Aputure STORM 1200x with New BLAIR Light Engine – First Look

September 14^th, 2024

by Omri Keren LapidotSeptember 14^th, 2024

Aputure’s STORM 1200x debuts the company’s new BLAIR light engine, promising richer white light response by combining five LED colors. The fixture also implements new design features. A new Pro Lock Bowens mount will speed up the mounting of light modifiers while also being much more robust and secure. Robustness is all over with durable ports and IP65 weather resistance across the fixture and ballast. Also, the new STORM 1200x starts a new line for Aputure, so stay tuned!

With new players joining the moonlight market, current players must step up their game to battle the competition. Aputure chose an interesting path, redesigning the very heart of their products with the new BLAIR light engine.

On the show floor at IBC 2024, we stopped by the company’s booth where Ted Sim from Aputure walked us through the features of their newly-announced STORM 1200x BLAIR (Blue/Lime/Amber/Indigo/Red) fixture. In case you missed it, make sure to also check out our initial coverage here.

Aputure STORM 1200x light body. Image credit: CineD

Aputure STORM 1200x – Cutting edges

You can read all about the specs and features of the Aputure STORM 1200x but the main takeaway is its preciseness around the edges: Not only does it peak at specific settings, like most other LEDs do, but it also maintains color accuracy in extreme conditions. Be it in the dimmest setting, or the edges of its 2,500-10,000K CCT range, this new five-color fixture promises to maintain color, not falling apart as some competitors may do.

Rental-ready

Build quality is just as important as light quality, at least in some use cases. The Aputure STORM 1200x seems to be ready for whatever you can throw at it (OK, maybe don’t try to prove us wrong with a sledgehammer). Both the light body and the ballast are IP65-rated, so will withstand a fair amount of rain and dust. The ports are touted as “Rental-ready” by Aputure, and I’m sure rental houses will put them to the test.

Aputure STORM 1200x power and control unit. Image credit: CineD

Pro Lock Bowens mount

Designed from the ground up, the new Pro Lock Bowens mount on the Aputure STORM 1200x is claimed to be among the most robust mounts on the market. A metal construction with two large levers should make mounting light modifiers quick and secure. Minimal tolerances will secure the modifier precisely in place, preventing any misalignments between the light and the modifiers. This is mostly relevant to optical modifiers.

New accessories are coming

Along with the STORM 1200x Aputure also teas new accessories. The first (and the one Aputure has currently shown) is a relatively compact fresnel lens. The company says it will release additional accessories in the future. However, no time frame is currently undisclosed.