Creamsource Vortex8 – 2×1′ RGBW Waterproof Light Fixture Announced

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by Jakub HanJuly 23^rd, 2020

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Creamsource announced its new flagship 2×1′ RGBW light fixture called Vortex8. The light offers 650W output with CCT ranging from 2200K to 15000K. It is IP65 certified and offers wide variety of wireless and wired connectivity as well as 8 individual controllable zones. Price-wise ($4,999) and feature-wise it looks like a direct competition to the popular ARRI SkyPanel S60-C.

Whether you like it or not, LED lights are slowly taking over all budget levels of film production – up to high budget feature films. It is always nice to see capable competition for one of the most popular LED panels out there – ARRI SkyPanel.

An Australian-based film lights manufacturer Creamsource released its new flagship RGBW 2×1 LED fixture called Vortex8. In terms of price and capabilities, it looks like a direct competitor to ARRI SkyPanel S60-C. Let’s take a short look at its features.

Creamsource Vortex8

The Vortex8 is a versatile 2×1′ (60.96 x 30.48 cm) RGBW system with CCT ranging from 2200K to 15000K. The fixture can be used as a hard punch light to bounce or push through diffusion, or as a creamy soft light with the Creamsource Dome or DoPchoice Snapbag.

Vortex8 2×1 RGBW Light Fixture. Source: Creamsource

With its 650W the lamp can output (at 1 meter / 3.3′) 73,500 lux at 6500K and 68,200 lux at 3200K. According to Creamsource, the Vortex8 is designed to produce a narrow beam angle and punchy high light output. The Vortex8 offers flicker-free operation up to 5000fps with the highspeed mode.

Vortex8 2×1 RGBW Light Fixture – Output. Source: Creamsource

Even despite all the vents at the back of the light, the Vortex8 is IP65 water-resistant. Creamsource was really keen on showing this so there is water everywhere in their promo video.

When it comes to connectivity, the Vortex8 ships with LumenRadio built-in and supports Ethernet, Bluetooth, TimoTwo, 5 Pin DMX, Wifi, USB type A, and Creamsource Accessory port. The antennas for wireless communication are built directly into the light’s body.

Vortex8 2×1 RGBW Light Fixture. Source: Creamsource

The user interface in Creamsource lamps is called CreamOS and gaffers can use it to control effects, color gels, and all the other features of the light. The Vortex8 macro-level controls let users manipulate up to 8 individual zones via CreamOS controls.

Vortex8 2×1 RGBW Light Fixture – 8 Sections. Source: Creamsource

To simplify rigging and cabling, there is no external power supply – the power ballast is hidden inside the light’s chassis. The Vortex8 offers an eight-point attachment system for rigging options, configuration, and safety.

Vortex8 2×1 RGBW Light Fixture. Source: Creamsource

Creamsource prepared a launch film for the Vortex8. It is basically one scene which was lit solely with the Vortex8 fixtures. The primary camera for the launch film was the Phantom Flex 4K. You can take a look at the film and the BTS video on the Creamsource Youtube channel.

Creamsource Vortex8 – Key Specs

• Head Weight: 13.7kg / 30lb
• Dimensions: 690 x 380 x 121mm / 27.2” x 15” x 4.8” (Excluding Yoke)
• Protection Class: IP65
• Beam Angle naked: 20° (can be diffused with the Creamsource Dome)
• Color Accuracy Standard: TLCI 95, CRI 95
• 0 to 100% continuous dimming
• Maximum Ambient Temperature: 40°C
• Output: 650W of LED power providing the equivalent output to an HMI 1.2KW Fresnel
• Active cooling system with nearly silent fans and effective heat dissipation through the machined chassis

Price and Availability

The Vortex8 can be pre-ordered now already. The shipping should start in October 2020. In terms of price, the Vortex8 will retail for $4,999. That is slightly below the current price of ARRI SkyPanel S60-C ($5,895 at B&H).

What do you think about the Creamsource Vortex8? Do you think it has what it takes to challenge ARRI SkyPanel S60-C? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section underneath the article.