Aputure Expands NOVA Panel Fixture Line with New 9° 2x1 and NOVA II 1x1 Models

Aputure, a prominent name in LED lighting for film and television, has announced significant additions to its professional NOVA panel fixture lineup: the NOVA 9° 2x1 and the NOVA II 1x1. These new LED panel lights aim to address specific needs within high-end production lighting, offering increased output, refined color control, and enhanced weather resistance.

The announcement, made yesterday, signals Aputure's continued commitment to expanding its professional-grade offerings, particularly for cinematographers and gaffers who require versatile, high-powered lighting solutions.

Key Specifications

Both new NOVA fixtures share Aputure's BLAIR-series chipsets and a robust suite of advanced features designed for rigorous professional use:

- IP65 Rating: Both units are designed for use in challenging environmental conditions, offering dust and water resistance.

Color Control: They feature an expanded CCT range of 1,800K-20,000K, precise ±G/M correction, and full ASC MITC color control, ensuring accurate color rendition across a broad spectrum of lighting scenarios.

Color Fidelity: Both panels boast high color accuracy with CRI≥95 and TLCI≥95.

Dimming: Smooth, stepless dimming from 0.1-100% with dual Max/Constant modes, allowing for consistent light output or maximum intensity.

Connectivity: Professional control protocols are standard, including Sidus Link (Aputure's proprietary wireless control system), DMX, CRMX, and Art-Net/sACN, providing flexible integration into existing lighting workflows.

User-Friendly Design: Both include QuickClip accessories and removable yokes for easy rigging and modification.

Here's a breakdown of the individual specs:

- NOVA 9° 2x1:

- Power Draw: 850W overall, with a 650W output. - Output Claims: Aputure states an impressive 28,090 lux at 5 meters, which they claim is equivalent to twice the output of a 5K tungsten fresnel. When diffused with the included flat diffuser, it pushes 2,423 lux at 3 meters (5600K). - Weight (w/ Yoke): 19.65kg (43.32lbs). - Beam Angle: A highly focused 9° native beam angle. This is a critical departure for LED panels, emphasizing directionality.

- NOVA II 1x1: - Power Draw: 650W overall, with a 500W output. - Output Claims: This fixture delivers 13,300 lux at 3 meters as a bare bulb, and 2,466 lux at 3 meters with the flat diffuser (5600K). Aputure highlights that it offers more than double the diffused output of their previous Nova P300c model. - Weight (w/ Yoke): 11.35kg (25.02lbs). - Beam Angle: A 35° direct beam angle, providing broader coverage than its 9° counterpart.

Price and Availability

As of this report, Aputure has not released official pricing or availability dates for either the NOVA 9° 2x1 or the NOVA II 1x1. Further details are anticipated in the coming weeks.

Competitive Context

The introduction of these new NOVA panels positions Aputure firmly in the high-output, professional LED panel market, directly competing with established players and their latest offerings.

The NOVA 9° 2x1 stands out immediately with its narrow 9° beam angle. This is a deliberate move by Aputure to carve out a niche for powerful, directional LED panels, which has traditionally been dominated by HMI or tungsten fresnels. Most high-output LED panels, such as ARRI's SkyPanel S60-C or Litepanels' Gemini 2x1 Hard, while powerful, typically offer wider beam spreads or require extensive lensing for similar punch. The 9° native beam here is a direct challenge, promising to replicate hard sunlight or moonlight effects without the need for large, heavy HMI fixtures or extensive modifier setups. Its claimed output at 5 meters is particularly noteworthy, suggesting it could replace some 2.5K or even 5K HMIs for certain applications, especially on sets where power draw or rigging weight is a concern.

The NOVA II 1x1 enters a highly competitive space, aiming to sit among brighter 2x1 equivalent panels. It directly improves upon Aputure’s own Nova P300c, which, while a solid performer, wasn't always seen as a class leader in raw output compared to, say, a Litepanels Gemini 1x1 Hard or even some of the newer, smaller-footprint panels. By pushing over twice the diffused output of the P300c, the NOVA II 1x1 seeks to compete with the likes of the Creamsource Vortex8 or the ARRI SkyPanel S360-C (a much larger fixture, but often used for similar broad source requirements), offering substantial punch in a compact 1x1 form factor. Its 35° beam angle is a good balance for both bare-source intensity and modifier-friendly usage.

Both units' IP65 rating is key, matching the ruggedness offered by fixtures like the Creamsource Vortex series, a critical factor for exterior shots or adverse weather conditions that prevent the use of many studio-grade LEDs. The comprehensive control protocols also ensure these integrate seamlessly into larger film sets, a requirement often overlooked by manufacturers focusing on smaller-scale productions.

Who It's For

These new NOVA panels are clearly targeting professional film, television, and high-end commercial productions.

- The NOVA 9° 2x1 is ideal for gaffers and lighting designers who need to mimic natural light sources such as sun or moon on large sets, or create punchy, hard-light effects without the heat, power demands, and logistical complexities of traditional discharge lamps. Think of replicating harsh midday sun through a window, or a bright, focused backlight on a large stage. Its narrow beam will make it excellent for keying subjects from a distance or punching through diffusion frames.

The NOVA II 1x1 is a workhorse fixture for a broader range of applications. Its increased output will be welcomed by cinematographers looking for a powerful, yet relatively compact, soft light source. It can serve as a primary key light, fill light, or a large source for smaller sets. Its versatility positions it for indie features, broadcast studios, and commercial productions where consistent, bright, and color-accurate output is paramount.

Expert Take

Aputure's strategy here is smart: fill gaps in their existing lineup and directly challenge the top tier of professional lighting. The 9° beam on the NOVA 9° 2x1 is particularly exciting for me, having struggled on countless exterior nights trying to get enough punch out of HMIs with CTB gels to simulate moonlight. An LED fixture with that kind of raw, directional intensity, at potentially lower power, could be a real problem-solver. It almost reminds me of the directional output of a PAR fixture, but with the color precision and control of an RGBWW LED engine.

The NOVA II 1x1’s output increase is also a welcome evolution. While the original P300c was good, it wasn't always enough to compete directly with some of the more intense 2x1s on larger sets. This upgrade signifies Aputure understanding the need for raw power in conjunction with their established color science and control features. The IP65 rating on both units solidifies their standing as truly professional tools, capable of enduring the realities of location work.

The biggest questions remaining are pricing and true street availability. If Aputure can position these competitively against existing high-end LED panels and discharge fixtures, they could quickly become indispensable tools in many DPs and gaffers' arsenals. The lack of concrete release dates, however, means productions needing solutions now will likely still lean on what's available. When these do hit the market, I'll be keen to get them on a photometrics bench to see how those output claims hold up in real-world testing.

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