Smallest HMI fixture at 200W — ideal for detail lighting and mobile shoots requiring daylight-balanced output.
Technical Details
The fixture operates with a 200W/24V halogen lamp (G6.35 base) and produces a luminous flux of approximately 4,800 lumens at a color temperature of 3,200 K. The Fresnel spot mechanism allows for stepless adjustment of the beam angle between 12° (spot) and 65° (flood) by axially shifting the lamp relative to the lens. The aluminum housing with ventilation slots prevents heat buildup, while the 4-leaf barndoors enable precise light shaping. Operation is via 12V or 24V DC power supplies or batteries.
History & Development
Lowel-Light Manufacturing introduced the first Compact 200 (Pro-Light) in 1982, followed by Dedolight's improved variants from 1987 under Dedo Weigert. The development responded to the need of mobile film crews for powerful yet portable light sources for documentary and low-budget productions. From the 1990s onwards, standardized versions from Arri, K5600, and other manufacturers became established. Modern LED versions since 2010 offer variable color temperature with reduced power consumption.
Practical Use in Film
Compact 200 fixtures serve as key lights for close-ups, fill lights in larger setups, or accent lighting for details. In "Das Boot" (1981), Jost Vacano used early prototypes for the cramped submarine interiors. Documentary filmmakers appreciate the quick setup time of under 30 seconds and the ability to achieve professional portraits with a 3-light kit (2x key, 1x fill). The low power consumption allows for 4-5 hours of continuous operation with standard battery packs.
Comparison & Alternatives
Compared to 650W Redheads, the Compact 200 offers significantly less light output but greater mobility and more precise light shaping due to its Fresnel optics. 150W LED panels achieve similar luminous flux with variable color temperature, but without the pinpoint light characteristic. For interview situations, the Compact 200 competes with ring lights but offers more natural shadow gradients. For daytime exterior shots, the output is only sufficient for subtle fill light, whereas 400W HMI lights provide daylight-equivalent illumination.