When it comes to choosing a reliable, high-output, battery-powered, fully RGBWW tunable light, Litepanels is undoubtedly an industry leader. And to expand their lineup, the brand has just released the new Gemini 1X1 soft LED panel, which bridges the gap between the Astra 1×1 and the Gemini 2×1, offering the benefits of the Gemini in the familiar 1×1 form factor.
The new Gemini 1×1 outputs 60 percent of the 2×1 at 40 percent of the weight — an impressive feat. Those figures and the Gemini reputation will ensure the Gemini 1×1 will be a fixture on both film sets and video productions, just as the previous models, but because it’s so quick-to-rig and portable, it’s ideal for the no-crew production or if you’re creating content on-the-go.
Key features:
- RGBWW LED soft panel
- Variable Color: Tungsten to Daylight
- Hue, Saturation, Light Intensity Control
- Plus / Minus Green Control
- Firmware Update for Special Effects
- 6 Litepanels Presets, 6 User Presets
- Built-in WiFi, DMX, Optional Wireless DMX
- Bluetooth and SmartLite App Control
- Built-In AC or Optional Battery Power
- CRI/TLCI: 97 Daylight, 94 Tungsten
The Gemini 1×1 soft panel packs some punch, putting out 557 Lux at 3200K at 10 feet, and 614 LUX at 5600K at the same distance. It is RGBWW, the RGB portion allowing you to reproduce any color or gel you like and the WW portion providing accurate white light by having two chips dedicated to providing a white and a warm white light. These both mix depending on your needs. This light gets some of the highest marks possible with a CRI/TLCI of 97 in daylight and 94 in Tungsten, meaning you will get impeccable color reproduction.
This unit has all the effects and versatility of control as its bigger sibling, the Gemini 2×1, and is ready to go, directly from the box. It can be controlled over WiFi, DMX, optionally by Wireless DMX, Bluetooth, and by their Smartlite App.
The Gemini 1×1 also boasts flicker-free light at any frame rate and shutter angle, which means you can get the shot you want, reliably.
Unsurprisingly, but something that I still love, this unit is able to be powered by either V-mount batteries or Gold mount batteries. This portability allows you to use these lights in situations where a generator would have previously been needed.
Anton/Bauer V or Gold Mount Batteries:
To pair with the Gemini 1×1 launch, Anton/Bauer is releasing their new Titon Lithium Ion batteries, which are fully compatible with the Gemini 1X1 soft panel, as well as with other filmmaking gear that takes either V-mount or Gold Mount batteries. Anton/Bauer is a top tier producer of lithium ion batteries, and you know you are getting quality when you buy their brand. They are rugged, lightweight, and you can expect consistent battery power even under extreme weather conditions. These are definitely the go-to battery of choice when reliability is a must, and really, when isn’t it?
Accessories for the Gemini 1×1:
Aside from the benefits of a portable, high-quality, fully tunable light, the Gemini 1×1 also has a plethora of accessories that allow users to fully control where the light is directed by using LitePanels’ light modifiers and attachments. From a choice of diffusers and a 60-degree honeycomb insert, to snap-on eggcrates, as well as the ability to mount multiple units together, the Gemini is a flexible tool that can tackle any video or film production need, thanks to these accessories:
- Litepanels Gemini 1×1 Heavy, Medium or Light Diffuser
- Litepanels Gemini 1×1 Honeycomb 60 Deg
- Litepanels Gemini 1×1 Barn Doors 4 Way
- Dual Gemini 1×1 Array Kit, including hardware and yoke for mounting two Gemini 1×1 fixtures side by side.
- Quad Gemini 1×1 Array Kit, including hardware and yoke for mounting four (4) Gemini 1×1 fixtures in a 2 by 2 (2 wide by 2 high) configuration
- Litepanels Gemini 1×1 Hard Case
- Litepanels Gemini 1×1 Snapbag Softbox
- Litepanels Gemini 1×1 Fixture Snapgrid 40 Deg Eggcrate
- Litepanels Gemini 1×1 Snapbag Cloth Set (1/4, 1/2, Full)
- Litepanels Gemini 1×1 Snapbag Snapgrid 40 Deg Eggcrate
- Litepanels Gemini 1×1 Pole Operated Yoke
- Litepanels Gemini 1×1 Battery Plate Gold Mount
- Litepanels Gemini 1×1 Battery Plate V-Mount
When looking for your next light addition, you will not be disappointed with the Gemini 1×1. It is well designed, reliable, and most importantly puts out a bright, accurate, beautifully soft light that is super tunable to meet your needs.
The Litepanels Gemini 1×1 Soft LED Panel is available for preorder for at Adorama.
