Hive Hornet: battery-powered LED panel by Hive Lighting with 576 LEDs, 30.5×30.5 cm, DMX control, up to 2.5 hours runtime at 50% output.
Technical Details
The panel measures 30.5 x 30.5 x 5.1 cm and weighs 2.3 kg. Equipped with 576 LEDs, the Hornet features DMX-512 control and a 16-bit dimming curve for flicker-free operation even at high frame rates up to 20,000 fps. The beam angle is 120° without modifiers. Power is supplied via 100-240V AC or 14.4V DC via V-Mount or Gold Mount battery. The cooling efficiency allows 100% output at ambient temperatures up to 40°C. Available variants include the Hornet 200-C (200W), Super Hornet (300W), and Wasp 100-C (100W).
History & Development
Hive Lighting introduced the Hornet in 2016 in response to the growing demand for battery-powered, daylight-capable LED panels. The first generation still had issues with color shifts at extreme temperatures. In 2018, the revised version followed with improved color fidelity and expanded wireless functions. In 2021, the current generation was launched with improved app integration and more precise color mixing.
Practical Use in Film
The Hornet is suitable for mobile shoots and run-and-gun productions. In the Netflix series "Ozark," DoP Armando Salas used several Hornet panels for consistent illumination in vehicle scenes. Wireless control via the Hive app allows real-time adjustments without cable clutter. An advantage is the long battery life of up to 2.5 hours at 50% output. A disadvantage remains the limited amount of light compared to larger panels for expansive setups.
Comparison & Alternatives
Compared to the Aputure Nova P300C, the Hornet offers better wireless integration but lower maximum brightness. The Litepanels Gemini 2x1 achieves higher light output but requires an external power supply. Modern alternatives like the ARRI SkyPanel S30-C focus on larger panels with more light output. The Hornet remains the first choice for battery-powered productions under 300W, where mobility is prioritized over absolute light performance.