An industry pioneer since 2005, Creamsource has developed and delivered innovative lighting solutions for film and television productions around the globe. Films like Dumbo, Mulan, Jungle Book, Aquaman, Mortal Engines, American Assassin, Alien: Covenant, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Doctor Strange, and Thor: Ragnarok, and series like Stranger Things, MacGuyver, Homeland, and Zapped are among the recent titles illuminated by Creamsource technology. This is why we were very excited to get a hold of the new Creamsource Micro Colour for a hands-on studio test session.
Color
We set up the Micro Colour in our studio and immediately noticed its exceptional white light color quality and robust range of color temperatures. The unit features calibrated red, green, blue, and white RGBW LEDs and delivers beautiful white light in any CCT (correlated color temperature) from a warm 2,200K to an icy blue 15,000K.
In addition to this impressively expansive color temperature range, the Micro Colour features green/magenta adjustment to produce vivid, saturated colors with ease. The LED engine produces consistently high-quality white light color with typical CRI (color rendering index) and TLCI (television lighting consistency index) values above 95. We were very impressed with the range of accurate color options and found it be particularly useful for replicating skin tones.
Light Output
The Micro Colour features an 80W RGBW LED light source with a 20° half peak beam angle for maximum punch, a tilt angle of 170° up / 80° down, and an estimated LED lifespan of 50,000 hours. We were very impressed with the fixture’s High-Speed Mode, which delivers a flicker free output at over 5000fps. The unit also offers super smooth 0-100% dimming with a low-end dimming module.
User Interface & Control
The unit was very easy to control with an intuitive user interface. Features include a high precision digital rotary encoder, a four-button keypad, and a robust graphic LCD display.
The unit can be controlled with its on-board interface, an optional wired remote control, or with DMX-512 via an optional adapter. A synchronization input allows for a camera shutter trigger, which is ideal for photography applications.
Dimensions & Weight
The Micro Colour is housed in an impressively durable, sleek aluminum body. With an IP65 rating, the unit is water resistant and can be used in all weather conditions. Even with such a heavy duty, rugged appearance, the unit is lightweight with a highly compact form factor.
Weighing in at just 3.4kg / 7.5lb (excluding yoke) or 4.2kg / 9.3lb (including yoke), the unit was very easy to transport in a durable soft travel bag. Measuring just 223 x 207 x 108mm / 8.7″ x 8.1″ x 4.3″ (excluding yoke) or 300 x 331 x 108mm / 11.8″ x 13.0″ x 4.3″ (including yoke), we were able to fit the unit into small spaces with ease.
Power
The Micro Colour features a removable power supply via optional PSU mount and supports 10-32V DC, (Max 8A) or 100-240V AC, 50-60Hz (Max 1.3A) power inputs. It can also be powered by batteries via an on-board V-lock mount or available Anton Bauer adaptor. The unit runs extremely silently thanks to a passive cooling system and no fans. An impressively low 80W power draw keeps the unit cool even during a long run time. It warmed up over time but was never hot to the touch.
Rigging & Accessories
The unit offers three main rigging options: a quick-release yoke, a Kino Flo-style twist-on mount plate, and a single 3/8” threaded insert with four rope rigging/safety points. These options are very useful for a variety of studio and location applications. The unit is also equipped with two filter rails for mounting secondary lenses and gels.
A wide variety of optional light control accessories are available for the Micro Colour including the Dop Choice Snapbag light bank, Micro Softbag, Micro Flashbandit, Micro Barndoor, and a high-efficiency holographic lens system. A Multi-Yoke is also available to connect multiple units to create a larger light source. Power accessories include a 3-meter power supply lead, AB and V Lock style battery mounts, and a power mount quick release.
Pricing
The Micro Colour is currently available for purchase and is priced at a reasonable $1,295 USD for a Basic Kit, which includes the Micro Colour Head, a power supply, and a 3/8″ baby mounting socket. Creamsource offers a 3-year warranty on fixtures (extensible to 5-years with a simple web registration) and a 12-month warranty on accessories.
Conclusion
After testing the Creamsource Micro Colour fixture in a studio setup, we were very impressed with its exceptional color range and output, lightweight form factor, durability, and overall performance. We would definitely recommend this reliable, flexible fixture for both studio and location shoots. For more information, visit: https://creamsource.com/creamsource-products/micro-colour/
-S&P-
Images courtesy of Creamsource
