Unboxing the Sensyne Ring Light was a fun and organized experience. In only a few minutes, my complete 10” ring light was up and running seamlessly. All that was left for me to do was play with the various color settings and choose which one I liked best for my desk space.

I primarily use ring lights for social media content creation and photography. When I bought the Sensyne, my expectation was that it could stay set up in my home office more regularly than my larger 18” ring light. I was hoping it might also work well with my larger ring light when trying to illuminate a room or studio for photography. 

The Sensyne Ring Light exceeded my expectations in some ways, but it disappointed me in others. I’ll tell you why after sharing a few pros and cons I’ve noticed about the Sensyne so far.

Ever scrolled through TikTok and wondered how creators achieve that picture-perfect glow? The secret often lies in the lighting. In the world of TikTok, where every second counts and first impressions matter. So having impeccable lighting can make all the difference between a scroll-past and a viral hit. 

It's not just about being seen. It's about being seen in the best light—literally! Now, while many lighting options are available, one tool has emerged as a favorite among TikTokers: the ring light. 

This donut-shaped illuminator doesn't just light up your videos; it enhances, accentuates, and elevates your content to professional levels. If you're eager to step up your TikTok game, you're in the right place.

If you're diving into the world of video making, you've probably realized that there's a lot more to creating a great video than just hitting the 'record' button. 

We've got one word for you: lighting. 

Lighting isn't just about making things visible. It's about setting a mood, directing focus, and transforming good shots into cinematic masterpieces. 

And if you're an aspiring vlogger or someone who's always on the hunt for the latest tech gadget (we see you, techies!), getting your lighting game on point can make all the difference. Not only does it amp up your production quality, but it also gives you that professional edge. 

Don't believe me?

Studies show that videos with good lighting receive way more engagement than those without. So, gear heads, grab your notepads, and let's illuminate this topic together!

YouTube needs no introduction. As the second most visited site on the planet, it's not just a video-sharing platform—it's a cultural phenomenon. But who are the most popular vloggers in 2023?

Remember when we rushed home to catch our favorite TV show? Now, YouTube is our go-to, pushing traditional TV to the sidelines. 

It’s given rise to a new breed of internet celebrities and influencers who are as powerful, if not more, than traditional celebrities. And, as the platform continues to evolve, it showcases the dynamic dance between technology and creativity, always keeping us on our toes. 

We’re about to look at the giants of this world and discover the most popular vloggers ruling the YouTube kingdom! 

To say that Casey Neistat is an OG when it comes to vlogging would still somehow be an understatement. Having taken YouTube by storm in the early 2010's, he has amassed over 12.5m subscribers on his primary channel.

While vlogging as a hobby has seen some rough moments recently, the post pandemic boom within the scene has completely revitalized peoples desires to experience life through another persons eyes. Whether it's worldwide travel or days out around New York, Casey Neistat has a wide variety of top cameras and gear to capture his footage on. Here's what we know.

Getting the lighting just right for a photo can be hard at the best of times, even with the best ring lights or softboxes, it can feel like a challenge to get things perfect. Both of these lighting accessories are crucial in capturing the perfect shot but which one is right for you?

It's often going to come down to what your environment is like but in situations where you are in control, you have the power of choice. We're going to look at ring lights and softboxes to see which is the best lighting solution for you.

The best ring lights will no doubt be enough for most people when it comes to lighting a scene for the perfect photo, but sometimes you need additional support in the form of a softbox. This lighting tool is typically reserved for on-set photography shoots but what exactly is it and why do most professionals recommend them?

In some ways, a softbox is the opposite of a ring light, but both are sometimes mentioned in the same conversation and can actually be used in combination with each other to help create the perfect lighting environment for photography. Let us take you though everything you need to know softboxes and why they're growing in popularity outside of the professional scene.

Are the best ring lights always the biggest ones? No! Ring lights come in a variety of sizes and each one has its usefulness. There's no set sizing scale that a ring light maker needs to follow so there isn't anything stopping someone making a 200-inch ring light, although, we're not too sure who would buy such a monstrosity.

Back in the real world, let us take you through some of the most common ring light sizes available on the market and even help out with what size you might be looking for!

In a world where some of the best ring lights have become an essential item in any household, it can be quite difficult to know exactly what a good ring light price is. Does it fall under the same trap as many electrical items where the more you spend, the higher the risk that the product might not live up to expectations?

Could it be that certain brands have artificially inflated the price of ring lights and instead paved the way for cheaper brands to come and steal the limelight? We'll fight past these uncertainties and let you know exactly how much you should be paying for a ring light in 2023.

As great as even the best ring lights might be, they're not always suitable for everyone or every situation. Whether it's the price or perhaps just amount of space they can sometimes take up, there is often a need to find ring light alternatives instead.

Lucky for you, there are plenty of exciting ring light alternatives on the market to suit a range of needs and budgets, so let us show you the best ones so you can start capturing the best photos and video possible!

Ring lights might be more common today but many are still a little unsure about what is and isn't normal behavior from these lighting accessories. Do ring lights overheat and is it anything to be worried about?

We'll answer this question as simply as possible, because it's not necessarily a black and white situation. It can depend on the type of ring light you own and the conditions that it is being used in. Here's everything you need to know about ring lights and whether overheating in a concern!

There's no doubting that some of the best ring lights are becoming an essential for any content creator, photographer, MUA, or even just as part of everyday room design. Concerns around their safety, however, leave us wondering what the limits of ring lights are. A common question that gets asked is whether a ring light can be left on overnight?

We'll do our best to give you a clear answer but know that the official advice can change depending on the type of ring light you own and even the brand on the light. It's also best to do your due diligence and check the product manual for advice, too.

For anyone in the content creation business, a ring light is one of the most important tools for taking photos or videos in low-light settings. These handy tools help you create the perfect lighting in a matter of seconds. Ring lights help creators take professional-looking selfie photos and videos. If you are looking for a small, travel-sized ring light that easily attaches to your phone, the Diyife Ring Light is the perfect tool for the job.

This pocket-sized ring light easily fits into your purse or belt bag and attaches to your cell phone with a swift clipping action for easy vlogging. The inside of the clip has rubber bumpers that protect your phone and prevent the ring light from scratching your phone’s screen.

The Diyife Ring Light can also be attached to a tablet or to your laptop computer. While its main application is for traveling, it can also be used at home. When attached to your laptop, it will provide additional lighting for FaceTime or Zoom calls, or filming videos on your computer. 

I was prompted to purchase this ring light after I saw a woman using it at a festival. She was filming herself during an evening concert outdoors. It was very dark out and my videos were awful. I couldn’t even see my face so I stopped trying to film the show. As soon as I saw the way the ring light lit up her face and the crowd in her video, I was sold. I had to have one, and I’m so glad I bought it.

If you’re a content creator or YouTuber, camera companies increasingly want your business. Last year was no exception, with several new vlogging-specific models released by Canon, Sony, DJI and others. That means there are now over a dozen on sale, alongside regular mirrorless cameras that also do the job well.

Models specifically designed for vlogging include Sony’s new ZV-E1 full-frame mirrorless that launched last year, DJI’s Osmo Pocket 3 or Canon’s compact PowerShot V10. Others, like the new Panasonic G9 II and last year’s Canon EOS R6 II are hybrid mirrorless cameras that offer vlogging as part of a larger toolset.

All of them have certain things in common, like flip-around screens, face- and/or eye-detect autofocus and stabilization. Prices, features and quality can vary widely, though. To that end, we’ve updated our guide with all the latest vlogging cameras designed for novice to professional creators, in all price ranges. Engadget has tested all of these to give you the best possible recommendations.

Factors to consider before buying a vlogging camera

Vlogging cameras are designed for filmmakers who often work alone and either use a tripod, gimbal, vehicle mount or just their hands to hold a camera. It must be good for filming yourself as well as other “B-roll” footage that helps tell your story. The biggest requirement is a flip-around screen so you can see yourself while filming. Those can rotate up, down or to the side, but flipping out to the side is preferable so a tripod or microphone won’t block it.

Continuous autofocus (AF) for video with face and eye detection is also a must. It becomes your camera “assistant,” keeping things in focus while you concentrate on your content. Most cameras can do that nowadays, but some (notably Canon and Sony) do it better than others.

If you move around or walk a lot, you should look for a camera with built-in optical stabilization. Electronic stabilization is another option as long as you’re aware of its limitations. You’ll also need a camera with a fast sensor that limits rolling shutter, which can create a distracting jello “wobble” with quick camera movements.

4K recording is another key feature. All cameras nowadays can shoot 4K up to at least 24 fps, but if possible, it’s better to have 4K at 60 or even 120 fps. If you shoot sports or other things involving fast movement, look for a model with at least 1080p at 120 fps for slow-motion recording.

Video quality is another important consideration, especially for skin tones. Good light sensitivity helps for night shooting, concerts and so on, and a log profile helps improve dynamic range in very bright or dark shooting conditions. If you want the best possible image quality and can afford it, get a camera that can record 4K with 10-bits (billions) of colors. That will give you more options when it’s time to edit the footage.

Don’t neglect audio either — if the quality is bad, your audience will disengage. Look for a camera with a microphone port so you can plug in a shotgun or lapel mic for interviews, or at least one with a good-quality built-in microphone. It’s also nice to have a headphone port to monitor sound so you can avoid nasty surprises after you’ve finished shooting.

You’ll also want good battery life and, if possible, dual memory card slots for a backup. Finally, don’t forget about your camera’s size and weight. If you’re constantly carrying one while shooting, especially at the end of a gimbal or gorillapod, it might actually be the most important factor. That’s why tiny GoPro cameras are so popular for sports, despite offering lower image quality and fewer pro features.

The best action and portable cameras

If you’re just starting out in vlogging or need a small, rugged camera, an action cam might be your best bet. In general, they’re easy to use as you don’t have to worry about things like exposure or focus. Recent models also offer good electronic stabilization and sharp, colorful video at up to 4K and 60 fps. The downsides are a lack of control; image quality that’s not on par with larger cameras; and no zooming or option to change lenses.

The best compact vlogging cameras

Compact cameras are a step up from smartphones or action cameras, with larger sensors and much better image quality. At the same time, they’re not quite as versatile as mirrorless or DSLR cameras (and not necessarily cheaper) and they lack advanced options like 10-bit video. For folks who want the best possible quality without needing to think too much about their camera, however, they’re the best option.

The best mirrorless/DSLR vlogging cameras

This is the class that has changed the most over the past couple of years, particularly in the more affordable price categories. Interchangeable lens cameras give you the most options for vlogging, offering larger sensors than compact cameras with better low-light sensitivity and shallower depth of field to isolate you or your subject. They also offer better control of your image with manual controls, log recording, 10-bit video and more. The drawbacks are extra weight compared to action or compact cameras, more complexity and higher prices.

If you’re a content creator or YouTuber, camera companies increasingly want your business. Last year was no exception, with several new vlogging-specific models released by Canon, Sony, DJI and others. That means there are now over a dozen on sale, alongside regular mirrorless cameras that also do the job well.

Models specifically designed for vlogging include Sony’s new ZV-E1 full-frame mirrorless that launched last year, DJI’s Osmo Pocket 3 or Canon’s compact PowerShot V10. Others, like the new Panasonic G9 II and last year’s Canon EOS R6 II are hybrid mirrorless cameras that offer vlogging as part of a larger toolset.

All of them have certain things in common, like flip-around screens, face- and/or eye-detect autofocus and stabilization. Prices, features and quality can vary widely, though. To that end, we’ve updated our guide with all the latest vlogging cameras designed for novice to professional creators, in all price ranges. Engadget has tested all of these to give you the best possible recommendations.

Factors to consider before buying a vlogging camera

Vlogging cameras are designed for filmmakers who often work alone and either use a tripod, gimbal, vehicle mount or just their hands to hold a camera. It must be good for filming yourself as well as other “B-roll” footage that helps tell your story. The biggest requirement is a flip-around screen so you can see yourself while filming. Those can rotate up, down or to the side, but flipping out to the side is preferable so a tripod or microphone won’t block it.

Continuous autofocus (AF) for video with face and eye detection is also a must. It becomes your camera “assistant,” keeping things in focus while you concentrate on your content. Most cameras can do that nowadays, but some (notably Canon and Sony) do it better than others.

If you move around or walk a lot, you should look for a camera with built-in optical stabilization. Electronic stabilization is another option as long as you’re aware of its limitations. You’ll also need a camera with a fast sensor that limits rolling shutter, which can create a distracting jello “wobble” with quick camera movements.

4K recording is another key feature. All cameras nowadays can shoot 4K up to at least 24 fps, but if possible, it’s better to have 4K at 60 or even 120 fps. If you shoot sports or other things involving fast movement, look for a model with at least 1080p at 120 fps for slow-motion recording.

Video quality is another important consideration, especially for skin tones. Good light sensitivity helps for night shooting, concerts and so on, and a log profile helps improve dynamic range in very bright or dark shooting conditions. If you want the best possible image quality and can afford it, get a camera that can record 4K with 10-bits (billions) of colors. That will give you more options when it’s time to edit the footage.

Don’t neglect audio either — if the quality is bad, your audience will disengage. Look for a camera with a microphone port so you can plug in a shotgun or lapel mic for interviews, or at least one with a good-quality built-in microphone. It’s also nice to have a headphone port to monitor sound so you can avoid nasty surprises after you’ve finished shooting.

You’ll also want good battery life and, if possible, dual memory card slots for a backup. Finally, don’t forget about your camera’s size and weight. If you’re constantly carrying one while shooting, especially at the end of a gimbal or gorillapod, it might actually be the most important factor. That’s why tiny GoPro cameras are so popular for sports, despite offering lower image quality and fewer pro features.

The best action and portable cameras

If you’re just starting out in vlogging or need a small, rugged camera, an action cam might be your best bet. In general, they’re easy to use as you don’t have to worry about things like exposure or focus. Recent models also offer good electronic stabilization and sharp, colorful video at up to 4K and 60 fps. The downsides are a lack of control; image quality that’s not on par with larger cameras; and no zooming or option to change lenses.

The best compact vlogging cameras

Compact cameras are a step up from smartphones or action cameras, with larger sensors and much better image quality. At the same time, they’re not quite as versatile as mirrorless or DSLR cameras (and not necessarily cheaper) and they lack advanced options like 10-bit video. For folks who want the best possible quality without needing to think too much about their camera, however, they’re the best option.

The best mirrorless/DSLR vlogging cameras

This is the class that has changed the most over the past couple of years, particularly in the more affordable price categories. Interchangeable lens cameras give you the most options for vlogging, offering larger sensors than compact cameras with better low-light sensitivity and shallower depth of field to isolate you or your subject. They also offer better control of your image with manual controls, log recording, 10-bit video and more. The drawbacks are extra weight compared to action or compact cameras, more complexity and higher prices.