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Phottix announces larger LED panels with the Kali600

29 Jun

Lighting brand Phottix has announced a new LED panel for videographers and stills photographers called the Kali600. Larger than the company’s hotshoe Nuada series, the Kali600 is designed for location and studio work and to be mounted on a stand.

The panel has 600 LEDs and can produce light across a range of 3200-5600K while offering a maximum brightness of 3000Lux. With a pair of battery plates the panel can be run from two optional Sony NP-type batteries or directly via the mains using the supplied AC adapter. A set of barndoors and a diffuser are included, as is a wireless remote that can be used to control the brightness and color temperature of the output.

The Phottix Kali600 costs $ 170 and is shipping straight away. For more information see the Phottix website.

Press release

Feel the power – Meet the Phottix Kali600 Video LED

Following the success of the Phottix Nuada series LEDs, Phottix is announcing a new LED lighting line-up: the Phottix Kali.

The new series will debut with the Kali600 model – a larger studio-style LED Panel for video and general studio and location photography.

Features:

Excellent color rendering – CRI 95+
Digital Power Control: 10% – 100%
Digital Color Control: 3300K – 5600K
Uses 2 Sony-compatible batteries or AC Adapter

The Phottix Kali600 will feature a maximum brightness of 3000Lux (36W). Being both mains and battery powered it can be used in the studio or on-location. The Kali600 offers power and color temperature control – via the panel as well as a wireless radio remote. Barndoors, white diffuser panel and AC Adapter are included.

What’s included:

Kali600 LED Main Panel with Barndoors and Diffuser Panel
Remote Control Unit
AC adapter ( US & UK & AU & EU plug )
Printed User Manual

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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NanGuang releases compact LED panels and accessories for studio use

07 Jun

Chinese lighting and accessory manufacturer NanGuang has revealed a new compact LED light panel for studio use, as well as a wall arm and a background support kit. The Combo 40C LED flat panel light comes with a built-in soft diffuser and features 0-100% dimming control. Stepless color temperature adjustments are possible from from 5600-3200K.

The light measures 230 x 400 x 60mm and comes with 400 LEDs that in total produce 40W of power and 2115 LM at 5600K. According to the manufacturer the average LED life is 50,000 hours.

Also new is the NanGuang wall arm which is designed to support most manufacturers’ light heads up to 5kg in weight. The arm folds out for use and can be pushed flat against the wall when not needed. It can also achieve a full range of lateral horizontal and vertical movement and features a 2-section, extendable arm (93-180cm), a reversible lighting spigot and a 1/4in tripod screw.

The new Background Support Kit can be dismantled for easy transport to location shoots and comes with two tripod-style support stands and three locking cross bars of 100cm length each. It can be used with full or half-length rolls of background paper or any other type of background material that requires a simple pole support. The maximum width is 300cm and the height can be adjusted up to 286cm.

All new NanGuang products are available through distributor Kenro in the UK. The Combo 40C is £179.94 ($ 232), the wall arm will set you back £99.96 ($ 129) and the background kit has a price tag of £77.94 ($ 100). No US pricing information has been released yet.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Uno II interchangeable camera backpack has four swappable interior panels

25 Feb

Bag maker NIID has launched a Kickstarter campaign in hopes of funding the Uno II, a backpack geared toward photographers and other creatives. It calls the Uno II the first ever interchangeable backpack, allowing owners to swap the interior bag component with an alternative ‘panel.’ A total of four panels are offered, one designed for a variety of camera gear, one for art supplies, one for work items (the standard panel) and one for sports gear.

Typically, different activities require different types of bags, and that can result in owning a few different backpacks that take up space. Uno II aims to solve that via a two-part design: an exterior zippered component that swaddles the interior panel, and the interior panel which contains pockets and slots for various items. When assembled and zipped, Uno II becomes an ordinary backpack with shoulder straps.

The camera panel can, for example, be used to transport a camera body and a couple lenses, a small tripod, and other smaller items like storage cards or spare batteries. Similarly, the work panel is made for holding items like tablets and laptops, while the sports panel can accommodate workout clothes and more. The art panel differs quite substantially, featuring elastic bands to hold brushes, pencils, paints, and similar things, as well as a mesh pocket for smaller items.

The Uno II is made with linen-textured Eco-polyester with a water-repellant coating, anti-theft zippers, a small hanging clip for attaching things like keys, a Flex Power Dock, and a rain shield for use in heavy rain. This model bag will also be offered, if the campaign is successful, in both a smaller 20L capacity and a larger 30L capacity.

Thus far, the company has exceeded its $ 15,000 goal with nearly $ 53k in funding and 27 days remaining in the campaign. NIID is offering backers a single early bird Uno II backpack with a standard panel in exchange for an $ 89 or greater pledge. Shipping to backers is estimated to start this upcoming June.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Camouflaged Solar Panels: Tesla Roof Tiles Power Home Batteries & Electric Cars

21 Nov

[ By WebUrbanist in Gadgets & Geekery & Technology. ]

tesla-solar-roof

Elon Musk is attacking the question of energy storage and consumption at home, first with electric cars, then with home batteries and now the final piece of the puzzle: solar panels people will actually want to show off.

tesla-material-types

Developed in collaboration with 3D, their semi-translucent Solar Roof tiles cost less than ordinary roofs, insulate better and best of all they generate energy to charge your electric batteries (Powerwall) and automobiles (Model X). This is effectively the final missing piece from the ultimate sustainable-power smart house.

teslatiles

The three-layered design features a normal solar panel at the bottom with a film on top that renders it invisible from below but operational under the sun’s rays coming from above. At the top is a tempered glass that is shatter-resistant, making it more durable than conventional clay (with a lifespan well beyond the typical 20-year roof).

telsa-powerwall-batteries

Aside from these benefits, perhaps the single biggest selling point is the array of material styles: Textured Glass, Slate Glass, Tuscan Glass and Smooth Glass. It may sound superficial but looks matter — neighbors complain and residents shy away from too-overt solar tech attached to their house.

tesla-demo-house

And people trust Tesla to do more than make better technology: they expect a high level of visual design as part of the package. Also, since they are all coming from the same collection of companies, one can expect superior installation and integration options tying Tesla cars, Powerwalls and Solar Tiles together. Between the tech and its brand backing, this development promises to boost solar adoption to new heights.

[ By WebUrbanist in Gadgets & Geekery & Technology. ]

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Invisible Solar: Panels Camouflaged as Wood, Clay, Stone & Concrete

21 Oct

[ By WebUrbanist in Design & Products & Packaging. ]

solar-shingle-design

Overcoming the awkward aesthetic factor typically faced by home solar technology, these disguised panels look like ordinary building materials you would expect to spot along the sides, steps or roof of a house.

solar-camouflaged-disguised

Dyaqua, an Italian company, has developed their Invisible Solar series to look like concrete bricks, slate shingles and wooden boards, allowing them to blend into ordinary built environments. A thin top layer mimics desired materials while allowing the sun’s rays through to the photovoltaic cells beneath.

solar-material-cover

From the company: “The Invisible Solar modules are composed of a non-toxic and recyclable polymeric compound, within which are incorporated the monocrystalline silicon cells. A special surface, opaque at the sight and transparent to the sun rays, covers the cells by hiding them without prevent their operation.”

invisible-solar-panel

Instead of adding semi-reflective, black-and-grey accents to a traditional wood or masonry structure, these fixtures are designed to fit any abode, historic or modern. The company has begun production with the Rooftile, which resembles a typical reddish-brown terracotta shingle.

solar-wood-block

secret-solar-panels

From there, they aim to create blocks and boards that can be used on walls (cladding) or walkways (pavement) sure to please even the toughest community design standards boards. They are also built for strength and durability, able to “withstand high static load, tolerates chemical solvents and atmospheric agents.”

[ By WebUrbanist in Design & Products & Packaging. ]

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Bowens introduces Limelight Mosaic LED panels with better color accuracy

21 Jun

UK lighting manufacturer Bowens has announced an update to its Limelite Mosaic LED panels that it claims is ‘significantly more colour accurate than previous models.’ The Mosaic2 panels boast a CRI and TLCI of 94 while the original models managed only 84, but the Mosaic2 panels are less powerful at 4000Lux@1m instead of up to 5200Lux@1m.

The new panels come in Daylight and BiColour versions with the BiColour model offering temperatures of between 3000-5600K. The lights are dimmable from full power to 0% and Bowens says their cool running temperature makes them suitable for a wide range of applications including shooting food. Both panels can be controlled remotely via an external DMX (Digital Multiplex) mixer which allows multiple panels to be controlled at the same time.

The daylight version will cost $ 834/£654 and the BiColour will be $ 1000/£835. For more information visit the Bowens website.

Press release:

Bowens launches groundbreaking Mosaic2 LED panels

Limelite by Bowens has announced the launch of groundbreaking Mosaic2 LED panels – with ultra-high CRI 94/TLCI 94 light output.

Available in Daylight (5600K) and BiColour (3000K-5000K) options, Mosaic2 uses 576 cutting edge high fidelity LEDs, dimmable from 100-0%, to create 1×1 panels that are extremely powerful and significantly more colour accurate than previous models.

Alan Walmsley, Bowens sales and marketing director said: “Mosaic2 is a powerful addition to our comprehensive portfolio of light tools. These new units, which target the full gamut of photo and video enthusiasts as well as working professionals, embrace the rugged build-quality synonymous with all Limelite products. They are quick to set up and easy to use. This is a truly multi-purpose lighting solution providing feature rich LED panels suitable for small or large studios.”

He added: “These metal-bodied panels, which weigh in at just 1.4kg, create high levels of soft, flattering light that can be further shaped and controlled with our comprehensive range of accessories.

They are also an ideal choice for photographers working with babies, small children and animals who might be startled by flash lighting. And users shooting heat sensitive subjects such as food will benefit from Mosaic2’s cool-running operation.”

The new panels, which will have an RRP of £654 (Daylight model) and £835 (Bi-Colour model), are also designed for video and broadcast work both in studio and on location (with optional battery mounting accessories)

Tim Haskell, Limelite business development manager said: “Mosaic2 1×1 LED panels are used by leading broadcasters and global news gathering operations. Mosasic2 can be controlled remotely via an external DMX mixer and multiple panels can easily be linked and used as a single panel.”

Mosaic2 key features:
*Outstanding colour fidelity
*Ultra-bright LEDs (up to 4000Lux@1m)
* Exceptional build quality
*Fully dimmable and user programmable
*Pre-mounted AC adaptor and international cable kit (use anywhere in the world)
*Wide range of light control, mounting and battery power accessories

Pembrokeshire-based photographer and Panasonic GH camera ambassador Ross Grieve added: “I trialled the new Mosaic2 lights and they are superb. They are now my go-to panels for events and training programmed. I also use them as reflectors when I need more bounce. These panels are child’s play to use and with full control over colour temperature and brightness I have all the power and control I need.”
bowens.co.uk

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Manfrotto introduces next generation of on-camera LED panels

19 Jan

Left: CROMA2, Right: MICROPRO2

Italian accessory manufacturer Manfrotto has introduced three improved LED panels that are designed to be used by professional and serious enthusiasts in the hot shoes of their cameras. The new panels, which are powered by Litepanels, are the CROMA2, MICROPRO2 and the SPECTRA2. Each of the new models features surface-mounted LEDs, with new lenses that improve the intensity of illumination in the light path thus delivering better efficiency and less fall-off. The company also says the new technology benefits the accuracy of color rendition.

The CROMA2 and MICROPRO2 panels are very similar, except that the CROMA2 offers variable color temperature so that it can work in both tungsten and daylight situations – as well as those in between. Using a mixture of daylight and tungsten LEDs, the dominance of colors can be controlled via a continuous dial between 3100K to 5600K. The CROMA2 has a maximum output of 900lux, while the MICROPRO2 can manage 940lux.

The SPECTRA2

The SPECTRA2 is a smaller panel with a maximum output of 650lux, and is daylight only. A dimmer switch allows its power to be reduced to 50%.

There is a range of diffusers and colored filters available for each of the panels, and they all run from 6 AA type cells, an AC adapter or an L-Type Li-ion battery. They all have a ball and socket tripod head included, and the larger panels come with AC adapters and a bracket for an L-Type battery. For the SPECTRA2 these are optional extras.

The SPECTRA2 costs $ 219.99/£154.95, the MICROPRO2 $ 349.99/£259.95 and the CROMA2 is $ 418.99/£329.95.

For more information visit the Manfrotto website.

Press release:

Manfrotto, world leader in the photography, imaging equipment and accessories industry, announces the new generation compact LED lights for professional and advanced hobbyist videographers and photographers.

CROMA2, MICROPRO2 and SPECTRA2 offer the latest LED technology available (SMT – Surface Mount Technology) in a portable size, which guarantees images with perfect color rendition and improved optical efficiency.

These on-camera LED panels, powered by Litepanels, are part of the new ready to use Manfrotto LED lights.

CROMA2 AND MICROPRO2: COMPACT NEW LED TECHNOLOGY

A new range with the same design, the SMT LED panels embed innovative lenses, which have been specifically created for high efficiency and CRI (Colour Rendering Index).

The intensity of the LED devices can be controlled by the user – CROMA2 up to 900lux and MICROPRO2 up to 940lux. The colour temperature in CROMA2 can be regulated from 3100K to 5600K, which makes this device the perfect versatile LED panel to match the existing ambient lighting. MICROPRO2 is Daylight 5600K and permits the colour correction thanks to the diffuser and gel filter included in the pack.

CROMA2 and MICROPRO2 operate on six AA standard batteries, from mains through the included AC adaptor or on L-Type Li-ion batteries through the included battery adaptor.

Compact and powerful, thanks to the included ball head they can be used for both on camera as well as off camera use.

SPECTRA2: MINI BUT POWERFUL

The most compact LED Panel in the professional range – high efficiency in the palm of your hand. SPECTRA2 features the state-of-the-art LED SMT technology, which guarantees images with perfect colour rendition and flicker-free functionality.

SPECTRA2 is perfect for on camera use with the included new ball-head, as well as for off camera use.

The LED device is dimmable, capable of emitting 650lux, and provides a further increase in the light output thanks to the boost mode (+50%). The colour temperature of the LED Panel is Daylight 5600K but it can be changed thanks to diffusers and filter gels.

SPECTRA2 can operate on six AA standard batteries and offers, as optional, AC or L-Type Li-ion batteries adaptors.

These new powerful and compact Manfrotto LED lights guarantee best performance with a high quality light. CROMA2, MICROPRO2 and SPECTRA2 represent the top range of on-camera units.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Manfrotto updates Digital Director app to add remote control of its LED light panels

15 Dec

Italian accessory manufacturer Manfrotto has released a new app for its Digital Director iPad cradle that allows users to wirelessly control Manfrotto Lykos and Litepanels Astra LED lights. The 2.0 app is capable of handling up to 13 panels via a Bluetooth connection, so brightness levels can be controlled from the camera position. The app can switch the lights on and off as well, and when the BiColor models are in use color temperature can be adjusted between daylight and tungsten settings. Lights can be controlled individually, or in groups, though some models will need a Bluetooth dongle to make them compatible with the system.

The update also brings zebra patterning to the live view display, showing when areas of the image to be captured will be over- or under-exposed, and focus peaking can now be customized with different colors and strengths. In review mode the app can now crop images, either freely or with set proportions, and pictures can be rated in the gallery with stars that are compatible with other desktop software programs.

For more information visit the Manfrotto website, and you can read our review of the Manfrotto Digital Director here.

Press release:

Manfrotto Announces New Digital Director App 2.0

Upper Saddle River, N.J. (December 10, 2015) – Manfrotto, a leading global innovator and manufacturer of premium photo, video and lighting support products and accessories, has launched the Digital Director App 2.0, the updated App for Manfrotto’s Digital Director, which brings new enhancements to professional and enthusiast photographers and videographers who wish to make shooting much smarter.

The Digital Director App 2.0, now available in the App Store on Apple iPads, includes new and improved features, in particular:

REMOTE CONTROL OF LIGHTS

The new Digital Director App 2.0 not only controls all Nikon and Canon DSLR key camera functions, but turns the iPad into an innovative interface, enabling total remote control of Manfrotto LYKOS and Litepanels ASTRA LED lights (up to 13 lights!) via Bluetooth®. Lights can be controlled remotely: you can turn lights on/off, adjust dimming level and color temperature, set up groups and configure multiple scenes directly from the iPad.

FOCUS PEAKING & ZEBRA FILTER

From the Digital Director App 2.0’s general settings, in the Digital Director Options, it’s possible to set up new features. The implemented Focus Peaking Filter presents new options: the possibility to adjust the intensity of the filter and to select the desired color for the peaking (red, blue, green, yellow). In addition, the new Zebra Filter helps to adjust exposure through striped patterns that indicate the overexposed and/or underexposed areas of the image.

INTUITIVE POST PRODUCTION IMAGE ADJUSTMENT

The new App 2.0 offers new tools for post production: cropping free or with proportion, blur and saturation. Together with the existing functions (rotate, contrast, light, checking histogram and EXIF information), it may also allow you to make final adjustments on the image in just a single touch of your finger on the iPad screen.

The App 2.0 integrates new and improved features such as control of new Manfrotto LYKOS LED lights and Litepanels ASTRA, new Focus Peaking settings, Zebra filter, new post-processing tools, gallery photo sorting and image rating that is included in the .jpeg file shared from Digital Director via FTP and email. With these upgrades, Digital Director can better help professional and enthusiast image makers make their shooting workflow more effective and intuitive.

DIGITAL DIRECTOR

Manfrotto Digital Director is the only Apple certified (MFi – Made for iPad Certification) electronic device that connects your camera and iPad, via USB cable, to help manage the photo and video workflow from the setting of your camera (Canon and Nikon DSLR) to sharing your pictures. It features a built-in Apple microchip that works with the 600MHz 256MB DRAM ARM® Cortex®-A8 microprocessor, simultaneously, in order to ensure the perfect communication between the iPad and the camera. The result is perfect control of all shooting parameters of different DSLR cameras, a smooth and consistent video streaming between devices with extremely low latency time, and an ultra-fast, high-quality image download onto the iPad.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Manfrotto launches bright and compact Lykos LED lighting panels

05 Dec

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Italian accessories manufacturer Manfrotto has announced it is to introduce a new range of LED light panels under the Lykos brand name. The Lykos Daylight and Lykos BiColor panels are small enough to hold in one hand but can also be mounted on a lighting stand, and can be powered by an L-type video-camera battery or via the included AC adapter. Both panels use surface-mounted LEDs which the company claims deliver better power efficiency, more consistent color, flicker-free illumination and an improved working life.

The Daylight version has a color temperature of 5600K while the BiColor model uses white and warm LEDs. These can be mixed to produce anything from 3000-5600K, to match local lighting conditions or for color effects. The Daylight version can manage 1600lux@1m, while the BiColor is not quite as bright at 1500lux@1m.

All controls have separate knobs so that the panels can be left to produce the same temperature or brightness when they are switched off and on again, as the on/off function is not integrated into one of the dials.

An optional Bluetooth dongle allows the panels to be controlled individually or in groups via a Smartphone app that has a memory function to recall light levels and temperature. The app is also compatible with Litepanel’s Astra models, so both types can be controlled from one app simultaneously.

Manfrotto has also introduced a softbox for the Lykos panels, as well as a set of filters for the Daylight model and a gel diffuser.

The Lykos Daylight will cost £299.95/$ 449.99 and the BiColor version will be £399.95/$ 514.99. The Bluetooth dongle will be £75.95/$ 99.99

For more information visit the Manfrotto website.

Press release:

December 2015 – Manfrotto, world leader in the photography, imaging equipment and accessories industry, announces the launch of the LYKOS portable light with new LED technology (Surface Mounted Technology). Available in Daylight and BiColor versions, the LYKOS guarantees the highest illuminance in compact size and is the best solution for the photographer and videographer on the go who needs a lightweight light source.

LYKOS LED panels, powered by Litepanels, is part of the new, ready to use Manfrotto LED lights.

POWERFUL LIGHT

Portable and compact light, LYKOS is designed to meet the needs of demanding professionals. The powerful light is capable of an output of 1600lux and exists in two versions. LYKOS Daylight is centered at 5600K and LYKOS BiColor has the option to change colour temperature from warm white (3000K) to cold white (5600K). A color LCD display on the back of the unit allows easy monitoring of the functions.

Thanks to the new generation SMT technology, the LYKOS lights ensure long LED life, energy efficiency, consistent colour reproduction and flicker-free functionality. This light can be operated by L-Type Li-ion batteries or by mains through the AC adaptor included.

SMART CONNECTION

All units are “Bluetooth-ready”. An optional Bluetooth dongle transforms LYKOS in a smart device and permits remote control through a downloadable iPhone App or via the Digital Director App. Controllable functions include the On/Off switch, dimming 0%-100%, colour temperature regulation, grouping of lights and recall of previously stored scene settings with new features to soon be implemented. Manfrotto LYKOS and Litepanels Astra will embed a compatible wireless technology which will mean it will be possible to control both through the same app.

KIT AND MORE

The LYKOS pack includes a Ball head, gel diffuser (filters for the Daylight version) and a mains adaptor.

Moreover, the Manfrotto LYKOS Softbox is a perfect optional accessory to be used in combination with LYKOS LED panels. It creates a beautifully soft lighting, softening shadows in the images. It can be set up in seconds without any tools and the diffuser film is specifically designed for LED Lighting and reduces the light output by 1.3 f-stops.

The new portable LYKOS LED panels are a powerful, efficient and smart device ready to use for professional photographer and videographer.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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See-Through Solar: Crystal Clear Panels Are 100% Transparent

25 Aug

[ By WebUrbanist in Conceptual & Futuristic & Technology. ]

clear transparent solar energy

Applied to anything from the surface of your smartphone to the the sides of a skyscraper, the possible uses of this innovation for everyday surfaces are incredibly wide-ranging.

clear solar material scientists

Developed by a team of chemical engineers and material scientists from the University of Michigan’s School of Engineering, this solar concentrator leaves a clear surface while collecting energy.

clear solar power panel

Unlike similar previous attempts, this project avoids coloration and distortion entirely behind: “The solar harvesting system uses small organic molecules developed by Lunt and his team to absorb specific nonvisible wavelengths of sunlight.” The goal now is to iterate on the design, continuing to improve its efficiency, scale and cost-effectiveness toward eventual mass-production on surfaces both small and large.

solar energy see through

Operating out of the normally-visible spectrum, they look effectively transparent to a human viewer. The captured power is redirected to and collected at the edges of the panel, out of sight and out of mind, leaving in the center a transparent surface that could cover (or even replace) windows on a building or the surfaces of smartphones. The goal is for energy generation to disappear entirely – in the near future, you might never know that homes and phones are creating, collecting and deploying clean power passively all around you.