Fiilex introduced the new Q500 (AC) at NAB 2014 this year and I got a chance to try it out at the show. Since then, I got a review unit to shoot with in the studio and am very pleased with the results!

When I recently did a review on the Fiilex P-Series LED Lights in February, I shared some combinations of different lighting scenarios that I found the lights useful both in a small studio and on-location. They're bright, portable and don't get hot. And the light quality is fantastic. I was shown an early prototype of the what would become the Q500 and was really excited. I wasn't quite prepared for what they actually created once I finally saw it in person at their booth at NAB this year. This is SERIOUS lighting gear!

The Fiilex Q500 (AC)

MSRP $2495

At first glance the Q500 looks like a quality studio light with a Fresnel lens on the front, adjustable barn doors, brightness controls and even DMX control plugs. But a closer look reveals that this amazingly bright (750W equiv.) light is also a full-range tunable color temperature (from 2800-6500K) and has Hue Control of ± .25 Magenta/Green – you can fine tune your lighting to accommodate sensor bias, white balance and skin tones without affecting the rest of your scene. The LED screen on the back of the light is easy to read in any studio lighting situation and lets you dial in precise control of the Q500.

Fiilex let me borrow one of the Q500 lights from the NAB Expo booth to use in my Full-day Green Screen Workshop so my first hands-on experience was totally intuitive in front of a live audience! I used it in a variety of shots and even held up a silk to shoot through it for a very even, soft glow at close range with my model. One of the attendees provided me with this shot from the workshop with the Q500 in the foreground, while the rest of the light kit was entirely lit by Fiilex P-Series lights:

Back in the studio, I got another Q500 test unit from Fiilex to try out with the green screen and the white wall and the Blackmagic Design Cinema Camera and BMD Pocket Camera. This green screen setup was also lit entirely with the Fiilex P-Series lights, including the green screen, hair light and some fills to even out shadows so I could focus the Q500 light on my subject just where I wanted it.

And the resulting image from Blackmagic Design Cinema Camera:

Fiilex Q500 FEATURES (as listed on their website):

• 750W Equivalent Output (Tungsten) – Draw 170W
• Color Temperature Range 2800-6500K
• Hue Control ± .25 Magenta / Green
• High CRI >93 (3000K-5600K)
• Full Spectrum Light Quality – No Spikes
• Dimming (100%-7%)
• Flicker Free at any Frame Rate
• Single Point Light Source – Adjustable Beam Angle 50° to 27°
• Solid State Technology – No Bulbs to Replace
• Does not Emit UV Light/Radiation
• DMX Control Built In
• LCD Display

SPECIFICATIONS (as listed on their website):

• Size  L 12″ x W 12.75″ x H 15″ (with Yoke)
• 305mm X 325mm x 380mm with yoke
• L 12″x W 9″ x H x 6.75″ without
• 305mm X 230mm x 172mm without
• Weight (Include Yoke) 12 lbs / 5.5 kg
• LED Dense Matrix LED
• Thermal Design Advanced Vapor Cooling
• Beam Angle 27°-50° (With Fresnel Lens)
• CCT Range 2800-6500K Continuous Tuning
• Hue Control plus/minus .25 Magenta/Green
• CRI >93
• LED Life 42,000 hrs – (15 Years of average use.)
• Power Consumption 170W Max / Comparable in Output to 750W Tungsten
• Input Voltage AC Power: 100-240 VAC, 50~60Hz, Max 170W
• Input Port Detachable Power Con Cable
• DMX Control 2 XLR ports and 2 RJ45 ports (512 Addresses)
• Temperature Range 32-104ºF / 0-40º C (over temperature protection)

The Q500 KIT INCLUDES:

• (1) Q500 Light Head
• (1) Q500 Barndoor
• (1) 5″ Glass Fresnel Lens
• (1) 20' PowerCon Cable
• (1) Cord Tie

AVAILABLE ACCESSORIES:

• Dome Diffuser
• Dome Diffuser Extension
• Fresnel Lens

Another simple setup out in the studio with two subjects (you've seen our model “Lena” before in previous reviews but Ellen joins her trying to help her learn her lines from the script). I've set up two Fiilex P180s for the hair light and a small diffused shadow fill pointed up toward the subjects (hidden behind the laptop below) plus a P360 as a brighter diffused fill off to the side, Setting the Q500 up as my key light I was able to adjust not only the brightness and color temp of the light on subjects, but also the shape of the light with the adjustable Fresnel lens, which gives a dramatic theatrical light and shadow effect on the wall behind them.

From the source video out of the Blakmagic Design Cinema Camera:

Then Ellen loses it when Lena refuses to learn her lines:

Overview:

Since my first review of the P-Series lights from Fiilex I knew that they were on to something special. While it's not cheap (MSRP $2495) but figuring the years of use you will get out of this light it will pay for itself quickly. You can now purchase the Fiilex Q500 at Adorama here. I did have a glimpse into the future with the prototype of what eventually became the Q500 and they really outdid themselves with this light! I had hoped to get it out on location to shoot outdoors but due to weather and other travel commitments, I've yet to manage that, but look for an update on my PVC channel soon!

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Jeff Foster is a published author of several how-to books and training videos in the motion graphics, animation and video production industries and is an award-winning video producer and artist. Visit his web site to learn more about his training methods, tips & tricks at PixelPainter.com