Full-spectrum LED panel, color temperature and hue continuously adjustable without filter changes. Runs cool, instant dial-in. Standard workhorse for location work where every minute counts.
Technical Specifications
The ARRI SkyPanel X is available in various sizes: X30 (0.6m x 0.6m), X60 (1.0m x 1.0m), and X120 (1.2m x 2.0m). The X60 produces 10,000 lux at 2 meters distance with full spectrum and 5600K.
The light spectrum is full spectrum with high CRI (96+), enabled by RGB LED technology combined with white LEDs. The color temperature is continuously adjustable from 2700K to 10,000K. HSL (Hue, Saturation, Luminance) control allows for any hue for creative effects.
Dimensions X60: 1000mm x 1000mm x 120mm, weight only 11 kg (mountable on standard C-stand or tripod). Power consumption:
- X60 at full output 5600K: 350W
- Maximum effective luminous intensity: equivalent to approx. 1.5K Fresnel
Heat generation is minimal – under 50 watts, no cooling required. The panel produces no IR (infrared radiation), which is comfortable for close-ups on actors.
History & Development
The ARRI SkyPanel was introduced in 2013 as a revolutionary LED system, marking the beginning of the LED era in professional film lighting. ARRI invested years in RGB LED spectrum optimization to achieve true cinematic light quality – not just mere luminosity.
The introduction of app remote control (2014) made the SkyPanel a universal light for all positions. The development of the X-series (2017) with improved efficiency and light control made LED a viable alternative to HMI and Fresnel systems.
Today, the SkyPanel is standard for streaming productions and technically progressive independent films.
Practical Use in Film
The ARRI SkyPanel was first used extensively in HBO's "Game of Thrones" (Season 5+, 2015) – the cost-intensive exterior lighting benefited from LED efficiency. The visual look was kept consistent across multiple production seasons.
In "Stranger Things" (Netflix, 2016+), DP Tim Ives used the SkyPanel for indoor scenes, achieving the characteristic 1980s color mood through subtle HSL adjustments during production. The SkyPanel enabled creative color grading effects that are impossible in-camera.
The SkyPanel is now standard for streaming content and digital slow-motion productions, where heat generation and power consumption are critical.
Variants & Alternatives
The SkyPanel X30 is more compact for smaller sets. The SkyPanel X120 offers large-area illumination with higher luminous intensity (equivalent to 3K Fresnel). ARRI L7-C offers compact LED illumination for small sets.
Competitor systems like Aputure 600 Pro Max or Astera AX3 offer comparable LED functionality, but DPs report optical differences – ARRI light is consistently described as "warmer" and "more human." Fluorescent alternatives like Kino Flo require more space for equivalent luminous intensity.
The ARRI SkyPanel remains the preferred LED system for high-end productions due to its optical warmth and user-friendliness.