Great video Curtis! I’m looking forward to getting the kit with the pelican case and bring that to set with me. Now if that nova would ever come in stock we would be really set!
Hi Curtis, I am thrilled to see you implement SSI as a way to gauge a given LED light's ability to accurately depict color. I wonder if you have considered starting a database of all the results of your tests? Indie Cinema Academy has a very comprehensive database of CRI and TLCI measurements for many of the most popular lights but they do not include SSI in these measurements. I think it would quickly become a very valuable resource for those looking to purchase lights and it would also afford you one more chance for people to use your links to purchase products 😉
@@curtisjudd Yes, it's a very common setup for starting enthousiastes, usually they use a cloud lifter with it, but if you put the gain to around 90 %, you might get away with not using the cloud lifter. Thank you in advance 😊
@@curtisjudd I saw that video and it's quite good, but man, you have your touch ^^ especially the part when you say your personal thoughts, no one would beat that :D
Glad you think that there is an issue with the bottom half of the bulb not emitting light: this for me as a DP means that I wouldn’t use it to replace a bulb in a practical light, as it looks a bit strange without the downward-directed light. Very limiting, imo.
@@curtisjudd I bought two of them. Yes they are ment to be used as light accents on different surfaces or background scenes. But the way you can control them is Wow! What key light would you recommend from Aputure? 🙏🏻 Thanks
Hello Curtis! If I am a filmmaker that does narrative, documentary, and commercial shoots, what configuration of lights would you recommend? Two 120DII a 300DII and a couple of these bulbs? Or is that overkill?
@@curtisjudd thank you so much! I'm new to lighting my own stuff, since this pandemic, many clients have wanted me to do everything by myself. You saved me a ton of money. Love your channel!
When you took a picture of the keylight to have the bulb change to the temperature, does it show the temperature recorded by the taking of the photo? If it does, did you test that temperature accuracy with your light meter? And lastly - is the phone app android, iphone and is there an additional charge for it? Sorry for all the questions, Curtis. That seemed to be a feature there that might be underlooked. Thanks
Hi Curtis, great video thanks. What will happen if the B7c is in DC mode and you screw it in to a powered AC fixture, will that harm the B7c?. In other words, do you have to set the mode to AC before using it in a AC powered light fixture?
I really appreciate the fact that you include the summary at the beginning of the video, but I can't help but notice that won't that negatively affect your average watch time stat, making it less favorable to the algorithm? Fantastic review, as always.
Hi Daniel, possibly, yes. I'm more interested in providing content that provides value to those subscribed to the channel. In many cases, I cover gear which many subscribers may not be all that interested in at the time the video goes live, so the summary is for them. And if at some point in the future they do become interested, they'll remember my video and come back for a watch. I'm ok with that.
I throw small lights in there that have magnetic and clamping fixing solutions on them. They're cheaper and more versatile than these, but these aren't expensive and are good quality so a good option. All of them have the same fire/police lights/ lightning 'themes' built in. I don't think the colour quality is as important as the anti flicker and matching key light isn't important either as I almost always use it at 3200K mimicking an incandescent bulb.
As always I am waiting for your review before I buy. Question: how do Philips Hue LEDs compare to the Aputure bulbs when used as accent lights? Is there a major difference?
Hi Sheik Yerbouti, the Philips Hue will potentially flicker at certain dimmer levels. Hue also does not have an app which will match the color or other lights or objects and do not have the effects which the B7c has. And perhaps most importantly, the Hue bulbs do not have in-built batteries like the B7c.
Mr Judd. Can you recommend some portable LED lights , or light strips for my home voice over booth. I'm on a budget and just started out. I.need to light my booth up when in use and one for reading on my script stand. Thank you sir
What if you just wanted to use this as your bulb in an every day lamp you have on all day... when do you think it would die and need replaced (since it is $80)?
Most LED lamps are rated at 10,000 hours or so. It is expensive for regular lamps, but I'm sure Aputure would be delighted if you bought it and used it that way.
Is there any alternatives in the market for this kind of accent lights by your standards? I guess your "cheap" lights episodes really impressed me :-). Maybe you can make one video for accent lights. I am sure solutions existed before Aputure made this bulb :-)
You can use any bulb, but should probably invest in neutral density gel so that you can reduce the output of the bulb to get it in line with the rest of your lighting design.
@@curtisjudd I know you must have a straightforward answer! How come I never thought about ND gel?! All the time I was thinking about dimmers, but they are not as easy to carry, and not as straightforward as gel.
FFS, it has happened again! 10 mins ago I did not know that these bulbs existed and now I have one in my basket ready to purchase!! My new year resolution is to stop watching photography/videography gear videos! 😊
Man this light would be so incredibly useful if only they made the diffuser extend out to throw light in all directions. The biggest reason anyone would buy these is to use in lamp fixtures in scene. I don't need a lot of output or crazy lighting effects, because these shouldn't be a significant source of light. I need it to look like a standard light bulb that can color match my production lights. RGB is a useful bonus. I almost pulled the trigger on the 8 light kit, but I'll be saving my money til they put out a version that actually works for on screen practicals. 😔
@@curtisjudd i think they had no choice, to me it i's odd to have the light only going up. in a regular lamp you would need 2 and that will be a pain to set up and not see it. i hope they can go wider soon
Once again a comment of appreciation for this lovely background
Thanks Denny.
Great and helpful video, thanks Curtis!
You're most welcome!
Really like these Aputure bulbs, thanks for the in-depth review!
👍
Great video Curtis! I’m looking forward to getting the kit with the pelican case and bring that to set with me. Now if that nova would ever come in stock we would be really set!
Thanks Griffin! Haha - getting these new lights to market seems to have been the hardest part for Aputure and many others...
Wow that color and key light matching though!
That is super convenient.
As always..interesting and worth watching video. Thanks Curtis
Thanks Maria.
thanks for the review mr Curtis
You're most welcome!
I am really looking forward to getting mine in! Great video as always Curtis!
Thanks Tyler! It's a great little tool. I hope it works well for you!
Another great video Curtis, thanks for the detailed breakdown and info!
You're welcome and thanks for the feedback!
Hi Curtis, I am thrilled to see you implement SSI as a way to gauge a given LED light's ability to accurately depict color. I wonder if you have considered starting a database of all the results of your tests? Indie Cinema Academy has a very comprehensive database of CRI and TLCI measurements for many of the most popular lights but they do not include SSI in these measurements. I think it would quickly become a very valuable resource for those looking to purchase lights and it would also afford you one more chance for people to use your links to purchase products 😉
Fine idea, thanks for that!
Great review thanks 🙏
Thanks Sasha.
Very nice product indeed, can we have your opinion/review anytime soon of the: Rode Podmic + the Focusrite Scarlett Solo V3
Thanks. Will see about getting these. I suspect the Podmic might need a bit more gain than the Scarlett can supply - good idea for a test!
@@curtisjudd Yes, it's a very common setup for starting enthousiastes, usually they use a cloud lifter with it, but if you put the gain to around 90 %, you might get away with not using the cloud lifter. Thank you in advance 😊
@@mouhcinemahfoud Looks like this guy beat me to it: th-cam.com/video/da40c9LvhVk/w-d-xo.html
@@curtisjudd I saw that video and it's quite good, but man, you have your touch ^^ especially the part when you say your personal thoughts, no one would beat that :D
Glad you think that there is an issue with the bottom half of the bulb not emitting light: this for me as a DP means that I wouldn’t use it to replace a bulb in a practical light, as it looks a bit strange without the downward-directed light. Very limiting, imo.
Yes, would need to use 2, one facing down and the other up, I guess?
I appreciate this so much, I'm still on the fence about it.
Thanks. I hope this helped a little.
Hello! Is it too weak to use a single bulb as a key light?
It isn’t really meant for that and just does not put out enough light to use it that way in most situations.
Unless you exclusively film very low key scenes.
@@curtisjudd I bought two of them. Yes they are ment to be used as light accents on different surfaces or background scenes. But the way you can control them is Wow! What key light would you recommend from Aputure? 🙏🏻 Thanks
@@bolocanalberto I really like the Amaran 200x S.
Hello Curtis! If I am a filmmaker that does narrative, documentary, and commercial shoots, what configuration of lights would you recommend? Two 120DII a 300DII and a couple of these bulbs? Or is that overkill?
Hi Josh, I'd probably go for one 300DII, a 120DII, an LED Panel - maybe a Lupo Smart Panel, and a couple of Aputure MCs.
@@curtisjudd thank you so much! I'm new to lighting my own stuff, since this pandemic, many clients have wanted me to do everything by myself. You saved me a ton of money. Love your channel!
When you took a picture of the keylight to have the bulb change to the temperature, does it show the temperature recorded by the taking of the photo? If it does, did you test that temperature accuracy with your light meter? And lastly - is the phone app android, iphone and is there an additional charge for it? Sorry for all the questions, Curtis. That seemed to be a feature there that might be underlooked. Thanks
Hi Jim, yes, it displays the color temp and was within about 100K. The Sidus Link app is free.
Hi Curtis, great video thanks. What will happen if the B7c is in DC mode and you screw it in to a powered AC fixture, will that harm the B7c?. In other words, do you have to set the mode to AC before using it in a AC powered light fixture?
It will not damage it, no. Just need to switch to AC mode if you want to power the bulb from the fixture.
I really appreciate the fact that you include the summary at the beginning of the video, but I can't help but notice that won't that negatively affect your average watch time stat, making it less favorable to the algorithm? Fantastic review, as always.
Hi Daniel, possibly, yes. I'm more interested in providing content that provides value to those subscribed to the channel. In many cases, I cover gear which many subscribers may not be all that interested in at the time the video goes live, so the summary is for them. And if at some point in the future they do become interested, they'll remember my video and come back for a watch. I'm ok with that.
@@curtisjudd very noble. My upvote for you Curtis, any day.
@@greatvedas Thanks Venkat!
Could these be used as a regular light bulb when not be used for filming?
Sure.
I throw small lights in there that have magnetic and clamping fixing solutions on them.
They're cheaper and more versatile than these, but these aren't expensive and are good quality so a good option.
All of them have the same fire/police lights/ lightning 'themes' built in.
I don't think the colour quality is as important as the anti flicker and matching key light isn't important either as I almost always use it at 3200K mimicking an incandescent bulb.
👍
Order two be here Tuesday
I hope they work well for you!
As always I am waiting for your review before I buy.
Question: how do Philips Hue LEDs compare to the Aputure bulbs when used as accent lights? Is there a major difference?
Hi Sheik Yerbouti, the Philips Hue will potentially flicker at certain dimmer levels. Hue also does not have an app which will match the color or other lights or objects and do not have the effects which the B7c has. And perhaps most importantly, the Hue bulbs do not have in-built batteries like the B7c.
Mr Judd. Can you recommend some portable LED lights , or light strips for my home voice over booth. I'm on a budget and just started out. I.need to light my booth up when in use and one for reading on my script stand. Thank you sir
Maybe these: th-cam.com/video/NVfNcokJ0Dk/w-d-xo.html
Did you happen to test how long it retains memory if, say, left within a set practical fixture and powered down for a weekend?
Yes, as long as the battery has a charge, it'll keep the settings over a weekend.
Curtis Judd amazing thanks!
I see Curtis Judd video, I upvote.
Thanks Shaheed.
Do think they make anything like this I could out in my older soft boxes?
Westcott has some less expensive LEDs which put out a fair bit more light for things like soft boxes. I'd look into those first.
can you use Amazon Alexa to control it?
No
with led light if you turn them off from the app does it still waste electricity?
It does not appear to, once its battery is fully charged.
What if you just wanted to use this as your bulb in an every day lamp you have on all day... when do you think it would die and need replaced (since it is $80)?
Most LED lamps are rated at 10,000 hours or so. It is expensive for regular lamps, but I'm sure Aputure would be delighted if you bought it and used it that way.
@@curtisjudd That is actually pretty good. I wonder how long those Philips Hue ones last.
@@NirnBootMod My guess would be about the same. LEDs are pretty robust if they're not overheated.
What is the name of the application to use aputure b7c ?
Sidus Link
Is there any alternatives in the market for this kind of accent lights by your standards? I guess your "cheap" lights episodes really impressed me :-). Maybe you can make one video for accent lights. I am sure solutions existed before Aputure made this bulb :-)
You can use any bulb, but should probably invest in neutral density gel so that you can reduce the output of the bulb to get it in line with the rest of your lighting design.
@@curtisjudd I know you must have a straightforward answer! How come I never thought about ND gel?! All the time I was thinking about dimmers, but they are not as easy to carry, and not as straightforward as gel.
@@curtisjudd I just stumbled on this video th-cam.com/video/XgGhj4qZ17U/w-d-xo.html. It is a wireless, non flicker IKEA LED bulb kit for 19 euros :-)
@@zhenyucai Cool, thanks!
FFS, it has happened again! 10 mins ago I did not know that these bulbs existed and now I have one in my basket ready to purchase!!
My new year resolution is to stop watching photography/videography gear videos! 😊
Good luck! 😀
Is it compatible with 240V AC?
According to Aputure, yes. But I have not tested it as I'm in the US with 120V mains.
Hey Curtis, yes the bulb takes 100-240V AC
@@jlimproductions9411 Thanks for confirming.
Man this light would be so incredibly useful if only they made the diffuser extend out to throw light in all directions. The biggest reason anyone would buy these is to use in lamp fixtures in scene. I don't need a lot of output or crazy lighting effects, because these shouldn't be a significant source of light. I need it to look like a standard light bulb that can color match my production lights. RGB is a useful bonus. I almost pulled the trigger on the 8 light kit, but I'll be saving my money til they put out a version that actually works for on screen practicals. 😔
Great point, Nick.
yeah the beam angle is a deal breaker :(
Thanks for adding your voice - Aputure is good at listening so hopefully this will help.
@@curtisjudd i think they had no choice, to me it i's odd to have the light only going up. in a regular lamp you would need 2 and that will be a pain to set up and not see it. i hope they can go wider soon
✌...
✌️
Aputure keeps churning them out.
Indeed! Now if only they would catch up with the demand. 😀
:)
😀
First!
Congrats!