In which we take a look at the Litepanels Gemini 1×1 Soft to see how it holds up for traveling filmmakers and content creators.
As a traveling filmmaker, I’m always on the hunt for the perfect key light. I want a light that easily fits in a hard case and is easy to check at an airport. I also want a light with a strong output, naturally soft quality, and a variety of built-in customizable color features. That’s not too much to ask, right?
After the announcement of the Litepanels Gemini 1×1 Soft at NAB this year, I’m starting to think that this fixture may be the light many filmmakers have been awaiting. Let’s take a look at the Litepanels Gemini 1×1 Soft and how it measures up for traveling filmmakers.
High Output
The output from the Litepanels Gemini is impressive. As a filmmaker frequently traveling for documentary work, I never know how much artificial lighting I’ll need at a location until I arrive. Unfortunately, most of the time, traveling with high-powered HMIs isn’t an option, and the currently available options for travel-sized LED fixtures are often limited in terms of output or features.
However, the Gemini seems to be solving the problem. It puts out more than enough light to serve as a keylight in most interview situations — even with a softbox or heavy diffusion. Having enough light output that you can still shape it is a great perk.
Color Options
There are some really powerful LED options currently on the market. However, some are either stuck in a daylight balance or limited to only CCT colors.
Most of us have had to film under ugly fluorescent lights. Unfortunately, we usually can’t do anything about it and just have to adapt. Having a compact and powerful light on hand that’s capable of matching those imperfect lighting colors is a great alternative to carrying around sheets of plus or minus green gel.
Portability
Traveling with lots of hard cases and heavy filmmaking equipment can get really old really fast. If there are ways to reduce the amount of gear, I have to travel with, I’m all in. Personally, one of my favorite lights is the ARRI Skypanel. However, traveling with one is always a bit difficult because it requires a bulky junior stand.
The Gemini 1×1 can easily work with a collapsible baby stand. This reduces the overall weight you’ll have to carry around to less than 15 lbs. (for the fixture and the stand).
You can also power this light with batteries, which increases its portability when efficiency on a set matters the most.
Overall, the Litepanel Gemini 1×1 Soft is poised to become a light of choice among traveling filmmakers. With its high output, variety of color options, and overall portability, it’s a fantastic light to help you get the best imagery for your projects.