Only two weeks after introducing the affordable FS-300C RGBW LED light, NANLITE is already back with a new fixture in the FC lineup: the FC-500C.

NANLITE FC-500C – features

Similarly to other NANLITE FC fixtures, the FC-500C consists of two parts:

• The light head has a built-in ballast and onboard controls. It measures 37.3 x 24.6 x 14.9cm/14.69 x 9.70 x 11.09″ and weighs 3.91kg/8.62 lbs.
• An external power supply that measures 11.3 x 9.1 x 28.1cm/4.45 x 3.58 x 11.09″ and ticks the scale at 2.24kg/4.94 lbs.

The NANLITE FC-500C is a 520W RGBW LED light. In CCT mode, you can adjust the color temperature from 2,700K to 7,500K with +/- 150 green magenta adjustment. According to NANLITE, it can output an impressive 57,050 lux at 1m/3ft at 5,600K with the included reflector.

Regarding color accuracy, NANLITE claims that the FC-500C has a CRI/TLCI of 95 and 94, respectively, a TM-30 Rf average of 92, and a TM-30 Rg average of 100.

As it is an RGBW fixture, you’ll also have access to multiple color modes, including HSI, RGBW, Gel, and Effect. NANLITE claims a maximum output of 25,590 lux in color mode at 1m/3ft with the included reflector. There are 15 built-in lighting effects, including HUE/CCT/INT loop, flash, pulse, storm, police car, etc.

At the back of the fixture, you’ll find one PowerCon 48V power input, a power switch, a small LCD display, two control knobs, a 3.5mm DMX port, and a USB-A port for firmware update.

You can control your lighting settings via the onboard controls, wired via the DMX/RDM port, or wirelessly with the optional remote controller or the free Nanlink App, available for Android and iOS devices.

At the bottom of the light, you’ll find a large 11cm/4.33in built-in fan. The fan has four control modes: Smart, High-Speed, Low-Speed, and Off. According to NANLITE, at 100% power output in Smart mode, the noise level is around 29 dBA, which sounds reasonable. Please note that you can only get the maximum output in Smart and High-Speed fan modes. In Low-Speed mode, the maximum output is only 50%, which drops to 8% if you set the fan to Off.

At the front of the NANLITE FC-500C, you’ll find a standard Bowens mount compatible with all your existing and favorite lighting modifiers. Also, there is an umbrella mount on the yoke.

NANLITE FC PowerController – features

Along with the FC-500C, NANLITE also introduced the FC PowerController, which allows you to control and power FC-300B/500B/500C LED lights via mains power or V-Mount batteries. The FC PowerController FC is relatively compact at only 13×13.5×20.4cm / 5.14×5.33×8.05in and weighs just 1.61kg/3.55 lbs. As you can tell, this optional unit is more compact and lighter than the power adapter that comes with the FC-500C.

You’ll find one V-Mount battery plate on each side of the FC PowerController. The unit accepts either 14.4-14.8V or 26V batteries. However, the maximum output of your LED light will depend on the batteries you use. For example, two 26V V-Mount batteries are required to power the FC-500C at full power. If you use a single 14.4V V-Mount battery, your output will be limited to 30%.

Furthermore, when connected to AC power, the FC PowerController can act as a portable battery charger while powering your light at full power.

At the front of the FC PowerController, you’ll find a status display, Menu and Mode buttons, and two adjustment knobs. At the back of the unit is a quick-release plate, so you can mount it to a light stand via an optional quick-release clamp.

Price and availability

Both the FC-500C and PowerController should be available this month. The FC-500C kit retails for $1,099, and the PowerController is $399.

For more information, please visit NANLITE’s website here.

What do you think about this new NANLITE RGBW LED light? What is your favorite NANLITE lineup of light? Do you think about getting the PowerController to power your FC fixtures externally? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments below!

Matthews Studio Equipment—also known as MSE—is an American grip company that started in the industry in 1968. For decades, the company has been making light stands, dollies, lighting controls, and many grip bits and pieces built to last a lifetime.

Last year, MSE released a Mini Boom rolling kit designed for lightweight fixtures and lighting modifiers. While this is an excellent compact boom, if you need to place heavier fixtures, cameras, or lighting modifiers with a more extended reach, Matthews released the Middle MAX Menace, a heavy-duty boom arm with an impressive reach and payload capacity.

Matthews Middle MAX Menace – features

Let’s start by saying that for one-man-band filmmakers, the Matthews Middle MAX Menace is probably not for you. Indeed, with a weight of 200 lbs/91kg, this boom arm is made entirely of metal and is a heavy beast. Also, while it can fit in small vans, the Middle MAX Menace still has a stored height of 162.5cm/64in.

However, once the Middle MAX Menace is out of your van/truck, you can roll it on set with the two 10″x3″ puncture-proof tires and steering handle.

When the arm reaches its destination, you can unfold and extend the boom arm. The last thing you want with this kind of boom arm is for it to tip over. To solve that problem, counterweight poles are placed over the tires to stabilize and anchor the boom arm.

According to Matthews, the Middle MAX Menace can reach a maximum height of 18ft/5.49m with the 6ft/1.81m extension arm. If you don’t use the extension arm, the Middle MAX Menace has a 12ft/3.65m reach and a maximum payload capacity of 80 lbs/36.3kg.

Furthermore, Matthews mentions that it is “capable of supporting mounted equipment up to 6ft/1.83m below grade, meaning that it can support gear 6ft/1.83m lower than the roofline or balcony it is standing on.”

You’ll find a self-leveling head with a baby pin and junior receiver at the end of the Middle MAX Menace boom arm. You can lock the head in three different positions/angles.

Price and availability

The Matthews Middle MAX Menace boom arm is available on their website now for $6000.

For more information, please visit Matthews’ website here.

What do you think about this heavy-duty boom arm? Do you often use boom arms on set? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments below!

SIRUI is a Chinese company that is known for making a wide range of photography, videography, and outdoor shooting gear. If you haven’t seen our factory tour on them yet, you should check it out here. Recently, we’ve written about their Sniper lenses for APS-C cameras and their Nightwalker Cine lenses, and now they’ve come out with the C150X pocket light. I’ve learned to appreciate the smaller things that make life easier on a project as well, so items like this are always worth checking out.

Bright, light, and small

It’s small at only 140x97x53mm/5.5×3.8×2.1 in and weighs just 450g/1 lb Bare light illuminance is 5310 Lux@1m, and with the reflector, that’s increased to 24,000 Lux@1m. A very nice addition to this light is the handle and the fact it has support for a V-mount battery.

SIRUI C150X – specs

• Max Input Power: 150W
• Light Body Dimensions: 140x97x53mm / 5.5×3.8×2 in
• Weight: 450g/1.0lb
• CCT: 2800-6500K
• CRI: CRI(Ra) 95.5-97 TLCI 98
• Illuminance: 5310 Lux@1m
• Illuminance with Reflector: 24000 Lux@1m
• Voltage Input Range: 100-240V
• Power Supply: Adapter, V-Mount battery, Type C, Power Bank
• Bluetooth Remote Control Distance: 15m

Remote control and power supply

There are four ways to power the SIRUI C150X Pocket Light. The DC adapter power supply comes with a 2-meter input line and a 4-meter output line (long enough so you can place it overhead). You can also power the light directly using an optional V-mount battery plate (supports a 14.8 and a 26V battery), or you can use a PD Type C power line instead of an adapter. And finally, you can purchase an optional power bank (PD 30W, 60W, 100W) to charge the C150X.

CCT, intensity, and light effects can be controlled through Bluetooth using the SIRUI Light Control App.

Noise levels and temperature control

Four fan modes supply steady heat dissipation – OFF (silent), AUTO (the fan adjusts according to the temperature), M (Max power 100W – optimized for sound-sensitive environments), and H (Max power 150W, 26dB).

SIRUI C150X Pocket Light – effects

The C150X offers 12 lighting effects: Fire, Broken Bulb, Lightning, Flash, CCT recycle, Explode, SOS, Candle, Electrowelding, Pulse, Firework, and TV.

SIRUI C150X Pocket Light – accessories

A quick setup tilt head is included with a 1/4″ 20-threaded hole, as is the handle that makes the light very simple and efficient to use. A reflector is also included, which increases illuminance to 25700 Lux@1m.

Additional accessories are also available for purchase – a V-mount battery plate, a Bowens mount adapter (1.7kg / 3.74lb max load), and a mini Quick Setup softbox.

The alternatives

Although the C150X looks like the perfect option for many, there are still a couple of alternatives we can look at. The first is the ZHIYUN MOLUS X100, released in 2023. It’s dimmable and slightly smaller than the C150X and weighs less at 0.8 lbs, but the output is 100W max, power options are more limited, and the fan is not adjustable. There is a Music Mode that times the lights to the beat of the music. It is slightly less expensive at $199 and includes a reflector, power adapter, and cable. It’s also available as a combo set for $289 that includes an X100 grip battery and Bowens mount adapter B, or a pro set that includes the above, as well as a mini softbox with grid for $329.

The second one you might want to look at is the COLBOR Wonder W100 Bi-Color LED Monolight, part of a set of 4 compact LED lights introduced at CP+ this year. The unit is slightly larger and weighs 0.8 lbs. There is a battery grip for this light, but it is still 100W compared to the 150W of the C150X, so it depends on your needs. A reflector, diffusion dome, COB cover protector, and AC to DC adapter are included for $169, or there is a kit available for $267.95 that includes the battery grip.

Price and availability

The SIRUI C150X Pocket Light is available now either as the light only or in a kit that includes the V-mount battery plate unit and clamp, plus the Bowens mount adapter. The light alone is $219, and the kit is $249.

Have a look at the SIRUI website here for more details.

Would you have a use for this pocket light in your kit? What do you use for lighting in these kinds of scenarios? Let us know in the comments!

NANLITE, the Chinese company specializing in LED lighting for creators, expands their FS line with a new 300W light – the FS-300C RGBW LED spotlight. With the FS series, the brand offers a catalog of simple and cost-effective lights for filmmakers, photographers, and live streamers. The new fixture’s main selling points are an attractive price, a high power-ratio LED layout, and precise color control.

Output, color, and performance

The FS-300C offers high-efficiency output with enough power to handle most typical situations content creators might face, especially for indoor shoots or nighttime settings. The fixture delivers 34,200 Lux at 1 meter (5600K, with reflector) and 15,850 Lux at 1 meter (green, with reflector). According to NANLITE, these numbers make the fixture stand out from other lights of this wattage.

The FS-300C offers a color range of 2700K to 7500K and a ±150 Green/Magenta adjustment. This precise color tuning is possible thanks to an RGBW light engine and algorithm improvements, which provide users with a wide CCT range and a precise tint adjustment in CCT mode. In HSI mode, users can choose from 36,000 colors. 

Color specifications:

• CCT Range: 2700K-7500K
• G/M adjustment: ±150
• CRI: Average 95
• TLCI: Average 94 
• TM-30 Rf: Average 92 TM-30 Rg: Average 100
• SSI 3200K: 84 5600K: 71

Design and connectivity

The FS-300C weighs 3.23kg (7.12 lbs) and features an all-in-one design that includes the lamp body, control unit, and power adapter, making it easy to set up. If you are familiar with the FS series, the fixture shares the same two knobs and a MODE button design to allow users to switch between CCT, HSI, effect modes, and menu control. 

The unit has built-in Bluetooth and 2.4G modules, so the usual operations can be controlled onboard or wirelessly via the NANLINK APP 2.0 or a remote controller. The app also supports preset and grouping functions, which are helpful for synchronizing multiple fixtures. The unit also has 15 adjustable built-in effects. 

The FS-300C has a cooling system with a reduced noise level of 24dB(A) in Smart mode. The fan system can be set up in four modes to better adjust to the shooting scenario, where users can balance noise levels and output.

Finally, the FS-300C features a standard Bowens mount and an umbrella hole and is compatible with a wide range of NANLITE modifiers and Bowens mount accessories. The integrated USB port allows for firmware updates.

Price and availability

The NANLITE FS-300C is priced at $549 and will be available to order soon. We will update this article when we know more.

For more information, please visit the NANLITE’s product website here. 

What do you think of the FS-300C? Have you used NANLITE lights from the FS series before? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Profoto is a Swedish company well-known by photographers worldwide. Their famous Pro and A series, to name a few, are industry standards, and it was only a matter of time before the company entered the world of filmmaking. Since video content is in growing demand, many companies are expanding their catalog with LED lights suitable for video.

A high-end light fixture to enter the video market 

Launching a 1600W LED light as their first cinema light puts the brand in the high-end spectrum of the market. Profoto analyzed the situation and decided to go for the ‘no compromises, full power, full effect’ segment instead of the bi-color and full-color range of LEDs.

With a weight of 11,7kg/25,8lb, the Profoto L1600D Cinema LED light comes without a ballast or floor unit and is ready for worldwide use via its 100-240 VAC power supply. This feature reduces the setup time, making it easy to set up and carry around. According to the company, with a 5700K color temperature and a CRI of 97, the fixture has two fans inside the unit complementing the patent-pending HydroCTech liquid-cooling system. Profoto has designed the light to be quiet in order to avoid unwanted noise on set.

The fixture has a dual mounting option, shipping with a Bowens mount and an adapter to use all of Profoto’s light shapers. Users can control the unit onboard, and it offers wireless Profoto Air Radio connectivity from up to 328′ away. It is compatible with the Profoto Control, Lumenair, and Blackout apps. The fixture also features DMX 5-pin XLR connectors and integrated LumenRadio TimoTwo CRMX for more operation control. 

Finally, since the company received early feedback asking for it, they developed a new patent-pending swivel yolk that allows for tilting the light in any direction. 

Price and availability 

The Profoto L1600D Cinema LED light will ship in late October or early November for around $7,990. For more information, please visit Profoto’s website here.

What do you think of the Profoto L1600D? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! 

DoPchoice and Lightbridge introduced the Snapbridge in November 2023. We had an in-depth talk with Jakob from Lightbridge and Stefan from DoPchoice about the entire system, which you can watch here.

In a nutshell, the Snapbridge is a very slim 5ft/1.5m lighting modifier that combines a Lightbridge Precision Reflector and DoPchoice fabric. This lighting modifier is handy because it saves space in small shooting locations. All you have to do is attach a light at the bottom of your light stand and bounce it to the reflector, giving you a smooth, reflected “layered lighting” soft light.

The Snapbridge can be set up within seconds on either the white or dark side. The white side diffuses the light and is called the Soft Light. The dark side is called the Dark Mode and creates a negative fill.

During Cine Gear 2024, we stopped by the companies’ booth to discuss their newly introduced smaller version of the Snapbridge, as well as new diffusion fabrics in collaboration with Bluff Bounce.

Lightbridge and DoPchoice Snapbridge – a smaller version

DoPchoice and Lightbridge are two companies founded by filmmakers, which means they use their products on set and are always listening to user feedback. While the actual 5ft/1.5m version of the Snapbridge gives you a nice, pleasing, soft light, there was also a need for a smaller version.

Both companies did exactly this by introducing a new 3ft/90cm diameter Snapbridge. This smaller version has the same features as its bigger brother: dual side, compatible with Lightbridge reflectors, and still features an industry-standard 16mm baby pin mount.

Also, you can still use it with 50 x 50cm Lightbridge diffusers, but the 3ft/90cm Snapbridge is probably more suited for smaller 25 x 25cm and 15 x 15cm diffusers.

Bluff Bounce diffusers

DoPchoice and Lightbridge also partnered with a third company, Bluff Bounce, to create a new series of light diffusers for the Snapbridge. In total, you’ll get three new fabrics, including:

• Unbleached muslin, ideal for shooting skin tones.
• Day blue, which can be handy for creating a cool blue skylight effect.
• And a 50/50 mix of unbleached muslin and day blue.

Price and availability

For more information, please visit Lightbridge’s website here.

What do you think about this smaller Snapbridge model? Have you already used this light diffuser on set? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments below!

At NAB 2024 back in April, Chinese LED light manufacturer GVM announced two massive bi-color and RGB 1,200W fixtures. This time, we’re at Cine Gear 2024 and stopped by the GVM booth to learn more about their more compact options, specifically the PocketLight lineup and PD60C light.

GVM PocketLight PD60C – features

The GVM PocketLight PD60C is a 60W RGBWW LED light that measures 31.7 x 7.6 x 7.2cm/12.4 x 3 x 2.8in and weighs 1.5kg/3.3 lbs. This can sound like a relatively heavy fixture, but this is mainly because it has a built-in 6,600mAh battery and is mainly made of aluminum.

This aluminum housing helps with heat dissipation, but the PD60C still features an internal fan. You can control the fan speed via three fan modes in the menu: smart, high-speed, and silent. Even if the light has an IP25 rating, which protects it from dust/low-pressure water, water entering the unit/fan is usually not advised.

According to GVM, the built-in battery can power the PD60C for one hour at full power. At the back of the light, you’ll find a USB-C PD port to charge it. Furthermore, you can use a power bank or V-Mount/Gold Mount battery to power the light at 100% while charging it. Please note that the light comes with a USB-C cable but no USB-C power adapter/charger, which you’ll need to purchase separately.

The PD60C is an RGBWW LED light, which means it has a CCT/bi-color mode that can go from 2,700 to 6,800K and five additional color modes: HSI, RGB, GEL, Source, and FX modes. According to GVM, the PD60C has a CRI/TLCI of 97+, which gives it great color accuracy.

The PD60C’s front features a Mini Bowens mount. GVM includes a reflector with each light, but optional accessories such as a Fresnel lens, silicone dome, or softbox are available.

On each side of the light, there are 1/4″-20 mounting points with locating pins. The PD60C comes with a light stand holder, so it can be easily mounted to a light stand.

The GVM PD60C can be controlled via the physical buttons at the back of the fixture. Also, like most lights these days, you can control it via Bluetooth, as well as the free iOS/Android GVM LED app. The Bluetooth Mesh networking system allows you to control multiple PD60C simultaneously.

Price and availability

The GVM PD60C is available, starting at $309 for one light. A 3-light kit, which includes three lights, two softboxes, a Fresnel lens, three reflectors, two silicone domes, three barndoors, three power adapters, and a carrying bag, is also available for $1,099.

Another version of the PD60C, without the built-in battery, also exists: the PL60C. This model can be powered externally or via Sony NP-F style batteries. Pricing starts at $219.

For more information, please visit GVM’s website here.

What do you think about this compact RGBWW LED light? Have you already used GVM fixtures? Do you prefer lights with built-in batteries, or do you prefer powering them externally? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments below!

In February 2023, Aputure released the INFINIBAR pixel bars, a lineup of linear LED lights consisting of three fixtures: the PB3, which measures 1ft/30cm; the PB6, which measures 2ft/60cm; and the PB12, which measures 4ft/120cm. These RGBWW pixel bars feature a built-in battery. You can control and animate their pixels/lighting zones via the SidusPro app, wireless or wired DMX, but the main advantage is that you can attach and connect multiple lights together to create interesting shapes and larger LED lights. If you want to learn more about the INFINIBAR, my colleague Graham did an in-depth review here.

At launch, the INFINIBAR pixel tubes were available to purchase individually or as an 8-kit option for the two-foot and four-foot versions. During Cine Gear 2024, Aputure announced two new INFINIBAR 4-light kits, which are lighter and more manageable for one-man-band filmmakers to carry.

Aputure INFINIBAR 4-light kits – features

The Aputure INFINIBAR PB6 and PB12 4-light kits are 50% lighter than their 8-light counterparts but still come with everything you need to start shooting right out of the box, including:

• Four Aputure INFINIBAR PB6 or PB12 pixel tubes.
• Four light control grids.
• Eight 1/4″-20 mounting hooks.
• Four INFINIBAR clamp to baby pin adapters.
• Four straight connectors so you can attach and rig multiple lights together.
• All of the power cables and adapters to charge and power the INFINIBARs.
• A 330W power adapter and a 4-way splitter cable. This allows you to charge all lights simultaneously, outside or inside the case, which is handy.

All the Aputure INFINIBAR 4-light kits come in a rugged rolling hard case with pre-cut foam to transport and store your kit safely and efficiently.

New Aputure INFINIBAR accessories

Alongside the 4-light kits, Aputure released multiple new accessories for the INFINIBAR ecosystem. If you have numerous INFINIBARs, you’ll be excited by the new Passive Connectors that allow you to create light patterns/shapes.

Aputure introduced three flat connectors: a 3-way, a 4-way, and a 6-way. All connectors include short 5.5mm DC jumper cables to distribute power to your INFINIBAR array.

Next is a small INFINIBAR 1/4″-20 collapsible tripod base to vertically set up your pixel tubes. Talking about rigging, Aputure introduced an INFINIBAR Tilting Mounting Bracket to mount your fixtures to walls via a minimum of two screws, and adjust their tilting angle up to 90°.

Furthermore, two new powering options have been introduced for the INFINIBAR ecosystem. The first one is the 330W power adapter kit, which is included with the 4-light kits and allows you to power and charge up to 20 Aputure INFINIBARs simultaneously.

Lastly, the INFINIBAR Battery Power Station is a 24V V-mount battery solution that can take 14/26/28.8V V-mount batteries and output up to 200W of DC power. This Battery Station allows you to power your INFINIBAR array externally without needing mains power, which will be handy on set.

Price and availability

All of these new Aputure INFINIBAR products should be available this month. The Aputure PB6 4-Light Kit retails for $2590/€2660, and the PB12 4-Light Kit is $2790/€2866.

The Battery Power Station is $135, the Power Adapter kit starts at $219 and $250 with the extension cables, the 1/4″20 collapsible tripod base is $29, the Tilting Mounting Bracket is $40, and the passive flat connectors are $55 each.

For more information, please visit Aputure’s website here.

What do you think about these new INFINIBAR 4-light kits and accessories? Did you already shoot with the INFINIBAR? What accessory would be the nicest addition to your kit? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments below!

The first Astera bulb, the NYX, was released in 2020, and even by that time, my colleague Graham was impressed by them in the review he did. But, with a maximum power output of 10W, CRMX, and RGBMA technology, the NYX is nearly three times as bright as the upcoming LunaBulb, so what is the point of this light? We stopped by the Astera booth during Cine Gear 2024 to learn more about it.

Astera LunaBulb – features

The Astera LunaBulb is a 3.3W LED bulb that will be available with three different socket options: E26 (US), E27 (EU), and B22. As the company says, the LunaBulb “looks like a traditional bulb, works like a professional luminaire.” Indeed, this kind of practical light is designed to be seen in the shot or inside a lampshade.

However, the LunaBulb gives you total control over its brightness and color compared to traditional halogen bulbs or conventional LED bulbs. You can even change its shape, going from oval to a tube shape, by removing the dome section.

The LunaBulb uses an RGBMA LED engine and features the Titan LED Engine, inherited from the well-known Titan tubes. You can adjust the color temperature from 1,750K to 20,000K with a claimed CRI and TLCI of over 96. Of course, you can dim the bulbs from 0 to 100% with a smooth dimming curve and no color change. Lastly, you’ll get access to multiple color modes, including RGB, HSI, X/Y, filter gels, and effects.

While not entirely waterproof, the LunaBulb has an IP44 rating, so it should survive light rain. Please keep in mind that the light socket must also be IP44-rated.

Astera LunaBulb PrepCase and PrepInlay

The LunaBulb can be controlled in multiple ways: the traditional remote controller, the AsteraApp, or DMX/CRMX. Since the LunaBulb has no built-in battery, Astera developed an interesting PrepCase that can store up to eight bulbs. If you don’t need the case or want to configure it in a bigger case, you also have the option to purchase just the PrepInlay.

The PrepCase has a built-in battery that can power all eight light bulbs simultaneously for up to an hour. Inside the case, you’ll find a little status screen with some control buttons allowing you to prepare all your LunaBulbs simultaneously. You can set up the color temperature, brightness, color, and DMX address or pair them to the AsteraApp without having to plug each bulb into an AC-powered socket.

The PrepCase or PrepInlay can also be used as a Bluetooth Bridge. This means you can use it as an AsteraBox to pair other lights with the AsteraApp.

Price and availability

The Astera LunaBulb retails for $92, the PrepInlay Kit with eight bulbs is $999, and the PrepCase Kit is $1079. The first Aster LunaBulb batches should start shipping in late June/early July.

For more information, please visit Astera’s website here.

What do you think about these new LED bulbs? Do you often use LED bulbs as practicals in your shots? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments below!

Profoto is well-known among photographers worldwide for their wide variety of studio and on-location flashes, which are built like tanks and have extreme longevity. Over the years, the company has also developed their lighting modifiers and shaping tools with their own Profoto mount.

With decades of experience, the Swedish company is venturing into the filmmaking and cinema market with their first product: the Profoto L1600D.

Profoto L1600D – features

As its name suggests, the Profoto L1600D is a 1600W “mono-LED” light. This fixture has a fixed color temperature of 5700K with a CRI/TLCI over 97, and it can be dimmed from 0 to 100% in 0.1% increments. Furthermore, Profoto mentions that the L1600D is flicker-free at any frame rate.

With dimensions of 50 x 26 x 29cm/19.6 x 10.2 x 11.4in with the built-in reflector and a weight of 11,7kg/25,8lb for the light head plus yoke only, the L1600D is not the most portable or lightweight fixture on the market.

The L1600D has an integrated power supply and cannot be powered by external batteries. It connects to mains power via a Neutrik powerCON connector at the back of the light head and the included 7m/23ft power cable.

To cool the L1600D, Profoto developed their own patent-pending HydroCTech liquid cooling system. There are still two 140mm fans inside the unit, but the noise should be reasonable. The light is IP54 weatherproof, so it is not waterproof, but it should survive outdoor shooting conditions if you’re gentle with it.

Profoto only shared a picture of the side of the L1600D, making it difficult to gather all the information. However, we know that at the front, you’ll find a dual mount for lighting modifiers: Profoto and Bowens mount. At the back, you’ll find a USB-C port, an XLR 5pin in/out port for DMX control, and an antenna for the Profoto Air Radio protocol that supports remote control up to 100m/328ft. Lastly, the L1600D also supports Lumen Radio and CRMX protocols.

Price and availability

At the moment, Profoto has not provided any information regarding pricing or availability for the L1600D. If you attend CineGear in Burbank, California, from June 7-9th, you’ll be able to see this powerful LED light in person.

For more information, please visit Profoto’s website here.

What do you think about this first continuous LED light from Profoto? Have you already used Profoto flashes? Do you think fixed-temperature LED lights are still relevant in 2024? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments down below!