Brilliant Video and Studio Recording at Dusk and in Darkness

Archive notice: This article was originally published on November 7, 2008. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.

A camcorder can preserve many unique experiences for the future. In a photo studio, there is often not enough light to achieve the desired image quality. In both cases, it is especially frustrating when dark shadows and insufficient brightness later have a negative impact on photos or films.

However, the quality of photographs and video footage can be improved decisively with targeted lighting aids—particularly with reflecta’s lighting range. The long-established lighting supplier reflecta, based in Rottenburg near Stuttgart, is now presenting its new, rounded and complete range of modern studio and video lights. reflecta’s lighting portfolio for both professional and amateur users includes six new “Premium” models:

• reflecta® RAVL 200 LED battery-powered video light

• reflecta® RAVL 100 LED battery-powered video light

• reflecta® DR 10.20 professional video light

• reflecta® DR 100 battery-powered video light

• reflecta® DR 300 300 W mains-powered video light

• reflecta® studio 8002 studio light

The reflecta RAVL 200 battery-powered video light, with a 3 W LED light source for video applications, provides better ambient light during video recording, more intensive subject capture in darkness and consistently regulated brightness. Thanks to its low weight of just 93 grams including three AAA batteries, compact dimensions and long operating time of up to four hours, the new reflecta RAVL 200 is the ideal camcorder companion when shooting on the move in poorly lit rooms. The handy, compact reflecta RAVL 200 features a powerful 3 W LED light source and a wide 42° illumination angle. Its universal foot with locking screw fits almost any camcorder shoe. An optional adapter shoe is included for certain Sony® camcorders, and the package also contains a camera bracket for universal use. The stylish reflecta RAVL 200 has two adjustable brightness levels, is resistant to shocks and vibrations, and produces extremely little heat. Replacing the batteries is exceptionally simple.

In the entry-level class of LED battery-powered video lights, the reflecta® RAVL 100 uses a 1 W LED that produces approximately 20 lux at a distance of one meter. The reflecta® RAVL 100 is recommended for illumination at short distances, for example close-ups of faces or filling in shadows.

The new reflecta® DR 10.20 professional video light was developed specifically for reports and interviews. It can easily be mounted on professional cameras from manufacturers such as Sony®, Panasonic® or JVC® and connected to the camera contacts. The necessary connection cables and adapters are included. The reflecta® DR 10.20 comes with 10 W and 20 W halogen lamps that can be exchanged easily according to the required light level. Its built-in zoom function provides either a concentrated or more widely dispersed light level. To accommodate all lighting conditions, the reflecta® DR 10.20 is equipped with a soft filter and a daylight filter. The zoom function is operated with a knurled wheel on the rear. Four barn doors allow further adjustment of the light. The gradual current draw is gentle and perfectly matched to the lithium battery’s capacity.

Video footage becomes interesting and expressive only with the right light. The small, stylish reflecta® DR 300 300 W mains-powered video light provides ideal illumination for video recording. Its built-in fan makes the DR 300 suitable for continuous operation, so there is no time limit on its use and overheating is ruled out. At the same time, the 300 W DR 300 can be rotated fully toward the ceiling, increasing the overall level of indirect lighting at the shooting location. This creates additional, highly attractive lighting contrasts while filming. This small, stylish 300 W mains-powered video light gives users ideal illumination for video shoots wherever a power connection is available.

The reflecta® DR 100 battery-powered video light operates with an included 12 V, 7,500 mAh lead-gel battery. With a 100 W halogen bulb and a full battery charge, filming is possible for approximately 40 minutes. The battery is housed in a suitable bag that can be carried easily over the shoulder. When shooting with a tripod, the bag can be hung from the tripod’s center column, providing additional stability. The reflecta® DR 100 includes a connection cable with a cigarette-lighter plug, allowing the light to operate from a vehicle’s cigarette-lighter socket. Its lead-gel battery makes users completely independent of mains power.

The reflecta® studio 8002 studio light delivers optimum light output together with excellent heat dissipation in almost any mounting position. Its sturdy handle permits almost any horizontal or vertical rotation up to 90°. The light can therefore also be mounted on a ceiling or lighting stand. A powerful cooling fan ensures that excessive heat does not develop even during extended use. The included diffuser creates particularly soft light with minimal shadows. The 1,000 W halogen lamp maintains its color fidelity of 3,400° Kelvin throughout its service life. The reflecta® studio 8002 comes complete with barn doors that can further focus or spread the beam. The lamp position can be adjusted continuously with a zoom lever from spotlight to “floodlight.” To replace the halogen lamp, the barn-door attachment and floodlight safety glass are released together with a small twist. The Multi Power system also provides two output levels of 500 W and 1,000 W, offering further lighting possibilities. A built-in thermal switch prevents overheating during continuous operation.

Retail prices including VAT:

• reflecta® RAVL 200 LED battery-powered video light: €100.00

More information at: http://www.reflecta.de