Gear Review - Lite Panels
Dan Ochiva surveys Litepanels growing lineup of on-camera and set lighting equipment at BandPro’s “One World on HD” in LA.
Litepanels lightweight and portable lineup of LED lights produce soft flattering light while using much lower power consumption than conventional Tungsten based lamps of the same relative output. With almost no heat, and a low profile, these lights make a great addition to an on set gaffers box kit. All lights feature low color shift dimmer packs, are flicker free, and light weight.
We frequently gripe at the general cost of lighting equipment, given that the technology and manufacturing process of lighting is not rocket science and the materials science pales in comparison to say, that of a top of the line MEADE Telescope, or a Playstation 3. This pricing strategy seems to work as yet another barrier to entry for independent filmmakers trying to make a quality feature on a limited budget. The fact remains that a good looking picture is in no small part the result of having the necessary lighting materials and the skill to use them effectively.
To this end, Lightpanels has been forging ahead for five years now trying to bring moderately priced full featured lighting tools to the production market. They have had some success in the pricing arena, but their real success seems to be in innovation and marrying already established techniques with a new breed product. The technology is simple, but the application of the lighting tools is somewhat revolutionary as the LED seems to be a great tool for getting consistent results with a robust design.
These units will not replace the 12K HMI, the 2k fresnsel, Kino Flos, or a whole host of other industry tools we use, but it WILL add yet another (very pretty) dynamic tool to the gaffer’s repertoire of useful gadgets that get that “look” a cinematographer is hunting for. You could use these lights to great effect to give that soft sexy look in intimate settings that seem to evade the ability of other tools - without melting your actors or ice cream “hero”.
Drew is a Producer/ Cinematographer/ Special Effects Geek at ScribeMedia. He has been making stuff for people to watch for over 10 years.
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