Filmlexikon.
Support
LC-160
Lighting · Terms

LC-160

Murnau AI illustration
color temperature flow roll take

NanGuang compact LED panel with CRI 95+, 18W power, and 60° beam angle for fill and effects lighting in low-budget productions.

Technical Details

The panel operates with a CRI of 95+ and TLCI of 96, ensuring accurate color reproduction. Brightness is controlled steplessly from 10-100% via a digital potentiometer or DMX-512 control. The beam angle is 60° and can be reduced to 25° using softboxes or grids. The operating temperature ranges from -10°C to 45°C with a power consumption of 18 watts. Bi-color variants allow for color temperature adjustment between 3200K and 5600K.

History & Development

NanGuang introduced the LC-160 in 2013 as a cost-effective entry into LED panel lighting. As one of the first affordable high-CRI LED panels, it quickly established itself in low-budget productions and among content creators. In 2016, the LC-160B bi-color version followed, and in 2018, the LC-160C with RGB functionality. Today, the LC-160 series is considered a benchmark for compact LED panels under 100 Euros.

Practical Use in Film

The LC-160 primarily serves as a fill light or effect light in confined spaces. In interviews, it is often used as a hair light or to separate the subject from the background. Its low profile allows for discreet placement behind props or in vehicles. Documentary filmmakers appreciate its silent operation and the long battery life of 2.5 hours with an NP-F970. However, its limited light output makes it unsuitable as a key light for daylight shoots or larger sets.

Comparison & Alternatives

Compared to halogen spotlights, the LC-160 offers significantly lower heat development and a longer lifespan. The Aputure AL-M9 is more compact but less powerful, while the Godox LD150R provides more output at a higher weight. Modern alternatives like the Falconeyes F7 or Boling BL-P1 offer RGB functions and app control. For professional productions, the SkyPanel S30 or Gemini 2x1 are the standards, but they cost 15-30 times more.

From the crafts

Perspectives

Cinematographer

Der LC-160 ist mein Standard-Aufhelllicht bei Run-and-Gun-Drehs, weil er in jede Kameratasche passt und akkubetrieben ist. Bei ISO 800 aufwärts reicht seine Power als Haarlicht oder für dezente Konturbeleuchtung, aber als Key-Light funktioniert er nur bei sehr nahem Abstand oder hohen ISO-Werten.

Director

Ich nutze LC-160-Panels gern als versteckte Lichtquellen - hinter Laptopbildschirmen für den typischen Computerscreen-Glow oder als Kerzenlicht-Imitation mit CTO-Folie. Die kompakte Bauform erlaubt es mir, Licht an Stellen zu platzieren, wo größere Leuchten das Bild stören würden, besonders in authentischen Locations.

Producer

Der LC-160 kostet 60-80 Euro und rechnet sich bereits nach drei Drehtagen gegenüber größeren Leihlösungen. Vier Stück mit Akkus und Zubehör passen in einen Pelicase und decken 80% der Aufhell-Situationen ab, ohne dass ich einen Beleuchter mehr im Team brauche.

More in the lexikon

Related terms

Test your knowledge

Quiz

1. Zu welchem Department gehört „LC-160"?

2. Wie viele verschiedene Fachperspektiven bietet dieser Eintrag?

Report an error
From the Filmfarm ecosystem

Understand visual language, budget productions, connect crew.

The Lexikon is part of the Filmfarm ecosystem — alongside budgeting (FilmBalance), an industry magazine (FilmCircus) and crew networking (FilmCall, CrewMesh). One shared vocabulary for the whole production.

FilmFarm FilmRadarComing soonFilmPulseComing soonFilmNumbersComing soonFilmCapitalComing soonFilmLabComing soonFilmBalanceComing soonFilmCircusComing soon