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Sea&Sea Shipping LX-Series Video Lights
By Ian Bongso-Seldrup, July 15, 2024 @ 07:30 AM (EST)

Sea&Sea has introduced a trio of innovative underwater video lights: the LX-4000SW FS, the LX-2400SW FS, and the LX-1200SW FS. The three lights have identical functionality and are distinguished only by the brightness of the flood beam (100° beam angle)—4,000 lumens, 2,400 lumens, and 1,200 lumens, respectively. In fact, the body of each light is the same; only the light heads are different. Thus, they are actually interchangeable, although a setting must be made after switching heads.

Since the body of each light is the same, the same battery is used in each case, and therefore, the runtime in flood mode reduces as the power increases. The LX-1200SW FS has a 110-minute runtime at full power, the LX-2400SW FS lasts 60 minutes, and the LX-4000SW FS tops out at 30 minutes. Each light also offers a spot mode (30° beam angle) at 1,500 lumens with a 90-minute runtime. The flood light has a color temperature of 5,500K and a color rendering index (CRI) of 90, while the spot light has a color temperature of 6,500K and a CRI of 70.

What sets these lights apart is what Sea&Sea calls their proprietary COB—meaning “chip on board”—LED array for the flood beam, a “donut” shaped ring surrounding a single LED for the spot beam. Sea&Sea says the “single” COB light source results in well-defined, more-natural shadows.

The new lights are availble from retailers such as Backscatter for the following prices: $330 (LX-1200SW FS), $400 (LX-2400SW FS), and $480 (LX-4000SW FS).
 



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



PRODUCT INFORMATION (LX-4000SW FS)

The 4000 lumen high intensity type is also powerful for video recording!

Scheduled to be released in August

LX-4000SW FS

Product No. 09130 (Black)/09131 (White)

The new COB (LED arrangement), a proprietary development, achieves ideal "center light distribution" of a single light source in both wide and spot light. The elimination of multi-shadows brings the subject into sharp relief.

FEATURES

Center light distribution for both wide and spot

The light source is COB (LED), which has an established reputation for uniform light distribution. The COB is customized into a doughnut shape by our original design. The wide light source is placed in the doughnut, and the spot LEDs are placed in the center of the emitting surface, which corresponds to the "hole" in the center of the light source. Whether wide or spot light, the optical axis is centered on the center of the light-emitting surface, ensuring optimum lighting at all times.

What is the new "COB"?

“COB” is a type of LED. “COB” is an abbreviation for “Chip On Board,” and as the name suggests, multiple LED chips are placed directly on the board. Since multiple LED chips are arranged in a concentrated manner, high luminance is achieved. In addition, since the light is emitted from a surface, a large surface can be illuminated evenly. SEA&SEA is the first in Japan to lay out “COB” in a doughnut shape. Even with wide light, shadows are less likely to form in the center, resulting in uniform light.


Eliminate “multi-shadowing”

The use of COB eliminates “multi-shadows” in both wide and spot lighting. The natural shadows bring out the subject clearly and sharply, making it ideal as a photographic light.

What is multi-shadow?

Shadows that are unique to LED lighting, which are different from sunlight when an object is illuminated by LED lighting that consists of multiple LED light-emitting chips. When an object is illuminated by LED lighting consisting of multiple LED light-emitting chips, unnatural shadows (multiple shadows) are produced, which are different from those produced by sunlight. Multiple shadows can obscure the outline of an object and reduce its visibility. Single light source COB, which is a single light source, does not produce multiple shadows.


Various light intensity adjustment functions

  • Light quantity adjustment: Step dimming
    When the light is on, simply press the power button for 4-step step dimming. One-touch operation allows switching between 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%, so you can change the light intensity according to the situation.
  • Light level adjustment: Stepless dimming
    Stepless dimming from 0 to 100% is performed with the left and right dimming buttons, and fine adjustment is possible in 1% increments. The digital percentage display allows for fine adjustment and a sense of security.
  • Light intensity adjustment: Memory function
    The “memory function” is especially useful when shooting movies, as the light is turned off once and then turned back on again at the same intensity as when the light was turned off.



Flash sensor function for still image capture

The camera is equipped with a “flash sensor function” that detects the strobe light and automatically turns off the light and turns it on one second later. Since the light turns off in response to the strobe light, there is no need to worry about the light light being captured. Spot light is utilized as a focus light for focusing. The wide light can be used as a light for finding a subject or checking the environment without worrying about uneven exposure or color blurring.


Compact body for easy handling

A spot light source is laid out in the center of the doughnut-shaped wide light source, eliminating waste in the arrangement of light-emitting surfaces and enabling a minimized light head. With a compact size that fits in the palm of the hand and an underwater weight of only 163g, the body design fits comfortably in the hand, making it easy to use and maneuver.


Easy-to-read color LCD panel display

A variety of functions are displayed on a highly visible color LCD panel. The “light intensity” and “available lighting time,” which are most important underwater, are displayed on the same large, easy-to-read screen. Light intensity can be adjusted simply by pressing a button while viewing the panel display.

  • Light intensity: Light intensity during lighting is displayed in 1% increments
  • Remaining lighting time: Displays the lighting available time in real time


Mode icons are used to display functions

The function (mode) in use is indicated by a colored icon.

  • Spot: Lights up when spot light is used
  • Wide: Lights up when wide light is used
  • Battery: Flashes when the camera is in safety mode
  • FS mode: Lights up when flash sensor mode is used
  • Remote control mode: Lights up when the remote control is used


Four trouble-shooting functions

Safety mode: Battery indicator flashes. The display shows "10min" and starts counting down.

When the light head reaches 55°C (55°F) or higher during use, the light automatically switches to the protection mode and reduces the light intensity to 20% of its maximum.

Blinking Signal Mode: "BLI" is displayed. (BLI = blinking).

The light repeats [3 short blinks] ⇒ [3 long blinks] ⇒ [3 short blinks] ⇒ [OFF].


Battery charging is 2-way

Despite its compact body, the Li-ion battery has a large capacity of 3400 mAh and can be recharged in two ways.

  • Direct charging:
    The battery can be charged directly by connecting the supplied dedicated rear charge plug to the charging connector terminal on the back of the body. There is no need to remove the battery from the body, so there is no risk of submersion. No need to take the battery out of the body.
  • Removable charging:
    The battery can be removed from the body for recharging. The battery is compact, so there is no need to worry about running out of power if you have a spare battery for replacement.



Power up by replacing the light head

The LX series light heads are interchangeable. The LX-2400SW FS light head can be used as a 2400 lumen light with the LX-2400SW FS light head, and the LX-1200SW FS light head can be used as a 1200 lumen light with the LX-1200SW FS light head.

*Setting is required after replacing the light head. Please refer to the instruction manual for details.
 


Specifications

  • Luminous power: 3860lm (wide) / 1500lm (Spot)
  • Beam angle (underwater): 100° (wide) / 30° (spot)
  • Color temperature: 5500K (wide) / 6500K (spot)
  • Color rendering index: RA90 (wide) / RA70 (spot)
  • Continuous burn time: 30 minutes (wide) / 90 minutes (spot)
  • Flash sensor: Equipped
  • Remote control: Compatible (Option)
  • Interface: Color LCD Panel
  • Power: Rechargeable Li-ion battery
  • Battery capacity: 3400mAh / 7.4V
  • Charging time: 2.5 hours
  • Materials: Corrosion-resistant aluminum alloy / Reinforced resin
  • Charging method: Light body loading method / Battery direct method
  • Depth rating: 100m
  • Size: Φ58 x 139 mm
  • Weight (Battery included): 430g (in air) / 163g (underwater)
  • Accessory mount: M52
  • Bottom plate: FIX NEO series U type/M6 thread
  • Color: BLACK / WHITE

 

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