GEAR MINI TESTS
SPECIFICATIONS LED types: RGBWW Beamangle: 46°
LITEPANELS GEMINI 1X1 HARD £1920/$2138 litepanels.com
CCT range: 2700-10,000K Output: Daylight 5600K, 3023 Lux at 3m/10ft Lightmodes: RGBWW/CCT/ HIS/gel/FX single dial with LCD menu control. 300 gels, 11 FX IP rating: 20 Mobile power options: Gemini 1x1 14.4V battery plate Power draw: 200W Weight: 6kg/13.25lb Dimensions (wxhxd): 320x320x110mm/12.6x12.6x4.3in
Litepanels was truly innovative with its Gemini 1x1 Soft RGBWW LED panel. Not only was it one of the first to market with a full- spectrum white light, but also a full RGB output and a range of creative cinematic effects. However, others have come out with similar products over recent years. So, Litepanels has hit back with a new version, called the Gemini 1x1 Hard RGBWW. Essentially, it is like the Soft version, but uses intensifying lenses in front of the LEDs. This focuses the light output into a more tightly controlled beam, with a harder edge to it that’s significantly brighter. It puts out more than 3000 lux at 3m/10ft, and Litepanels claims it is the brightest and most accurate 1x1 panel ever. It really is very bright – too bright up close for interviews without dazzling your sitter. The beam angle is around 46°, where the Soft is more like 120°. To widen and soften the beam of the Gemini 1x1 Hard, Ultra Light and Domed Diffusers are supplied as standard. These cut down the intensity, but do soften and widen the beam. It means that in one light, you have the option of a harder, more directional beam – or a softer, wider spread using a diffuser panel or dome, or both. Our tests showed the diffusers did alter colour temperature marginally, but this is easily corrected by fine- tuning the colour output using the three control knobs on the rear panel. You can change the light in terms of RGBWW, gel mode or HSI (hue, saturation, intensity). And, if you want to store a setting for instant recall, just push and hold one of the preset buttons and your own custom setting is saved. Usually these buttons have a range of
white balance settings, but you can store whatever you require. The Gemini 1x1 Hard is compact and weighs 6kg/13.25lb, including yoke and power supply, and has a maximum draw of just 200W. It’s ideal for use on location, and a separate power plate can be fitted with one or two V-Lock batteries. The Gemini is also made so several can be fastened together to make a much larger, super-bright source. In addition to the rear control panel, there are lots of remote options – including DMX, RDM, wireless DMX and Bluetooth – so you can control all your lights from a distance. The Bluetooth setting requires an optional plug-in dongle, which then works with a smartphone app (iOS only, currently). Shame it doesn’t have one built in. We also got to try a range of accessories to make the light even softer, from Snapgrid. There is a quick- assemble softbox that quickly fastens to the front of the light and makes it even softer, and a honeycomb grid can be fitted to the front of this to make the light more directional. The Litepanels Gemini 1x1 Hard combines a very punchy, hard light, with enough power to use with modifiers that do, of course, cut down intensity – but make it softer and with a wider spread. It’s a great all-round performer, that has enough punch to be used in lots of different ways. PROMOVIEMAKERRATING: 9/10 A truly versatile light that’s easy to use and is very bright. Pros: Bright, ease of use Cons: Not the cheapest 1x1 panel
THIS IS HARDCORE The controls and input/output sockets on the rear are easy to use and understand
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PRO MOVIEMAKER
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