I recently had the chance to test a few new LED Video lights. The new BladeLight from FloLight is not your common square LED panel that often works through an array of small (fixed lens) LED bulbs. The BladeLight uses high power COB LEDs packed densely into a single long linear (single) strip. Without any lenses over these COB LEDs, the BladeLight throws at a wide 120 degree beam covering a very broad area in just a short distance. But just in case you wanted your light to throw further or narrow the beam, there is a lens that can be added over the strip of LEDs to focus it to a narrow 60 or even 20 degree beam while feathering out at the edges. Here's a video overview of an early set I was able to test from the FloLight company.
If you're a fan of the efficiency and durability of LED lighting, but missed the long wide soft spread of CFL (kino-ish) Panel lights, these new BladeLights could be something to keep in your radar. The option to add a lens is probably what makes this light most unique along with very functional barndoors to cut (flag) the light for even more creative control. They will also be available in Full Daylight, Full Tungsten, Green LED (to enhance Green Screen use), and eventually a Bi-Color version.
Flolight BladeLight High Power LED Video Lighting
Right now the BladeLights come in an 18" and 36" inch model, but the all Aluminum housing is robust enough so that several lights can be stacked together either horizontally or vertically if you needed it to be longer or larger. The housing allows you to add the focus lens, or a few filters to modify color or diffusion. With the high power LEDs, you can still clip an additional diffusion sheet to the barn doors to soften the light and to create a larger light source without sacrificing too much output.
(TIP: wax paper or parchment paper used for baking are inexpensive, can be found at any grocery store, and work well for diffusing light in a pinch).
Keep in mind the lights i've tested may be a slightly earlier model but should be close to the final production version. They final models are available now and so for the most updated information and availability about the new FloLight Bladelight, visit the product page (found here).
Stan
Outstanding video! Great demo, and your presentation was articulate, efficient, to the point, informative. A refreshingly professional change from so many other video reviews. Thank you for all the work you put into this!
Jacob
Derek, I can't answer for the Canon side, but it pairs beautifully with Sony's a6300 sensor. I tested the CRI with Argyll and it measures very favorably against my other daylight options. You can see images in my review here: https://www.fennworld.com/a-look-at-flolights-bladelight/
Emm
Post author@trey e - They are both different types of lights, but I don't know if the westcott really puts out as much as the Bladelight or the distance. Remember that even though LED lights show specs on brightness it's not always clear at what distance that was measured at. Some companies list a high output but measure at 3 feet, and some have lower numbers measured at 6 feet. Basic panels have light falloff over distance, and that's why sometimes you need a fresnel lens to throw the light further. A 30W Led light with a fresnel lens can be brighter at 9 feet than a 100W led light without a lens. I guess it really depends what you plan to use them with, but I can see people owning both of those lights mentioned for different purposes.
trey e
Which one would you guys purchase if you had to choose between a bladelight (36") or a 1x2 fj westcott flex light?
They seem to have the same light output (1k). They each offer something unique? I'm wanting to use for my indie film projects and corporate projects.
Steve B
Any idea what type of strip is in the light? For example, 5630?
trey
This seems like a good option over the larger westcott Flex. It appears they throw the same amount of light out. But the cost is cheaper for these.
Emm
Post author@Simon - You're right about the spread and good for Chroma, that's why they have the Green LED Version. As for the Barn Doors, yes they work effectively. Here's a quick clip:
Simon
This looks like a Kino killer with some tough spun on it.
In wide mode, it looks even enough for lighting chroma key backgrounds.
I like the sturdy extrusion which allows options and flexible mounting. 4 PIN XLR is much better than the usual cheapo plugs from China.
The barn doors actually doing something is nice too!
Derek McCabe
"The Daylight/Tungsten LEDs offer 95+ CRI with high R9 and R12 values for perfect skin tones."
I would like to see sample footage of skin tones with both Sony vs Canon
Erik Cantu
You are the one that got me onto the Aputure Light Storm light and I have been loving my 1/2 and 3 1s's. I've been looking for a great stip LED light for green screen lighting. Their previous green LED unit looked interesting, but I didn't want the fan or the limited flexibility of it. This is the daylight or the green led version really interest me for green screen lighting in limited spaces.
Emm
Post author@Stephen S - you are absolutely correct. This Prototype when dimmed all the way down will flicker but does not flicker when you increase the power up to 10%. But the other power supply I have does not do that. The final production version should be stable.
Stephen S.
The light behind you (as you introduce the product) seems to be flickering like crazy. Perhaps it is just dimmed down too far to be stable.
Emm
Post author@AndersM - Talking to them they say YES, it can be battery powered. They just don't have that adapter available right now.
Leon
Very nice product and design! Looks like a pair of 36" could work pretty nice for doing inside real estate. But, Way too expensive for my budget. Maybe $150.00-$300.00 ?
Nice review Emm!
AndersM
Looks interesting!
Do you know if there will be a battery solution for these?