Aputure's New Light Dome III versus Light Dome Mini: Which Softbox Is Right For You?

In this episode we take a look at Aputure’s new and improved Light Dome soft box: the Light Dome III! This iteration of the Light Dome is now easier than ever to set up and tear down, pack, and transport in addition to still delivering the reliable performance we know and love from Aputure lights and modifiers. In this episode we cover the Light Dome III’s new features, compare it to a few similar soft boxes and diffusion modifiers, and discuss whether or not this might be the right soft box for you and your lighting kit. Let’s take a closer look!

If you’d like to learn how to make great dialogue audio for your film and video projects, please have a look at my courses including processing dialogue audio in Adobe Audition and DaVinci Resolve/Fairlight, recording sound, how to use the Zoom F4, F6, F8, and F8n, and how to get the most from the Sound Devices MixPre series of recorders. Our latest courses cover Sound for Live Streaming with the ATEM Mini and an Intro to Izotope RX.

Support my work creating videos by donating at Ko-Fi.com.

Gear used or mentioned in this episode. The links below are Amazon.com, B&H Photo, Sweetwater, DVEStore, Perfect Circuit, Trew Audio or other affiliate links. As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases:

- Aputure Light Dome III Softbox — Aputure, B&H

- Aputure Light Dome II Softbox — B&H, Amazon

- Aputure Light Dome Mini II Softbox — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Aputure LS 600x Pro Bicolor LED Light — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Amaran 200x S Bicolor LED Light — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Amaran 60d S 60-Watt LED Light — B&H, Amazon

- 48x48” Chimera Frame and Fabric — B&H: Frame & Fabric

- Sennheiser MKH 8050 Supercardioid Condenser Mic — B&H, Amazon

- Sound Devices MixPre Series II Recoders — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

- Sound Devices 888 Field Recorder/Mixer — B&H, Sweetwater

- Impact Turtle-Base C-Stands — B&H, Amazon

- Amaran Spotlight SE — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Rosco Prismatic Glass Gobo in Cool Lavender — B&H

- Canon C70 Cinema Camera — B&H

- Canon RF 24-70 f/2.8 lens — B&H, Amazon

- Panasonic GH5 camera — B&H, Amazon

- Panasonic 12-35mm f/2.8 II lens — B&H, Amazon

The intro and outro music for this episode is from Musicbed - “Dynamo” by Virgil Arles. Take your films to the next level with music from Musicbed. Sign up for a free account to listen for yourself.

Copyright 2023, Curtis Judd

New from Aputure: Amaran Spotlight SE!

In this episode we take a look at Amaran’s new Spotlight SE! This smaller version of the original Spotlight mount works with a variety of Aputure and Amaran lights up to 300 watts, is available with two different lens options, and comes with almost every gobo you could possibly need. In this episode we cover the Spotlight SE’s key features and demonstrate several ways in which you might use it most effectively. Let’s take a closer look!

If you’d like to learn how to make great dialogue audio for your film and video projects, please have a look at my courses including processing dialogue audio in Adobe Audition and DaVinci Resolve/Fairlight, recording sound, how to use the Zoom F4, F6, F8, and F8n, and how to get the most from the Sound Devices MixPre series of recorders. Our latest courses cover Sound for Live Streaming with the ATEM Mini and an Intro to Izotope RX. for more info!

Support my work creating videos by donating at Ko-Fi.com.

Gear used or mentioned in this episode. The links below are Amazon.com, B&H Photo, Sweetwater, DVEStore, Perfect Circuit, Trew Audio or other affiliate links. As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases:

- Amaran Spotlight SE — Aputure, Amazon, B&H

- Aputure Spotlight Mount (original, larger, heavier, more expensive) — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Amaran 150c RGBWW Bowens mount light — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Amaran 300c RGBWW Bowens mount light — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Amaran 100d/S daylight Bowens mount light (daylight only lights put out more light, but cannot change color temperature) — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Amaran 100x/S bi-color Bowens mount light — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Amaran 200d/S daylight Bowens mount light — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Amaran 200x/S bi-color Bowens mount light (This is the light I use as my key light for talking head video 90% of the time. Incredible color quality and I only have to set the dimmer between 10 and 20% for most talking head shots) — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Sennheiser MKH 8050 Supercardioid Condenser Microphone — B&H, Amazon

- Sound Devices 888 Field Recorder/Mixer — B&H, Sweetwater

- Impact Turtle-Base C-Stands — B&H, Amazon

- Amaran 200x S LED light — B&H, Amazon, Aputure

- Aputure Light Dome II soft box — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Aputure Spotlight Mount — Aputure, B&H, DVE Store, Amazon

- Rosco Prismatic Glass Gobo in Cool Lavender — B&H

- Canon C70 Cinema Camera — B&H

- Canon RF 24-70 f/2.8 lens — B&H, Amazon

- Panasonic GH5 camera — B&H, Amazon

- Panasonic 12-35mm f/2.8 II lens — B&H, Amazon

The intro and outro music for this episode is from Musicbed - “Dynamo” by Virgil Arles. Take your films to the next level with music from Musicbed. Sign up for a free account to listen for yourself.

Copyright 2023, Curtis Judd

Aputure Delta Pro Powered by EcoFlow — Big generator for LED lights on location

In this week’s episode we try out the Aputure DELTA Pro, a high-wattage power station for powering your lighting kit in the field and on location. With a 3600 watt-hour capacity, 15 different types of power outlets, and luggage-style wheels and handle, this battery is well-equipped to accompany you on your next on-location shoot. In this video we walk through the DELTA Pro’s features and demonstrate how we use it to get the most out of our lighting designs outside the studio. Let’s take a closer look!

If you’d like to learn how to make great dialogue audio for your film and video projects, please have a look at my courses including processing dialogue audio in Adobe Audition and DaVinci Resolve/Fairlight, recording sound, how to use the Zoom F4, F6, F8, and F8n, and how to get the most from the Sound Devices MixPre series of recorders. Our latest courses cover Sound for Live Streaming with the ATEM Mini and an Intro to Izotope RX.

Support my work creating videos by donating at Ko-Fi.com.

Gear used or mentioned in this episode. The links below are Amazon.com, B&H Photo, Sweetwater, DVEStore, Perfect Circuit, Trew Audio or other affiliate links. As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases:

- Aputure DELTA Pro electric generator — Aputure, B&H

- Aputure 600d Pro LED light — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Aputure 600x Pro LED Light — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Aputure 600c Pro LED Light — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Amaran 200x S LED light — B&H, Amazon, Aputure

- Aputure Light Dome II soft box — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Aputure Spotlight Mount — Aputure, B&H, DVE Store. Amazon

- Rosco Prismatic Glass Gobo in Cool Lavender — B&H

- Canon C70 Cinema Camera — B&H

- Panasonic GH5 camera — B&H, Amazon

- Panasonic 12-35mm f/2.8 II lens — B&H, Amazon

The intro and outro music for this episode is from Musicbed - “Dynamo” by Virgil Arles. Take your films to the next level with music from Musicbed. Sign up for a free account to listen for yourself.

Copyright 2023, Curtis Judd

LED versus Tungsten Lighting in 2023

In this week’s episode, we dive into the nuances of LED lighting in 2023, particularly in terms of how modern LED lights compare to traditional tungsten fixtures. We discuss how color plays into lighting design, color quality and how it’s measured, and why color accuracy might matter in your video workflow. We also show you several sample shots and discuss the various LED lights with which they were lit. Let’s take a closer look!

If you’d like to learn how to make great dialogue audio for your film and video projects, please have a look at my courses including processing dialogue audio in Adobe Audition and DaVinci Resolve/Fairlight, recording sound, how to use the Zoom F4, F6, F8, and F8n, and how to get the most from the Sound Devices MixPre series of recorders. Our latest courses cover Sound for Live Streaming with the ATEM Mini and an Intro to Izotope RX.

Support my work creating videos by donating at Ko-Fi.com.

Gear used or mentioned in this episode. The links below are Amazon.com, B&H Photo, Sweetwater, DVEStore, Perfect Circuit, Trew Audio or other affiliate links. As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases:

- Amaran 200x S LED light — B&H, Amazon, Aputure

- Lowel Tota-Light Tungsten Flood Lamp — B&H

- Lupo Superpanel LED Panel Lights — B&H

- Nanlite Forza 60C Full Color LED Light — B&H, Amazon

- Sekonic C-800 Photo Spectrometer — B&H, Amazon

- Aputure Light Dome II soft box — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Aputure Spotlight Mount — Aputure, B&H, DVE Store, Amazon

- Rosco Prismatic Glass Gobo in Cool Lavender — B&H

- Canon C70 Cinema Camera — B&H

- Panasonic GH5 camera — B&H, Amazon

- Panasonic 12-35mm f/2.8 II lens — B&H, Amazon

The intro and outro music for this episode is from Musicbed - “Dynamo” by Virgil Arles. Take your films to the next level with music from Musicbed. Sign up for a free account to listen for yourself.

Copyright 2023, Curtis Judd

Amaran 150c & 300c | RGB Bowens Mount Lights for Video

In this week’s episode we try out the new Amaran 150 and 300c fixtures. These single-point RGBWW lights from Aputure’s budget line feature full color plus warm and cool white capabilities. They can be adjusted from tungsten to daylight color temperatures and beyond for great versatility as key lights, and also make great effects fixtures with their preloaded effect library. Let’s take a closer look!

If you’d like to learn how to make great dialogue audio for your film and video projects, please have a look at my courses including processing dialogue audio in Adobe Audition and DaVinci Resolve/Fairlight, recording sound, how to use the Zoom F4, F6, F8, and F8n, and how to get the most from the Sound Devices MixPre series of recorders. Our latest courses cover Sound for Live Streaming with the ATEM Mini and an Intro to Izotope RX.

Support my work creating videos by donating at Ko-Fi.com.

Gear used or mentioned in this episode. The links below are Amazon.com, B&H Photo, Sweetwater, DVEStore, Perfect Circuit, Trew Audio or other affiliate links. As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases:

- Amaran 150c single-point RGBWW LED light - B&H, Amazon

- Amaran 300c single-point RGBWW LED light — B&H, Amazon

- Amaran Pixel Tube Lights — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Aputure Spotlight Mount — Aputure, B&H, DVE Store, Amazon

- Aputure light dome II soft box — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Rosco Prismatic Glass Gobo in Cool Lavender — B&H

- Aputure power station — B&H, Amazon

- Westcott umbrella — Amazon

- Sennheiser MKH 8050 — B&H, Trew, Amazon

- Sound Devices MixPre audio recorder — B&H, Trew Audio, Sweetwater, DVE Store, Amazon

- Rycote PCS Microphone Quick-Release System — B&H

- Canon C70 cinema camera — B&H

- Canon RF 24-70 f/2.8L lens — B&H, Amazon

- Schneider Radiant Soft 1 diffusion filter — B&H

- Panasonic GH5 camera — B&H, Amazon

- Panasonic 12-35mm f/2.8 II lens — B&H, Amazon

The intro and outro music for this episode is from Musicbed - “Dynamo” by Virgil Arles. Take your films to the next level with music from Musicbed. Sign up for a free account to listen for yourself.

Copyright 2023, Curtis Judd

Colorful Pixel Tube Lights | Aputure Amaran PT1c, 2c, and 4c

In this week’s episode, we have fun experimenting with the new Amaran PT1c, 2c, and 4c pixel tube lights from Aputure Lighting ! These cool lights can play a role in any lighting design with their RGBWW color spectrum, pre-programmed system and pixel FX, and long-lasting inbuilt batteries. In this video we overview the PT series’ feature set and demonstrate how you might creatively incorporate them into your lighting kit. Let’s take a closer look!

If you’d like to learn how to make great dialogue audio for your film and video projects, please have a look at my courses including processing dialogue audio in Adobe Audition and DaVinci Resolve/Fairlight, recording sound, how to use the Zoom F4, F6, F8, and F8n, and how to get the most from the Sound Devices MixPre series of recorders. Our latest courses cover Sound for Live Streaming with the ATEM Mini and an Intro to Izotope RX.

Support my work creating videos by donating at Ko-Fi.com.

Gear used or mentioned in this episode. The links below are Amazon.com, B&H Photo, Sweetwater, DVEStore, Perfect Circuit, Trew Audio or other affiliate links. As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases:

- Aputure amaran Pixel Tube Lights — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Sound Devices MixPre audio recorder — B&H, Trew Audio, Sweetwater, DVE Store, Amazon

- Rycote PCS Microphone Quick-Release System — B&H

- Aputure LS 300X used for background light — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Aputure Spotlight Mount — Aputure, B&H, DVE Store, Amazon

- Rosco Prismatic Glass Gobo in Cool Lavender — B&H

- Canon C70 cinema camera — B&H

- Canon RF 24-70 f/2.8L lens — B&H, Amazon

- Schneider Radiant Soft 1 diffusion filter — B&H

- Panasonic GH5 camera — B&H, Amazon

- Panasonic 12-35mm f/2.8 II lens — B&H, Amazon

The intro and outro music for this episode is from Musicbed - “Dynamo” by Virgil Arles. Take your films to the next level with music from Musicbed. Sign up for a free account to listen for yourself.

Copyright 2023, Curtis Judd

Amaran 200x S LED Light — Impressive Color Quality, Affordable Video Light

In this week’s episode we take a look at the new Amaran 200x S bicolor light from Aputure. The 200x S is the second iteration of the Amaran COB series of lights, and updates include Aputure’s Dual Blue color chip for an expanded spectrum and greater color accuracy. It’s also compatible, of course, with Sidus Link for iOS and Android devices. Here, we compare the photometrics of the 200d and 200x S, overview the new feature set, and explore some practical applications where the 200x S’s Dual Blue capability comes in handy. Let’s take a closer look!

If you’d like to learn how to make great dialogue audio for your film and video projects, please have a look at my courses including processing dialogue audio in Adobe Audition and DaVinci Resolve/Fairlight, recording sound, how to use the Zoom F4, F6, F8, and F8n, and how to get the most from the Sound Devices MixPre series of recorders. Our latest courses cover Sound for Live Streaming with the ATEM Mini and an Intro to Izotope RX.

Support my work creating videos by donating at Ko-Fi.com.

Gear used or mentioned in this episode. The links below are Amazon.com, B&H Photo, Sweetwater, DVEStore, Perfect Circuit, Trew Audio or other affiliate links. As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases:

D stands for daylight, X stands for bi-color (daylight and tungsten). Choose daylight if you need more light output.

- Amaran 200x S, 200d S, 100x S, 200d S, 60d S— Aputure

- Sennheiser MKH 50 microphone — B&H, Trew Audio, Sweetwater, Amazon

- Sound Devices MixPre audio recorder — B&H, Trew Audio, Sweetwater, DVE Store, Amazon

- Rycote PCS Microphone Quick-Release System — B&H

- Aputure LS 300X used for background light — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Aputure Spotlight Mount — Aputure, B&H, DVE Store, Amazon

- Rosco Prismatic Glass Gobo in Cool Lavender — B&H

- Canon C70 cinema camera — B&H

- Canon RF 24-70 f/2.8L lens — B&H, Amazon

- Schneider Radiant Soft 1 diffusion filter — B&H

- Panasonic GH5 camera — B&H, Amazon

- Panasonic 12-35mm f/2.8 II lens — B&H, Amazon

The intro and outro music for this episode is from Musicbed - “Dynamo” by Virgil Arles. Take your films to the next level with music from Musicbed. Sign up for a free account to listen for yourself.

Copyright 2023, Curtis Judd

Aputure LS 600c Pro LED light — Creative Lighting Demo

In this week’s episode, we have a look at Aputure’s newest addition to their Light Storm 600 series: the 600c Pro. This is Aputure’s first full-color point-source fixture and completes the Light Storm 600 trifecta alongside the 600D Pro and 600X Pro. It’s equipped with an RGBWW color LED array, a standard Bowens mount, a redesigned user interface, professional connectors, a variety of powering options, weather-resistant construction, and Sidus Link integration. In this video, we’ll show you a couple of ways it might be creatively used to light a film production. Let’s take a closer look!

Reviews of other Aputure 600 series LED lights:

600x Pro bi-color LED light

600d Pro daylight LED light

If you’d like to learn how to make great dialogue audio for your film and video projects, please have a look at my courses including processing dialogue audio in Adobe Audition and DaVinci Resolve/Fairlight, recording sound, how to use the Zoom F4, F6, F8, and F8n, and how to get the most from the Sound Devices MixPre series of recorders. Our latest courses cover Sound for Live Streaming with the ATEM Mini and an Intro to Izotope RX.

Support my work creating videos by donating at Ko-Fi.com.

Gear used or mentioned in this episode. The links below are Amazon.com, B&H Photo, Sweetwater, DVEStore, Perfect Circuit, or other affiliate links. As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases:

- Aputure Light Storm 600c Pro 600W RGBWW Point-Source LED Light — Aputure, B&H, DVE Store

- Aputure P300C LED used as key light — Aputure, B&H

- Aputure Spotlight Mount - Aputure, B&H, DVE Store. Amazon

- Rosco Prismatic Glass Gobo Cool Lavender creates the color pattern on the back wall - B&H

- Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 6K — B&H, DVE Store, Amazon

- Canon C70 camera — B&H

- Canon RF 24-70 f/2.8L lens — B&H, Amazon

- Sennheiser MKH8050 microphone — B&H, Amazon

- SoundDevices 888 Audio Recorder – Trew Audio, B&H, Sweetwater

Take your films to the next level with music from Musicbed. Sign up for a free account to listen for yourself.

Copyright 2022, Curtis Judd

Aputure LS 600X PRO LED Light — What makes it PRO?

In this week’s episode, we have a look at the Aputure LS 600X PRO LED light for video and film production. Specifically, we look at what makes this light professional versus a lot of other LED lighting instruments on the market. The Aputure Light Storm series of LED lights have come a long way!

If you’d like to learn how to make great dialogue audio for your film and video projects, please have a look at my courses including processing dialogue audio in Adobe Audition and DaVinci Resolve/Fairlight, recording sound, how to use the Zoom F4, F6, F8, and F8n, and how to get the most from the Sound Devices MixPre series of recorders. Our latest courses cover Sound for Live Streaming with the ATEM Mini and an Intro to Izotope RX.

Support my work creating videos by donating at Ko-Fi.com.

Gear used or mentioned in this episode. The links below are Amazon.com, B&H Photo, Sweetwater, DVEStore, Perfect Circuit, or other affiliate links. As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases:

- Aputure 600X PRO LED light — Aputure, B&H, DVE Store, Amazon

- Aputure 600D PRO LED Light — Aputure, B&H, DVE Store

- Aputure Light Dome II — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Aputure F10 Fresnel — Aputure, B&H, DVE Store, Amazon

- Aputure F10 Barn Doors — Aputure, B&H, DVE Store, Amazon

- Impact Luxbank softbox - B&H

- Aputure Amaran 100D - Aputure, B&H, DVE Store, Amazon

- Aputure Spotlight Mount - Aputure, B&H, DVE Store. Amazon

- Rosco Prismatic Glass Gobo Cool Lavender creates the color pattern on the back wall - B&H

- Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 6K - B&H, DVE Store, Amazon

- Simga EF 24-70mm f/2.8 lens - https://geni.us/bhOWVlW

Take your films to the next level with music from Musicbed. Sign up for a free account to listen for yourself.

Copyright 2022, Curtis Judd

Aputure Amaran COB 60X and P60X LED Lights for Video Creators

In this episode, we have a look at the Aputure Amaran COB 60X and P60X LED lights for video. These little lights put out a good bit of light despite their size and their color quality is top notch. Let’s take a closer look!

If you’d like to learn how to make great dialogue audio for your film and video projects, please have a look at my courses including processing dialogue audio in Adobe Audition and DaVinci Resolve/Fairlight, recording sound, how to use the Zoom F4, F6, F8, and F8n, and how to get the most from the Sound Devices MixPre series of recorders. Our latest courses cover Sound for Live Streaming with the ATEM Mini and an Intro to Izotope RX.

Support my work creating videos by donating at Ko-Fi.com.

Gear used or mentioned in this episode. The links below are Amazon.com, B&H Photo, Sweetwater, DVEStore, Perfect Circuit, or other affiliate links. As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases:

- Aputure Amaran COB 60X single-point Bowens mount LED Light - Amazon

- Aputure Amaran P60X panel LED light - Amazon

- Umbrella for soft light - Amazon

- Impact soft box (the HUGE box I used for the key light) - B&H

- Cardelllini clamp to mount the soft box to a c-stand - B&H

- Aputure Amaran 100D - Aputure, B&H, DVE Store, Amazon

- Aputure Light Dome Mini II - Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Aputure Spotlight Mount - Aputure, B&H, DVE Store. Amazon

- Rosco Prismatic Glass Gobo Cool Lavender creates the color pattern on the back wall - B&H

- Sound Devices MixPre series audio recorders - B&H, Sweetwater, DVE Store, Amazon

- Sennheiser MKH8050 microphone - B&H, Amazon

- Panasonic GH5 camera — B&H, Amazon

- Olympus 45mm f/1.8 lens — B&H, Amazon

- Canon C70 Camera — B&H

- Canon RF 24-70 f/2.8 lens — B&H, Amazon

Take your films to the next level with music from Musicbed. Sign up for a free account to listen for yourself.

Copyright 2021, Curtis Judd