the expensive. This principle applies only to popular demand.
Now the common parameters of the latest lamps in 2022:
1. (1) There are 10 levels of brightness, and the color temperature is 2900K-6700K. If you can't reach it, you can pass it directly, because they are out of date;
(2) The computer clip used by 6-8inch has the disadvantage of damaging the computer screen. 10-12inch use desktop stand, limited lighting range and usage scenarios. 14-16 inches, these two sizes are relatively small, neither big nor small, and the scope of application is limited.
18-20 inches, more recommended, the brightness and usage scenarios can meet most needs, 21-22 inches, the brightness is better, but due to the large head of the lamp, the bracket is unstable and easy to tilt.
(3) Most of the brackets on the market are of the same specification, and the selling points of each are concentrated on the ring light.
2. 1%-100% LED display, I suggest that non-professional photographers do not need to choose, can you see with your eyes where the difference in brightness between 10% and 15% is? When we generally use it, we use our eyes to see if it meets our lighting effects. It is just like the general rotation and buttons to adjust up and down.
2.
There are two types of power supplies, one is USB and the other is Power Adapter with Plug. If you have high requirements on the brightness of the light, choose the Power Adapter with Plug, because it includes all the brightness of USB and higher.
3.
The number of lamps directly affects the effect of lighting. The more lamp beads of the same specification, the more evenly distributed the light. Color Rendering Index CRI>90, the higher the CRI, the better, the closer to natural light, the more expensive the price.
4. The more lamp beads of the same specification, the more uniform the light will be.
If you can't remember so many parameters, it doesn't matter. Look at the title. The parameters displayed in the title represent the seller's advantage. If the advantages of the title cannot reach the above parameters or the description indicates that this parameter is lower than the basic parameters on the market, Sellers want to highlight their advantages and make you want to buy.
Different usage needs, you can choose the one that suits you according to your own needs.
BUT BUT, isnt it exactly what you want, you just said you wanted it just right above your monitor which it is?
Does it support webcams?
I liked the ring light, but returned it. As someone who wears glasses, the inability to lower and raise the light and camera independently was a no go. Just ordered two key light airs. Love Elgato products.
Yeah that’s stupid of them
If your camera rig isn't that heavy you can mount a $20 magic arm on the ring light, and the camera to the other end of the arm. That way you can adjust the camera independently.
@@PaoloNovaro what brand magic arm
Watched your video. Bought it, then sent it back after it hugely disappointed me with set up. For that price it should 'just work'.
Is it HomeKit compatible?
Great video and to the point. No BS. Exactly to my liking. Keep it up, my man.
What are you talking about? He rambled for five minutes before getting to his point about the ring light.
Thanks mate! I’m also 6’5 rockin’ a titan xl, and you have just made me feel better about purchasing this very expensive ring light.
Did we just become best friends?!
@@TechAuditTV we totally just did!
Is the Elgato Ring Light strong enough to bounce the light off a white wall (my desk is in a corner, so it will come off two sides) just behind so that I get strong enough light without the ring reflection on my glasses and without the strain on the eyes?
Oh yeah for sure, it gets pretty darn bright
as an artist, i need to light my desktop. I want to mount the ring on an arm so that the ring with my phone mounted in the middle is parallel to my desktop. Will this ring do it?
Yep, assuming you have an arm that can go parallel to your desk!
Great video but why you still have a webcam?
I'm always testing out different webcams!
Dope video dude. This answered all of my questions
Thanks Jacob!
Great video! Pretty fresh content creator/music producer here and I have been eyeballing the Elgato Ring light a while to improve my lighting situation. Loved this video and how to the point your style is, and this video just answered all my questions. Curious about the Discord too, might have a look! Thanks for the video!
Glad I could help! Best of luck on your journey!
Seems like a weird oversight on their side, why wouldn't they design it so that you could have it lower. : /
lol i found this as I was setting up my new elgato ring light oh no
Great video, just wish you cleaned that stream deck for that close up xD
Oh man I didn't even notice 😂 Hey man I'm just keeping it real I guess!
Thank you for great video. I just bought it for 150€
so I'm wondering if anyone can help. I can connect my ringlight to my PC's version of control center but when i try to connect it to my iphone, it says it cant be found, does this mean it can only be connected to one or the other? thanks
It can be connected to both at the same time, the software has been a bit sporadic for me in terms of when it decides to not work. Might just need to keep repeating the setup process
I am using this light and it''s honestly TOO BRIGHT, yet doesn't brighten up anything else around me. So I still need supplemental lights prior to recording. The elgato light has to be on a VERY low setting. Also depends on the camera. My webcam has the lighting as too low, but my M50 has it automatically WAY too bright.
You may want to look at your ISO settings on the M50. If you are washed out easily on your M50 you have your ISO too high. I shoot on about a 200 ISO, which means I crank up the Elgato light to a high level.
Webcams are generally more sensitive to light, so you'll likely use low light settings. If that is still too bright, you can lower the exposure through software.
For reals, I felt sold! I'll let you know how it goes!
#Followup please, if you don't mind, thx.
Elgato is the best in the world. It’s even better than my morals
Thank you.
I'm rocking a 20 dollar ring light x 3 right now.
Thanks
Good review though. Can understand the benefits of it now
Do I just need 1 ring light?
Yep! That's the big pro of a ring light. Assuming your camera is sitting inside the ring, your face will have an even distribution of light.
If not having respect for other people's time was an award, this dude would get it. Just cut to the point. You're not explaining quantum mechanics here. I'll help you: "Beware: Lamp is high". See? Easy right?
are those Dorito flamas in the trash?
Cool video👍
I'll just make my own light, which I can connect to my computer to control the brightness and color and it will only cost me about $25, not $200, nor would I need to spend even more money for the stream deck.
How
great setup, great light but average content
Fair enough 😂
It was extremely helpful for me - giving me answers to the final questions the spec sheet and every other TH-cam video misses.
Lol ringlights suck.... get a good cobled with modifier or just a ledpanel
What? I’m lost lol