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Digital luminance meters are excellent electronic devices that can help with many of your projects.

These devices show luminance levels, and have a definition as a measure of light intensity per unit area of light passing in a given direction.

Digital luminance meters, or lux meters, are most commonly used in the areas of set design for good stage lighting brightness and in film production.

The Best Professional Digital Illuminance Light Meter

Dr.meter Professional LED Light Meter

 4,9 Rating

Features:

  • Digital Illuminance Meter with 0-200,000 Measuring Ranges.
  • 270 Degree Rotatable Detectors.
  • Ultra-Fast, Ultra-Precise.
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This digital light meter uses advanced detection technology to gauge the light level in a fraction of a second. Use it to measure levels of fluorescent, metal halide, high-pressure sodium, and incandescent light sources alike! It’s quick and accurate.

  • Display: 3 1/2 digits LCD.
  • Power: 9V battery.
  • Ranges: 0.1-200/2,000/20,000/200,000 Lux; 0.01-20/200/2,000/20,000 FC.
  • Accuracy: +/-4% 10 digits (0-20,000 lux) / +/-5% 10 digits (over 20,000 Lux).
  • Repeatability: +/-2%.
  • Temperature Characteristic: +/-0.1%C

How to use a light meter for video?

How To Choose Digital Illuminance Light Meter?

Buyer’s guide for digital illuminance light meter

This review and guide provide information on some best digital illuminance light meters you can find.

There are quite a few manufacturers of digital illuminance light meters on the market, and the prices vary greatly. From a pure price point of view, the type of digital illuminance light meter can be priced from $35 to $600.

The Best Digital Illuminance Light Meter For Newbies

Digital Illuminance Light Meter

All our reviews are based exclusively on expert judgments or practical experience with most of the digital illuminance light meter we have tested. We strive to make our guide as independent and as detailed as possible.

Digital illuminance light meters in Comparison

BTMETER Digital Illuminance Light Meter

  • Memorize the light readings.
  • 0.4-second response.
  • Memorize the light readings.

 4,8 Rating

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Universal light meter for measuring light intensity

This Lux Meter can help you record 33 sets of readings, Temp Testing, The RELATIVE measuring mode will show you the difference between current / recorded data. Ideal lux meter to measure light intensity for LED grow lights, garden, plants, school, office, state, LED lights, indoor and outdoor.

Extech L145 LED Light Meter

  • Dust extraction.
  • Portable for easy use and storage.
  • Unmatched precision and performance.

Unparalleled accuracy and performance of the light meter

The LED light meter is useful for measuring and optimizing environmental light levels in a wide range of environments, including office buildings, manufacturing plants and warehouses, university campuses, schools, hospitals, and many other locations. The 4,000-count LCD includes overload indication, data hold, and auto power-off with disable the function.

Sekonic Speedmaster Light Meter

  • Radio Control Modules for Wireless Triggering.
  • Increased Light Sensitivity.
  • An additional 3-stops of light sensitivity.

Measuring flash duration and short flash pulses

Sonic Speed master L-858D-U is the world’s first multi-function, multi-brand wireless triggering light meter. It is the first of its kind capable of measuring the flash duration and brief flash bursts like you find from HSS (High-Speed Sync) for precision flash control.

What is a Light Meter?

A light meter is a measuring device for recording illuminance. This quantity indicates the brightness of the measuring point (independent of the range and direction of the light source).

A light meter is used, for example, to measure the illuminance of workplaces or streetlamps. In a light meter, the incident light flux per unit area is recorded in lux.

Silicon photodiodes are commonly used as the measuring cell in a light meter. In some devices, the measuring cell is also used for power supply, so that these devices can operate without additional energy.

What Are The Types Of Digital Illuminance Light Meter?

With a light meter, you can check whether your employer provides sufficient light, whether a private photo studio is well lit, and whether exhibits at an art exhibition can be seen clearly.

There are several types of  light meters:

  • Light meter with its own sensor

A light meter with its own fixed sensor is compact and practical. However, if you want to measure light on the ceiling or at a hard-to-reach angle and therefore need to hold the device away, it is difficult to show these values on the display. Nevertheless, this light meter is the right choice for light measurements in easily accessible places.

The sensor that measures the illuminance of the light source is usually attached to the head of the meter. This makes it very small and handy.

  • Light meter with a separate sensor

If you want to measure light levels in far corners and angles or far from the ceiling, you can also use the second type of light meter with a separate sensor connected to the main computer with a cable.

It is recommended to use a light meter with an independent sensor as soon as you cannot reach a hard-to-reach place. The sensor is also connected to the illuminator by a cable. The disadvantage is that it is difficult to use because you always have to take care of the cable and clean it properly after use.

What should you look for when buying the digital illuminance light meter?

A light meter measures the illuminance, i.e. the brightness at a specific location. There are important aspects that will help you choose the best option for a digital light meter from a variety of models.

When buying should pay attention to the following:

  • Measuring range.

Depending on the illuminance you want to measure with the light meter, the measuring range should be accordingly.

If you want to measure a particularly bright surface, you should also consider the meter’s measuring range when buying the device. Most light meters manages to capture a value of 100,000 lux – the equivalent of midsummer daylight.

Some products are also suitable for measuring 200,000 or even 400,000 lux. Such a high level of illumination is achieved by a laser pointer, for example, but can also be performed in the operating room, where sufficient light can make the difference between life and death.

Measurement location in the unit:

  1. Bedroom- 45 Lux.
  2. Bathroom- 110 Lux.
  3. Office- 500 Lux.
  4. Watchmaker’s workshop- 1.500 Lux.
  5. Overcast winter day- 3.500 Lux.
  6. Overcast summer day- 20.000 Lux.
  7. Bright sunny day- 100.000 Lux.
  8. In an operating room approx- 160.000 Lux.
  • Accuracy grade

When buying a light meter, there are some important things to consider. Of course, the accuracy and functionality of the meter depending on the application. The digital light meter is particularly accurate. If you need a light meter for private use at home, you don’t have to spend a lot of money.

For use in museums, you should buy a light meter of accuracy in class B. This device can measure the maximum deviation of the light. With this device, the maximum deviation from the spectral sensitivity curve can be 6%. If you need a light meter for laboratory applications, you should buy a model with accuracy class A or L.

Class C devices are sufficient for simple measurement tasks. For example, if you need to measure not only illuminance but also brightness, you should buy a special model. Some light meters can be expanded with accessories and used for brightness measurement as well.

  • Directional accuracy

Manufacturers rarely publish cosine accuracy for incremental angles. Instead, they specify the accuracy for these angular ranges – at 30°, 60°, and 80°. The measurement is quantified as the angular difference from the normal (i.e., perpendicular to the surface).

The directional accuracy reported in this manner is usually sufficient to evaluate whether a light meter can be used for low angle measurements. It is quite common for a light meter to have an error rate of 25% at 80°. However, a more accurate light meter is available for low-angle light measurements.

  • Data logger

The data logger can record the exposure of certain areas, so it is easy to control. There are many products or goods that are negatively or positively affected by light. The data logger can detect when certain limits are reached. These limits can then be easily determined.

You can set up the device. By continuously controlling the light effects, you can quickly see when changes have occurred. This way you can take the necessary measures to protect the product.

That’s why when you buy a light meter you should also consider buying a data logger with it.

How to use a Digital Illuminance Light Meter?

Using a lux meter does not require any prior knowledge and is usually very easy. This is especially true if you use a modern digital illuminance light meter. This consists of only two parts and has a fixed sensor. The smaller the distance between the measuring points, the more accurate the lighting conditions that can be recorded.

When measuring, make sure that the luxmeter is never blocked by shadows.

  • 1st preparation: First switch on the luxmeter and select the desired measuring range. You can now remove the protective cover from the light sensor and align it to the meter so that the light falls vertically on the horizontally aligned sensor.
  • 2nd calculation: Now you can easily read the value shown on the display. In both measuring ranges 200 and 2000 the displayed value corresponds directly to the light intensity per lux unit, in the measuring range 20000 you have to multiply the displayed value by 10, in the measuring range 500 000, you have to multiply the displayed value by 100. This is the only way to get the correct light intensity. If the display shows “1”, you must first select the next higher measuring range to be able to determine the light intensity correctly.
  • Failure: If you have successfully measured with the digital illuminance light meter, turn off the device again and put the protective cover back on the sensor.

Digital Illuminance Light Meter Price:

 

Under $50

  • BTMETER Digital Illuminance Light Meter
  • Dr.meter Professional LED Light Meter

Under $300

  • Extech LED Light Meter

Under $600

  • Sekonic Speedmaster Light Meter

Conclusions

If you are looking out for and intend to purchase a digital illuminance light meter, you are probably interested in measuring light levels in a particular area. There are many high qualities, inexpensive digital brightness meters available today. These digital devices are quite easy to use and give accurate results.

They can be used to reduce stray light in a room, evaluate ambient light pollution, and determine the ideal amount of light for growing indoor plants.

Find applications for measuring your employees’ room light as well, or if you’re creating a beautiful piece of art, digital brightness meters can be incredibly useful.

FAQs- The Best Option Digital Illuminance Light Meter

✅ What is a digital illuminance light meter?

The digital illuminance light meter is a measuring device for detecting the illuminance. This value indicates the brightness of the measuring point (independent of the range and direction of the light source).

A digital illuminance light meter is used, for example, to measure the illuminance of workplaces or streetlamps. When using a digital illuminance meter, the incident luminous flux per unit area is recorded in lux.

Silicon photodiodes are usually used as the measuring cell in a light meter. In some devices, the measuring cell is also used for power supply, so that these devices can be operated without additional energy.

✅ How much does a digital illuminance light meter cost?

There are a few things to consider when purchasing these devices. Digital illuminance light meters are highly sensitive devices. Therefore, proper use and maintenance are essential to prolonging the life of the device. Pay particular attention to the sensor. The measurement itself is relatively simple.

To obtain accurate results, make sure that the instrument is not pinched and that the sensor is in good condition. Immediately place the protective cap on the light sensor when the measurement is complete. Depending on the intended use, the accuracy and functionality of the instrument must be determined by the user.

Digital illuminance light meter are the most accurate because the results can be read there immediately.

It should be noted that strong electric fields can falsify the measurement results. After reaching the desired measurement value, it is recommended to check the instrument for damage. This also applies before each use so that the results are as accurate as possible and not falsified.

A low-budget version of the digital illuminance light meter with a digital screen can be purchased for less than $35. More expensive versions are sometimes found in the triple digits and can be purchased for an average of $600.

✅ What are the alternatives to a digital illuminance light meter?

Most smartphones have a light sensor that can be used to measure lighting conditions.

You can also access your smartphone’s built-in light sensor or measure other physical quantities via an app. Since it can be used at any time, a smartphone can also be used as a light meter to optimize lighting conditions in the home.

Don’t expect high accuracy of light measurement by a smartphone, however.

It seems that the sensor does not yet estimate the incoming radiation in a way that corresponds to the luminance sensitivity curve of the human eye for daily vision. Nevertheless, smartphones are very good for occasional comparisons of light levels from different light sources.

✅ How do I use a digital illuminance light meter?

Using a digital illuminance light meter requires no prior knowledge and is usually very easy. This is especially true if you are using a modern light meter. It consists of only two parts and has a fixed sensor. The smaller the distance between the measuring points, the more accurately the lighting conditions can be recorded.

When taking measurements, make sure that the digital illuminance light meter is never obscured by shadows.

  • Preparation: The first switch on the digital illuminance light mete rand select the desired measuring range. You can now remove the protective cover of the illuminance sensor and align it on the meter so that the light hits the horizontal sensor vertically.
  • Calculation: You can now easily read the value shown on the display. In the two measuring ranges 200 and 2000, the displayed value corresponds directly to the light intensity per unit lux; in the measuring range 20000, you must multiply the displayed value by 10; in the measuring range 500000, you must multiply the displayed value by 100. This is the only way to obtain the desired light level. If the display shows “1”, you must first select the next higher measuring range in order to correctly determine the light intensity.
  • Completion: When you have successfully measured with the digital illuminance light meter, switch the device off again and replace the protective cover on the sensor.
Max Welder

Max Welder

Hi! I'm Max Welder (toolsproper.com). I always wanted to work with my own hands, repair something, do things. Now I combine my knowledge with computers and my own knowledge in the field of mechanics in order to understand which tools I like the most. I hope to convey some knowledge and experience.

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