PRONEWS Award 2023

Lighting has evolved a lot this year, and our PRONEWS Award 2023 in Lighting will surely reflect on that.

LED lights are a genre of photography equipment that is evolving at an incredibly fast pace. When 300W class LED lights were released around 2018, 600W will be released in 2021, and 1200W will be released in 2022. Then, in 2023, Aputure announced the 2,600W “Electro Storm XT26” and NANLUX announced the 2400W “Evoke 2400B”. Although the casing size has increased somewhat, the amount of light has doubled every year, which is an astonishingly rapid growth rate.

In lighting industry news, Aputure’s acquisition of Prolycht comes to mind. Aputure will inherit Prolycht’s highly regarded technical talent in color science and software algorithms, and the two companies will collaborate in a new way.

Another big event was the announcement of ARRI’s “SkyPanel X,” a new product in the SkyPanel series that is widely used throughout the industry. This is the first update in eight years, and improvements have been made to dimming control, color science, output quality, and more. Adopts a modular system that can be configured to various sizes. It can be used not only as a flat light that evenly illuminates a wide area, but also as a powerful spotlight by replacing the focusing optical system. It is unique that one unit can serve two purposes.

Let’s announce the finalists in the lighting category.

Rotolight AEOS 2

Release date: March 9, 2023

This is an LED light that can perform constant light and flash photography. With 16.7 million color variations and 2,500 types of digital filters, photographers can take more creative photos. There is no recycling time even when the flash fires, and a single battery can take up to 100,000 full-power flash shots. The built-in Elinchrom Skyport receiver also allows wireless triggering using an optional Skyport transmitter, making off-camera flash photography easy and convenient.

Rotolight’s new product, the “Anova Pro 3”, which was exhibited at InterBEE 2023, was excluded from this nomination because it will be released in March 2024.

Phottix G-Capsule Softbox series

Release date: March 9, 2023

This is a softbox that allows for a variety of lighting options. This is an all-in-one package that allows grid and beauty dish effects that are possible with a typical softbox, as well as a lantern mode that allows lighting in all directions. Available in eight sizes and styles, it also comes with a magnetic gel filter holder that allows users to attach four colored gel filters. It features a one-push release unlocking system for easy folding. By fixing the translucent umbrella with Velcro, it can also be used as a lantern.

ZHIYUN MOLUS G200

Release date: July 2023

ZHIYUN releases professional film production lights “MOLUS G200” and “FIVERAY V60”

ZHIYUN, famous for its gimbals, has also entered lighting products. It is a powerful 200W COB (chip on board) light source that fits in the palm of your hand, making it ideal for live streaming, interviews, portrait photography, and commercial advertising photography. With its compact size (127mm x 67.5mm x 225mm) and product weight of 2.209kg, users can carry it anywhere. Power up to 300W with one push of MAX Extreme mode. Comes with a controller with two interactive buttons, a handy rope, and a display screen to easily and quickly achieve a variety of lighting functions and effects. There are 5 preset dimming levels.

NANLITE FC-500B

Release date: November 15, 2023

An LED bicolor spotlight with a stylish design and a newly developed 520W light emitting element. It is characterized by its compact size and high cost performance. CCT can be adjusted in the range of 2700K-6500K. It exhibits excellent color rendering properties with an average CRI of 96 and TLCI of 98. Since it can be easily adjusted with the yoke on one side, the angle of light can be quickly changed even when shooting, making it more responsive on site, and the display size has been improved compared to the FS series. Compatible with DMX control with optional adapter. Additionally, the cable has a locking function, making it safe even when used ceiling-mounted.

Aputure Electro Storm XT26

Announcement date: November 21, 2023
Suggested retail price: 1,265,000 yen including tax

Lighting department announcement. Launch of high-intensity LED light comparable to HMI [PRONEWS AWARD 2023] Vol.04

The Electro Storm XT26 is a 2600W high power LED with dynamic white CCT and tint control. The XT26 is also designed for professionals, with dual accessory mounts, G/M tint control, advanced liquid cooling technology, and IP65 dust and water resistance. Whether combined with the existing Bowens mount modifier, the new A-mount reflector, or the new F14 Fresnel, it is optimized for greater stability, durability, and ruggedness.

NANLUX Evoke 2400B

Release date: December 8, 2023

PRONEWSAWARD2023_vol04 explanatory photo

The Evoke 2400B is a bicolor LED spotlight that achieves a high output of 2400W. The brightness when attached with the included reflector (45°) is comparable to a 4K HMI, making it possible to use it as a key light on large-scale movie shoots, which was difficult to do with conventional LEDs. In addition to color temperature adjustment of 2700K-6500K, it also supports GM adjustment of ±80, making color matching easy. In addition, both the main body and power supply unit are IP55 dustproof/splashproof, making it ideal for shooting in harsh locations regardless of the weather. An AC cable with an Edison connector is also included, so it can be used in a Japanese 100V household wall outlet (output 75%).

GODOX MG1200Bi

Release date: October 5, 2023

In addition to the maximum output power of 1400W, high color rendering, IP54 dust and splash proof performance, multiple highly accurate control systems, advanced heat dissipation system, and the new G mount, it is a high-light bi-directional camera that realizes a shooting environment that is safe and energy-saving. The color LED light color temperature is 2800-6500K. G-mount has a larger interface compared to conventional mounts, improving load capacity. It also has high heat dissipation and insulation properties, preventing ignition of accessories such as cloth. It is also designed with electronic contacts to detect on/off of the optical system, making the shooting process safe and energy-saving. In the future, a color temperature correction function (currently under development) will be added, further expanding creative possibilities.

ARRI SkyPanel X

ARRI announces “SkyPanel X” modular all-weather LED lighting fixture

ARRI has announced the “SkyPanel X” all-weather LED lighting fixture as the latest addition to its SkyPanel series. The release date is coming soon, but it has been specially nominated for the PRONEWS AWARD 2023. Developed as a modular system, configurable to various sizes. Combining advanced LED technology and flexibility, it expands the versatility and possibilities of all existing workflows to meet the wide range of needs of studios, rental homes and corporate clients. It is also designed to suit the requirements of cinematographers, lighting technicians, console operators, lighting designers and broadcast engineers, as well as the way organizations and teams work.

The following are the nominated products in the lighting category.

The following are the winners of the 2022 PRONEWS Award in Lighting.

PRONEWS AWARD 2023 Lighting Category Gold Award

NANLITE FC-500B

Lighting Division Announcement Vol.04 Explanation Image

This 500W class bicolor light comes in a small size and minimum footprint. Light, small and bright. We awarded the Gold Award in recognition of the fact that we were able to achieve these specifications at a price of around $1000.

For any 300W class unit, there is concern about the amount of light, and with an 800W class unit, there is concern about size. The FC-500B is also characterized by its good balance, which lies in the middle. Although the power adapter is not small, it is made of metal, and we like the fact that it has large heat sinks on the sides and back. Regarding the V-mount battery, of which size is always a concern, we also noted that it is planned to be compatible with future accessories.

PRONEWS AWARD 2023 Lighting Category Silver Award

Aputure Electro Storm XT26

Aputure Electro Storm XT26 features a powerful output of 2600W. The Silver Award was given in recognition of the emergence of the most powerful point light source LED comparable to HMI. The light is close to the industry standard 12,000W tungsten Fresnel and 4,000W HMI, and can be used as lighting for large sets without generating large amounts of heat.

It also features a dual accessory mounting system, featuring an all-new A-mount, in addition to the universal Bowens mount. Electronic control of accessories is possible through electronic contacts. Another important point was that the light body and ballast comply with IP65 specifications.