3 replies to this topic

[buddy]

Anybody with experience or further knowledge of a combination system for flash and Video lighting for DSLR stills and Video shooters?

There is a renewed version from Subtronic available, called Fusion, with flash output of 270 Wsec combined with LED's of 2800 Lumen output. Seems to be interesting. I already have 2 Subtronic flash and originally wanted to add one or even two Video lights (SOLA or Keldan's or similar) but I am hesitating (too much equipment, not so handy anymore, etc). Any recommendations?

Thank you

[Drew]

Juerg
I'm going to put this in the video section since it's more relevant there.

I've played with the Fusion 160s and heard about the 270W version. I'm assuming the new fusion has an even more powerful LED light than the older one, which is 21W LED. The problem with a combo light/strobe is battery life. The 160 Fusion didn't last more than 35mins with the LED @ full power with the 2.4Ah Akku so if you are a high fps shooter or dive for a long time, a combo system may not be optimized for your D3s system.

Also 21w LED are ok for macro but once you go to WA, you'll need some serious power.

[buddy]

Thanks Drew,

I got some more info about these new units. In fact they are only 160 Ws for flash (which I think is more than enough anyways). But they have now around 40 Watt Videolighting for 2800 Lumen on 100% and are even a bit lighter (1.0 Kg topside / 90 grams in water).

Your point of the battery life is well taken. In fact the new systems claims 30 Minutes at full power with the 2.4 Ah. Do you know whether the video light is dimmable like the manual power for the flash operation? Or does it make sense to use constantly 100% power (ca.5600 Lumens) for video shooting underwater?

I basically like these combos since they would allow both operations -flash photography and video - in one system and they are also considerable lighter and compacter than my bulky Nova's (which I would sell obviously....)

Do you know of another combo system? Alternatively I am lokking at the new Keldans as well (but this would be in addition to the flash...).
Thanks for input.

Regards Juerg

[Drew]

Juerg
From Subtronic's website:

Fusion 270W

The specs say 270W but then again, the text is so vague I have to question if it's google translated!

From what I remember of the 160W fusion, the power is stepped 100-20% in 5 steps on the dial. It's not a dim switch per se.

I think Ikelite has a similar system, but I've never seen it except @ trade shows. No idea how they perform. Before you decide on LED, you may wish to read one of the threads on CRI and LED.