Fotodiox’s FlapJack LED Edge line provides the convince of LED lighting with the softness of a Florescent Softbox.
The biggest problem with LED lighting is that the light is often very harsh due to the extreme directional nature of the technology. There are often hotspots on camera, and for the talent, a conventional LED panel is very difficult to look at. LED Edge lighting is a relatively new technique. Instead of arranging the LEDs on a single flat panel, the FlapJack lines the LEDs on the outer edge aimed towards a diffusion material. This material evenly lights up to create a soft but intense glow without hotspots. The internally bounced light is easier on the eyes - your subject can
look directly toward the light with no discomfort. Enjoy the look of a
big soft light without melting your subject. Thanks to the elegant design and lowered power requirements of edge lighting, these new panels are much thinner than traditional LED panels, being as thin as 1/2” outside of the main control module on the back.
The only setup for the light kits is simply taking them out of their case and attaching a standard NP-F style battery or AC power via an included adapter. The rear mounted control module includes an LCD indicator shows the current light level and battery life status. An alternative lighting option such as a CCFL soft box would take 10 minutes to assemble and require exponentially more space than the FlapJack.
The FlapJack series comes in a few camera top mounted sizes with 1/4”-20 threaded mount points and a standard baby-pin 10 inch round format. Every Flapjack light runs on either AC power or a NP-F style rechargeable battery, both of which are included in the kit. The light is fully dimmable, with no change in color temperature, from 10-100%. The light is also dual colored allowing you to adjust the color temperature from a amber tungsten 3200k to white daylight 5600k. A back-lit LCD indicator shows light level, color temperature and battery life status.
We have been using the Fotodiox Flapjacks now for over 4 years, lighting interviews and music videos. They have been a reliable lighting source, even outside. We don’t go anywhere without the C-1500RSV 30in Round. Compared to the more expensive lights (Lite Panels and Kinos) they are not as powerful, but don’t be fooled: they pack a punch, are portable and the price is just right. Visit www.fotodioxpro.com to learn more.