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At BSC Expo 2026, Godox introduced two new RGB fixtures under its KNOWLED line, the P600R Hard P4 and P1200R Hard P8. These are 600W and 1200W IP65-rated panel lights that depart from the usual soft-panel concept by using a lens array over each diode to produce a harder, more directional beam. At 5600K, output is rated at up to 161,000 lux at 1 m (3.28 ft) with a 55° beam angle, which puts them into high-output RGB panel territory. We spoke with Hrvoje Bazina at the Godox booth about the thinking behind the design.
We recently covered the initial announcement of the KNOWLED P600R Hard P4 and P1200R Hard P8, as well as the subsequent livestream launch event with cinematographer Ryan Kao. At the KNOWLED booth, we had a chance to look more closely at how these fixtures perform.
Panel lights are usually associated with soft, diffused output. But in practice, many cinematographers end up bouncing those panels anyway. When you bounce an already soft source, you lose intensity quickly, especially in larger spaces. As Hrvoje pointed out, you can always soften a hard light, but you cannot make a soft light hard.
The P600R Hard P4 and P1200R Hard P8 approach this differently. Each diode sits behind its own lens array, meaning every LED has an individual optic that intensifies the output and creates the harder beam characteristic of the fixture. In practical terms, that means more punch when bouncing the light or working with larger reflective surfaces.
The beam angle is 55°, which is wider than many hard-panel fixtures that sit closer to 35°, while still maintaining strong output.
Both fixtures offer pixel control. The P600R Hard P4 features four independently controllable zones, while the P1200R Hard P8 offers eight. Via DMX, each pixel can be addressed separately. This allows different color temperatures or RGB values across the face of the light rather than producing a uniform wash. For practical effects like fire simulation, instead of the entire panel shifting evenly, individual zones can vary subtly, which tends to look more organic on camera. This kind of segmentation also opens up more complex lighting setups for stage work or larger productions where fixtures are integrated into DMX-controlled systems.
The P1200R Hard P8 runs at 1200W, while the P600R Hard P4 operates at 600W. According to Godox, output reaches up to 161,000 lux at 1m (3.28 ft), 5600K with a 55° beam angle. The CCT range spans from 1800K to 10,000K. Both fixtures carry an IP65 rating, meaning protection against dust and water jets. For exterior shoots in rain or challenging environments, that expands placement options without additional weather protection.
Weight reflects the output class. The P1200R Hard P8 comes in at 18 kg (39.7 lb), and the P600R Hard P4 at 11 kg (24.3 lb). These are not lightweight units, but they sit in line with other high-output RGB panel fixtures in this category. Color performance is rated at CRI 95+ and TM-30 95.
Although designed as hard sources, both fixtures include adjustable diffusion. Instead of swapping diffusion panels manually, users can dial in the desired softness directly on the fixture. The idea here is largely about saving time. On a busy set, repeatedly removing and replacing diffusion panels slows things down. Being able to adjust the quality of light without physically modifying the unit keeps the setup moving.
The fixtures can also be used as key lights. With the ability to shift from a harder beam for bounce to a softened output for direct use, the light becomes more adaptable without additional rigging.
In addition to the adjustable diffusion, Godox is offering softboxes and stacking brackets. One softbox option allows three fixtures to be combined into a single larger source, while stacking brackets make it possible to build multi-panel arrays for bigger setups.
The Godox KNOWLED P600R Hard P4 and P1200R Hard P8 are available now, with the P600R Hard P4 priced at $2,299, while the P1200R Hard P8 comes in at $3,890. For more information, please visit the KNOWLED website.
What do you think about these high-output LED panels with multi-zone pixel control? Let us know in the comment section below!
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A camera was put in my hands at 16, and I’ve been taking photographs ever since. Before moving to Vienna, I worked as a photographer on film sets, telling stories as they unfolded behind the scenes. Since then, I’ve focused on immersive theater, both as a photographer and an actor. I am the photographer for the award-winning Nesterval ensemble, documenting the energy and atmosphere of their performances. I’m a teller of stories. Stories hold my interest. I’ll take on any project with a story to tell.