Quote:
Originally Posted by Jcondon
Lots of LEDs are advertised at a color that is not really true. A more accurate definition is CRI or color rendering index. Here is a good video that may help you visualize so to speak. |
Jcondon is correct. Not all LED's will have the same general "color" rendering capability even of they have the same color temperature rating (Note: color temp simply represents the overall "tone" of the light in terms of yellowish or bluish appearance). You need to also pay attention to the Color Rendition Index (or CRI) rating.
CRI represents the ability of the light to provide illumination that renders the color/appearance of objects accurately as compared to the same object outside on a bright sunny day.
Cheat sheet:
Low color temperature = yellowish/orangish lighting (2700K - 3000K)
High color temperature = bluish lighting (5000-5500K)
Balanced lighting that is more natural and comfortable is in the 3500-4500K range. I prefer 4000K myself, but many folks like 3500K.
CRI should be as high as possible. This is measure in terms of the percentage of the color space/spectrum that is covered by the LED. Look for bulbs with CRI that is 92% or so and higher. Better bulbs will have CRI of 94-96%. Unaffordable/nearly impossible to find bulbs can have CRI of up to 98%.
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