Aputure expands STORM lighting family with STORM 1000c and STORM 80c

Two new tunable color lights based on the new BLAIR-CG light engine (Blue/Lime/Amber/Indigo/Red/Cyan/Green) are due for release in the coming weeks.

The Aputure STORM 1200x was the first light in the new STORM family introduced at IBC2024, and marked the debut of the company’s intriguing looking new light engine. Aputure says that the Blue/Lime/Amber/Indigo/Red combination at the heart of the BLAIR system produces outstanding full white spectrum light, with all emitters contributing across a wide CCT range (2500-10,000K). It also provides good fine-tune adjustability of +/- Green, as well as other colors. 

Aputure STORM 1000c

The STORM 1000c takes that all a bit further by adding Cyan and Green emitters into the mix, achieving an even wider CCT range of 1800K - 20,000K. The idea is that the extra color channels in the STORM 1000c allow it to tune to a greater range of saturated colors with higher precision, reaching 90% of the Rec2020 colorspace compared to 70% on the STORM 1200x. The STORM 1000c includes color tuning modes HSIC+, xy Coordinates, and Gel Equivalents, plus all the IP65 weather protection, Bowens Mount accessories, and advanced connectivity associated with the range.

Wondering which to get? By not having those additional colors, the STORM 1200x is able to devote its power to delivering high-output white light across a wide CCT range with full +/- green adjustment. Aputure advises that if you need precision color control with high saturation available across the visible spectrum, then the STORM 1000c is the right choice. If you want excellent tunable white light with great adjustability and high output, then the STORM 1200x is best for you.

Pricing is also a factor. The new STORM 1000c is $3990 while the STORM 1200 is still available for $2990. The lamp head with yoke weighs 9.66 kg (21.3 lbs) and is 33.5 x 33.8 x 55.7 cm (13.2 x 13.3 x 21.9 in). Availability is end of the month.

Aputure STORM 80c

At the other end of the spectrum, so to speak, the Aputure STORM 80c leverages much of the same technology, including the BLAIR-CG engine, to provide an 80W tunable color compact point source lamp with Mini ProLock Bowens Mount.

That makes it portable, powerful, and colorful. Size with yoke is 16.7 x 22.5 x 14.7 cm (6.6 x 8.9 x 5.8 in) and it weighs just 1.35 kg ( 2.98 lbs). The STORM 80c Handheld Bracket can be used as a hand grip and includes a v-mount battery plate and D-Tap cable for battery power. The light can also be powered from USB-C, allowing the use of inexpensive and small-sized consumer power blocks (though as an aside this need a 100 W feed). 

While there is an adapter available to use standard Bowens Mount modifiers, the Mini ProLock has a complete lineup of light modifiers designed for it: the included 35° Hyper Reflector, the included Mini Lantern ball diffuser, the CF4 Fresnel, the Light Dome 40, and the Lantern 30.

Pricing is $599 and units are expected to be available around the end of November.

tl;dr

• Aputure is set to release two new tunable color lights utilizing the BLAIR-CG light engine, enhancing color and adjustable features.
• The Aputure STORM 1000c expands capabilities with added Cyan and Green emitters, achieving a wider CCT range (1800K - 20,000K) and enhanced color tuning, priced at $3990.
• The Aputure STORM 80c is a portable 80W compact light with a Mini ProLock Bowens Mount, offering versatile power options and a range of light modifiers, priced at $599.