M18 vs Joker 1600w Zoom Beamer?

Grug

Grug

Veteran
Hi guys,

I'm looking into adding a slightly larger (house powerable) HMI to my kit, and find myself a little torn between the Arri M18 and the K5600 Joker 1600 Zoom Beamer. Both are open-faced lights with faceted reflectors, both cost basically the same. So for me it really comes down to output, beam quality and transportability.

Obviously the M18 win for output slightly, but it's also a fair bit heavier and takes up a bit more space for transport. I've worked with the M18 before and know the quality of its beam (which is really very for an open-faced light), I haven't used the 1600 Joker though, and don't know if it's as nice.

So I'm wondering if anyone's used both of these lights and can offer their thoughts on how they compare?

Cheers,

Mark
 
I have had issues using the M18 with it throwing breakers. I really like this light, but have my sights on the Joker because of it.

I would imagine you wouldn't have issues with power down under.
 
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Yeah, zero issues with with M18 on household breakers down here. We can run 2.5k HMIs off household sockets. I'd love to get an M40 and just run 2.5kw bulbs in it, but the physical size would be problematic for my current setup.
 
Here I have had to use a dedicated 30amp to feed the M18. You guys are lucky in that regard.

The Joker 1600w has no issues on a 20amp run.

I really love my other Joker lights, and will likely add the 1600 when I get the chance. But at this point I am putting every purchase on hold till I can scrape together enough for my next camera package. I will be putting a number of Mole Tungsten lights up for sale very soon to try and offset the cost.
 
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David W. Jones said:
Here I have had to use a dedicated 30amp to feed the M18. You guys are lucky in that regard.

The Joker 1600w has no issues on a 20amp run.

I really love my other Joker lights, and will likely add the 1600 when I get the chance. But at this point I am putting every purchase on hold till I can scrape together enough for my next camera package. I will be putting a number of Mole Tungsten lights up for sale very soon to try and offset the cost.
Click to expand...

Whatcha buying David?
 
David W. Jones said:
Here I have had to use a dedicated 30amp to feed the M18. You guys are lucky in that regard.

The Joker 1600w has no issues on a 20amp run.

I really love my other Joker lights, and will likely add the 1600 when I get the chance. But at this point I am putting every purchase on hold till I can scrape together enough for my next camera package. I will be putting a number of Mole Tungsten lights up for sale very soon to try and offset the cost.
Click to expand...

Do you have the Zoom Beamer attachments for any of your other Jokers David?
 
This is going to sound crazy, because I have told myself no more expensive cameras, but I am looking at putting together a used Sony F65 package in early 2016.

I crewed on a national shoot that used the F65 and was blown away by the image. The director wanted to use the camera after he saw the movie Belle, and I can see why. With 6 1/2 stops over and 7 1/2 stops under it has incredible latitude. Even shooting in HDCam SR mode, the picture looks fabulous. It almost has a film grain look to it. I know some folks think Sony video has a plastic look to skin tones, but we shot older people in these commercials probably 65+, with Cooke S4/i lenses and Hollywood Black Magic filters, and they looked better than I ever imagined. Going in I had my doubts about the camera choice, but after seeing the DIT's playback I was ready to eat my words. I'm just hoping prices will continue to drop in the next 6 months.

Dave
 
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