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High-end flash photography specialist Profoto has just announced that they are entering the cinema market with their first continuous COB LED light, the L1600D. This high-output LED light has a fixed color temperature of 5700K; the power supply is built-in, so it doesn’t have an external ballast, and it can boast a massive 49000lx at 5m/16.4ft with the included boost reflector. So, let’s take a closer look at it!
Profoto is well-known among photographers worldwide for their wide variety of studio and on-location flashes, which are built like tanks and have extreme longevity. Over the years, the company has also developed their lighting modifiers and shaping tools with their own Profoto mount.
With decades of experience, the Swedish company is venturing into the filmmaking and cinema market with their first product: the Profoto L1600D.
As its name suggests, the Profoto L1600D is a 1600W “mono-LED” light. This fixture has a fixed color temperature of 5700K with a CRI/TLCI over 97, and it can be dimmed from 0 to 100% in 0.1% increments. Furthermore, Profoto mentions that the L1600D is flicker-free at any frame rate.
With dimensions of 50 x 26 x 29cm/19.6 x 10.2 x 11.4in with the built-in reflector and a weight of 11,7kg/25,8lb for the light head plus yoke only, the L1600D is not the most portable or lightweight fixture on the market.
The L1600D has an integrated power supply and cannot be powered by external batteries. It connects to mains power via a Neutrik powerCON connector at the back of the light head and the included 7m/23ft power cable.
To cool the L1600D, Profoto developed their own patent-pending HydroCTech liquid cooling system. There are still two 140mm fans inside the unit, but the noise should be reasonable. The light is IP54 weatherproof, so it is not waterproof, but it should survive outdoor shooting conditions if you’re gentle with it.
Profoto only shared a picture of the side of the L1600D, making it difficult to gather all the information. However, we know that at the front, you’ll find a dual mount for lighting modifiers: Profoto and Bowens mount. At the back, you’ll find a USB-C port, an XLR 5pin in/out port for DMX control, and an antenna for the Profoto Air Radio protocol that supports remote control up to 100m/328ft. Lastly, the L1600D also supports Lumen Radio and CRMX protocols.
At the moment, Profoto has not provided any information regarding pricing or availability for the L1600D. If you attend CineGear in Burbank, California, from June 7-9th, you’ll be able to see this powerful LED light in person.
For more information, please visit Profoto’s website here.
What do you think about this first continuous LED light from Profoto? Have you already used Profoto flashes? Do you think fixed-temperature LED lights are still relevant in 2024? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments down below!
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Jeff Loch is a French freelance director, editor and colorist, working mostly on music videos, commercials, and corporate films.
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