Lighting | CineD https://www.cined.com/news/lighting/ Wed, 08 Jan 2025 20:00:39 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6.2 NANLITE Rapid 90 and Rapid 120 Parabolic Softbox Announced – Flat Folding Design for Better Transport https://www.cined.com/nanlite-rapid-90-and-rapid-120-parabolic-softbox-announced-flat-folding-design-for-better-transport/ https://www.cined.com/nanlite-rapid-90-and-rapid-120-parabolic-softbox-announced-flat-folding-design-for-better-transport/#respond Wed, 08 Jan 2025 12:01:08 +0000 https://www.cined.com/?p=367290 NANLITE Rapid 90 and Rapid 120 parabolic softboxes combine a very quick setup system and a flat-folding mechanism that minimizes the size of gear for transport. As the naming implies, the Rapid softbox comes in two sizes – 90cm diameter and 120cm diameter. Both models feature Bowens mount and they are available now for $179 (90cm) and $199 (120cm).

The Chinese lighting manufacturer NANLITE (and its sibling company NANLUX) offer a wide range of lighting solutions including COB lights, light panels, modifiers, etc. An example could be the popular Forza series of COB lights. Now, the company announced a new modifier, the Rapid Parabolic Softbox. Let’s take a look at the details.

Rapid softbox. Source: NANLITE

NANLITE Rapid 90 and Rapid 120 Softbox

Firstly, as the naming implies, the Rapid softbox from NANLITE comes in two different sizes:

  • NANLITE Rapid 90 softbox (SB-RP90) features a 90cm diameter
  • NANLITE Rapid 120 softbox (SB-RP120) features a 120cm diameter

The softbox features the Bowens mount standard, so it will be compatible with many COB lamps on the market. When it comes to the NANLITE lineup, the Rapid softbox is compatible with Forza, FC, and FS series fixtures.

Rapid 120 softbox. Source: NANLITE

For me, the most interesting thing about these softboxes is the flat-folding mechanism that makes them very compact when folded for transport. The quick setup and collapse with the rapid-latch speed ring is also a welcomed feature. NANLITE claims the softbox can be opened within 5 seconds and collapsed in only 1 second.

Rapid 90 softbox. Source: NANLITE

NANLITE Rapid softbox features 16 carbon/steel ribs to provide structural rigidity and stability. Each softbox comes with a standard diffuser as well as a lite diffuser cloth for more flexibility. The diffusers are made of high-density fabric (durable nylon), providing an even diffusing effect. The softbox has a 90° beam with the standard diffuser and a 60° beam with the lite diffuser.

Rapid softbox. Source: NANLITE

The interior of each Rapid 90 or Rapid 120 softbox features reflective fabric that intensifies the light and reduces light loss. Furthermore, each Rapid softbox comes with a carrying bag and a grid for reduced light spill.

Rapid 90 softbox folded. Source: NANLITE

Price and availability

Rapid 90 softbox costs $179 and Rapid 120 softbox costs $199. Both models are available now.

For more information, please visit the NANLITE website.

What do you think about the new NANLITE Rapid softbox? Do you use Bowens mount lights? Would you like to see more softbox models come with a similar flat-folding mechanism? Let us know in the comments section underneath the article.

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Godox KNOWLED MS60R/Bi-Color LED Lights Announced https://www.cined.com/godox-knowled-ms60r-bi-color-led-lights-announced/ https://www.cined.com/godox-knowled-ms60r-bi-color-led-lights-announced/#comments Fri, 20 Dec 2024 13:05:00 +0000 https://www.cined.com/?p=366213 The Godox KNOWLED MS60R/Bi-Color LED Lights are new, versatile, and compact 60W lights that share the design of the AD100. This creative series of lights features several modes, such as CCT, HSI, X-Y, and FX. Let’s take a closer look!

Founded in 1993, Godox has been a provider of quality lighting and audio equipment. The company is very well-known in the industry. They continue to innovate and, in 2024, announced several lighting and microphone systems.

The Godox MS60R and MS60Bi are nearly identical but have different features. Source: Godox

Godox KNOWLED MS60R/Bi-Color LED Lights – features

The Godox KNOWLED MS60R/Bi-Color LED Lights have several features that will appeal to filmmakers and creatives. An output of 11,000 Lux at 3.3ft/1m with lens (R) and 17,000 Lux also at 4.3ft/1.3m (Bi), multiple lighting effects for creative options, 1800K to 10,000K CCT (R), and 2800K to 6500K CCT (Bi), full RGB Color Control, CRMX integration and more. Both LED lights are small, lightweight, highly portable, and are based on the AD100 design. They aren’t much bigger than a soda can but pack quite the lighting punch.

These two new 60W LED lights are very similar, but there are some differences, as detailed below.

The Godox KNOWLED MS60R 60W Color LED Light. Source: Godox
Godox KNOWLED MS60 – Optical Ecosystem, Magnetic Diffusion Accessories. Credit: Godox

The full feature list of the Godox KNOWLED MS60R 60W Color LED light:

  • 11,000 Lux at 3.3ft/1m with lens output.
  • 1800K to 10,000K CCT, brightness from 0-100%.
  • Linear, S-curve, exponential, and logarithmic dimming curve
  • Full RGB Color Control.
  • HSI, X-Y, and FX.
  • CRI 95 | TLCI 95.
  • Onboard CRMX, DMX/RDM, and App control.
  • 14 creative lighting effects.
  • Optional magnetic modifiers compatibility.
  • Fan cooled.
  • USB-C power supply and NFC connection.
  • Compact at 3.03×3.03×3.58in (7.69×7.69x9cm) and weighing only 311g (11 oz), without lens reflector and battery.
  • Comes with lens reflector, stand bracket, battery, USB-C cord, and bag.
  • Multiple kit options available and accepts many accessories.
The Godox KNOWLED MS60Bi 60W Color LED Light. Source: Godox

And the MS60Bi 60W Color LED light:

  • 17,400 Lux at 3.3ft/1m with lens output.
  • 2800K to 6500K CCT, brightness from 0-100%.
  • Linear, S-curve, exponential, and logarithmic dimming curve
  • Full RGB Color Control.
  • HSI, X-Y, and FX.
  • CRI 97 | TLCI 98.
  • Onboard CRMX, DMX/RDM, and App control.
  • 11 creative lighting effects.
  • Optional magnetic modifiers compatibility.
  • Fan cooled.
  • USB-C power supply and NFC connection.
  • Compact at 3.03×3.03×3.58in (7.69×7.69x9cm) and weighing only 303g (under 11 oz), without lens reflector and battery.
  • Comes with a lens reflector, stand bracket, battery, USB-C cord, and bag.
  • Multiple kit options are available and accept many accessories.

Which one to consider purchasing depends on your budget and whether you can use fewer features with the MS60Bi compared to the MS60R. The latter has more features, but both are well-rounded compact LED lights.

Godox KNOWLED MS60R/Bi – Ecosystem·Light-boosting Accessories. Credit: Godox

Price and availability 

The Godox KNOWLED MS60R/Bi-Color LED Lights are available for pre-order now. They come in different options, including single, two-light, and four-light kits, with each kit offering the choice of either MS60R or MS60Bi. One noticeable benefit when considering purchasing such lights is the vast amount of accessories Godox is offering for those fixtures.

Pricing for a single MS60R is $429 while the MS60Bi retails for $329. The two- and four-light kits have varying prices. Learn more here.

What are your thoughts on the new Godox KNOWLED MS60R/Bi-Color LED Lights? Do you use Godox lighting or audio products? Let us know in the comments below!

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Astera QuikSpot Announced – Flexible RGBMA Wireless LED Light https://www.cined.com/astera-quikspot-announced-flexible-rgbma-wireless-led-light/ https://www.cined.com/astera-quikspot-announced-flexible-rgbma-wireless-led-light/#respond Thu, 05 Dec 2024 11:14:18 +0000 https://www.cined.com/?p=364787 The Astera QuikSpot wireless light has been unveiled. It’s a flexible, 60-watt RGBMA LED light that can be used in a variety of ways, including on a film shoot or at a live event. The QuikSpot can be rapidly set up for a shoot and is zoomable and controllable. Let’s dive in!

Astera is known for their tube lights and recently moved into LED fresnels, including the PlutoFresnel and LeoFresnel LEDs with batteries. My colleague Graham Sheldon enjoyed working with and reviewing the HydraPanel. The QuikSpot is Astera’s latest innovation in LED lighting.

Astera QuikSpot – features

The design of the Astera QuikSpot allows it to be deployed quickly. Gaffers and lighting technicians can unpack and set up the LED quickly. Meanwhile, the built-in battery boasts 4.5 hours of maximum use when OutputGain is on. Furthermore, the QuikSpot utilizes Astera’s Titan LED Engine. It’s a flexible solution, with options like a zoomable fresnel (with optional barndoors), spotlight, or an uplight.

That flexibility means the Astera QuikSpot can be used in multiple ways: A controllable light for a film or video shoot, a spotlight for a live event (concert, play, ceremony, and more), or as an uplight as a creative touch for a party or shoot.

The Astera QuikSpot in action. Source: Astera

Features include:

  • 60-watt RGBMA LED light with 35 W power draw.
  • Powered by the Titan LED Engine.
  • High quality and intense colors and whites.
  • OutputGain is great for maximum output for events. Turning it off makes the QuikSpot perfect as a key light for production.
  • The beam angle is adjustable from 13º to 60º by turning the barrel. There is a click at 30º to notify when at the middle of the zoom range.
  • Focus via the removable Yoke (sold separately).
  • 3/8″ thread on the back for when a yoke isn’t necessary.
  • Attach quickly and easily to a third-party clamp, set as an uplight (two foldable feet), and other options. Angle it with the built-in kickstand. Includes an airline track.
  • FlexCover helps to ‘hide’ the light. 
  • Wireless control with built-in CRMX, including LumenRadio’s wireless DMX and RDM. Compatible with controllers and lighting consoles.
  • AsteraApp controls the QuikSpot and other Astera lights and fixtures.
  • Other ways to control include wired DMX, remote control and on the QuikSpot itself.
  • PrepBox allows for fast DMX assignment with up to 8 QuikSpots. Setup color and dimming without a controller. Conveniently, the PrepBox also charges the lights. Works with the AsteraApp.
  • Up to 20 hours of battery runtime, 4.5 hours at maximum brightness (with OutputGain).
  • 5-hour charging time via the ChargingPlate (up to 8 QuikSpots at once, sold separately).
The Astera QuikSpot offers creative lighting options. Source: Astera

Astera QuikSpot – accessories

Astera made sure to include a variety of accessories to take full advantage of the QuikSpot. These include traditional barndoors, the ChargingPlate, and more.

  • 8-way, rotatable barndoors featuring a SafetyLink system when hanging the QuikSpot.
  • Rotatable Filter (17º x 46º) for AX5.
  • TrackPin for airline tracks with 5/8″ pin, single stud fitting.
  • QuikSpot Yoke to help with focusing.
  • QuikSpot ChargingCase Compact and QuikSpot ChargingCase TruckPack.
  • ChargingPlate that can charge up to 8 QuikSpot’s at a time. The included cable depends on the region, i.e., U.S., UK, EU, or AU.
  • PowerCON TRUE1 Cable.
  • FlexCover Mirror and FlexCover White.
The back of the Astera QuikSpot includes a 3/8″ thread. Source: Astera

Price and availability 

The Astera QuikSpot is available now, but you will need to request a quote for pricing information. Astera makes it very easy, and you can add the number of QuikSpots and accessories plus information to receive a quote. Learn more at Astera’s QuikSpot page.

What do you think of the Astera QuikSpot? Are you considering using it not only for a film or video shoot, but also a live event? Please let us know in the comments below!

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GVM Black Friday Deals – Big Discounts on Lighting Gear, Teleprompters, and More https://www.cined.com/gvm-black-friday-deals-big-discounts-on-lighting-gear-teleprompters-and-more/ https://www.cined.com/gvm-black-friday-deals-big-discounts-on-lighting-gear-teleprompters-and-more/#respond Tue, 26 Nov 2024 09:18:00 +0000 https://www.cined.com/?p=363441 GVM has unveiled their Black Friday deals on B&H, starting now and running until December 2, 2024. There are plenty of great deals on new lighting gear, teleprompters, and more, with incredible prices on equipment like the GVM PRO SD300C RGB LED Monolight and GVM PRO SD650B Bi-Color LED Monolight. Let’s take a closer look!

GVM offers a variety of affordable lighting equipment, including their PRO Series, LED light panels, LED video lights, handheld spotlights, pocket lights, and more. The company also sells camera sliders, wireless microphones, and teleprompters. Many of these are on sale now.

We met up with GVM’s Mark-André Voss at IBC 2024, who shared that the company had moved into the European market, expanding beyond the U.S. Their warehouse in the Netherlands offers fast delivery of products, plus service and support for European customers.

The GVM-TQ-LD-1 teleprompter. Source: GVM

GVM Black Friday deals

GVM is offering some steep discounts on their most popular gear, with prices dropping over 30% in some cases. If you’re looking to add new lighting gear or replace aging equipment, a wide range of GVM equipment is on sale. Prices are good from November 21, 2024, until December 2, 2024. All prices are in U.S. dollars with links to B&H.

Here is the full list of GVM’s Black Friday deals, including a variety of lights, teleprompters, batteries, smartphone video camera rig lights, and more:

The GVM PRO SD300C RGB LED Monolight. Source: GVM

GVM Black Friday Deals – highlights

Some of the GVM highlights from their Black Friday sale include:

The Black Friday deals that GVM is offering through B&H cover a variety of their lighting products, plus teleprompters and a smartphone lighting rig. It’s a good time to take advantage of these discounts, which run until December 2, 2024.

You can learn more about GVM’s products on their website here. Keep an eye on their social media for further announcements, contests, and much more.

Visit our special deals page for more great deals!

Do you own any GVM lighting gear? Are you planning on picking up one or more items during their Black Friday sale? Let us know in the comments below!

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Lightbridge TableTop Essentials Kit Introduced https://www.cined.com/lightbridge-tabletop-essentials-kit-introduced/ https://www.cined.com/lightbridge-tabletop-essentials-kit-introduced/#respond Wed, 20 Nov 2024 15:02:36 +0000 https://www.cined.com/?p=363130 Lightbridge has announced their new TableTop Essentials Kit, and it is ideal for photographers, filmmakers, and video professionals shooting smaller subjects. Let’s take a look. 

Launched in Austria in 2017, Lightbridge is known for their award-winning CRLS (Cine Reflect Lighting System), developed with Director of Photography Christian Berger, which we reviewed back in the day. After announcing their new FUTUREPROOF membership program that gives lifelong support to users owning one of their cine reflectors, the company is now out with a new product – the TableTop Essentials Kit.

The items in the Lightbridge TableTop Essentials Kit. Source: Lightbridge

Lightbridge TableTop Essentials Kit – features

The Lightbridge TableTop Essentials Kit offers a small setup of reflectors and T-Wheels Precision Mounts to properly and precisely use natural lighting when shooting smaller subjects. The kit comes with three 7×7 cm (2.7 in) Precision Reflectors (DIFF 1, 2, 3), one 15×15 cm reflector (DIFF 4), two T-Wheels Precision Mounts, and a cleaning cloth.

The T-Wheels Precision Mount was designed to be used in small spaces and can support reflectors up to 25cm x 25 cm (9.84 in x 9.84 in). It mounts to industry-standard 16mm (5/8 in) baby pins. 

Also included is a coffee table-style book called “Small Things That Matter,” part of the Lightbridge Photography line of products. It’s a comprehensive guide to quickly and easily work with natural light in small spaces. The book goes beyond just a simple how-to guide; there are comprehensive setup and result examples, and quotes from Lightbridge’s ambassadors.

The Lightbridge T-Wheel Precision Mount. Source: Lightbridge

Features include:

  • 1x “Small Things That Matter” book
  • 1x 7x7cm (2.7 in) Precision Reflector (DIFF 1 – Black) + Neoprene Sleeve
  • 1x 7x7cm (2.7 in) Precision Reflector (DIFF 2 – Blue) + Neoprene Sleeve
  • 1x 7x7cm (2.7 in) Precision Reflector (DIFF 3 – Violet) + Neoprene Sleeve
  • 1x 15x15cm (6 in) Precision Reflector (DIFF 4 – White) + Neoprene Sleeve
  • 2x T-Wheels Precision Mount
  • 1x Cleaning Cloth

This kit has everything needed for a compact setup to photograph or film a variety of smaller subjects. For those shooting product shots for a client or someone who does high-volume selling on sites like eBay or Poshmark, The Lightbridge TableTop Essentials Kit has the reflectors and mounts needed to light the subjects properly.

Lightbridge’s “Small Things That Matter” book. Source: Lightbridge

Price and availability

The Lightbridge TableTop Essentials Kit is now available and is priced at $499. Learn more about the kit on Lightbridge’s site.

What do you think of the Lightbridge TableTop Essentials Kit? Do you use any of the company’s award-winning reflectors for your projects? Let us know in the comments below!

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SWIT MONET Series Announced – 400W and 700W RGBWW Bright Soft Light Panels https://www.cined.com/swit-monet-series-announced-400w-and-700w-rgbww-bright-soft-light-panels/ https://www.cined.com/swit-monet-series-announced-400w-and-700w-rgbww-bright-soft-light-panels/#respond Wed, 06 Nov 2024 13:04:41 +0000 https://www.cined.com/?p=360955 SWIT has announced the launch of the MONET series, with two new RGBWW soft light panels: the MONET-400, a 1×1 panel delivering 400W, and the MONET-700, a 2×1 panel with an output of 700W. Both lights are aimed at studios and broadcast environments and share many of their features.

SWIT Electronics, founded in 1996 in China, offers solutions for the broadcast and film industry. Although you may know the company for their professional video batteries, they have been incorporating more products into their catalog, like the SWIT K15 and K21 field monitors we recently wrote about. On this occasion, SWIT has announced the release of two new light panels, the MONET-400 and MONET-700. These panels feature RGBWW LEDs, a new cooling system with a low noise design, and precise light control with full RGB light and white light from 2800 – 10000K, among other characteristics. Let’s take a closer look!

The SWIT MONET-400 delivers a soft light for even distribution. Source: SWIT.

SWIT MONET Series – features in common

Both lights offer full RGB + white gamut control, with hue, saturation, and brightness adjustable in 0.1% steps, going from 2.800K to 10.000K in CCT mode, and both feature onboard control, DMX, IP, and control via app.

SWIT has incorporated a new, quiet cooling system for heat dissipation with a noise level of 40 dB, ensuring clean audio in studio and broadcast recordings. Also, the MONET series incorporates SWIT CTDM technology, offering brighter lighting at the same power consumption as other brands, according to the company.

The MONET Series comes without a ballast, integrating its components inside the main unit. Source: SWIT.

The MONET-400 and MONET-700 include a 3.5-inch color display on the back, with a knob hotkey to adjust color and brightness precisely, and both fixtures feature CCT/HSI/RGB and CIE light effects, as well as gel selection mode with Rosco and Lee gels, supporting gels import. The lights can also be controlled via the SWIT Console mobile app, which is free for iOS and Android devices. The app will be updated in December 2024. 

The fixtures have built-in AC in and loop out, 48V DC input, and 5-pin DMX input and loop out, making them compact and easy to set up. Thanks to its EtherCON interface, which supports the Art-Net protocol and features a built-in CRMX receiver of LumenRadio, the fixtures can be integrated with professional production systems.

The MONET has a double-layer accessory quick-release structure and comes with an S-Polytech diffuser and a 4-leaf barndoor. Other accessories like a honeycomb and a softbox are also provided.

MONET-400 and MONET-700 specs. Source: SWIT.

MONET-400 vs MONET-700: two fixtures with different purposes 

The SWIT MONET-400 is a 1×1 soft light panel with RGBWW LEDs that delivers 11500 lux at 1 meter and 1500 lux at 3 meters, making it suitable for lighting situations requiring soft and even light distribution. On the other hand, the MONET-700 is a 2×1 panel that delivers high-intensity light (20000 lux at 1 meter and 2700 lux at 3 meters), offering precise light control with a half-peak beam angle of approximately 65°, making it suitable for studios needing more concentrated light. 

Price and availability

The MONET-400 and MONET-700 will start shipping in the first quarter of 2025, and their prices will be €1,799 (approx. $1,940) and €2,999 (approx. $3,230), respectively. For more information, please visit the products’ website: here for the MONET-400 and here for the MONET-700.

What do you think of the new MONET series? Do you use these types of fixtures in your productions? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! 

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amaran Ace 25x and 25c Introduced – Portable, Powerful Lights for Creators on the Go https://www.cined.com/amaran-ace-25x-and-25c-introduced-portable-powerful-lights-for-creators-on-the-go/ https://www.cined.com/amaran-ace-25x-and-25c-introduced-portable-powerful-lights-for-creators-on-the-go/#comments Fri, 18 Oct 2024 08:45:17 +0000 https://www.cined.com/?p=358893 amaran has released two new portable LED lights, the amaran Ace 25x and Ace 25c. These bi-color and full-color fixtures are advertised as the most powerful in their class. With a maximum output of up to 32W and interesting features like customisable shortcuts, these compact lights are aimed at the content creation segment, where portability, battery life, and versatility are crucial selling points. Let’s take a look at them!

amaran, the brand initially created under the Aputure family, which spun off months ago, has released two new portable LED lights, the amaran Ace 25x and the amaran Ace 25c. The company assures that they deliver twice the output of similarly sized lights and introduces the new amaran locking ecosystem with the Ace Lock quick-release mount, which promises creators that they can snap their lights onto a camera or tripod in less than a second. 

The amaran Ace 25c is a portable full-color LED light aimed at content creators. Source: amaran.

Brightness and colors for all

With a weight of less than a pound, the amaran Ace 25x and 25c feature a boost mode capable of delivering up to 32W of light. Thanks to their optical design, the amaran Ace 25c can output up to 5,908 lux of light at 0.5m at 5,600K, while the amaran Ace 25x can deliver 6,320 lux at the same distance and color temperature. 

Both lights are available in five colors (charcoal, white, silver, pink, and green).

Autonomy and portability

The amaran Ace 25c and 25x share a battery runtime of up to 4 hours and 40 minutes in Silent Mode and 70 minutes in Standard Mode, which should adapt to almost every shooting situation we can find when creating content, including interviews and live streaming. For those needing more, their recharge time (40 minutes from 0-90%) ensures that, with a couple of lights, you are sorted for the whole shooting. The fixtures can also power other equipment, like compact lights, camera gear, or smartphones, with the included USB-C cable.

Both fixtures can output up to 32W. – Source: amaran.

Both fixtures weigh 325.5g (0.72 lbs) and measure 11.8 x 7.7 x 3.3cm (4.65 x 3.03 x 1.30in). They are also available in a travel kit, which includes a light control grid and a mini tripod, all contained in a protective carrying case. 

New amaran Ace Lock and magnetic mounting

With the amaran Ace 25x and the Ace 25c, the brand introduces Ace Lock, advertised as an ‘ultra-fast and secure quick-release mount’ which can be attached to the camera or tripod with one hand in less than a second. As users will find situations where time is gold, this feature should help them prepare for the next shot. Both lights feature a magnetic front accessory mount to control the quality of light and an integrated back silicone pad to attach them to any magnetic surface, expanding their mounting options.

Price and availability

The amaran Ace 25c, amaran Ace 25x, and their accessories are now shipping at the following prices:

  • amaran Ace 25x: $69 / Kit: $9570.10
  • amaran Ace 25c: $99 / Kit: $125
  • amaran Ace 30° Light Control Grid: $8
  • amaran Ace Lock Mini Tripod: $19
  • amaran Ace Lock to Cold Shoe Adapter: $10

For more information, please visit the products’ website here.

What do you think of the new portable lights by amaran? Do you find features that would make them stand out from the competition? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! 

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Harlowe Announces SOL 5 Bi-Color LED Light Aimed at Content Creators https://www.cined.com/harlowe-announces-sol-5-bi-color-led-light-aimed-at-content-creators/ https://www.cined.com/harlowe-announces-sol-5-bi-color-led-light-aimed-at-content-creators/#respond Thu, 17 Oct 2024 08:31:27 +0000 https://www.cined.com/?p=358486 Lighting and accessories company Harlowe (previously Hobolite) has announced a new bi-color LED light, the Harlowe Sol 5, aimed at content creators. The company changed names shortly after IBC, during which they debuted a 40W Mini Max LED light. Now, they are back with a beautiful new light that packs a lot of punch and has some pretty cool features. Let’s take a look!

Be seen in your best light

Harlowe empowers creators with a new light that can attach to the back of your iPhone via a MagSafe connection. The 3-watt light, dubbed “Sol 5,” can extend, telescope, and flip orientation. The chargeable, bi-color LED light also dims from 0-100% and has an adjustable color temp from 2700K to 6500K. The flexible head, as mentioned, can spin a full 360-degrees, so you can still use either facing camera. And just in case 3 watts is not enough power, you can enable “Boost Mode” functionality to get a continuous 5.5 watts output for 30 seconds.

Harlowe Sol 5 Bi-Color LED Light
Harlowe Sol 5 Bi-Color LED Light. Images: Harlowe.

You’ll find a lot of features packed into this little light. Here is a full list of specs on the Sol 5:

  • CCT: 2700K – 6500K
  • CRI: 96
  • Power: 5.5W (Boost Mode), 3.5W (Standard Mode)
  • Luminous Flux: 360LM (Boost Mode), 200LM (Standard Mode) (@6500K)
  • TLCI: 99
  • Input (AC) 100-240V, 50~60HZ
  • Input (DC) 5V
  • Battery 3.7V 1000MAH, 3.7WH
  • Dimming: 0-100%
  • Operating Temperature: 14~104°F
  • Control Methods: Onboard
  • Color: Brown Faux Leather
  • Boost Duration: 30s

Designed for creators on the move

The Sol 5 is made out of lightweight aluminum with brown leather accents. But perhaps where this light shines brightest, pun intended, is in the Travel Kit.

The Travel Kit includes the light, an attachable softbox, and a zip-up carrying bag. The magnetic softbox is ideal for beauty portraits and close-up lighting to help diffuse the spread evenly. I could see the use-case for this light for vloggers, even if only to use as a catch light in the eyes. You probably wouldn’t want to use it as your main key light, but as a supplemental light, I’m sure it would work great.

Harlowe Sol 5 Bi-Color LED Light
Harlowe Sol 5 Bi-Color LED Light Uses. Images: Harlowe.

The Sol 5 measures 79.8×68.6×26.9cm / 3.14×2.7×1.06 inches when folded and weighs only 108.9g / 0.24 lbs. It can run up to 1.5 hrs on a single charge. If I’ve missed any specs you might be looking for, or if you just want to look at the Sol 5 in a little more detail, you can find everything you need on Harlowe’s website.

If you’re interested in purchasing the Sol 5 Travel Kit, you can do so for $159. If you would prefer the solo light, it is $79. Also worth mentioning is that you can buy the magnetic softbox separately for $39, so if you just want the light and the softbox, that total brings you to $118.

What are your thoughts on this new Sol 5 light from Harlowe? Is it worthwhile, or is it not powerful enough for what you need? I’m interested to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

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Cineroid DeepEye Studio – A Fully Robotic Studio Operated by a Single Person https://www.cined.com/cineroid-deepeye-studio-a-fully-robotic-studio-operated-by-a-single-person/ https://www.cined.com/cineroid-deepeye-studio-a-fully-robotic-studio-operated-by-a-single-person/#comments Wed, 25 Sep 2024 13:41:18 +0000 https://www.cined.com/?p=356672 During IBC 2024, Nino had the chance to interview SoonGi Jang from Cineroid and Eungiu Lee from DeepEye Studio. They told us about their joint project, DeepEye Studio, a hardware and software-based fully robotic studio that generates videos and can be operated by one person, saving money and time in the long run.

Cineroid is a cinema and broadcasting equipment company known for its lighting solutions, such as the Cineroid Jupiter 500W and 1000W or the Cineroid TL120

A solution in four simple steps

As SoonGi Jang and Eungiu Lee told us, the idea behind DeepEye Studio is to create a studio where anyone can easily create professional content. The system is equipped with robotic Flycam cameras, automated lights, and software for testing, editing, and rendering. The final result can be obtained in ten minutes and requires only one person crew.

The software analyses and generates the camera and light movements and the editing. – Source: Cineroid.

The process that makes DeepEye Studio unique looks very simple. First, users place the object or person to be filmed. Next, they select an adjustable scenario from the 3D animation software. Then, the data is sent to the XL engine in 2 milliseconds to process the information. After this, the system tests and generates automatic camera and light movements and adjustments, shoots automatically, and handles the editing and rendering. Finally, the software generates the images and clips. 

DeepEye Studio can be used as a green screen and virtual production studio. Using flying cameras and robots allows for dynamic angles and omnidirectional movements. For now, the company is using Panasonic box-shaped cameras. Still, the system can control other cameras if they supply an SDK software development kit or API, which is necessary to program and connect them. Any light supported by DMX could be used with the system regarding lighting compatibility.

Source: Cineroid.

Who is DeepEye Studio for? 

When talking about potential users and the market niche for DeepEye Studio, SoonGi Jang and Eungiu Lee told us that production companies or broadcast stations are not the main ones. The target clients are industrial companies that want to insource their video productions, like manufacturers, fashion companies, home shopping channels, etc. For example, home shopping channels that advertise many products with pictures and videos but have limited human resources would save time and money by using DeepEye Studio. 

A frame from a video generated with DeepEye Studio. – Source: Cineroid.

A studio in different flavors

DeepEye Studio is available in different standard pre-programmed and prepared models, with a minimum required space of 6x8x4.5 meters and a maximum of 20x20x10m. However, the system is open to customization if clients have special requirements, such as the precision or speed of the robot’s movements. 

Given the system’s complexity, a construction process follows once the client selects the desired model, and an engineer sets up the final model in two or three days. DeepEye Studio already has one system running in Korea and will soon install another one.

Price and availability 

DeepEye Studio, as you may have imagined at this point, is not for everyone’s pockets. The studio, including the robotic arms, the fly-cams, software, etc., costs around $300.000, and the software is paid with an annual subscription. Cineroid and DeepEye studio are working to show the studio next year at IBC 2025. For more information, please visit DeepEye Studio’s website.

What do you think about DeepEye Studio? Do you think it is a new way for companies to produce their own content? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

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SmallRig RC 100B COB LED Light Announced – First Look https://www.cined.com/smallrig-rc-100b-cob-led-light-announced-first-look/ https://www.cined.com/smallrig-rc-100b-cob-led-light-announced-first-look/#respond Tue, 24 Sep 2024 07:47:41 +0000 https://www.cined.com/?p=356061 We stopped by the SmallRig booth at IBC where we had the opportunity to have a quick chat with Charles Chevrat on their newest, and quite affordable COB LED video light – the RC 100B, a portable but powerful fixture available in standard and mobile versions. Let’s take a look at it!

As the number of content creators rises, portable lights have flooded the market. In this saturated market, quality—thankfully—is once again a key differentiator for standing out. Filmmakers need reliable, portable fixtures to light their videos and properly present their work. Brands like Hobolite, ZHIYUN, amaran, and SmallRig have entered the race, making it harder to choose the best option. However, with today’s high production standards, it’s difficult to go wrong. The choice often comes down to personal preference rather than significant differences in the models. SmallRig has expanded their lineup with the new RC 100B COB video light.

SmallRig RC 100B COB. Image credit: CineD

SmallRig RC 100B COB – main features

The RC 100B COB has a compact design and delivers a color range from 2700K to 6500K, with twelve special effects. It has a CRI of 97+ and a TLCI of 98+ and features different wired and wireless powering options like an integrated V-mount to attach batteries, USB-C, and DC power adapter with up to 110W input. The USB-C can connect an optional handle, which also comes with a V-mount option. Users can pair the handle with other lights from the brand, like the RC 60B, and fixtures from other companies, like amaran. The fixture has a mini mount that can be converted to a Bowens mount to use different light modifiers.

The handle makes the figure a reasonable option for run and gun scenarios. – Source: SmallRig

Finally, the light can be controlled via the on-body control panel, integrated with DMX accessories, and wirelessly with the SmallGoGo app. The standard version includes the main unit, a mini reflector, a light stand adapter, a silicone diffuser, a 3m USB-C to USB-C Cable, and the user manual. The mobile version comes with the main unit, a mini reflector, a grip handle, an NP-F 970 battery plate, and the user manual.

Price and availability

The new SmallRig RC 100B COB video light is now available at $229 in its standard version, while the mobile version costs $199.98. THE RC 220B (a bigger version of the light delivering 220W) will be available for around 350€. For more information, please visit their website here.

What do you think about the RC 100B COB from SmallRig? Are you using portable lights in your projects? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! 

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