Hive Lighting Plasma fixture with 200mm reflector, 2,100W consumption, dimmable 50–100% without color shift, 30s ignition time; designed for daylight simulation.
The system consists of the light head with a 200mm reflector and a separate ballast, connected via a 7.5m DMX cable. The plasma burner reaches its full light output after a 30-second warm-up period and can be continuously dimmed from 50-100% without color shift. The ballast weighs 18kg, and the light head weighs 8.5kg. The operating voltage is 90-264V AC, with a power consumption of up to 2,100 watts, including the ballast. Cooling fans in the ballast ensure a constant operating temperature, and the plasma burner has a lifespan of approximately 10,000 operating hours.
Hive Lighting introduced the Killer Plasma in 2018 in response to the growing demand for high-output daylight LED alternatives. The company, founded in 2014 by former employees of established lighting manufacturers, aimed to leverage the advantages of plasma technology for film lighting. In 2020, a revised version followed with an improved dimming curve and reduced self-noise from 32 to 28 dB(A) at a distance of one meter.
The Killer Plasma is primarily suitable for exterior shots as a sunlight simulation or for fill light in backlight situations. Cinematographers use it through large windows to imitate daylight or bounce it off 12x12-foot diffusers for soft illumination of larger scenes. For night shoots, it serves as a moonlight simulation with appropriate CTB gels. The high light output allows for shooting with small apertures (f/5.6-f/8) even at higher frame rates. Disadvantages include the system's weight and the 30-second start-up time, which complicates spontaneous lighting adjustments.
Compared to traditional 2.5K/4K HMI lights, the Killer Plasma offers higher light output with lower power consumption and a more consistent color temperature. LED panels like the SkyPanel S360-C achieve similar light intensity but are more expensive to purchase. Modern alternatives include the Aputure Nova P300c or the ARRI Orbiter, which offer greater flexibility in color temperature and effects. The Plasma remains the first choice when maximum daylight performance is required on a limited budget.
Als DoP schätze ich die kompromisslose Tageslicht-Performance des Killer Plasma – er gibt mir die Möglichkeit, auch bei f/8 und 48fps saubere Belichtung durch große Fenster zu erzielen. Die konstante 5600K ohne Farbshift beim Dimmen erspart mir ständige Weißabgleich-Korrekturen, allerdings muss ich die 30-Sekunden-Startzeit bei schnellen Setup-Wechseln einkalkulieren.
Der Killer Plasma ermöglicht mir authentische Tageslicht-Stimmungen auch in kontrollierten Innenräumen – perfekt für emotionale Szenen, wo ich das warme Gegenlicht von "Sonnenstrahlen" durch Fenster brauche. Die hohe Lichtleistung lässt mich auch bei bewölktem Himmel drehen, ohne auf die Kontinuität der Lichtstimmung verzichten zu müssen.
Mit 8.500 Euro Anschaffungspreis liegt der Killer Plasma deutlich unter vergleichbaren HMI-Systemen, bei nur 2,1kW Stromverbrauch spare ich Generatorkosten und kann kleinere Locations nutzen. Das 18kg-Ballast erfordert allerdings stabiles Rigging-Equipment, und die 10.000h Brenner-Lebensdauer bedeutet bei Dauereinsatz Folgekosten von etwa 800 Euro alle zwei Jahre.
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