US manufacturer of LED panels (160–2000 LEDs, CRI 95–98) with DMX control and battery operation for mobile film and broadcast productions.
Dracast systems are based on high-power CREE LEDs with CRI values between 95-98 and TLCI ratings of 96-99. The product range includes panel sizes from 160 LEDs (LED160) to 2000 LEDs (LED2000) with light outputs between 1,200 and 18,000 lux at a distance of one meter. The units operate with Sony NP-F or V-Mount batteries and offer DMX512 control as well as app-based Bluetooth control. Typical power consumption ranges from 15W (LED160) to 200W (LED2000) at operating voltages of 12-24V DC.
Dracast was founded in 2011 in Irvine, California, by Tony Ho and initially established itself in the broadcast segment with compact on-camera lights. In 2013, the company expanded into larger panel systems, and in 2015, introduced the first bi-color LEDs with continuous color temperature control. The company introduced RGB systems in 2017 and integrated app control and expanded DMX functions into its Professional Line in 2019.
Dracast systems are used in documentary productions such as "The Last Dance" (2020), where the compact LED500 panels were used for interview setups in confined spaces. In television production, shows like "Shark Tank" utilize Dracast LED1000 arrays for consistent jury illumination. The silent LEDs are particularly suitable for sound recording, while battery compatibility enables location-independent shooting. Typical workflows include 3-point lighting with LED500 as key light, LED160 as fill, and LED300 for background accents.
Dracast directly competes with Aputure (AL-Series), LitePanel (Astra), and Godox (LED panel systems). Unlike Arri SkyPanels, Dracast offers significantly more compact, but less powerful systems at lower costs. Kinoflo remains superior in area lighting with fluorescent technology, while Dracast excels in mobility and energy efficiency. Modern alternatives like the Nanlite Forza series offer higher light output, but Dracast impresses with precise color reproduction and intuitive operation in the broadcast environment.
Ich schätze die präzise Farbwiedergabe der Dracast-LEDs besonders bei Hauttönen – der CRI von 98 macht den Unterschied zu günstigen China-LEDs deutlich sichtbar. Die kontinuierliche bi-color Regelung zwischen 3200K und 5600K ermöglicht mir perfekte Farbtemperatur-Anpassung ohne Folien, und die App-Steuerung spart Zeit beim Fine-Tuning mehrerer Panels gleichzeitig.
Ich nutze Dracast-Arrays gezielt für subtile Stimmungsänderungen während längerer Dialogszenen – die stufenlose Dimmung von 0-100% ohne Flackern erlaubt mir, emotionale Wendepunkte durch allmähliche Lichtveränderungen zu unterstreichen. Die geräuschlosen LEDs stören nie die Tonaufnahme, selbst bei intimsten Szenen mit Ansteckmikrofonen.
Dracast bietet das beste Preis-Leistungs-Verhältnis für mittlere TV-Produktionen – ein LED500-Kit kostet etwa 800 Euro versus 3000 Euro für vergleichbare Arri-Systeme. Der Akku-Betrieb spart Stromkosten und Generator-Miete bei Außendrehs, während die kompakte Bauweise Transportkosten reduziert und kleinere Crew-Größen ermöglicht.
1. Zu welchem Department gehört „Dracast"?
2. Wie viele verschiedene Fachperspektiven bietet dieser Eintrag?
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