While Aputure is known for having created some of the most powerful LED units currently available, the company first grew to prominence on the back of its small units designed for being mounted on a camera (or hidden on set), providing just a touch of light. In anticipation of NAB this year, Aputure has refreshed its lineup of small, powerful LED units with the new AL-F7 and MX. The MX is an upgrade of the M9, with the "X" resembling X in the Apple style of naming.
The MX boasts more than three times the brightness of the M9, with the ability to push a "boost" mode of up to 60 seconds of 30% brighter intensity. This brightness stresses the LEDs—and presumably generates a ton of heat—which is why it's limited in duration and doesn't find itself needed in many scenarios. However, there will undoubtedly be times in documentary, nature, sports, and action work where an extra punch of super bright light will be just what the doctor ordered, even if it doesn't last.
The F7 is a larger unit designed for working with external battery power, possessing a few features that might make some filmmakers consider it over its little brother.
Rather than built from plastic like the M9, the MX boasts an aluminum construction that makes the unit more durable and also serves as a heat sink. The unit is also bi-color, with a range from 2800K to 6500K, and, like the M9, has an internal lithium battery charged via USB.
Credit: Aputure
The F7 is a larger unit designed for working with external battery power (it doesn't have its own internal battery), possessing a few features that might make some filmmakers consider it over its little brother.
One of its most alluring features is a consistent brightness throughout the color range; there's brightness change across the spectrum and you get 100% brightness for whichever color you choose. In addition, Aputure has placed a special focus on dimmability and control so that you can dim all the way down to 0% without any change in color fidelity.
In addition, the unit has multiple power inputs, with the option of powering with either the industry standard Sony NP batteries or a D-tap input (or you can power it with 6x AA batteries, which can be a lifesaver when on a distant remote shoot).
Credit: Aputure
The F7 is available now for $98, and the MX is available for $149.
Tech Specs:
F7
- 198 LEDs with 60° Beam Angle
- 5500K Daylight Light, 3200K to 9600K LED range
- 920 Lux Brightness at 3.3'
- Full 0-100% Dimming
- 20W Maximum Power Draw
- Accepts Sony NP-Style or 6xAA Batteries
- Battery Power Indicator Lights
- Slots for Connecting Multiple Panels
- Custom built Swivel Shoe-Mount
- Diffusion & Orange Filters
MX
- 2800 to 6500K Stepped Variable Color
- Metal Chassis Construction
- Stepped Dimming
- Included Diffusion Filters
- Integrated Li-Po Battery charged by USB
- On/Off Switch and LED Charging LEDs
- 1/4"-20 Threaded Mounting Hole
