Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the recommended power setting for using the Apurture LS C120d II LED panel with different subject distances and lighting effects?

The Aputure LS C120d II LED panel is a versatile light source that offers various brightness levels to suit different subject distances and lighting effects. The recommended power setting for the Aputure LS C120d II LED panel depends on the specific situation or desired outcome, including:
- Subject distance: The closer the subject is to the light source, the more intense the light will appear. If you want a soft, diffused light, increase the distance between the subject and the light source. Conversely, if you need a more directional light, position the LED panel closer to your subject.
- Subject brightness: Determine how much illumination is required based on your camera settings (e.g., ISO, aperture, shutter speed) and adjust the power accordingly. A higher ISO setting may allow for lower power settings, while shooting in a darker environment or with narrow apertures could require increasing the light's intensity.
- Lighting effects: Certain lighting effects like rim lights or backlights might need more intense illumination than other setups. Use your judgment and experiment to achieve the desired effect.

The Aputure LS C120d II has a maximum output of 9860 lux at 3 feet (1m) distance, providing a broad range of brightness levels. You can adjust the power settings from 1-100% using the built-in controls or an optional remote control. Start by setting the light at around 50% and make adjustments based on your subject's needs and camera settings. Remember that you should always check your footage regularly to ensure that you are achieving the desired look and adjust as necessary.

How do I properly set up and use my Aputure LS C120d II LED light for optimal performance?

The Aputure LS C120d II is a versatile, high-performance LED light with multiple color modes and dimmable brightness. To ensure you get the most out of this powerful lighting tool, follow these steps:

1. **Unboxing**: Open the box carefully to avoid damaging the LED panel or accessories. You should find the following items inside:
- LS C120d II LED light
- Power adapter and cable
- Mounting bracket with screws
- Diffusion filter
- Carrying case

2. **Charging**: Connect the power adapter to the LED panel and plug it into a wall outlet or battery pack. The indicator light will turn on, showing that the device is charging. It may take up to 4 hours for the first full charge.

3. **Mounting**: Use the provided mounting bracket to attach the LS C120d II to your camera or lighting stand. Tighten the screws securely but avoid over-tightening, as this could damage the LED panel's housing.

4. **Setting up color temperature and brightness**: Power on the LED light by pressing the power button located at the rear of the device. The default setting is in RGB mode with a warm white light (3000K). Use the navigation wheel to cycle through various color temperatures, brightness levels, and special effects. You can also change the color temperature using the "CCT" knob on the side of the light.

5. **Adjusting intensity**: The LS C120d II offers adjustable brightness from 0-100%. Turn the dimmer wheel to increase or decrease the light output. This feature is particularly useful when working in different environments or with varying subjects.

6. **Using diffusion filter**: For a softer, more diffused light, attach the provided diffusion filter to the front of the LED panel using the included filter holder. This will help eliminate harsh shadows and create a more evenly distributed light source.

7. **Connecting to DMX controller**: If you want to control your LS C120d II remotely, connect it to a DMX controller via the 5-pin XLR port on the side of the LED panel. This allows you to synchronize multiple lights and create complex lighting setups for professional productions or live events.

8. **Battery compatibility**: The LS C120d II can be powered by either AC power (using the included adapter) or V-Mount/Gold Mount batteries through the battery plate at the bottom of the device. Ensure that you use a compatible battery with proper voltage and amperage rating.

9. **Cooling**: The LS C120d II features a built-in fan for cooling during extended usage or high brightness settings. If you notice excessive noise from the fan, try reducing the light output or giving the LED panel time to cool down between shooting sessions.

10. **Maintenance**: To keep your Aputure LS C120d II in optimal condition, clean the front and back of the LED panel regularly using a soft cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that could damage the delicate surface.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your Aputure LS C120d II LED light performs at its best and delivers professional-quality lighting for any project or event.

What is the recommended light modifier for the Apurture LS C120d II LED panel to achieve soft, even lighting in a studio setting?

The recommended light modifier for achieving soft, even lighting with the Aputure LS C120d II LED panel would be a softbox. Specifically, you might consider the Aputure 1x3ft (45x90cm) Octa Softbox or the 2x3ft (60x90cm) Octa Softbox, which are both designed to work with the LS C120d II and other similar LED panels.

These softboxes effectively diffuse the light from the LED panel, resulting in a more uniform and flattering output that reduces harsh shadows and hot spots. Additionally, the octagonal shape of these softboxes helps create a natural-looking wraparound effect, further enhancing the overall lighting quality.

How do I properly mount and power the Aputure LS C120d II LED panel in my studio setup?

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to mount and power the Aputure LS C120d II LED panel in your studio setup:

1. Mounting the Panel:
- The panel comes with two mounting options: a stand mount and a lightstand mount. Choose the one that fits your setup. If using the stand mount, attach it to your camera or video rig using the standard 1/4" thread. Make sure it's securely fastened. Alternatively, if using the lightstand mount, connect the panel to a lighting stand using the provided bracket. Again, ensure it's firmly attached. Powering the Panel:
- The C120d II can be powered through its AC adapter or via V-mount or Anton Bauer batteries. Connect one end of the power cable to the DC input port on the panel and the other end to your preferred power source. If using AC power, connect it directly to an electrical outlet. Make sure the voltage matches your location's standard (either 110 or 230V). If using batteries, ensure they are compatible with the V-mount or Anton Bauer plate you're using and that they have sufficient charge for your shoot. Turn on the panel by pressing and holding its power button. It will automatically go into standby mode after five minutes of inactivity to conserve energy. Adjusting Settings:
- Use the navigation buttons to access the panel's various functions, such as brightness, color temperature, and color rendering index (CRI). The panel has a dimming function that lets you adjust its output between 0% and 100%. It also features an automatic color temperature function that tracks ambient light changes and maintains accurate white balance. To preserve battery life, the C120d II has a power saving feature that activates after five minutes of inactivity. You can turn this off by pressing the menu button when the panel is on. Syncing with Other Lights:
- The C120d II supports DMX512 communication protocol, allowing you to synchronize it with other DMX-controllable lights in your setup. To connect via DMX, attach a DMX input cable to the panel's DMX IN port and connect it to your DMX controller or console. Alternatively, you can control multiple panels simultaneously using the included remote control (RS232), which allows you to adjust brightness, color temperature, and other settings remotely from up to 50 meters away. That's it! With these steps, your Aputure LS C120d II LED panel should be properly mounted and powered for your studio setup, ready to capture stunning, high-quality footage.

I'm experiencing some flickering with my Aputure LS C120d II lights when used at high intensity levels, is this normal and if not what's causing it?

1. Ballast or Driver Issues**: The ballast or driver in your light might be malfunctioning. This component regulates the power supply to the LED chips. If it's faulty, it can cause erratic behavior, including flickering. Check if there are any signs of overheating or damage on the ballast/driver. Power Supply Quality**: A low-quality power supply or a supply that's not designed for high-intensity loads might be causing the flicker. Ensure your power source is stable and capable of handling the load. Consider using a high-quality, heavy-duty power supply specifically designed for high-wattage applications. Cables or Connectors**: Faulty cables, damaged connectors, or loose connections can also cause flickering. Inspect all cabling and connections carefully, and consider replacing any suspect components. Thermal Management**: The Aputure LS C120d II has a relatively high thermal rating due to its compact design. If the light is not properly ventilated or if it's being used in an environment with poor airflow, it can cause the LEDs to heat up excessively, leading to flickering. Ensure your light has adequate ventilation and consider using a heatsink or a fan to improve cooling. Electronic Component Failure**: In rare cases, a failure within the electronic components of the light, such as the power circuitry or the LED driver, can cause flickering. If none of the above solutions work, it's possible that there's an underlying electrical issue. To confirm whether your issue is related to any of these potential causes, I recommend the following steps:

1. Check the manufacturer's guidelines**: Review the Aputure documentation for specific guidance on high-intensity usage and potential troubleshooting steps. Monitor temperature levels**: Use a thermometer or thermocouple to monitor the temperature of the light when it's in use at high intensity. This will help you identify if thermal issues are contributing to the flicker. Inspect cabling and connections**: Carefully examine all cables, connectors, and electrical components for any signs of damage or wear. Bypass or replace suspect components**: If possible, try bypassing or replacing the ballast/driver or other suspect components to see if it resolves the issue. Consult with Aputure support**: Reach out to Aputure's technical support team and provide them with detailed information about your issue. They may be able to offer specific guidance or repair options. By following these steps, you should be able to identify and potentially resolve the root cause of the flickering issue in your Aputure LS C120d II lights.

I'm experiencing an issue with my Aputure LS C120d II's color temperature, it seems to be fluctuating between 5600K and 3200K randomly, is this a hardware or software issue?

That sounds frustrating! The Aputure LS C120d II is a great light, but like any electronic device, it can have its quirks. Firstly, let's rule out some obvious causes. Have you tried resetting the light to its default settings? Sometimes, firmware updates or user mistakes can cause unexpected behavior. If you haven't already, try resetting the light and see if the issue persists. Assuming the reset doesn't resolve the issue, it's likely a hardware problem. The LS C120d II uses a combination of LEDs and a color temperature control circuit to achieve its wide range of color temperatures. Fluctuations between 5600K and 3200K suggest that there might be an issue with the circuit or the LED itself. One possible cause could be a faulty or dirty sensor in the color temperature control circuit. Over time, dust or debris can accumulate on these sensors, causing them to malfunction. Cleaning the light's internal components might help resolve the issue. However, this should be done with caution and ideally with the guidance of Aputure's support team. Another possibility is a hardware defect within the light itself. If the issue persists after cleaning and resetting the light, it's possible that there's a fault in the LED or the control circuitry. In this case, the best course of action would be to contact Aputure's customer support for assistance. It's worth noting that some users have reported similar issues with their LS C120d II lights due to firmware bugs or other software-related problems. If you're using any third-party software or firmware updates, it's possible that these are causing the issue. Try reverting back to the default firmware and see if the problem persists. In summary, it's likely a hardware issue, possibly due to a faulty sensor, LED, or control circuitry. However, without further investigation or guidance from Aputure's support team, it's difficult to pinpoint the exact cause.