Metal 2? Can't they just admit they misread the market?

I agree, this is not the most compelling offer. Don't most decent film schools have Baselight already? Young professionals need time, a lot of time, on the platform to become proficent. Let's face it, no matter what level you're brought in at these days, they want you to be fast.

No buzz about a C100 refresh. I do a lot of corporate work, and you're right, I see a lot of FS5/7's. They're easy to shoot with and you get beautiful images right out of the camera.

Jason, the lights are powered by the internal battery only. I asked for light levels, they said they would release all the final technical specs at NAB. The diffuser is removable, so there will be the possibility of getting a harder/more powerful source from them.

As far as a fresnel with a Chimera, separate from the issue of light output, I would call it apples to oranges. There will be overlapping uses, but they're not the same, portability, weather-proof, ease of setting up, no heat, not requiring AC, etc. Factor in those considerations when you look at which light is appropriate for a job. If you are shooting interviews all day in a studio, then a Kino or Chimera might be more appropriate, if you're not changing set-ups and have easy access to AC.

I don't think that they intend for these to be "the" answer to anyone's lighting needs, but rather a thoughtful, integrated piece. The fact that you can control SkyPanels or Kino Flo Selects with their app, in conjunction with their lights is something we all should be happy about...the ability to choose the lights that suit your needs, both creatively and financially, without proprietary obstacles. That intention is what makes me happiest about this announcement and hope that they are successful.

These are intended to complement the DS series. DS Series are hard light, Voyager series soft light. Two different, complementary uses.

The fact that they're giving users lightboard-like control of a roomful of lights through a phone app is the hidden-in-plain-sight nugget of gold. It gives indie filmmakers the most important functionality of a lightboard, without the cost or learning curve. I use lighting boards, believe me, this is a huge deal for small productions. They're great for theatrical productions or events but usially overkill for most film productions.

They're definitely interesting. My only question is about battery life. The company really seems to have a passion for making their tools available for as many folks as possible.

Btw, that Tic-Tac commercial, nice. Must've been a trip to shoot.