What are CRI and TLCI Ratings?

When it comes to evaluating the quality of light sources for professional settings there are two key, important metrics to consider are the Colour Rendering Index (CRI) and Television Lighting Consistency Index (TLCI). These ratings provide valuable insights into how accurately a light source can reproduce colours, which is crucial in industries such as advertising, video production, and live television or production.

TLCI and CRI ratings will be found in the specifications of listings for most continuous lighting options on our website - while they're not vital for every customer to be aware of, they are very important to some! Here's what they mean. 

Godox FL Series RGB Flexi Panels with CRI and TLCIs of around 95+ each

What is CRI?

CRI is a quantitative measure of a light source's ability to accurately render colours compared to natural light, and is determined by the light's spectrum of  It is rated on a scale from 0 to 100, with a higher CRI indicating better colour accuracy. Most LEDs will hit a CRI of 80 or more, with 100 being the maximum rating for CRI for lighting, representing the most accurate possible colour rendering, replicating natural daylight. 

CRI was created in 1948, with the intention of the measuring accurate colour with standard electric lighting bulbs. While it can be applied to camera use, CRI is best compared to the naked human eye, and so isn't always best used on it's own for video and photography lighting measuring. 

What is TLCI?

TLCI, unlike CRI, is specifically designed for the broadcast and film industry to assess how well a light source reproduces colours on camera, by considering what the camera sees directly. Due to it's more suitable nature, it's the more important metric for gaffers and those in the video and photo industries, especially as LED lighting becomes the new standard. 

The Godox KNOWLED AT200Bi Inflatable LED Light with Bi-Colour adjustments. CRI of 96+ and TLCI or 96+

Like CRI, TLCI is also rated on a scale from 0 to 100, with higher values indicating better colour accuracy for video production, with scores above 90 generally being considered as more than acceptable for large-scale use and needing minimal colour correction in post production. 

Why are CRI and TLCI Ratings Important?

Both CRI and TLCI ratings are crucial for ensuring that the colours captured or displayed under a particular light source are true to life. In industries where colour accuracy is paramount, such as fashion photography, product design, or film production, using light sources with high CRI and TLCI ratings can make a significant difference in the final outcome.

As footage goes through so many cameras and steps and environments, it's handy to know that your lighting is accurate enough to negate the need for extra colour correction. Knowing what the camera is seeing is also handy for knowing what you need to correct and how. Consider colour charts for example!

How to Interpret CRI and TLCI Ratings?

For CRI, a rating of 80 and above is generally considered good, while ratings above 90 are excellent. When it comes to TLCI, a rating of 85 and above is typically recommended for broadcast and film production to ensure accurate colour reproduction on screen. Some Godox LED lighting options have ratings up to 97 and 98 for both! Though, at this range, the difference is barely perceptible.

The Godox KNOWLED P600R Soft RGB LED Panel with CRI and TLCIs of around 96+ each.

Both ratings tend to only be applied to continuous lighting sources, so are best utilised for video and television/film production usage. 

By understanding and paying attention to CRI and TLCI ratings, you can make informed decisions when it comes to selecting the right lighting solutions for your needs. These ratings serve as valuable tools in the industry, guiding professionals towards achieving optimal colour accuracy with professional, high-range lighting equipment.

Godox is a world-renowned brand & leading manufacturer for professional studio lighting equipment. Renowned for their high quality and innovative products, they lead the Film, TV and Photography industries with professional lighting.

EssentialPhoto & Video is the Official Godox Partner and UK Distributor, stocking the widest range of Godox kit in the UK, offering a 12 Month Warranty*, and Customer Support and after-sales repair at our Birmingham-based store. All Godox stock is dispatched from our warehouse in the West Midlands, UK.