Color temperature is a simplified way to indicate the hue of a light source in degrees Kelvin (K). Lower color temperatures suggest more of a yellow-reddish color, while higher color temperatures tend to be more blue.
The following chart can be used to approximate various light sources in a rendered scene.
Approximate Degrees K |
Light Source Example |
|
1500 - 1800 |
Candlelight |
|
2800 - 3200 |
Indoor household tungsten light bulb |
|
5000 - 5500 |
Sunny day at noon |
|
6500 - 7000 |
Overcast sky |
|
9000 - 12000 |
Blue sky |