News

AOI is now shipping an innovative new product called the Aura Light System (ALS-01), an advanced LED torch and optical snoot designed to allow underwater photographers to “paint” with light of any desired color. The second addition to AOI’s “Signature Series,” the light was developed in collaboration with award-winning underwater photographer Ace Wu. (The first product in the “Signature Series,” the UH-GPx housing for GoPro, was a collaboration with underwater videographer Kay Burn Lim.)

The tech at the center of the Aura Light System (ALS-01) is a multicolor LED capable of producing a palette of 16.7 million colors—and here’s the ingenious bit—controllable wirelessly via your smartphone running AOI’s dedicated app. The software allows you to create 10 preset colors, which can then be recalled at the push of a button on the device. The light comes with an optical snoot, flipped into position when needed, which changes the beam angle from 90° to 7°. Power is via a single 18650 Li-ion rechargeable battery, giving the light a 2.5-hour runtime at maximum brightness.

The Aura Light System is available as a single light (ALS-01) finished in black, with snoot and clamp, priced at $530; and as the “Signature Series” package (ALS-01S), which bundles four lights finished in white, with snoots, clamps, and other accessories. Pricing of the Aura Light System “Signature Series” is not yet available.
 

When purchasing underwater photography equipment like the products mentioned in this article, please support DPG by supporting our retail partner—Backscatter.com.

PRESS RELEASE

Signature Series 2025 Edition: The AOI Aura Light System with Ace Wu

The Collaboration Continues

The inaugural Signature Series was officially introduced at the DRT Show Hong Kong 2023 with the intention of capturing the spirit of collaboration and pushing the boundaries of underwater imaging. The first instalment of the Series featured a collaboration between award-winning videographer Kay Burn Lim and AOI. The result was an underwater housing for the GoPro that redefined the possibilities for the device.

The Signature Series 2025 Edition marks a new collaboration, this time between AOI and award-winning underwater photographer Ace Wu. “Underwater photography is a reflection of art and mirrors my inner state of thought,” says Ace Wu.

At the heart of artistic expression lies the drive to push limits and break boundaries. In underwater photography, the challenges and constraints are plentiful.

Ace Wu is among the few accomplished practitioners of ‘painting’ underwater photos. “Colors add emotions, create a feeling, and are more than just elements in my images,” explains Wu. Currently, equipment used to ‘paint’ underwater images relies on colored filters placed in front of lights. However, the range of colors is often limited by the number of filters available, typically just a few. This limitation sparked the idea behind the Signature Series 2025 Edition: How could every imaginable color be made accessible?

No strangers to daunting challenges, the AOI design team explored a host of ideas, ranging from the unconventional to the traditional. The final product exceeded all expectations, earning its place in the Signature Series lineup.

The Aura Light System: Painting with Every Possible Color

The Aura Light System is a revolutionary departure from conventional underwater lighting. At its core is a custom-designed mobile app that allows users to select from a palette of 16.7 million colors. The app communicates with an advanced LED torch capable of reproducing the selected color.

This LED torch is equipped with an optical condenser that enhances the brightness of the colored beam. It can store up to 10 preset colors, while the app supports simultaneous operation with multiple LED torches. The result is an unparalleled ability to ‘paint’ underwater images with virtually unlimited color options. The Aura Light System also includes an optical snoot that is both compact and powerful.

The Aura Light System is a clear departure from typical thinking employed by many manufacturers, bringing software engineering and user interaction to the forefront of underwater lighting and photography.

The Aura Light System – Signature Series will consists of 4 LED torch complete with color coordinated mounts and optical snoots in white. The entire collection will be housed in a protective carrying case for convenience and security when traveling.

The Aura Light System can also be purchased individually, the standard version is in black and will include the matching optical snoot and mount.

The AOI-UW app is available for download at Apple’s App Store. The Android version will be available later.

Don’t limit your artistic expression to the tools available, be free to ‘paint’ with the colours you feel.