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DMG Dash
Lighting · Equipment

DMG Dash

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DMG compact LED panel with 288 SMDs, CRI >96, DMX control and ten effect modes for fill light and practical lighting applications.

Technical Details

The DMG Dash utilizes 288 SMD LEDs with a CRI of Ra≥96 and a TLCI of >97. Power is supplied either via two Sony NP-F970 batteries (approx. 2.5 hours runtime at 100%) or an external 15V DC power supply. The panel features DMX512 connectivity, 2.4GHz wireless control, and app control via Bluetooth. Ten effect modes simulate fire, police lights, TV flicker, and lightning storms with adjustable intensity. The plastic construction is IP54 certified and can withstand temperatures from -10°C to +40°C.

History & Development

DMG Electric introduced the Dash in 2019 as a response to the market dominance of Aputure and Litepanels. As the successor to the heavier DMG Mini Mix, the Dash quickly established itself through its competitive price of under 400 Euros. In 2021, the DMG Dash Pro followed with 150 watts of power and RGB color mixing, and in 2023, the Dash Compact with half the size at 50 watts.

Practical Use in Film

The DMG Dash is suitable as a fill light for interviews, a key light for close-ups, or a practical light in vehicle interiors. The Netflix series "Dark" used several Dash panels for its characteristic cool bunker lighting, while "Parfum" utilized the candlelight simulation for candlelit scenes. The magnetic back and tripod mount (1/4" and 3/8") allow for flexible rigging. Disadvantages are apparent in light distribution – without a diffuser, hard shadows with visible LED structure are created.

Comparison & Alternatives

Compared to the Aputure AL-M9, the Dash offers higher light output but lacks RGB colors. The Litepanels Astra 1×1 Bi-Color achieves double the light output but costs four times as much. For budget productions, the Godox LED500LRC competes with similar features but a lower CRI. For exterior shoots, cinematographers often prefer the more robust Quasar Q-LED, and for documentaries, the lighter Manfrotto Spectra 900F.

From the crafts

Perspectives

Cinematographer

Ich nutze das DMG Dash hauptsächlich als mobiles Fill Light, da es in jede Kameratasche passt und bei Available-Light-Situationen schnell diskrete Aufhellung schafft. Die App-Steuerung ist praktisch, wenn das Panel schwer erreichbar montiert ist, aber die Farbwiedergabe schwächelt bei Hauttönen im Vergleich zu meinen Kino Flos.

Director

Das Dash hilft mir bei Dialogszenen, subtile Stimmungswechsel über die Farbtemperatur zu erzeugen – von warmem 2700K für Intimität bis zu kaltem 6500K für Bedrohung. Die Blitzlicht-Effekte nutze ich gerne für Erinnerungssequenzen, wobei die Timing-Kontrolle über die App präziser ist als bei praktischen Blitzen.

Producer

Mit 380 Euro Listenpreis rechnet sich das DMG Dash bereits nach drei Drehtagen gegenüber Mietkosten für vergleichbare Panels. Die Dual-Akku-Lösung reduziert Standzeiten, allerdings benötige ich für längere Szenen zusätzliche NP-F-Batterien, was das Budget um weitere 200 Euro belastet.

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