Best LED for Interviews? - Kino Flo Diva Lite 21

[@thomasmiller4365]

Thank you for this video. I have been shooting location interviews a very long time and have transitioned down the path of our keys being quartz lights with Chimeras, to Kino Flo Diva with the tubes, and now trying to figure out what's next for us. I just ordered and received the Astra 6x 1x1 and it seems quite bright and very handy, but I'm concerned that the smaller source (even with the DoP Softbox) won't be soft enough for the kinds of interview lighting that I like. I often don't have the time to create a wedge or booklite to soften things, so really need a soft source out of the box. I'm curious about the light quality (softness and fall-off) of this DIVA LED 20, and if it's as soft or softer than the DIVA with the tubes. Also, wondering if it is a different quality than the Astra 6x (which seems a little hard mainly because of it's size compared to the subject.) Finally, why would one get the -21 without the top and bottom "barn doors." I guess I'm used to that light control, but curious if it's even needed given the honeycomb. Would love to hear your thoughts on all of the above!

[@Cirrolite]

Hi Thomas, thanks for the feedback! Diva 21 light quality is similar to classic Diva 400 due to similar size of the front face. The fall-offs are nearly identical. But LED output is more stable as the fluorescent tubes do lose some light over time. You can expand the surface area to about 86 cm x 56 cm with the DoP Choice softbox. However, many cameramen use them without the modifiers as it comes with nice even diffuser and 90° louver. There is also a 3 ft wide Diva LED 31 if you want to have it even softer but it comes down to how compact you want your kit to be. This version without the barndoors has also been designed in order to increase the portability and reduce the weight. It now packs into a much smaller case. But there is a Diva 20 version with the barndoors still available if you prefer it that way! But the main difference between Diva LED and any other 1x1 panel is the colour accuracy. Diva automatically tracks the Black Body curve which ensures you've got clean whites all along the Kelvin range without colour cast. That's where all the bi-colour lights struggle as they simply mix Daylight and Tungsten temperatures without G/M adjustment. In the future firmware upgrade we will have built-in camera LUTs where you'll be able to pick your camera and match the whites to your sensor. You're welcome to test one of them yourself - just get in touch with us of ProAV to arrange it.

[@thomasmiller4365]

@@Cirrolite I did end up purchasing one of the DIVA LEDs, and am so far very impressed! The versatility is fantastic, and I love the quality of the light without even using the soft box. I did end up getting the DIVA 20 version with the barndoors, but now see with the 90 degree louver how one could get away without the barndoors and still not have much spill. The next one(s) I get will be without them. Thanks again.

[@Cirrolite]

@@thomasmiller4365 Thanks for the comments and we're glad you're enjoying your new Diva! Yes, louver is a very useful accessory for controlling the beam and is essential in some situations where barndoors don't provide enough control, for example keeping the light off a backdrop. Just bear in mind that it will take off some output, especially if you go for a tighter 60° grid. Good luck with your work and let us know if you have any questions!

[@blakeaghili5033]

I use studio strobes, but I like to use these as ambient mood light and add flash to it

[@ProAVTV]

Sure, that works well. Best of both worlds. Carl

[@NickMatthews28]

are these lights water resistant at all?

[@automat8]

Thanks Carl, How does the output change with the different modes? Would be nice to compare with the Gemini and Sky Panel. thanks again. One issues I've had with older divas is the bulk and weight for setup, particularly when one wants to over hang. Can you comment?

[@Cirrolite]

The output is very consistent throughout the Kelvin range 2500K to 9900K. When using the colour gels or changing hue angle/saturation the output will change depending on the colour. Gemini and Skypanel are very different tools. Kino Flo Diva LED is passively cooled and designed to work close to talent/around camera. Divas are one of the lightest lights in this class. After all, the weight comes down to heat management. It's less bulky without the plastic shell and perfect for over hanging.

[@DlightingGuy]

And as the reviewer mentioned, for flying the light, Kino makes a "lighter" version of this in their Freestyle line which separates the control as a ballast.

[@jw_film]

Nevermind best interview light, this looks like the most versatile light on the market right now. When are they available?

[@ProAVTV]

It's a very versatile light, I've loved lighting with it. They're available now: www.proav.co.uk/kino-flo-diva-lite-21-led-dmx-center-mount-univ Dan

[@dundeedolphin]

How about an interview exanple ffs

[@blakeaghili5033]

That’s pretty cool

[@italianinoslo]

It looks very dim, even at 100%. How bright it is?

[@ProAVTV]

It's a bright light, measuring almost 2600 Lux at 1m. We obviously dimed the light when it's on screen to ensure it's not overpowering. Dan

[@italianinoslo]

ProAV TV hmm, that's good as a practical, 2600lux @ 1m is waaay too little in my opinion (or at least for the kind of production I do). I have LED panels which are 15000 @1 meter, and sometimes I wish I had more output. 👀

[@ProAVTV]

Which lights are you using? There arent that many lights that are 15,000 lux @ 1m The Litepanels Astra 6x and Lupo Superpanel spring to mind, but theres certainly no soft lights. Carl

[@italianinoslo]

To be honest, i have no idea which brand they are, they are unbranded, but extremely powerful and color accurate. Same form factor, packing 2200led and the light is quite soft (i often add a little diffusion, since i mostly produce makeup videos).

[@Cirrolite]

The output is similar to the classic fluorescent Divas which were being used in the industry back when the cameras / film stocks were way less sensitive than nowadays. We rarely see these lights being used at full output on professional sets. It would be interesting to find out the scenario where you need 15000 Lux from a soft light source. If such light existed it would be very heavy due to massive heat sink or have fans in order to keep the chips at the right temperature and maintain the colour.