Aputure has launched a new powerful film light, the Aputure Storm 400x. It’s the third light to use the company’s BLAIR light engine, following the release of the Aputure 1200x and Aputure XT52 over the previous 12 months. Aputure also announced a new CF7 Fresnel light modifier for the Storm 400x.
BLAIR light engine
Aputure’s BLAIR light engine arose from the company’s acquisition of competitor company Prolycht. Unlike other lights, BLAIR lights don’t use white LED sources to create their output. Instead, they use blue, lime, amber, indigo and red LED light emitters, hence the acronym BLAIR. This combination of colors is used to produce white light in a similar way to full spectrum light sources.
Aputure says that its BLAIR lights emitters enhance fluorescing materials like white fabric in the same way as natural daylight and tungsten sources.
Storm 400x
The new Storm 400x delivers high quality tunable bi-color white light with a CRI and TLCI or greater than 95. Aputure also says that the light offers the greatest +/- green adjustability of any LED technology. The 400x has a CCT range of 2,500 K to 10,000 K in bi-color mode. Additionally, the BLAIR light engine can output saturated colors across more than 70% of Rec.2020 color space. Aputure says that you can achieve deep crimson sunsets, rich sodium vapor ambers, and subtle color effects without gels.
Output
The Aputure Storm 400x delivers 400 W maximum power output from 500 W power draw. Even with no reflector, the light gives you 27,100 lux at one meter and 3,110 lux at three meters when set at 5,600 K. Attaching the 35-degree reflector boosts this to 64,600 lux at one meter and 5,090 lux at three meters.
The new CF7 Fresnel attachment gives you an astounding 236,700 lux at full spot (15 degrees) and 53,900 at full flood (40 degrees) at one meter.
Build
The Aputure Storm 400x features a compact lamp head measuring 9.6 inches (23.9 cm) by 10 inches (25.3 cm) by 16.7 inches 42.4 cm). It’s also relatively lightweight for such a powerful light at 7.99 pounds (3.95 kg). And the 400x has a ProLock locking Bowens mount, so your light modifiers are held firmly in place. With IP65 dust and weather protection across all parts of the 400x system, you don’t need to worry when working in the rain or other challenging environments.
Control
The control box for the Storm 400x measures 5.4 inches (13.6 cm) by 5.6 inches (14.1 cm) by 9.6 inches 24.3cm). It additionally adds 6.07 pounds (3 kg) to the overall weight of the light. You can fully control the 400x from the control box. Alternatively, you get wireless control with Sidus Bluetooth Mesh. Also, the 400x supports CRMX and 5-Pin DMX for use with professional lighting control software.
What we think
Aputure’s acquisition of Prolycht is starting to produce some exciting and innovative lighting products. The BLAIR light engine in the Storm 400x aims to mimic full spectrum natural and artificial light and delivers both high-quality and powerful output. Aputure’s first two BLAIR lights arrived with a premium price. However, the 400x is much more affordable in comparison. This will be welcome for solo shooters and indie filmmakers.
The progression of Apture’s BLAIR light releases hints that the next light could be a lower-output light at an even cheaper price. Thanks to Aputure, the future for low-cost, high-quality lights is looking very bright.
Pricing and availability
The Aputure Storm 400x light is available to order now and retail at $1,059. It is scheduled to ship towards the end of August. The CF7 Fresnel comes with barn doors and is available to pre-order at $199.
