At IBC 2017, Aputure laid out their normal cornucopia of products — lights, microphones, monitors — but they didn’t show everyone the prototype for the The Amaran MX, a tiny, credit card-sized brother to the Amaran AL-M9. Why not? Well it’s still a prototype, so I suppose we shouldn’t get too excited, but on paper, the Amaran MX looks like an incredible addition to their line.
Anybody who’s used the M9 knows exactly how powerful it is for the size. In fact, that was a large part of what sold the Amaran M9: compact design with lots of power. The MX looks to continue that legacy, but Aputure upped the ante. The MX packs five times the output of the M9. Yes, five times. That makes the MX that much more usable and flexible.
Speaking of flexibility, the MX also features bi-color LEDs that range from 2,300k to 6,800k. Even if the light itself isn’t necessarily for you, that increased color range really speaks to me. So often I’m using LEDs that reach only 3,200k–5,600k. That usually isn’t enough for me, especially if you’re dealing with any kind of shaded natural light. The extended range means a lot.
The MX was also designed with more durability in mind. The body is made with aircraft-grade aluminum coated with brass. For a small light like this, one that’s bound to be beat up and thrown around a bit, durability is key.
The MX also comes with a ¼"-20 thread and an internal battery that lasts eight hours on minimum brightness and one hour on maximum. This is a step down from the M9, and because it’s an internal battery, this is something to consider. But keep in mind, you’re getting five times the output. That had to come from somewhere. Speaking of that battery, the MX is also twice as thick.
Finally, the Aputure Amaran MX has an incredible CRI rating of 97. If you’re shooting video, where you’ll have less wiggle room in post, this is essential. The color shift of even the most popular LEDs these days can frustrate you in the grade. Lights that give you the most accurate color rendering will help ease that ache.
It’s not officially announced yet. This is just a prototype. But if you’re a photographer looking for a portable light for a mobile photoshoot, or if you’re a videographer that’s running and gunning with only one bag reserved for lights, the Aputure Amaran MX could be an exciting, helpful addition to your rig.
[via Cinema5D]
