Tech Tools: Ring Lights
As part of our community spotlight, National Online Forensics (NOF) highlights various tools and services that help the forensic speech and debate community. This month, NOF is spotlighting the best ring light for the money.
One of the biggest issues that online competitors face is… not being able to see the face!
Lighting is hardly ever discussed when it comes to forensics, but it’s critical. And good lighting alone can make the difference between impressing that judge. One of the best bets is a ring light. These lights provide a wonderful light source that is both flattering and versatile. They have a short falloff, which really enhances the face, no matter what skin tone.
Here are a few of our top picks:
College-Budget Friendly: The Generic Ring Light
This little guy can get the job done, and for less than $20! It comes with a clip that allows you to mount it to the top of a laptop. But be careful, sometimes those clips can damage the screen. With only 5 modes, this light doesn’t have a ton of color options, but it can switch from daylight to tungsten (indoors) well enough.
Impressive!: Neewer 10-inch RGB Ring Light
As film equipment has become more affordable, a new branch of manufacturers has developed in photography and video: the not-so-cheap knockoffs. It used to be that you had the incredible equipment (cameras, lenses, lighting, etc.), and then you had the cheap stuff that barely worked and fell apart. But now, there is affordable equipment that is definitely a knock-off, but won’t melt when you try plugging it in. That’s were a company like Neewer comes in. They’ve made a name for themselves by creating quality products that won’t break the budget. Check out their 10” ring light, which has all sorts of color variations. This one comes with a remote control, a mini tripod, and a flexible phone holder, all for about $40!
The Big Boy: GVM Ring 18 Pro
GVM (short for Great Video Maker) also has carved out a niche for theselevs by making inexpensive products that give the industry-standard lights a run for their money. Their 18” double-ring light offers a lot of variety in terms of color and brightness. Not to mention that their app is great for controlling the light right from your phone. Not only that, you’ve got a few pre-programmed lighting modes that are fun to play with. Turn on the disco mode to give that part vibe! Or switch to candlelight mode to set the mood.
Money Is No Object: Kino Flo Kamio
If you have unlimited funds and want only the best industry standard ring light, then you’re looking for Kino Flo’s Kamio light. Kino Flo has been considered a leader in lighting for decades, and they’re the ones who originally developed the dim-able fluorescent. You’ve no doubt seen these lights in movies and music videos. And their Kamio light is a powerhouse. It’s really designed for the front lens of a large camera, but if you’re considering this high-end light, we’re betting that you also have some great camera gear, too.
Hopefully one of these helps set the stage for you, and judges are able to catch that single teardrop right in the middle of your 8:30 moment. Who knows? Fantastic lighting could make the difference between a rank point or two.
