IBC 2019 : Aputure 300X Bi-Color Light

ReelWorksMedia said:
This looks killer.
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Until they come out with the RGB version that will make the 300X owners regret their purchase, who had regretted their 300D Mark II purchase when the 300X came out, who before that regretted their 300D purchase when the Mark II came out. All in the course of say a three year period.
 
Eric Coughlin said:
Until they come out with the RGB version that will make the 300X owners regret their purchase, who had regretted their 300D Mark II purchase when the 300X came out, who before that regretted their 300D purchase when the Mark II came out. All in the course of say a three year period.
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...that times every piece of tech that exists. Can't be too concerned with product cycles in this business...or you'll go nuts. Just the fact that any of this exists would have blown our minds back in the 90s.
 
ReelWorksMedia said:
...that times every piece of tech that exists. Can't be too concerned with product cycles in this business...or you'll go nuts. Just the fact that any of this exists would have blown our minds back in the 90s.
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Product cycles are normal, yes, but I'm pointing out that the product cycles for the Aputure 300 series is much quicker than most other technology, like 6-12 months before each new model is released, which makes it a more difficult investment than say a Skypanel which has been out for years and is still not outdated, or say a Litepanel Astra which got updated once every three or so years and not every 6-12 months.

And also pointing out that the Aputure 300X is close to having all of the base features that many LED lights currently have (one reason the Skypanel has stayed current, because it started out fully featured), but lacking RGB, it just seems a matter of time before that's implemented, so people should be wary about buying this light with that in mind. So yeah, it's a cool product for the price point, but a still feature lacking and risky investment at their current product refresh rate.

Arri got some respect for when they announced the Alexa Mini LF, they warned customers that they have a 4K Super35 Alexa in development for next year, because they wanted the trust of their customers rather than to sell cameras now that customers would later wish they had waited for the new one to come out. I wouldn't be too surprised if Aputure has taken the opposite approach, and has the capability now to do RGB, but figured, "Why release it now when we can trickle in updates, release a bi-color one, sell a bunch of those, then later release and sell the RGB one, and hope that customers will just keep their older units and have even more of our lights in use and sold."

I'd assume Aputure knew they were working or going to be working on a bi-color 300X when they released the 300D earlier this year, but as far as I'm aware they chose not to let customers know that a bi-color version would likely be released shortly after the 300D Mark II.
 
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Eric Coughlin said:
Product cycles are normal, yes, but I'm pointing out that the product cycles for the Aputure 300 series is much quicker than most other technology, like 6-12 months before each new model is released, which makes it a more difficult investment than say a Skypanel which has been out for years and is still not outdated, or say a Litepanel Astra which got updated once every three or so years and not every 6-12 months.

And also pointing out that the Aputure 300X is close to having all of the base features that many LED lights currently have (one reason the Skypanel has stayed current, because it started out fully featured), but lacking RGB, it just seems a matter of time before that's implemented, so people should be wary about buying this light with that in mind. So yeah, it's a cool product for the price point, but a still feature lacking and risky investment at their current product refresh rate.

Arri got some respect for when they announced the Alexa Mini LF, they warned customers that they have a 4K Super35 Alexa in development for next year, because they wanted the trust of their customers rather than to sell cameras now that customers would later wish they had waited for the new one to come out. I wouldn't be too surprised if Aputure has taken the opposite approach, and has the capability now to do RGB, but figured, "Why release it now when we can trickle in updates, release a bi-color one, sell a bunch of those, then later release and sell the RGB one, and hope that customers will just keep their older units and have even more of our lights in use and sold."

I'd assume Aputure knew they were working or going to be working on a bi-color 300X when they released the 300D earlier this year, but as far as I'm aware they chose not to let customers know that a bi-color version would likely be released shortly after the 300D Mark II.
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You are most likely correct on all of that. Still a very cool product. I’m sure they know their ace card is the RGB version and are holding out. Then when they finally released that a year later you will see the same exact product except with boosted output. And then a year after that you’ll see a slightly more boost it out put except with the ballast built-in....and the beat goes on.

Good on them though for making some cool products.
 
Yeah I felt kind of burnt buying the 300D only to have the 300D mk2 come out so soon with a much more streamlined cable management system. That alone made me want to upgrade. Then to see this come out shortly after that, I think I'll wait till the RGB version.

On top of that I've never been a huge fan of bi color as I'd rather have a fully focused daylight version that is often brighter and a piece of CTO. Still for those that like bi-color still will be a nice light worth the price.
 
ReelFilmGeek said:
On top of that I've never been a huge fan of bi color as I'd rather have a fully focused daylight version that is often brighter and a piece of CTO. Still for those that like bi-color still will be a nice light worth the price.
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Depends on how bi-color is done. Many LED lights (such as the Astras), the bi-color version is about 90% as bright as the daylight version, so you're not really gaining much by daylight only and then you're loosing a considerable amount of brightness once you add gels. Or take RGB lights like the Skypanel that are certainly no slouch in terms of brightness despite being RGB and bi-color.

I watched the video for the 300X and he spoke some technical terms to praise how the bi-color is done, but it mostly seemed in relation to shadows and such, and not efficiency, so yeah, I'd want to know if it's as or almost as bright as the daylight only version at 5600k and 3200k or if it's one of those lame 50% as bright type of bi-color lights.
 
Eric Coughlin said:
Depends on how bi-color is done. Many LED lights (such as the Astras), the bi-color version is about 90% as bright as the daylight version, so you're not really gaining much by daylight only and then you're loosing a considerable amount of brightness once you add gels. Or take RGB lights like the Skypanel that are certainly no slouch in terms of brightness despite being RGB and bi-color.

I watched the video for the 300X and he spoke some technical terms to praise how the bi-color is done, but it mostly seemed in relation to shadows and such, and not efficiency, so yeah, I'd want to know if it's as or almost as bright as the daylight only version at 5600k and 3200k or if it's one of those lame 50% as bright type of bi-color lights.
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He answered those questions in the same video: About the brightness of the 300D Mk1 in the 4400 to 5500 range, and closer to the 120D mk2 at the extremes of the bicolor range (2700 and 6500). The 300D Mk2 is supposedly 20% brighter than the Mk1.
 
Recently bought two 300d II (my first Aputure lights) & even though I’m a huge fan of bicolor LEDs, the announcement of the upcoming (estimated Q1 2020) 300x does not make me regret the purchase as I desired the maximum output in a daylight balanced COB.

Been contemplating adding a couple more 300d II(s), but with this announcement I’ll now likely wait for the 300x, & when/if Aputure releases a RGB+ version I’ll probably pickup a pair of those too. They’re different tools that fill different needs, yet share common accessories, & more importantly, a single well designed App utilizing Bluetooth Mesh to control them all. And all six lamps will cost less, take up less space in a vehicle, & be easier to carry around location, then a single ‘complete’ S60-C kit.

I own four 2x2’, & two 1x2’, flexible LEDs, & regularly rent SkyPanels, but generally prefer the versatility of single-point light sources. Also I’m based in Los Angeles where the market is so super-saturated with Arri lights that I’d never see a ROI on high-end lamps, so having a modest kit for the occasional simpler jobs makes sense for my needs. Additionally I’m in this cycle where most my jobs involve air travel, & dragging along Arris is impractical, but a suitcase full of Flex Panels, &/or a couple of 300d (in their superb soft cases), is often just what’s needed for some of the documentary work I often do for NGOs. But most often Production’s renting a truck, or two, full of gear, & the crew to manage it, while my humble kit sits unused in a temperature controlled storage unit.
 
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Eric Coughlin said:
Until they come out with the RGB version that will make the 300X owners regret their purchase, who had regretted their 300D Mark II purchase when the 300X came out, who before that regretted their 300D purchase when the Mark II came out. All in the course of say a three year period.
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What? No 300XXX update with Green/Magenta offsets prior to the announcement of a full RGB version? Seems an over-site on Aputure’s part.
 
Teddy_Dem said:
Not till after the 600D.
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Very nice!

Actually got wind of that announcement but didn’t want to steal their thunder.

https://launchstudio.bluetooth.com/ListingDetails/88480

And speaking of...intrigued by their “Thunder 5K”. According to that document it looks like their also working on a tube light, the “LS-Tube”. Wonder if they’ll show prototypes of both units at IBC? Imagine the Nova 300c is the RGB panel they’ve been showing prototypes of for awhile now.
 
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Bern Caughey said:
Very nice!

Actually got wind of that announcement but didn’t want to steal their thunder.

https://launchstudio.bluetooth.com/ListingDetails/88480

And speaking of...intrigued by their “Thunder 5K”. According to that document it looks like their also working on a tube light, the “LS-Tube”. Wonder if they’ll show prototypes of both units at IBC?
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Yes, those 2 items certainly sound interesting. I would welcome a tube light as I am currently interested in purchasing the Nanlite Pavotube 30C. I see they have a "Nova 300c" listed on there as well. I wonder if that is a new product if that's now the official name of their RGB panel that is supposed to be released before the end of the year.
 
Was editing my post with my Nova 300c speculation when you responded. My guess it is the RGB panel they’ve been showing.

Thanks to you, & TheDingo, for the links!
 
600D looks like a no brainer purchase. Was talking to Ted about this at CineGear and he hinted at it but I didn't realize it was going to be so soon. Aputure is a great lil' company and they are pushing the boundaries of what we can do with this tech, at an affordable price.

Re: their other new models...I know that people just LOVE to ***** and moan online but why on earth are people complaining about innovation here. Especially at these prices?!

If you bought the first version, go sell it and spend a few hundred on the new one. Or keep the old one. It still works. A $1k light should pay itself off in a few months of rentals or less.

I am curious about their tube lights but I own a set of 8 Astera Titans and find it hard to believe they will be able to match the power, battery life, ergonomics and flexibility of those. They are a bit premium for tube lights but worth every single penny. Some of the best lights I have ever owned. Put them right up there with the Gemini 2X1 and 1X1 for how often I bring them onto set.

TW
 
traviswears said:
600D looks like a no brainer purchase. Was talking to Ted about this at CineGear and he hinted at it but I didn't realize it was going to be so soon. Aputure is a great lil' company and they are pushing the boundaries of what we can do with this tech, at an affordable price.

Re: their other new models...I know that people just LOVE to ***** and moan online but why on earth are people complaining about innovation here. Especially at these prices?!

If you bought the first version, go sell it and spend a few hundred on the new one. Or keep the old one. It still works. A $1k light should pay itself off in a few months of rentals or less.

I am curious about their tube lights but I own a set of 8 Astera Titans and find it hard to believe they will be able to match the power, battery life, ergonomics and flexibility of those. They are a bit premium for tube lights but worth every single penny. Some of the best lights I have ever owned. Put them right up there with the Gemini 2X1 and 1X1 for how often I bring them onto set.

TW
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Astera makes some kick-ass products. I bought a LightDrop kit about a month ago and the first time I broke it out on a shoot, the two other shooters I was with said they were going to have to each buy a set and the producer said they were ‘a game changer’. My new “standard interview” kit is now just my two 1x1 Gemini’s and the “briefcase” of Astera LightDrops.
 
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