amaran, the more prosumer cousin of lighting brand Aputure, introduced their amaran 150c (150W) and 300c (300W) lights at NAB 2023 with a splash. For those who don’t need or use DMX, the 150c, and the 300c offer many impressive features at fantastic price points (only $569 for the 300c and $359 for the 150c). Let’s jump in. Let’s start with a quick note about my general perspective: DMX connectivity is mandatory on the projects I work on, so perhaps I haven’t given the amaran line the attention it deserves over the years. What the amaran team does provide in the way of DMX is primarily USB-C to 5-Pin XLR for select fixtures (not the 150c/300c since there is no USB C). Sidus Link (the Bluetooth-based app commonly used to control amaran and Aputure wirelessly) is also compatible with fixtures using wireless DMX and LumenRadio built-in. So, the dividing line between amaran (no-DMX) and Aputure (yes-DMX) is a bit grayer these days, and that’s fine by me. amaran products also tend to rely more on plastic components than metal in the case of Aputure. Not everyone needs or cares about DMX connectivity, in which case they will be content with the manual controls on the 150c/300c or Bluetooth Sidus Link control. As the marketing materials note, the amaran series is specifically aimed at “content creators and Vloggers.” The price points (again, $569 for the 300c and $359 for the 150c) imply either of these fixtures would be a great first...
Published By: CineD - Wednesday, 21 June, 2023