If you’re a macOS user, chances are you’re familiar with FaceTime and its usefulness as a communication tool. While many people use FaceTime simply because it’s the default option for Apple devices, it’s actually a solid and user-friendly platform for making video calls. However, there’s a feature within FaceTime that many users may not be aware of, and it can significantly improve the quality of your video calls. That feature is called Studio Light.
Studio Light is a part of Apple’s Continuity Camera, which allows your iPhone or iPad to connect to your Mac via Wi-Fi and function as a high-definition webcam. Apple implemented this feature to ensure users have the best experience and can take advantage of the remarkable camera capabilities of their iPhones. One of the ways Studio Light enhances video calls is by improving the lighting in the frame. It dimms the background and highlights your face, resulting in a more focused and visually appealing look.
Of course, Studio Light won’t be able to do much if you’re in a very dark room. If your phone struggles to record a decent video in your current lighting conditions, Studio Light might not be able to help significantly. However, even in dim lighting, you’ll be surprised at how capable FaceTime is.
While Studio Light won’t make you feel like a master filmmaker, it does ensure that the lighting remains focused on your face, keeping the attention on you rather than your background. If that sounds like something you’d like to try, let me show you how to enable Studio Light.
To enable Studio Light, you’ll need a macOS device running the latest version of the operating system. Even though Studio Light is a part of Continuity Camera, you don’t have to be using it to enjoy these new features.
First, open FaceTime on your Mac. You don’t need to initiate a call yet to enable the feature. Once you’ve enabled Studio Light, it will remain enabled until you disable it, so you don’t have to enable it for each call.
In the FaceTime app, you’ll find a green/white camera icon in your Menu Bar. Click on that icon to reveal the FaceTime features.
Under the camera selector dropdown, you’ll see three options: Portrait, Studio Light, and Reactions. Click on Studio Light to enable it. You will automatically see the difference in your video feed. The amount of improvement will depend on the ambient lighting in the room. The brighter the background light, the more noticeable the improvement will be. If you’re using your iPhone via Continuity Camera, the difference should be even greater.
With Studio Light, you can enhance your FaceTime sessions by directing the focus towards your face and preventing a distracting background from stealing the attention. While this feature may not be a game-changer, it’s definitely a great tool to have at your disposal when you want your FaceTime calls to look as good as possible. Give Studio Light a try and see the difference it can make in your video calls.