K5600 Lighting 200W HMI fixture, 2.1 kg; mobile fill and accent light with even distribution, no hot spot, flicker-free to 10,000 fps.
Technical Details
The Bug 200 measures 15 × 15 × 20 cm and weighs 2.1 kg without the ballast. The external electronic ballast has dimensions of 19 × 13 × 8 cm with a weight of 2.3 kg and is flicker-free up to 10,000 fps. The lamp reaches its full light output within 90 seconds of switching on. The system features an integrated fan with three speed settings and operates with DMX-512 protocol for remote control. The spherical reflector produces a uniform circle of light without a hot spot, while various Fresnel lenses vary the beam angle between 15° and 60°.
History & Development
K5600 Lighting introduced the Bug series in 1994 as an innovation in the field of compact HMI lights. The development aimed at professional applications requiring high light output with low weight. In 1998, the electronic ballast was introduced, enabling its use in high-speed shooting. The series expanded by 2005 to include variants from 125W to 800W, with the Bug 200 remaining the standard model for mobile productions.
Practical Use in Film
The Bug 200 serves as a versatile fill light or accent light in interiors. Cinematographers use it for hair light or to lift shadows in portrait shots. In "The Bourne Supremacy" (2004), cinematographer Oliver Wood used several Bug 200s to light tight hotel room scenes. Its low weight allows for mounting on camera cranes or in confined spaces. The uniform light distribution makes elaborate diffusion unnecessary, while the daylight color temperature supports natural mixed lighting situations.
Comparison & Alternatives
Compared to the ARRI 200 Plus, the Bug 200 offers more uniform light distribution but less light output (18,000 vs. 21,000 lumens). LED alternatives like the ARRI Orbiter achieve similar light output with variable color temperatures but require higher acquisition costs. The Bug 400 delivers double the light output at only 50% higher weight. For pure battery applications, the Joker Bug 125 is suitable, while the Bug 800 covers stationary setups with higher light demands.