Arri D5

Technical Details

The D5 operates with an HMI (Hydrargyrum Medium-arc Iodide) discharge lamp and requires a separate electronic ballast (EVG) with a rated power of 5000 watts. The Fresnel lens has a diameter of 200 mm and allows for a spot-flood adjustment between 12° and 60° beam angle. The cooling system uses an axial fan at 2800 rpm, resulting in a noise level of 38 dB(A). The fixture uses a standard baby pin mount (16 mm) and is powered via a 16 A CEE plug with three-phase alternating current.

History & Development

Arri introduced the D5 in 1987 as part of the first generation of professional HMI fixtures. The unit was based on a cooperation with Osram in the development of HMI lamps, which began in 1969. In 1995, it was revised to the D5 Plus version with improved electronics and flicker-free operation at 25/50 Hz. The current D5 LED generation was introduced in 2018, replacing HMI technology with an LED array consuming 350 watts with comparable light output.

Practical Use in Film

The D5 primarily serves as fill light or key light for medium shot sizes in exterior daylight shots. Cinematographers use it for contrast control when natural sunlight creates shadows that are too harsh. In interior shots, it simulates window light or supplements existing daylight. The fixture is suitable for green screen illumination, as its constant color temperature provides clean key results. The 5 kW power is sufficient for shots up to 8 meters away with normally sensitive cameras (ISO 400-800).

Comparison & Alternatives

The D5 is positioned between the 2.5 kW Arri D25 and the 12 kW D12. Compared to tungsten-halogen fixtures, it offers 60% less power consumption and significantly less heat development for the same light output. LED alternatives such as the Arri SkyPanel S360 or Litepanels Gemini achieve similar light levels at 10% of the power consumption but cost three times as much. Plasma fixtures like the Hive Lighting Wasp 100-C deliver a broader spectrum but require more complex cooling.