When a company introduces a new product in an already saturated marketplace you can expect a few things: a lower price point compared to similar competitors and technology that we haven't seen before. Rotolight has given us both with its new Titan X2.
Rotolight first caught our eye more than seven years ago when it introduced its stealthy RL48 fixture. The dimmable ring light styled LED is ideal when needing a compact on-camera solution for run and guns, red-carpet events or a smooth punchy light source. Ring lights are seemingly everywhere now. With the Titan X2, Rotolight takes aim at high-end cinema. Priced at $4,699-$4999, it may deter independent shooters, but when compared to ARRI's SkyPanel S60 ($5,800) or a Litepanels Gemini 2x1 ($4,600) it sits at a similar price point. So what are we getting?
Key Features
- Electronically adjust diffusion, focus, and spread with SmartSoft technology
- Touchscreen display with quick-start icons and 10 user presets
- CineSFX suite (Fire, Lightning, TV, and more)
- "State of the art" RGBWW technology
- Fixture Type: Light Panel
- Power Source: AC
- Color Temperature: RGBW
- Battery Connection: No Connection Included
- Color Temperature Range: 3000-10000K
According to Rotolight, it uses "state of the art RGBWW technology" to offer 16.7 million colors at your fingertips. The fixture has five lighting modes—CCT, HSI, RGBW, XY, and Filter—to include a library of 1300 industry standard gels. It's also said to be very bright—twice as bright at 10 feet (3 meters) at 5600K over the SkyPanel S60 or Gemini 2x1.
Obviously we haven't independently tested this but it's an interesting claim if it pans out. They also managed to pack a punch with a light form factor of 23.3lbs (10.6kg), which sits between the S60 (~30lbs) and Gemini 2x1 (22.2lb). Though, keep in mind, this doesn't account for any power options.
You're also getting worry-free performance across the CCT spectrum from 2800K - 10,000K, CRI > 95 at 3200K/5600K, a 98 TLCI rating, flicker-free operation, 100% dimming, DMX control, and Bluetooth connectivity for app control. Basically everything you want and need right out of the box.
Credit: Rotolight
What's new on the Titan X2 is its ability to electronically adjust the diffusion, focus, and spread without the need for gels. For me, this is a "you have my attention" feature. If we're able to electronically control the beam angle, that's some sweet tech.
Again, without any hands-on time, I'm not exactly sure how it will work.
Rotolight also added customizable CineSFX effects like fire, lightning, TV, gunshot, and paparazzi to save time on set and high-speed sync flash (1/8000th) for studio photographers. And as you'd expect, the Titan X2 also has multiple mounting options: standard yoke, pole yoke, and K-mount swan neck.
On paper, the Titan X2 looks very good. We'll have to wait to see its full capabilities when it's released this November. Again, price is $4699 USD.
