Pro Moviemaker May/June 2025 - Web

GEAR BUYERS’ GUIDE

“The M1000R uses the Godox optical system to align mounts and accessories for the best light efficiency, giving complete control”

GODOX KNOWLED MG1200BI £3112/$3490 godox.com From a massive range of flash to an ever-expanding selection of pro-level continuous lighting, Godox continues to grow. Its high-end series is the Knowled range, a cinematic ecosystem that includes powerful COB, panel and tube lights – and even hybrid fixtures that work for stills as well as movies. The TIPA World Award-winning MG1200Bi is a powerful bicolour COB that features a maximum power of 1400W across colour temperatures 2800-6500K, with CRI and TLCI ratings of 96. Settings and controls can be changed on the unit itself via four buttons and a control knob or wirelessly via 2.4GHz remotes and a Bluetooth app. A 45° reflector is included, as is an 8m power cable, plus there’s also a high-power fan that provides cooling but is designed to be quiet. An IP54 rating designates that the light can withstand water spray and rain. The MG1200Bi has 11 special effects, including fireworks, flash, lightning, broken bulb, explosion, fire, welding and more. It uses its own mount fitment for accessories.

GODOX KNOWLED M1000R £2999/$2799 godox.com Filmmakers were calling for a Godox Knowled full-colour LED with loads of power – and now it’s here. The M1000R has 1000W of power and a significant upgrade in design and performance from the current range. This features a lightweight body and more compact controller, making it easy to transport and store. It’s made for fast set-up and is ideal in smaller or medium studios, tight spaces and outdoor shoots thanks to built-in CRMX and IP54-rated waterproof and dust-proof protection. The M1000R delivers 1000W of power with colour temperatures from 1800 to 10,000K, simulating natural tones such as sunrise, sunset and moonlight. It can produce 91% Rec. 2020 colour gamut coverage, with flexible modes and four professional dimming curves, as well as warm/cool and G/M adjustments. The light employs the Godox optical system to align mounts and accessories for the best light efficiency, delivering powerful, full-colour brightness while giving complete control over softness or hardness.

KENRO SMART LITE KSLC101

£160/$TBC kenro.co.uk

Kenro’s Smart Lite is a super-compact bicolour unit for just £160, though there’s no US pricing yet. It’s a 60W LED in a palm- sized package. The CCT range is 2700-7500K, and dimming range is 1-100%. It has a CRI of 96 and TLCI of 97, which proves its colour credentials. The standard reflector does a good job of producing an even spread of light, while a push-on rubber diffuser cap softens the light and widens its spread. The bayonet fitting isn’t the full-size Bowens mount but a smaller version, so the options for fitting accessories are limited. Power is by mains or a USB-C power bank plugged directly into the back of the head, as there’s no internal battery. Illumination levels with the reflector are 29,000 lux at 7500K – but this is at 0.5m/1.6ft, that’s half the distance most lights are measured at. Travel down the kelvin range and the power does drop a little. Adjustments are made on the back panel using dials, but it also comes with a wireless 2.4G remote control and has an app for use on Android and iOS.

Pros: Flagship bicolour LED Cons: No full colour or battery option

Pros: New full-colour LED Cons: Not a budget buy

Pros: Easy to use, compact Cons: No full-size Bowens mount

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