Litepanels Gemini 2×1 Hard RGBWW LED Panel
Litepanels recently released the latest panel in its Gemini series, the Gemini 2x1 Hard RGBWW LED Panel. The light itself comes with basically all the same features as its predecessor, the Gemini 2x1 Soft, but boasts a much larger output, making it an even more versatile LED studio light, that rivals the best competitors in the industry.
With the rise in popularity of LED lights in the film world, the evolution of LED's from daylight, to bi-color, to full RGBWW capabilities showcases just how versatile LED lighting options are becoming, not to mention power… Litepanels claims that the Gemini 2x1 Hard can output a staggering 23,000 lux at 10ft/3m with a beam angle of around 20°. How does this compare to other 2x1 LED Lights? Well, the ARRI SkyPanel S60 can output around 1981 lux at 10ft/3m with an intensifier accessory, but has a much larger beam angle of 115°. While comparing the output of these two lights can be complicated, the Gemini 2x1 Hard seems to be at the same, or greater, level of any of the comparable light in its field.
As expected, the Gemini 2x1 Hard is often compared with the ARRI SkyPanel S60. This makes a lot of sense, as the Gemini 2x1 Hard is seemingly attempting to take a spot in the market as a cheaper, yet comparably powerful, and arguably more color accurate alternative to the S60. But does it actually stack up? Quite simply, from everything we can tell from color accuracy, raw output, weight, features and price, it most certainly seems to.
When looking at the photometrics and color data of lights, it's always important to note that every camera sensor will react differently. On paper, the Gemini 2x1 HARD shows relatively high CRI scores at both 5600k and 3200k color temperatures, but the light may look better, or worse, depending on how the camera sensor reacts. So, while it can be informative to look at this data, it's always best to try and test these lights to see how they will react with the camera you will be shooting on.
Key Features:
- 23,000 lux at 10ft/3m (Daylight) with a 20° beam angle
- Ultra-light and domed diffusers included for softer light
- Extended white color temperature range from 2,700-10,000K
- Claimed color accuracy, TLCI 97 /CRI 95
- Full RGBWW color gamut mixing
- Hue, Saturation and Intensity control
- Full plus/minus green color correction
- 0.1 – 100% automatic flicker-free dimming at any frame rate or shutter angle
- Wired or wireless DMX & Bluetooth remote control options
- Multi-voltage 100-240VAC; DC Input 26-33VDC
- 25.3 lbs (11.5kg) including yoke and power supply
Now lets talk about cost. At the price point of $5,985 USD, this light is by no means a cheap entry level light. It's important to note as well that at the base cost of almost $6,000 USD, this package does not include any of the many accessories that you may need to unlock the full potential of the light, including practical components such as a softbox, barndoors, expansion arrays, etc., that can increase that price point considerably. Having said that, the Gemini 2x1 Hard RGBWW panel does come with an ultralight diffuser and a domed diffuser, allowing the fixture to be used as both a hard and soft light.
To summarize, Litepanels' new Gemini 2x1 Hard RGBWW LED seems extremely impressive in terms of disrupting the marketplace for 2x1 LED lights. Although the price point is not cheap, when compared to something like the ARRI SkyPanel S60, it certainly can be a great choice on a tight budget, while still performing at an exceptionally high level.