After discovering these little lighthouses in the Marseille workshops of LDY, we couldn't resist and it was a real pleasure to take them on a trip with us to test them… Just imagine! 16 centimeters long for a diameter of six, 650 grams on land and 250 underwater ... carrying 6000 lumens, with an autonomy of 52 minutes ... which is to say that, on paper already, this small underwater light seems to be able to be the solution to many of the problems encountered by all amphibious videographers.
ORION: TEST IN WATER
True to our policy, rather than trying to explain in words how this little lighthouse behaves underwater, here is the video.
Importantly, we dived with prototypes. These were produced in very small quantities so that we could test them in order to then make any possible improvements, before finally arriving at the final product.
Our impressions
What strikes you as soon as you have the ORION in your hands is its size… How can it send 6000 lumens for more than 50 minutes in such a small volume? The anodized aluminum that makes up the lighthouse body seems very solid and it is grooved to ensure a good grip, if you wear gloves for example.
A real plus, it is its variator from 0 to 100%, without limiting notches which impose such or such power. You are absolutely free to make your choices.
But the most surprising thing is, when you are underwater and start it, “Day… Night… Day… Night…” as Christian Clavier said… It sends a lot of power! And the beam is perfectly circular. With a 14mm lens, we were able to cover 100% of the shot with just one headlight. Admittedly it takes a few minutes to properly adjust the shot, but once properly adjusted, it's simply magical.
Another advantage is when reloading. Indeed, nothing to open except the small cap on the back to connect a smart charger. You just have to rinse the headlight well with clean water after use and that's it. And simplicity, we love it.
The impressions of a pro: Jerôme Espla
And yes, the ORION was easy. But embark Jérôme Espla so there… it's a different story! For those who don't know him, Jérôme has been an underwater director for… for… a very long time… and the list of his prizes, medals and statuettes would not fit on this page. This is what he thinks of this little lighthouse:
“In my business, underwater lighting often makes the difference. I have years of practice finding the right lighthouse for every situation. I am a fan of on-board lighting with the assistance of an additional lighting designer. Two light sources, that's great. I have tried a good number of headlights, starting with the mythical “Subeclair” with the extraordinary parable, to minimalist leds including the HID. ”
Jérôme Espla (left) with Pierre Frolla (on the right)
“Today, boxes are becoming more and more compact and the size of the lighting has to adapt, without losing its quality. Knowing the Euclia at 24 lumens, I was very curious to test the ORION. Life-size test in Mexico, on a shoot between the cenotes of Playa del Carmen and the sea lions of La Paz. What I'm looking for in my material is already robustness. In filming, it knocks, it falls, it rubs, and even it bites… On this side, the ORION passed the test without breakage with this machined one-piece version. Light quality level, the temperature is well stabilized at 000 °, which allows to have a beautiful blue in the background. The coverage is comfortable, with two headlights, the fisheye passes without problem, with little or no hot spot. The most of this lighthouse, its dimmer at the back of the unit, which allows the light to be modulated even during the shot. A very beautiful and good product, which may finally fulfill my specifications !!! ”
Dry presentation
In just over two minutes, discover the ORION:
In fact, the LED used on the ORION is exactly the same as the one found in the EUCLIA 2 and which delivers 24.000 lumens.
Euclia 2
In order to be able to offer a mono-block with a correct autonomy, LDY has chosen to continue with this led that they know inside out. They just clamped it down to 6.000 lumens.
After prototypes, the series
Following this test, the manufacturer told us that the ORION series would be modified, including:
- Ball joint positioned in the center of the headlight
- No front screw still in place
- Half-power laser marking on the drive
- Safety lock of the drive in the off position
- Black rear cap
COMPARATIVE DRY
Difficult to make a comparison when we talk about 6000 lumens. The only option available on the market is the Keldan Video 4X which we have not tested, nor even had in our hands… We will therefore limit ourselves to indicating the manufacturer data here.
For comparison, Light & Motion just released its new flagship video on SOLA Video Pro 8000 who announces him, 8000 lumens !!!
But with its kilo, its 50-minute battery life and its advertised price of USD $ 2290… can we really speak of competition?
One last point: as soon as the new Light & Motion headlights exceed 2500 lumens, they are all equipped ... with a single LED ...
AVAILABILITY
As specified above, the price of the ORION is € 995 including tax for its launch. It now remains for the manufacturer to modify the few points mentioned and the headlights will be available from the end of next March.
Would you like more information? Click on this link:
www.plongimage.com
0 comment
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