When it comes to continuous video lights, content creators are always looking for power, portability, cost-effectiveness, and with as much control in light output and dimmability. Many fixtures available on the market today often don’t meet these specific needs of filmmakers, creatives, and photographers. That’s where companies like Godox step in. Their aim is to deliver a unit that provides proper lighting with full power draw, connectivity, and color temperature control. This past September at the IBC technology conference, Godox showcased one such fixture — the new Godox MG1200BI Knowled Video Light. In a matter of months, it has arrived.
Key Features of the Godox Video Light:
● Full 1200W draw between 2800K and 6500K
● CRI ≥96, TLCI ≥98
● Intelligent mount design that recognizes accessories
● Stepless dimming from 0.1% to 100%
● DMX, BT, and direct control using the big color monitor
● AC only power supply unit
● Customizable, professional controls
● IP54 certified splash and dust-resistance
● Extremely quiet, Intelligible fan operation
● New proprietary mount with electronic connectors
● Bluetooth Control via Godox App
● USB-A port for firmware upgrades
● 16kg Ultralight body weight
● Dimming Curves: Linear, S-curve, Exponential, Logarithmic
● 11 FX light modes
What’s Great About it?
The MG1200BI looks to be an update and completion to the M series lineup of continuous lighting that Godox has been releasing over the last year. Each light seems to get more powerful, feature-rich, and caters even more to its users. While many things about this light are impressive, there’s a few key elements to point out.
Color Temperature Range
It offers a full 1200W draw in all color temperature ranges and the ability to adjust the CCT from 2800K to 6500K. As a result of the light’s bicolor nature, users are able to maintain luminance at every color temperature in the range. The luminance of many other continuous LED lights tends to decrease over the same draw. With no loss of output, you’ll get the most power out of the light regardless of your current color temperature. This will allow you to control the temperature and output more precisely.
Light Dimming
With light dimming from .1% (instead of the 1% typically found in similar lights) to 100%, you can have granular control over the light output. A downside of many newer LED lights is that — even at 1% — iy delivers so much power and punch that many filmmakers and cinematographers find themselves reducing the light intensity with flags, grids, and nets. Now that you have a smaller dim available, you should be able to find the exact level that you need.
Thermal Protection
The built-in temperature gauge and intelligent thermal protection will essentially sound off a notification when the light and power supply is running extremely hot and near dangerous levels. For example, you may find yourself using the light outdoors or on a particularly hot indoor set. Getting notified before damage occurs allows owners of the Godox MG1200BI Video Light to shut off the light or unplug it before permanent damage sets in. This allows you to lengthen the lifespan and maintain the integrity of the light.
Quiet Fan
Intelligent and quiet fan operation, while seemingly innocuous, is incredibly important on most sets where sound is being recorded. The last thing anyone wants — or has time for — is the sound of the set mixer yelling that he can hear fan noise from the equipment.
Accessory Mount
This particularly new lighting fixture features an accessory mount with electronic connections. This is a feature not found often on similar lights. So, what’s the benefit? Electronic mounts are able to talk to the light to instantaneously tell it when to power off and on again. This makes it easier to work when connecting and disconnecting modifiers. This allows for a much faster workflow on set. Instead of having to turn the fixture off to mount accessories, the light automatically does it without adding an extra step.
Who’s the Godox MG1200Bi Video Light For?
One of the most notable features mentioned above is the dimmability factor of the Godox MG1200BI Video Light. This results in more professional light control. Because of its weather resistance from splashes and dust, you don’t need to do much to keep it safe. Although, you should still take steps to protect your investment. Overall, it’s a great piece of gear to add to your kit.
Here are some photos taken with the Godox MG1200Bi Video Light illuminating the scene:
Similar Godox Video Lights
The Godox M600Bi, M600D, M200D/Bi, and M300D/Bi are similar lights from the early part of this series. While many of the features are strikingly similar at first glance, the largest difference with the MG1200Bi is its 1200W draw. In contrast, the M600Bi only features 730W. The former lights in the lineup feature a V-mount battery option, whereas the new 1200Bi only uses an AC power supply.
And, of course, where the other models feature a Bowen’s mount, here you’ll find the new accessories mount with electronic connectors. There is plenty to differentiate the MG1200Bi from the rest of the fixtures that help it earn its rank at the top of the lineup.
