Harlowe Omni 360 2W Introduced – A Dedicated Light for 360 Cameras

by Johnnie BehiriMarch 3^rd, 2026

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At CP+ 2026 in Yokohama, we caught up with Harlowe CEO Helena Bian to learn about the Omni 360 2W, a compact LED light purpose-built for 360 cameras. The light features 2W output with a 4W boost mode, CRI/TLCI 95, gesture control, IP54 protection, and switchable 360°/180° beam patterns, all engineered to stay invisible to the 360 camera’s field of view.

The idea behind the Omni 360 is refreshingly simple: 360 cameras are incredibly popular with vloggers and content creators, yet they become nearly unusable in low-light conditions. Their compact sensors cannot match the ISO performance of larger cameras, which means once the sun goes down, footage quality drops dramatically. Harlowe, formerly known as Hobolite, set out to solve this problem by designing what it calls the first professional lighting solution built purely for 360 cameras.

The product was born directly from user feedback on Harlowe’s existing Atom 2W pocket light, which was originally designed for DJI Pocket 3 and GoPro cameras. According to Helena, Atom users kept asking for a way to bring reliable illumination to their 360 setups. The engineering challenge was unique: how do you light a scene captured by a camera that sees in every direction without the light source itself appearing in the frame?

Panorama fill and dual beam modes

Harlowe’s solution uses what the company calls “panorama fill” technology. Unlike typical pocket-sized LED lights that emit a focused spotlight, the Omni 360 2W distributes light evenly around the subject. This approach reduces the harsh highlights and abrupt shadow transitions that typically occur when a directional light source is used with a 360 camera that constantly changes orientation relative to its subject.

The light offers two selectable beam patterns: a full 360° omnidirectional mode for immersive shooting scenarios, and a narrower 180° directional mode for situations where more controlled illumination is needed. Switching between the two gives users flexibility depending on the environment, whether they are recording a selfie-style walk through a city at night or capturing wider environmental footage in dim conditions.

Gesture control and hands-free operation

One of the more practical features Helena demonstrated at the booth is gesture-based control. Since 360 camera users are often shooting while on the move, reaching for a power button or brightness dial is not always practical. The Omni 360 includes a sensor that can be activated with a two-finger press, after which simple hand gestures allow the user to switch the light on and off without physically touching the unit.

Color temperature and brightness are adjustable via onboard controls, and a mode memory function saves preferred settings for instant recall. Helena emphasized that the entire design philosophy centers on keeping creators’ hands free for more creative work, rather than fiddling with gear.

Build quality and specifications

The Omni 360 2W outputs 2W in standard mode and can boost to 4W (200%) for brief periods when extra output is needed in particularly dark environments. Color rendition sits at CRI 95 and TLCI 95, which should ensure natural skin tones even under mixed lighting conditions.

The unit carries an IP54 protection rating, making it suitable for outdoor use in light rain or dusty environments. Mounting is handled via a magnetic metal cold shoe, allowing quick attachment to camera cages and rigs without tools. The compact, lightweight build is consistent with Harlowe’s broader design language, which has earned the company multiple Red Dot and iF Design Awards across its product lineup.

Creator kits with dedicated camera cages

The Omni 360 2W is available as a standalone Standard Kit, but Harlowe also offers two Creator Kit configurations that bundle the light with purpose-built lightweight aluminum camera cages for the DJI Osmo 360 and Insta360 X5. These cages integrate the light into the camera rig without compromising balance, portability, or the camera’s 360° field of view.

This one-stop solution approach is typical of Harlowe’s product philosophy. The company designs its accessories, carrying cases, and mounting systems to work as a cohesive ecosystem, so users do not have to piece together components from different manufacturers. Helena noted that this strategy has been a significant driver of customer loyalty; the company reported a 55% increase in purchases from returning customers over the past year, even as some segments of the broader imaging market declined by as much as 35%.

From Hobolite to Harlowe

For those who may not have followed the company’s evolution, Harlowe rebranded from Hobolite in late 2024. The name change, according to the company, was a tribute to the Golden Age of Cinema and reflected a broader strategic vision beyond lighting alone. The parent company, AEC Lighting Solutions, brings over 20 years of professional lighting experience to the table. We have covered the company’s products on several occasions, including the Sol 5 bi-color LED light and the more recent Mini II and Sol 5 Spectra updates.

Helena’s passion for design-driven products was evident throughout our conversation. She described Harlowe’s target audience not just as content creators, but as artists who deserve tools that are functional, inspiring, and enjoyable to use every day. It is a philosophy that clearly extends to the Omni 360, which manages to look elegant despite its tiny form factor.

Product key features summary:

• Selectable 360° wraparound or 180° directional output.
• 2W standard output with on-demand Boost up to 4W (200%) for quick lifts in shade or low light.
• Gesture Control enables touchless adjustments, while Mode Memory makes repeatable looks easy for solo operators.
• Color Accuracy: CRI 95 and TLCI 95.
• IP54-rated protection and a magnetized metal cold shoe for fast, secure mounting to cages and rigs.
• Creator Kits include camera-specific aluminum cages with dual cold shoes and a 1/4”-20 threaded mount, adding flexibility with minimal added weight.

Technical Highlights:

• Power Output: 2W standard; Boost up to 4W (200%)
• Color Temperature Presets: 2700K / 3500K / 4500K / 5500K / 6500K
• Brightness Levels: 25% / 50% / 75% / 100% / 200% (Boost)
• Battery: Internal 3.7V 600mAh, 2.22Wh
• Approx. 1.5 hours at 100%. Approx. 3 hours at 50%

Pricing and availability

Omni 360 2W Standard Kit: Includes Omni 360 2W light, charging cable, quick start guide, and integrated magnetic cold shoe. MSRP: $95

Omni 360 2W Creator Kit with Camera Cage for Insta360 X5: Includes Omni 360 2W light and a purpose-built lightweight aluminum cage with dual cold shoes and a 1/4”-20 threaded mount. MSRP: $159

Omni 360 2W Creator Kit with Camera Cage for DJI Osmo 360: Includes Omni 360 2W light and a purpose-built lightweight aluminum cage with dual cold shoes and a 1/4”-20 threaded mount. MSRP: $159

The light is already available through Harlowe’s Japanese distributor, as well as in China, Korea, and Australia. Helena indicated that the US launch should follow within two to three weeks, with European availability approximately one month out. International pricing outside of Japan has not yet been confirmed.

The Omni 360 2W fills a genuinely underserved niche. Have you struggled with lighting when shooting 360 video in low-light conditions? Would a dedicated 360 camera light change your workflow? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments below!