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NAB 2015: Rodney Charters ASC looks at the Brightcast flexible LED light that costs just $199 US

Uncategorized posted on 6th May 2015 8:16am by Matthew Allard ACS 10 Comments

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By technical editor Matt Allard:

A number of companies at NAB were showing flexible LED lighting solutions, including Brightcast. Rodney Charters ASC caught up with Chinese company to take a look at their latest offering. The Variable 15 is just 3mm (0.11″) thick at its thinnest point making it very light weight and flexible. Like other flexible LED lights on the market, the Variable 15 can be bent or rolled into any shape allowing it to be used in a variety of lighting situations.

The Variable 15 can dim from 0-100%, is Water Proof IP67, has a claimed output of 2340LUX @ 50cm and according to Brightcast a CRI of greater than 93. The unit can also be battery or mains powered. The company’s unique battery solution looks quite smart and is incorporated into a handle that someone can either hold, or place on a lighting stand. It uses a Sony BP-U60 or compatible battery and the dimmer control is also located conveniently on the handle.

The battery and dimmer control are located on the handle.

The battery and dimmer control are located on the handle.

For mounting options the Variable 15 can be attached using velcro that is located on the back of the light to velcro strips that you can stick on any surface. You can also use the handle that features the battery and built in dimmer to mount it on a light stand. It is also possible to link multiple units together to create a larger lighting source.

Screen Shot 2015-05-06 at 8.42.46 AM

There will be three versions available: 5600k, 3200k and a bi-colour unit. Brightcast say the Variable 15 (5600k or 3200k versions) will sell for $199 US and the bi-colour for $299 US. For more information head over the the Brightest website for more information.

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About Matthew Allard ACS

Matthew Allard is a multi award-winning, ACS accredited freelance Director of Photography with 28 years' experience working in more than 47 countries around the world.

Matthew has won 33 ACS Awards and in 2016 he won the Award for Best Cinematography at the 21st Asian Television Awards.

See all posts by Matthew

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  • jpsendall

    That’s a very odd picture in front of the OB truck. The head has been photoshopped in!

    • Matthew Allard

      That picture comes straight from their website.

  • http://mfilms.us W. Ashley Maddox

    Very nice. I like Rodney when he does these reviews. He cracks me up. Also, where will you be able to buy these things?

    • Matthew Allard

      Keep a look out on their website.

  • michaelpansini

    I think the most innovative thing to come out of NAB 2015 is Rodney Charters, absolutely killed it with the interviews and capped off the awesome coverage from new shooter at this years show – good job guys ! Just make sure you negotiate Rodney’s contract for next year early as I’m sure another website will try and poach him !
    P.s Nice lights too πŸ™‚

  • http://werner.media Michael James Werner

    Does anyone have any idea how these compare to the Westcott Flex Lite in terms of actual output and color quality?

    • Matthew Allard

      The Flex:

      Open face at 1-meter

      Flex – 180fc / 1900lux
      f/11 @ 24fps, 800 ISO
      Notes: open-face

      Flex – 120fc / 1300lux
      f/8,4 @ 24fps, 800 ISO
      Notes: Wescott diffusor

      The Brightcast:

      2340LUX @ 50cm

  • MichaelP

    Anybody know where to buy these things? Can’t find any pricing or availability on the site.

  • Taris

    The Variable 15 series will be ready to ship out in next month, now is final polishing… Open to all distributors who have interests, the list prices stay the same, single color USD199, bi color USD299.

  • Taris

    Variable is flexible But can still stay still after folding, rolling, bending, etc… it can stay as what you did to it without extra binding. Not like totally a piece of cloth.
    Besides, by jointing the panels side by side, 2×2, will make a flag which is of industry standard size.
    Welcome test & comparison after we sending out the samples…

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