At this point, there should be little doubt that LED's are going to play a crucial role in the future of film and video production, especially considering their benefits over traditional lighting technologies. It should also come as no surprise that we now have the ability to light with smaller fixtures as our cameras become more and more sensitive. It follows that small LED fixtures will be an essential tool for discerning cinematographers as time rolls on. A new company called Blind Spot Gear is taking this concept to a whole new level with the Scorpion Light, a tiny, high-intensity/high-CRI LED that can be easily modified and mounted anywhere (and I mean anywhere). Read on to see what all of the fuss is about.
First, let's take a look at the Kickstarter video for the Scorpion Light:
Here's a rundown of some of the Scorpion Light features, which should give you a pretty good idea of just how versatile these little lights are:
In most cases, the Scorpion Light most likely wouldn't replace a traditional light kit unless you're really in a pinch, especially considering that they provide a very hard light because of their size, even when diffused. However, where these lights will really shine is in adding accent light into places that would be impossible with larger lights. Not only can the Scorpion Lights be mounted anywhere with the included Super Clamps and suction mounts (which will be fantastic for lighting the interior of cars), but the included dimmers, barn doors, gels, and goosenecks will make it easy to add a versatile, modifiable light to any conceivable shooting scenario.
With that said, these lights can also be used as your primary lighting solution. Here's how you could use Scorpion Lights to light an interview.
And here's how you can utilize this tiny light in one of the most difficult places to get filmmaking gear, a cave:
Of course, there are myriad small, battery-powered LED's on the market these days, so many that it can be overwhelming at times. However, there are a few key features that set the Scorpion Light well ahead of its competitors. First and foremost is the single, high quality, high output diode that the Blind Spot team sourced specifically for the Scorpion Light. However, the most exciting feature of these lights is just how versatile they are. Aside from the gooseneck, which can be configured any which way, the magnetic barn doors, in-line dimmers, and custom cut gels make the Scorpion the single most versatile LED of this size. Add to that the fact that there are numerous ways that you can mount and power these lights, and it's pretty easy to see how they could become a staple of any shooter's lighting setup.
The Scorpion Light is currently on Kickstarter (where it has already exceeded its goal), and you can still get in on the early-bird deals for a set of 4 of these lights (which will cost around $950). The campaign will wrap up during this year's NAB, so if you happen to be in Vegas this spring, stop by and say hello to the fellas from Blind Spot as they show off the prototypes of the Scorpion Light.
What do you guys think of this nifty little lighting solution? Let's hear your thoughts down in the comments!
Links:
