About a year ago I reviewed the Litepanels MicroPro [Link], which is the ultimate light for run and gun interviews or as small spotlight. Now I got the opportunity to test the big brother, the 1x1.

Overview

First the facts: One Litepanels 1x1 has a size of 12"x12"x1,75" (30.48cm x 30.48cm x 4.4cm). So you can easily compare the size with the width of a 13" MacBook.

It weights 1,4kg, which is aprox. twice the weight of a 550D. During my test I didn't thought that both the size or weight are to bulky or unhandy to work with.

The case is made of plastic with steel rotary buttons on the back and a transparent plastic window in front of the LEDs. 

 

Power and Connections

The 1x1 can be powered through an AC adapter with 18-28V or using an V-Mount or AB adapter plate. I only used it with a direct power connection, so I can't say something about the battery strength and lifetime.

Additionally there is an option to use it a Remote Dimming or DMX Module.

 

Quality

At first sight you probably wouldn't trust the plastic housing, but it is amazing rugged! So it will survive your everyday production.  The more important part, the light quality, is even more amazing! The output of the Litepanels 1x1, compared to it's size and weight is truly epic.

 

The picture above is a screenshot from a short film we shot in April called Totgeburt (Click here and watch the trailer). The set was a temporary discontinued underground garage and we used only one Litepanels 1x1 as light. It created a very dramatic effect. Because of the Bi-Focus feature we were allowed to switch between flood and spot and could adjust the light into for the given situation.

 

Another situation where I tested the 1x1 was during several interview shots, both indoor and outdoor. It is a great help, because with this additional small light you are freer in the location. It is possible to shot in nicer, but darker areas, such as the small balkony under a tree in the picture below.

 

Conclusion

The Litepanels 1x1 light is the perfect help for one man interviews, because it is easy to set up, easy to handle and easy to carry. If you have more than one light it is also perfect for any kind of lighting, such as in scenic film and news productions. The 1x1 is a perfect addition for DSLR shooter, because it has the same qualties, like small size and low weight. 

But there is one little thing, you might worry about: the price. Depending on which model (Bi-Color, Bi-Focus, etc) you take it costs about 1700-2500$. This is a lot money for one light, but you have consider, that the LEDs will last for a lifetime and you'll use this light for a long time!

 

Continuing resources:

• Litepanels 1x1 PDF Brochure [Download]
• Litepanels Website [Link]
• View and Buy all products at B&H [Link]