The Need For Good Lighting
Video reigns… From videos for listings, brand recognition, or the never-ending Zoom webinar we are finding ourselves on camera far more than we have been in years past. Aside from the quality of your webcam, smartphone camera, or DSLR lighting can make or break your video.
You’ve probably seen a string of videos or web-stream sessions with people apparently sitting in the dark or shadows going across their faces like they are part of the witness relocation program. There are easy-to-use, affordable, and portable solutions for this. I’ve bought a lot of portable lights over the years and have been indifferent to most of them. But I love the Lume Cube panel light.
What I Wanted In A Portable Light
- Like most agents and marketing professionals, I wanted something that I could throw into my backpack and was sturdy enough to travel.
- I wanted good battery life.
- A 1/4 inch threaded connector for tripod and camera mounts
- Adjustable light intensity
- Adjustable color to match ambient lighting and skin tones
- Rechargeable with good battery life
- Diffuser
- Durable
I found these features, plus a few more in the Lume Cube panel light. I love it and I’m happy I plunked down the $70 to get it. It is about twice what I’ve paid for other lights, but I feel I got my money’s worth out of it. In addition to the light itself, the suction-cup bracket for the back of your laptop or computer monitor is a great add-on. My video review is below.
Other Tools I Love For SmartPhone Video
In addition to good lighting, here are a few other tools to consider:
Rode SmartPhone Wired Lavalier Mic