Kelvin Play: A Portable and Versatile Accessory for Video Creators and Photographers on the go.
Kelvin, a new lighting brand developed by Scandinavian LED technology company Rift Labs, has introduced the Kelvin Play, which they tout as the world’s first RGBACL panel light. This professional entry-level fixture utilizes the same light engine that powers their larger Epos 300 and Epos 600 fixtures.
The Kelvin Play has a unique industrial design and construct. The entire light casing, including the dials, is made out of high-grade aluminum, ideal for videographers and smaller camera teams who need a reliable lighting solution on the go that can withstand heavy use.
Weighing in at 350g / 0.77 lbs and with physical dimensions of 15.6 x 7.6 x 2.1cm / 6.14 x 2.99 x 0.82″, the Kelvin Play is lightweight and easy to carry. It also has multiple 1/4-20″ mounting points, making it easy to mount to light stands, small arms, and other equipment that camera operators and video crews use. The Play is also versatile, as multiple units can be attached together to create a larger source, and there is a large array of modifiers available for the light.
Kelvin's range of lights are designed to match and integrate seamlessly together, making it easy for videographers and camera teams to create a cohesive lighting setup. The Play was specifically designed as an entry-level professional fixture to get users into Kelvin's range.
Key Features:
The pocket light provides 18W of full spectrum LED lighting.
Features the Cantastoria™ RGBACL Six-Color Light Engine (patent pending) that produces a wide range of colors within the 2000K to 20000K CCT.
The light has a high color rendering index of 98, a TLCI of 99, a CQS of 97, SSI of 86 @3200K, and SSI of 74 @5600K.
It has an IP65 rating, making it water-resistant.
Can be controlled using Bluetooth and the Kelvin Narrator App for iOS/Android.
The light has two 1/4″-20 Female Thread Mounting points for easy attachment to light stands, small arms, etc.
It is compatible with Kelvin MagTech™ accessories.
Runs up to 3 hours at maximum brightness without charging.
It uses a USB-C input for power or charging.
The light casing is made of high-grade aluminum, ensuring durability and sturdiness.
The Play features Kelvin's sophisticated 6-channel RGBACL light engine Cantastoria, which produces a full spectrum of colors within the 2,000 – 20,000K range. This engine utilizes Red, Green, Blue, Amber, Cyan, and Lime, and is capable of giving videographers and DPs a larger CCT range and producing more saturated colors with more output. With a CCT range from 2,000 – 20,000K, and effects, gels, HSI, RGB modes, etc., the Play is an excellent choice for video professionals who require a high level of control over their lighting setup.
The Kelvin Play also features an IP54 weather rating, making it ideal for outdoor shoots. It has a very intuitive and easy-to-use operating system, and the dials are tactile and well-made. The fixture is CCT adjustable and has full +/- G/M adjustment. The light can be controlled via the Kelvin Narrator Bluetooth app, DMX, or Lumen Radio Skynode. With strong magnets on the back, the Kelvin Play can be attached directly to metal surfaces, making it easy for videographers and camera teams to set up lighting on location.
Tech Specs:
Light Fixture:
Light Engine: Cantastoria (RGBACL) Six-Color
Number of LEDs: 18
Expected Lamp Life: 50,000 hours
Color Temperature: 2,000 to 20,000 K ±100 K
Modes: CCT, HSI, RGB, GELS, EFFECTS, XY
Dimming: 0-100% (continuous)
Display: 1.3” TFT LCD
Housing Material: Aluminum
Beam Angle: 72°
Color Accuracy:
CRI: 98
TLCI: 99
CQS: 97
SSI: 86 @3200K, 74 @5600K
Connectivity:
USB: USB-C
Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.0 or higher
Wireless Operating Range: ≤100m
Mounting:
Fixture Mount: 2 x 1/4"-20 Female Thread and 1 x Magnetic Mount
Accessory Mount: Kelvin MagTech™ (proprietary)
Remote Operation:
Control: Bluetooth, Kelvin Narrator App for iOS and Android
Power:
Battery Type: 1 x Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Polymer, 7.2 VDC, 2500 mAh, 18.5 Wh (Built-In), Up to 3-Hour Runtime at Maximum Brightness
Power Source: AC to DC Adapter (not included), Battery (Built-In)
Inputs / Outputs: 1 x USB-C Power Input
Battery Charging: USB-C
DC Input Power: 9 VDC, 12 VDC, 15 VDC
Included Cable: 1 x USB-C to USB-C Cable for charging
Power Consumption: 18 W (Maximum)
Operating Temperature: -4 to 113°F / -20 to 45°C
Weight and Dimensions:
Weight Light Fixture: 0.35 kg / 0.77 lbs
Dimensions Light Fixture (L x W x D): 15.6 x 7.6 x 2.1cm / 6.14 x 2.99 x 0.82in
Weight Packed in Cardboard: 0.65kg / 1.43lbs
Dimensions Packed in Cardboard (L x W x D): 19.4 x 11 x 3.8cm / 7.63 x 4.33 x 1.49in
Certifications:
FCC, CE, UKCA, IC, ROHS, KC, NCC, PSE, BIS, UL
IP Rating: 65
Its in-built battery and USB-C input make it easy to power or charge the Play, which can run for up to 3 hours at full brightness. For video professionals looking for a reliable and versatile lighting solution, the Kelvin Play has potential to be an excellent choice.
It has a list price of $249 USD, but until May 16, 2023, users can pre-order the light for only $174 USD from authorized Kelvin dealers in USA and Canada and the Kelvin Store, with similar offers available in Europe and the UK. The Play is expected to start shipping in early September.
You can read more about the Kelvin Play by visiting Kelvin's website directly here.
