Is the Kelvin Play the Ultimate Lighting Solution for Filmmakers?

Finding the perfect lighting solution that combines portability, versatility, and good light quality is like stumbling upon a treasure. This is why the Kelvin Play Light Panel, a portable lighting solution, has piqued my interest.

First announced at NAB 2023. This new compact lighting fixture from Kelvin by Rift Labs hopes to revolutionize on-set lighting setups. But in an oversaturated lighting market with some heavy hitters, how will the Kelvin Play… play?

One of the features I always tend to look out for is size. As I turn more towards creating my own material, over working with a team, I find that smaller lights give me the versatility I want without the lengthy setup. The Kelvin Play Light Panel fits the bill with its compact size.

The idea of having a solid lighting tool that can fit into my pocket is appealing, especially for projects that require shooting in various locations, on the go, or for cinematographers for social media. The convenience and ease of use offered by a portable light source like the Kelvin Play Light Panel are undoubtedly enticing for filmmakers seeking flexibility in their setups. As for output, nothing is currently stated, but with a max power draw of 18 W, the fixture should output some nice fill for its size.

While the quality of light is equally important, it comes in at a close second. But just barely.

The Kelvin Play Light Panel, its RGBACL LED arraignment (or red, green, blue, amber, cyan, lime) holds promise. The ability to mix different colored LEDs to create white light and a wide range of colors not only opens up creative possibilities but offers precise color temperature adjustments and the potential to achieve vibrant, saturated colors that add depth and mood to my scenes.

Here are some specs to consider:

The Kelvin Play Light Panel offers intuitive control and connectivity options through the Kelvin Narrator App. The ability to adjust lighting parameters, access pre-built lighting effects, and create custom sequences remotely is appealing.

This lets me set up the light and futz with the controls via the app, allowing me to experiment with different visual elements without interrupting the shooting flow.

While the technical specifications of the Kelvin Play Light Panel seem promising, there are practical aspects to consider. The solid aluminum construction should make it durable and lightweight enough to mount on magnetic surfaces.

But all we can do right now is speculate.

When we get our hands on one, we’d love to test the overall performance, such as heat dissipation, battery life, and light output in various scenarios.

As a filmmaker, I am always on the lookout for tools that can elevate the visual storytelling of my projects without getting in my way.

The Kelvin Play Light Panel's compact size, versatile lighting capabilities, and potential for intuitive control, make it an intriguing option for my kit.

However, I’ve already invested quite a bit into the Aputure ecosystem, which offers some equally compact and versatile lighting solutions. Am I willing to break apart my lighting kit into two different ecosystems? Not really, but the RGBACL LED arraignment does make it a tempting proposition.

As with any equipment, if it helps you create, it's something that should go on your shortlist for consideration. The Kelvin Play might be new to the market, but it comes out swinging, and I’m excited to get my hands on one.

But what do you think? Is this something you want in your kit? Let us know in the comments!

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