DMG Lumière LED panel with 504 LEDs, CRI 96+, 55° beam angle, magnetic switch system, and battery operation for mobile film lighting.
The SL1 is based on 504 high-quality LEDs (384 full-spectrum LEDs plus 120 RGB LEDs) with a CRI of 96+ and TLCI of 98+. Color rendering is achieved through 16-bit processing with dimming from 0.1% to 100% in 0.1% increments. The unit features DMX512 control, wireless app control via Bluetooth, and an integrated 2.4 GHz radio receiver for the DMG ecosystem. The beam angle is 55° by default, but can be adjusted to 25° (Spot) or 110° (Wide) using the Switch attachments. The operating temperature is between -20°C and +45°C, and the aluminum housing is IP54 protected against dust and splash water.
DMG Lumière introduced the SL1 in March 2019 as the entry-level model of the Switch series, after the Italian company had already been successful with larger broadcast panels since 2016. Development focused on maximum portability without loss of quality, inspired by feedback from documentary cinematographers and streamers. In 2021, a firmware update followed with expanded effect modes, and in 2022, integration into the DMG Mix ecosystem for synchronized multi-light setups. Since 2023, an SL1+ with increased light output (15,200 lux) has been offered.
The SL1 quickly established itself as standard equipment for mobile productions and interview setups. In the Netflix series "Lupin" (2021), DoP Martial Schmeltz used several SL1 units as hidden accent lights in the Louvre sequences, as their compact design allowed for unobtrusive placement. The RGB function makes them particularly valuable for on-set color grading and practical lighting effects. Typical workflows include use as a key light for close-ups (with a softbox attachment), as a background light for color accents, or in groups of 3-4 for larger areas. The main advantage lies in its immediate readiness for use without cabling; disadvantages are the limited light output at greater distances and the 90-minute battery life at full power.
The SL1 competes directly with the Aputure MC (smaller form factor, less power) and the Litepanels Gemini 1x1 (higher power, less mobile). The magnetic Switch system distinguishes it from most competitors, which rely on screw connections. For higher light output, DMG offers the SL1+ or the larger Maxi Switch, and for ultra-compact use, the Mini Mix. Studios often use the SL1 as a mobile supplement to permanently installed tungsten or HMI setups, while independent productions often use it as their primary light source.
Ich schätze die SL1 besonders für ihre präzise Farbwiedergabe und die schnelle Farbtemperatur-Anpassung direkt am Gerät, ohne dass ich zum Dimmerboard laufen muss. Die magnetischen Switch-Aufsätze spare mir Zeit beim Setup, und die App-Steuerung ermöglicht es, während der Aufnahme diskret Anpassungen vorzunehmen. Bei Available-Light-Situationen nutze ich sie oft als dezentes Fill-Light, das ich problemlos an Türrahmen oder Möbeln befestigen kann.
Die RGB-Funktionen der SL1 erlauben es mir, spontan emotionale Stimmungen durch Farbtemperatur zu verstärken, ohne dass mein Gaffer ein komplettes Lighting-Setup ändern muss. Besonders bei Nahaufnahmen kann ich zwischen Takes schnell von kaltem Morgenlicht auf warmes Abendlicht wechseln und so verschiedene narrative Nuancen ausprobieren. Die kompakte Größe ermöglicht es auch, Licht in sehr enge Räume zu bringen, wo größere Panels unmöglich wären.
Die SL1 reduziert meine Stromkosten erheblich, da sie batteriegetrieben ist und keine Generatoren oder aufwändige Verkabelung erfordert. Ein 4er-Set kostet etwa 3.200 Euro, ersetzt aber oft teurere HMI-Setups inklusive Strom-Infrastruktur. Die schnellen Setup-Zeiten verkürzen meine Drehtage, und die Robustheit minimiert Reparaturkosten – nach drei Jahren intensiver Nutzung hatte ich bisher keine Ausfälle zu verzeichnen.
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