Aputure has announced its latest range of film lights, the Aputure INFINIMATs. Described as the Ultimate Soft Light System, the INFINIMAT light mats can be used on their own. However, you can also combine them with the included inflatable airbags.
INFINIMATs
The Aputure INFINIMATs are available in six sizes from 1’x2’ all the way up to an enormous 20’x20’ panel. The other sixes are 1’x4’, 2’x4’, 4’x4’, and 8’x8’. Each of the light mats is comprised of a series of 100w panels in 1’x2’ or 2’x2’. The INFINIMATs also come with a carbon fiber support bracket and a new K-Mount ball head with a knurled baby pin or a TVMP mount. In addition, you can use the light mats with or without the airbags, mounted to frames, hanging from above or just strapped into place.
Inflatable softboxes
When combined with the included inflatable softboxes, the INFINIMATs are quick and easy to set up. Each light mat has a hook-and-loop system around the border designed to seamlessly secure it to an airbag of the corresponding size. You also get a matching light control grid and light control skirt for each softbox. In addition, Aputure even includes an air pump to inflate the airbags.
Light output
The Aputure INFINIMATs feature a tunable color RGBWW light engine. This delivers a CCT range from 2,000K to 10,000K and +/- Green bias control. You can also control the output from the INFINIMATs in HSIC+, xy, Gel, and Pixel modes. In addition, the light mats use Aputure’s superior dimming system. This delivers smooth dimming down to 0.1% while maintaining accurate color. The 1’x2’ INFINIMAT has a maximum output at 5600K and 1 meter of 2,895 lux with the inflatable softbox. At the top of the range, the 20’x20’ INFINIMAT boasts 5490 lux at 5600K even from 5 meters away.
Control Boxes
The Control Boxes for Aputure’s INFINIMAT light mats have a unique feature. This is that you can run more than one light from a single Control Box. The 1’x2’, 1’x4’, and 2’x4’ INFINIMATs pair with the 400 W Control Box which can run up to three of the smaller light mats. You can also run the 400 W Control Box off a pair of V-mount or Gold-mount batteries for a portable kit. However, the 4’x4’ and 8’x8’ INFINIMATs utilize a larger 1600w Control Box for a strong key or fill light. In addition, the 1,600 W Control Box can power up to three of the smaller INFINIMATs and two of the larger INFINIMATs. The combinations are limited only by the maximum wattage of each Control Box.
Other features
As well as the via the Control Boxes, you can control the INFINIMATs through Sidus Mesh, DMX, CRMX, sACN and Art-Net. In addition, each panel functions as an addressable pixel which means that the INFINIMATs can illuminate in gradients of brightness and color. You can also work with control systems to feed in moving patterns for Image-Based Lighting applications. Each INFINIMAT panel is sealed with a metal plate within to disperse heat. This design also delivers IP65 weather protection and superior ruggedness.
What we think
Aputure’s INFINIMAT series of light mats are an interesting new development in lighting technology. The range of control options means you can produce complex lighting effects. In addition, the inflatable softboxes make it easy to set up and deploy the INFINIMATs on set. They will also deliver beautifully soft light on to your subjects. If there’s one downside to the INFINIMATs, it’s that these professional-grade lights come with a premium price tag. However, in their marketing, Aputure describes the INFINIMATs as “rental-grade” inflatable light mats. This may indicate where the company sees the majority of its customers coming from.
Pricing and availability
The pricing for the INFINIMATs starts at $1,700 for the 1’x2’ model, all the way up to $78,900 for the 20’x20’ option. Most sizes are scheduled to ship by the end of November apart from the 1’x2’ which won’t be out till January 2025.
