Fiilex Q500 is a compact 50W LED light with 36 LEDs, CRI 95+, and variable color temperature, powered by Sony NP-F batteries.
The Q500 operates with 36 high-performance LEDs (18 daylight, 18 tungsten) and achieves a Color Rendering Index (CRI) of 95+. Power consumption is a maximum of 50 watts when running on AC power or 35 watts when running on battery with Sony NP-F batteries. The unit features a stepless dimmer from 0-100% and DMX-512 control via a 5-pin XLR connector. The beam angle is 60° and can be modified with optional barn doors or honeycomb attachments.
Fiilex first presented the Q500 in 2014 as a response to the growing demand for compact, battery-powered LED solutions for run-and-gun productions. The US-based company, founded in 2012 by former Litepanels engineers, deliberately targeted the prosumer and independent market. In 2018, the Q500-AC followed for AC-only applications, and in 2020, the Q500-RGB variant with full-color LEDs was released.
Due to its compact design, the Q500 is particularly suitable for handheld shots, automotive shots, and tight shooting locations. Documentary filmmakers appreciate the long battery life of up to 2.5 hours at 50% power. In "The Revenant" (2015), Emmanuel Lubezki used Q500 units as portable key lights for extreme outdoor shots. The low power consumption allows multiple units to be operated from standard household outlets without tripping breakers. The variable color temperature eliminates time-consuming filter changes when switching between artificial and daylight situations.
Direct competitors include the Litepanels Astra 1x1 (heavier, but brighter) and the Arri Skypanel S30-C (three times the light output at ten times the weight). For mobile applications, the Q500 offers the best light output-to-weight ratio, while stationary setups usually opt for the larger Skypanels. Modern RGB panels like the Astera Titan Tube offer more color options but do not achieve the light intensity of the Q500. For budget productions, the Q500 remains the first choice for professional light quality under 1500 Euros.
Ich schätze am Q500 die präzise Farbtemperaturregelung zwischen 3000K und 5600K ohne merkliche Farbverschiebungen – das eliminiert Korrekturfilter beim Mischen verschiedener Lichtquellen. Die kompakte Bauform erlaubt es mir, das Licht auch bei sehr engen Kamerafahrten nah am Motiv zu positionieren, ohne ins Bild zu geraten.
Der Q500 gibt mir die Freiheit, spontane Lichtakzente zu setzen, ohne das Set umbauen zu müssen – perfekt für natürliche Dialoge, wo ich die Schauspieler nicht durch sperrige Beleuchtung einschränken will. Die stufenlose Dimmfunktion erlaubt mir, die Lichtstimmung während der Aufnahme live anzupassen, ohne "Cut" rufen zu müssen.
Mit einem Anschaffungspreis von 1200 Euro pro Einheit und vernachlässigbaren Stromkosten rechnet sich der Q500 bereits ab der zweiten Produktion gegenüber Mietkosten klassischer HMI-Beleuchtung. Die Akkubetrieb-Option spart mir Generatorkosten bei Außendrehs und reduziert die Crew-Größe um mindestens einen Elektriker.
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