Part 1: ... GVM 650B Pro is not what was promised.

I was hoping that GVM 650B Pro is a great contender for Aputure 600d. Seems not, at least my unit.
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[@JoATTech]

I have ordered Aputure 600D to compare to GVM 650B Pro. Via Amazon again :D, this time so far order has been seamless. So stay tuned 😅😅😅

[@Cinegavo]

Were the readings taken with the reflector dish?

[@JoATTech]

No - bare light. They do not have readings with reflector on their site to compare. And 600W CoB with reflector generates 90k-100k lux at 1m with standard reflector - but it also depends on reflectors size and angle. So it's hard to compare different lights with different reflectors. The easiest is to compare bare bulb - one less factor.

[@RedShade_Studios]

@@JoATTech if bowens, just use the same reflector for testing. These lights are all bowens.

[@JoATTech]

@@RedShade_Studios Same reflector will skew the results, because this GVM CoB is placed much more to the front than Aputure ones. GVM reflector got much longer "neck" to accommodate this longer CoB shape. Sure I can use dedicated reflectors and I actually done this. GVM registered less than suggested on Amazon, but on official GVM site there are no official readings with reflector, so it won't give me any reference.

[@DavidGriffin]

Is the 650b waterproof

[@JoATTech]

No, GVM 650B Pro is not weather proof. Same for Aputure 600D (it's not too). But Aputure 600D Pro and 1200D Pro both have IP rating of IP54. Aputure 1200X and 1000C have IP rating of IP65 !!!!

[@kingdom001_]

Bi-color lights are usually only a little over b\half the strength of the monocolor version. So the results you're getting make sense. GVM probably wrongfully posted the results from a mono-color D version.

[@JoATTech]

Not really half. They are usually 10-30% less powerful when they are rated the same electrical power. Aputure 600D is 22000lux at 1m (5600K) and Aputure 600X (bi-color) is 16040 lux (1m 5600K). But GVM actually make the marketing case claiming their 650W bi-color light is as powerful as 600W daylight from competition. I've seen 5+ reviews on YT with this claim repeated over and over again. And actually in one of the reviews the reviewer measured 21600 lux (kzbin.info/www/bejne/jGSQaHVqepykmsU) ... So they either lie on purpose about the output (I doubt it since there results above) or my unit is just different (older) model or it's broken.

[@pauls6043]

This light is also super heavy, right?

[@JoATTech]

Depends how you define super heavy. Light itself is 6.7kg, control box is quite light (2.6kg). Compared to Aputure 600D (4.7kg) is a bit heavier, but control box is 3.25kg for 600D. Forza 720B is 5.3kg. So generally 650B Pro is in the same range. Normal light stand or c-stand can keep up with this light, unless you want to boom it or raise it 10m (30 feet) above the ground.

[@stephond.photography9867]

Is the diffusion protective lens still on the light? It looks like it’s still on

[@JoATTech]

Do you mean this plastic cover with a warning "Please remove protective cover before use"? No it's not on the light. This will melt within 10 seconds on 100% power.

[@jean-philippegrignom6479]

No gvm lights have a glass element in front of the cob I believe this is what he's talking about

[@trainspoted]

Thank you for saving my money

[@JoATTech]

I have another (650B pro) unit for retesting, but the new video will be ready in two weeks the soonest.

[@xWood4000]

Pretty sure GVM measured it with a reflector. For some reason most manufacturers test it like that. I don't think your light is anymore falsely advertised than other lights

[@xWood4000]

This has also led to reflectors that focus more light but at the cost of an ugly hotspot.

[@xWood4000]

GVM isn't regarded as the most reliable manufacturer though

[@JoATTech]

Amazon offering says with reflector it should have 81300lux at 1m, although I do not see this spec at GVM site. I measured something around 60k, do not remember exact number, for sure less than 65k. Aputure 600d with reflector generates 98500 lux at 1m, but with this ugly hotspot. Also aputure 600d at 1m without reflector generates 22150 lux. So 21000 lux for 650W bicolor is definitely spec without the reflector. If it is with reflector, than my amaran 300C output with reflector at 1m is 26580lux ... and it's RGBWW light.

[@filipmichalsaffray441]

​@@JoATTechyep I registered same problem with my old 200W...at least they are quiet...

[@JoATTech]

@@filipmichalsaffray441 Do you mean output below the specs? Does you "old" 200W has same CoB as mine or got also this diffusion lens in front of the CoB?

[@DickensWild-r8u]

Sauer Tunnel

[@SystemParanoia]

I've must say.. ive never seen anyone happy with a GVM product

[@JoATTech]

Probably apart of YTbers who got their product for free :D. I've seen 10+ reviews where ppl seems to be happy about GVM, but I guess I would be too if I get the selected good quality unit for free :D.

[@maddogtank8425]

@@JoATTech honestly I don't know about the 650 B but I know my 400b is actually very nice and I do like it I've had no problems with any of it being like weirdly green or magenta shifted or any underperforming when it comes to light output at least mine performs exactly as advertised again I don't know about the 650s for the most part I've heard good things from other people that own them in my circle here up in North Carolina

[@JoATTech]

Thanks for sharing your experience. Mine 650B performes exaclty like your 400B :D (based on the date they share on their site). So I think I just got defective unit.

[@stephond.photography9867]

I have the 300 SD Pro and it works great, I also have the 80w that works fine

[@JoATTech]

@@stephond.photography9867 Do you got 300 Pro with this diffusion lens as they call it (newer desing)? Have you measured the output?

[@HeatherMcCollum-q4m]

Neil Meadows