Thanks Luke, i'm running mostly Arri S60c panels with DOP Choise Octobanks. Just brought my first Apature Nova 600 ,so will see how it goes...love the built in ballast and affordable accessories, also the Sidus link app as i'm running a lot of 300x and 60x units as well as MC lights, a great eco system for smaller tvc's
Hi Luke, great comparison. Sky Panel S60 was my goto panel for the last few years but now with all the new ones this vid of yours helps in my choice making. I’m using a Vortex 8 for the first time on a movie at the moment. Love it. The only problem, I was told, is that you can run a S60 on a Bebop 1200 Cube but the Vortex 8 can break the battery. I haven’t tried it out;-) Again thanks for your extremely helpful vid. Take care
Geminis are great, but they are a similar vintage to the S60c with a little less output. What I wanted to do here was compare a number units that are part of the next wave of ~600+ watt 2’x1’ panels.
@@meetthegaffer Yeah, I wish they'd released an Intensifier for the 2x1 panels the way they did for their 1x1 Geminis. We just keep ours on at all times and it's helpful. Do you own all 4 of these systems? Which one you find yourself pulling off the truck first if it's up to you?
@@traviswears I do not own the Vortex8. If I didn’t own any panels and needed the ability to use panels in all kinds of weather, I would strongly consider the Vortex’s. For the type of work I do I’m more likely going to put a hard light outside, so the fact that point source LED’s are being given weather resistance is all good. Credit to Nanlux for giving me the opportunity to play with their 650c and 1200c before purchasing. They became units I didn’t realize I’d been wanting. I will continue to use both in the Dyno series. For me, the 600d is the best “heir to the S60c throne” for the work I do. I’ll keep using my Skypanels, but they’ll be more ancillary, like when I need a stronger soft edge than a freestyle 31. The 600c gives me internal Lumen Radio, multiple light engines, internal PSU, known form factor, good balance and weight, works with existing rabbit ear system, good interface, and comes from a company that listens. The only downside is that the S60c accessories don’t fit, so I may need to add, depending how I use it. I realize my situation is different that others, but I hope that answers your question.
This is really great to see, thanks Luke! I will say, perhaps the small size of the diffusion helps the vortex compared to the other lights. If you were to back up the vortex to fill an 8x8 frame evenly, the difference may be less dramatic (the other lights could be placed much closer in that scenario)
I’m just using it in reference to a multi-hard emitter unit that is used in the form factor of a traditional soft light. As soon as you put a diffuser panel up close to these hard emitters, all the output goes away. If you want to fill a larger area of diffusion, you need to pull a hard source away to get coverage, which works against the output gain you get from that hard source. Thus the quandary.
The Vortex(without the diffusion front) has a beam angle of 20 degrees. You are not gonna be using it like that in a dopchoice 5' Octa. Even with the diffusion front it's beam angle is only 60 degrees. Once you add the dome and the diffusion front (to eliminate multiple shadows), it is well below the output of the p600c and Nanlite 650c. It is great as a spotlight for subjects well away from the light, but not so good in a medium to small room.
The vortex 8 appeared to have very similar qualities in “hard” mode due to the size of the diffusion, but Luke, did you observe a hotspot through the diffuser? Did it feel like it projected a hotter spot down center where you were sitting?
@@meetthegaffer isnt that a bag thing to have a hotspot thru diffusion ? In most situations isn't the light suppose to be smooth and even thru the diffuser?
Sure, but this was the test put before all the units equally; there was not attempt to create a good lighting set-up, simply a situation that provides a comparison of output through a softener. You have to extrapolate from there how you would use each unit given the variables that would be most advantageous for your situation depending on the source chosen.
Hi Luke, thank you for the review! I'm trying to figure what is best way to fill up an 8x8 frame. Would a couple of P300's do the job, or would I need two P600's? Or would one P600 fill the frame without light falloff on the edges? I would love if you'd make a video showing how best to light up and 8x8 diffusion like grid cloth and measure lux at 3 meters from the diffusion...
The reality is that you can “fill” an 8x with almost anything, and it all depends what you need out of the key given the rest of the scene, like a bright window or whatever element may dictate more or less output. Often, a Nova P600c would be just fine, but sometimes you end up adding a few units together, especially for a book light, which will give you a very even coverage of the grid.
@@meetthegaffer Thank you, of course. I need to measure ambient lux, then diffusion loss and distance to see what output I need from the units. Sorry was very tired last night... 🤦♀
@@cagf2013 Yeah. Luke tried the same thing with the S60 and got little to no difference - except less pleasant looking light from the multiple leds. But I would like to see Luke take the diffusion out of the Aputure and try it in front of the Vortex. Just for shits and giggles.
Again, kinda depends how you plan to use these units. If you need panels to regularly work outside, you may want to consider the Cream Source Vortex line. If you tend to use your panels indoors, then I think you’ll be very happy with the Aputure Novas. I usually have a P600c and P300c on the truck at all times. Lately, I haven’t used them that as often, but no doubt that will change now that I’ve mentioned it🙂
Kinda depends on how you expect to use them. What is your immediate use case? Is it a permanent install? Do you mostly work on location vs stage? So many questions😀
@@fernandocf1234 How did you plan to use the P600c panel? Would it be filling a new roll or will it be overlapping any of what your COB units are already doing? Would you like to have the output of a larger panel or would you appreciate the ability to have two units to spread the love, like when you need to create a color wash and would like to have two units?
The roll will be overlaping the COB, sometimes the spaces are small and the wide spread is grabbing my attention because of that and also the power so I can replace my smaller rgb panels in some situations. I'm thinking of 2 P300 because of the price used I can them at $1,100 each with the case here on the island or buy a new p600. Sorry for my writting my main lenguage is spanish.
Your English is better than my Spanish😅 The 600 has built in CRMX if that matters. If you are using Sidus or local control, then it doesn’t matter. The cases are not small, so I guess it mainly depends on how often you will be glad you have 2 units instead of one. Which island?!
And yet, they still dominate the market because you know what you’ve got with a Skypanel. They did a great job laying down the ground work for what is coming out now.
I love these new options and, if I were in the market, would definitely buy one of these options over a Skypanel. That said, how often do I use a soft panel light and find that the S60 isn't enough power? And the color on the S60 looks just as good as it ever did.
7:17
Arri s60 84fc 431w
Aputure 600c 140fc 657w
Cream Source Vortex 8 90fc w/ softener 410 w/o softener 635w
Nanlux Dyno 650c 150fc 558w
Love this comparison. I've been hoping to get myself a Vortex8 for some time now.
Great stuff as always Luke!
Thank you for doing this test! Much appreciated
Thanks Luke, i'm running mostly Arri S60c panels with DOP Choise Octobanks. Just brought my first Apature Nova 600 ,so will see how it goes...love the built in ballast and affordable accessories, also the Sidus link app as i'm running a lot of 300x and 60x units as well as MC lights, a great eco system for smaller tvc's
It’s crazy how good aputure is now
This was so helpful! thanks Luke!
Great video Luke. Thanx!
Great work! Thank you!
Thanks Luke
Very helpful! Thanks again!
Nice quick compare!
I'm late to the party but great video! Love seeing the comparison!
Hi Luke, great comparison. Sky Panel S60 was my goto panel for the last few years but now with all the new ones this vid of yours helps in my choice making. I’m using a Vortex 8 for the first time on a movie at the moment. Love it. The only problem, I was told, is that you can run a S60 on a Bebop 1200 Cube but the Vortex 8 can break the battery. I haven’t tried it out;-)
Again thanks for your extremely helpful vid. Take care
The new crop of 600ish watt panels will definitely tax that batt.
oh first bit I've seen on the P600c
Great vid. Would've loved to see a Gemini 2x1 in there though. We use those in our shop and have had great luck with them.
Geminis are great, but they are a similar vintage to the S60c with a little less output. What I wanted to do here was compare a number units that are part of the next wave of ~600+ watt 2’x1’ panels.
@@meetthegaffer Yeah, I wish they'd released an Intensifier for the 2x1 panels the way they did for their 1x1 Geminis. We just keep ours on at all times and it's helpful. Do you own all 4 of these systems? Which one you find yourself pulling off the truck first if it's up to you?
@@traviswears I do not own the Vortex8. If I didn’t own any panels and needed the ability to use panels in all kinds of weather, I would strongly consider the Vortex’s. For the type of work I do I’m more likely going to put a hard light outside, so the fact that point source LED’s are being given weather resistance is all good. Credit to Nanlux for giving me the opportunity to play with their 650c and 1200c before purchasing. They became units I didn’t realize I’d been wanting. I will continue to use both in the Dyno series. For me, the 600d is the best “heir to the S60c throne” for the work I do. I’ll keep using my Skypanels, but they’ll be more ancillary, like when I need a stronger soft edge than a freestyle 31. The 600c gives me internal Lumen Radio, multiple light engines, internal PSU, known form factor, good balance and weight, works with existing rabbit ear system, good interface, and comes from a company that listens. The only downside is that the S60c accessories don’t fit, so I may need to add, depending how I use it. I realize my situation is different that others, but I hope that answers your question.
This is really great to see, thanks Luke! I will say, perhaps the small size of the diffusion helps the vortex compared to the other lights. If you were to back up the vortex to fill an 8x8 frame evenly, the difference may be less dramatic (the other lights could be placed much closer in that scenario)
Yes, that is one of the issues with hard soft lights🙂
@@meetthegaffer what's a hard soft light ? A light that can be made soft with diffusion in front like the vortex 8?
I’m just using it in reference to a multi-hard emitter unit that is used in the form factor of a traditional soft light. As soon as you put a diffuser panel up close to these hard emitters, all the output goes away. If you want to fill a larger area of diffusion, you need to pull a hard source away to get coverage, which works against the output gain you get from that hard source. Thus the quandary.
the Vortex really is a beast without diffusor 😬
The Vortex(without the diffusion front) has a beam angle of 20 degrees. You are not gonna be using it like that in a dopchoice 5' Octa. Even with the diffusion front it's beam angle is only 60 degrees. Once you add the dome and the diffusion front (to eliminate multiple shadows), it is well below the output of the p600c and Nanlite 650c. It is great as a spotlight for subjects well away from the light, but not so good in a medium to small room.
The vortex 8 appeared to have very similar qualities in “hard” mode due to the size of the diffusion, but Luke, did you observe a hotspot through the diffuser? Did it feel like it projected a hotter spot down center where you were sitting?
Big time!
@@meetthegaffer isnt that a bag thing to have a hotspot thru diffusion ? In most situations isn't the light suppose to be smooth and even thru the diffuser?
Sure, but this was the test put before all the units equally; there was not attempt to create a good lighting set-up, simply a situation that provides a comparison of output through a softener. You have to extrapolate from there how you would use each unit given the variables that would be most advantageous for your situation depending on the source chosen.
Hi Luke, thank you for the review! I'm trying to figure what is best way to fill up an 8x8 frame. Would a couple of P300's do the job, or would I need two P600's? Or would one P600 fill the frame without light falloff on the edges? I would love if you'd make a video showing how best to light up and 8x8 diffusion like grid cloth and measure lux at 3 meters from the diffusion...
The reality is that you can “fill” an 8x with almost anything, and it all depends what you need out of the key given the rest of the scene, like a bright window or whatever element may dictate more or less output. Often, a Nova P600c would be just fine, but sometimes you end up adding a few units together, especially for a book light, which will give you a very even coverage of the grid.
@@meetthegaffer Thank you, of course. I need to measure ambient lux, then diffusion loss and distance to see what output I need from the units. Sorry was very tired last night... 🤦♀
Ha, ha! No worries😀
I wonder how much brighter the P600C is when you remove the front diffusion panel? I see that is an option to remove it with this fixture.
Aputure says it is marginal - maybe 10%… interested to see some tests though
@@cagf2013 Yeah. Luke tried the same thing with the S60 and got little to no difference - except less pleasant looking light from the multiple leds. But I would like to see Luke take the diffusion out of the Aputure and try it in front of the Vortex. Just for shits and giggles.
@@nshea3286 would be interesting to see! That diffusion on the vortex must be really strong to cut down 2 stops of light
Also the S60c Arri with the intensifier
if you were buying one today which was your favorite / recommendation? about to place a order for a few nova 600c & 300c would love ur input!
Again, kinda depends how you plan to use these units. If you need panels to regularly work outside, you may want to consider the Cream Source Vortex line. If you tend to use your panels indoors, then I think you’ll be very happy with the Aputure Novas. I usually have a P600c and P300c on the truck at all times. Lately, I haven’t used them that as often, but no doubt that will change now that I’ve mentioned it🙂
@@meetthegaffer Thankyou so much!!
What would you get 2 p300c or 1 p600?
Kinda depends on how you expect to use them. What is your immediate use case? Is it a permanent install? Do you mostly work on location vs stage? So many questions😀
@@meetthegaffer mostly work on location and already have COB led lights and a couple small rgb led panels. I do interviews and small local comercials
@@fernandocf1234 How did you plan to use the P600c panel? Would it be filling a new roll or will it be overlapping any of what your COB units are already doing? Would you like to have the output of a larger panel or would you appreciate the ability to have two units to spread the love, like when you need to create a color wash and would like to have two units?
The roll will be overlaping the COB, sometimes the spaces are small and the wide spread is grabbing my attention because of that and also the power so I can replace my smaller rgb panels in some situations. I'm thinking of 2 P300 because of the price used I can them at $1,100 each with the case here on the island or buy a new p600. Sorry for my writting my main lenguage is spanish.
Your English is better than my Spanish😅 The 600 has built in CRMX if that matters. If you are using Sidus or local control, then it doesn’t matter. The cases are not small, so I guess it mainly depends on how often you will be glad you have 2 units instead of one.
Which island?!
Arri so behind with the S60 now.
And yet, they still dominate the market because you know what you’ve got with a Skypanel. They did a great job laying down the ground work for what is coming out now.
@@meetthegaffer Are Arri ever going to release an updated version of the Skypanels? Maybe with the RGBACL color engine of the Orbiter..
It remains to be seen. I have no insight into that. 😬
I love these new options and, if I were in the market, would definitely buy one of these options over a Skypanel. That said, how often do I use a soft panel light and find that the S60 isn't enough power? And the color on the S60 looks just as good as it ever did.
We definitely have a lot of options!