Joker Bug 800

color temperature flow joker bug joker roll take

K5600 Lighting HMI spotlight, 800W SE lamp, 4.2 kg, adjustable beam angle 15–50°, 26,000 lux output; ideal for key and fill lighting.

Technical Details

The Joker Bug 800 uses an 800W SE HMI (Single Ended) lamp and weighs 4.2 kg without ballast. The electronic ballast weighs 8.5 kg and can be switched between operating modes of 575W to 800W. The asymmetrical reflector allows for a variable beam characteristic between 15° (Spot) and 50° (Flood) by adjusting the lamp position. The unit features a DMX-512 input for digital lighting control and operates with flicker-free Electronic Ballast at 1000Hz.

History & Development

K5600 Lighting introduced the first Joker Bug in 1995 as a compact alternative to heavy Fresnel spotlights. The 800W version established itself as the standard for medium HMI output from 1998 onwards. In 2003, the version with an asymmetrical reflector was launched, followed by DMX control in 2008. Since 2015, K5600 has also offered LED variants, but the classic HMI models remain dominant in professional use due to their high light output.

Practical Use in Film

The Joker Bug 800 serves as a Key Light for close-ups or as a Fill Light in larger setups. Cinematographers appreciate its high light output of 26,000 Lux for outdoor shooting in daylight. In "Skyfall" (2012), Roger Deakins used Joker Bugs to light dialogue scenes in the London Underground. Its compactness makes it suitable for Steadicam shots and tight shooting locations. The continuously adjustable beam angle eliminates the need to swap between different diffusion lenses.

Comparison & Alternatives

Unlike traditional 1000W Fresnel spotlights, the Joker Bug 800 offers comparable light output with 20% less power due to its efficient PAR reflector. The ARRI M8 (800W HMI) and Dedolight DLED9 are direct competitors. Modern LED alternatives like the ARRI SkyPanel S30-C achieve similar brightness levels with lower power consumption, but cannot fully replicate the pinpoint sharpness of the HMI light source. For pure daylight balance and maximum light output, the HMI-based Joker Bug 800 remains unsurpassed.

From the crafts

Perspectives

Cinematographer

Ich schätze am Joker Bug 800 besonders die knackige Schattenzeichnung, die nur eine echte Punktlichtquelle liefert – LED-Panels schaffen das nicht. Bei Außendrehs kann ich damit problemlos gegen Sonnenlicht anarbeiten, und der asymmetrische Reflektor gibt mir präzise Kontrolle über die Lichtverteilung ohne zeitaufwändigen Wechsel von Vorsatzoptiken.

Director

Der Joker Bug 800 hilft mir dabei, natürliche Tageslicht-Atmosphäre auch in Innenräumen zu schaffen, ohne dass es künstlich wirkt. Seine kompakte Bauform ermöglicht es, Licht aus ungewöhnlichen Winkeln zu setzen und so die emotionale Wirkung einer Szene zu verstärken – besonders bei intimen Dialogen, wo hartes, gerichtetes Licht die Intensität steigert.

Producer

Ein Joker Bug 800 kostet etwa 4.500€ in der Anschaffung, amortisiert sich aber durch niedrige Betriebskosten und Zuverlässigkeit schnell. Der geringe Platzbedarf spart Transportkosten, und die kurzen Aufbauzeiten reduzieren die Drehtage – ein wichtiger Faktor bei straffen Budgets und engen Zeitplänen.