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Z CAM, recognized for his or her line of cinema cameras by the identical identify, has launched a line of LED fixtures with the space-age identify of ZOLAR. These lights vary from a price range bi-color model to an RGBAW colour model and they’re barely bigger than the 1×1 footprint we all know and have turn into very acquainted with within the business. Let’s check out the our written ZOLAR mild assessment.Editor’s observe: A extra detailed video assessment (together with mild measurements) for the ZOLAR Lights is within the making, however will solely be revealed within the new yr. Earlier than I get began with this assessment, watch our video protection from IBC concerning the ZOLAR lights, the place we talked to Z CAM / ZOLAR CEO Kinson Bathroom.However now on to the precise ZOLAR Mild assessment: Let me begin by saying that I had a chance to assessment the next fixtures as a part of the ZOLAR lineup: It’s simple to focus this assessment totally on the formidable wanting (when it comes to specs on the web page) ZOLAR Vega 30C RGBAW as a result of colour is revolutionizing how we work on set, however there’s a lot to debate relating to the opposite two Bi-Colour variations too. I’ll admit as extra 1×1-ish fixtures hit the market over time I discover myself turning into steadily extra crucial of LED lights with these dimensions. On the similar time, we’re very fortunate to have so many selections as of late as filmmakers, however the bar has to maneuver steadily greater as extra fixtures hit the market. On the danger of burying the lead, I’ll say that there’s extra to the ZOLAR line than first meets the attention, and it’s not all enterprise as typical with their function set. First impressionsAll of those lights have a box-like design aesthetic that feels a bit out of a basic Nineteen Fifties alien invasion flick like The Day the Earth Stood Nonetheless (which I really like). Specifically, the Vega 30C RGBAW model and Toliman Bi-Colour each have a matte silver end damaged up solely by yellow (within the case of the colour model) or orange (within the case of the Bi-Colour variations) nook plastic protectors. Every of those ZOLAR lighting packages weighs below 10 lbs for the lamp head, which isn’t notably heavy and would make these good options for solo house owners/operators. You’d even be effective utilizing a regular C-Stand or mild stand. Oddly, the ZOLAR group has separated the ability provide from the lamp head of their smooth case included packaging and I a lot want case designs that embody all the things in a single go. ZOLAR Toliman 30C Bi-Colour with Energy Provide. Picture Credit score: Graham Ehlers Sheldon/CineDKey options – differentiating issue to competitionA lot of the preliminary annoyances I’ve discovered these days throughout lighting critiques have principally been addressed right here out of the field. Let’s go forward and record only a few banner options that stood out for me: A number of Selectable Fan Modes like Auto, Excessive, Mid, and Low (audio will thanks)Multi-Mild Sync (typically known as Lead/Observe by totally different producers)Energy Loop Output (for stringing a number of lights collectively in a studio setting) Locking Connectors All through (Neutrik powerCon – not in 30S)Twin V-Mount Battery Slots on the Energy Provide A wide range of DMX (each wired and wi-fi in 30C variations) and Bluetooth/Wifi connectivity choices 4 Dimming Curves and dimmable in 0.1% increments Sadly, I’m a Gold Mount battery person and thus a heavy reliance on V-mount battery plates by the lighting business has been a tricky one for me, however V-Mount customers might be pleased with the V-Mount plate choice. You would, in fact, additionally use adapter plates as properly. DMX customers will recognize the Artwork-Web 4, sACN, and 5-pin wired (with RDM) choices. Bluetooth customers can obtain the ZOLAR management app HERE. The app is primary, nevertheless it does the job of tackling many of the options you’ll need Bluetooth wi-fi entry to. It additionally connects shortly to every fixture. I additionally discovered myself utilizing an included hand distant controller for every fixture very often when the lamp was located excessive off the bottom and I wanted to make fast adjustments in a pinch. Utilizing a flag “topper” on the Vega 30C. Picture Credit score: Graham Sheldon/CineDI used the ZOLAR line on a number of productions (principally scripted industrial interiors) over the course of a number of weeks and when it comes to simply pure utilization, I turned to the Vega 30C RGBAW most frequently for its versatility and strong colour rendition. However, I need to be clear that Bi-Colour nonetheless has a spot on most, if not all, of my shoots. How usually are you filming a undertaking with a colour aesthetic out of Bladerunnner? Most frequently I might guess you’ll end up dwelling in a spot the place daylight and Tungsten are nonetheless the secret and so the Toliman 30C and 30S will discover loads of use for you. Breaking apart a background with a sundown vibe due to the Vega 30C. Picture Credit score: Graham Sheldon/CineDOne of the extra spectacular design options of the ZOLAR fixtures is a flippable subtle entrance panel that adjustments the beam angle from 90 levels to 127 levels within the case of the Toliman 30C (similar for the Vega 30C) or from 40 levels to 88 levels with the Toliman 30S. Flipping the entrance panel takes simply seconds and I want extra panel-style lights did this — it’s simply so darn quick. Merely take away this panel (ZOLAR calls it a stylist) and also you get the widest doable beam angle of round 25 levels. A shiny rear-facing management panel is straightforward to navigate on all three variants inside the ZOLAR line. Picture Credit score: Graham Sheldon/CineDOne factor to think about is there’s at the moment a relative lack of equipment for the ZOLAR line. The producer does make an reasonably priced $49.00, 32×32 appropriate soft-box, however as of publishing time, I didn’t have entry to it for this assessment. A promised upcoming grid would even be a 100% wanted accent for me and I’d wish to see third events like DoPChoice undertake options for the ZOLAR line. To date, although, your accent choices are restricted — though this limitation is partially offset by the simply changeable beam angles. ZOLAR Energy Provide and energy button. Picture Credit score: Graham Sheldon/CineDThe construct high quality of each the ability provide and lamp heads are closely reliant on aluminum with plastic protectors. I did discover the yoke design (strikes a full 360-degrees) to be glorious and never inclined in any respect to slipping. Every mild consists of the next: 1x ZOLAR Fixture 1x Yoke Mount1x Distant Controller1x AC DC Energy Adapter1x ZOLAR Stylist W 32×321x AC Energy Cable1x Distant Connector Cable1x Fast Person GuideDifferences Between ZOLAR Toliman 30S and ZOLAR Toliman 30CWhen contemplating the $200 worth distinction between the Bi-Colour ZOLAR Toliman 30S ($499) and Bi-Colour ZOLAR Toliman 30C ($699) we must always break down the important thing variations between these two fashions particularly:DMX Assist – Accessible within the ZOLAR Toliman 30C, however not the 30SpowerCON Assist/Cables – Included with the Toliman 30C, however not the 30SThe 150W Toliman 30C has a better powered PSU, in contrast with the 120W Toliman 30SImproved energy provide and warmth dispatching system within the ZOLAR Toliman 30C, in contrast with the 30S The Z Cam ZOLAR group additionally examined the ZOLAR Toliman 30C for a full yr and a half at full brightness working continuous and “there’s no brightness drop and colour degrading on all ZOLAR lights in our labs.” That is a formidable declare and never one which I’ll have the ability to check for fairly that period, however it’s clear that the producer has positioned a premium on high quality of sunshine.The right ZOLAR person?I at all times wrestle with the query of the right person for particular person lighting merchandise as a result of I’ve been shocked earlier than by filmmakers considering outdoors the field, however the ZOLAR line appears aimed toward proprietor/operators or small studio house owners. I’m basing that totally on the comparatively reasonably priced value and easy usability. That is additionally the right collection for these trying to dip their toes into DMX management, both by 5-pin wired, sACN or Artwork-Web 4 (DMX not out there within the ZOLAR Toliman 30S). You’ll need to hold moisture out of the massive rear fan vents. Picture Credit score: Graham Sheldon/CineDThe RGBAW chips within the Vega 30C additionally do an excellent job creating these “center” colours between Crimson, Inexperienced and Blue and I used to be particularly impressed by the standard of the wealthy “amber” colour. I discovered ZOLARLink to even be particularly simple to make use of. Basically you designate a lead lighting fixture and you’ll management as much as 50 fixtures in a gaggle for a most of 16 teams — all inside the lights themselves with out utilizing one other gadget. After all, I didn’t have 50 fixtures to check, however this function labored nice with three. Last ideas on this ZOLAR Mild ReviewThere’s a lot to love right here. Strong exterior construct combined with glorious colour, strong worth level, and correct kelvin dealing with overcome a relative lack of at the moment out there equipment and packaging that splits the ability provide from the lamp head. I additionally don’t need to low cost the truth that the ZOLAR line of lights is coming from the well-established Z-Cam producer. That ought to give us some piece of thoughts that these fixtures are right here to remain and that servicing choices might be out there properly into the long run. Picture Credit score: Graham Sheldon/CineDPlease observe that we’re engaged on a video assessment of the ZOLAR lights, however it is going to solely be revealed within the new yr. The video assessment can even embody measurements for the lights.What do you consider our ZOLAR Mild assessment? Will you be including the Z-CAM ZOLAR line of lights to your equipment? Tell us within the feedback under!
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