Dracast: US manufacturer of LED lighting fixtures, specializing in bi-color panel lights and portable studio lights.
Technical Details
Dracast systems are based on high-power CREE LEDs with CRI values between 95-98 and TLCI ratings of 96-99. The product range includes panel sizes from 160 LEDs (LED160) to 2000 LEDs (LED2000) with light outputs between 1,200 and 18,000 lux at a distance of one meter. The units operate with Sony NP-F or V-Mount batteries and offer DMX512 control as well as app-based Bluetooth control. Typical power consumption ranges from 15W (LED160) to 200W (LED2000) at operating voltages of 12-24V DC.
History & Development
Dracast was founded in 2011 in Irvine, California, by Tony Ho and initially established itself in the broadcast segment with compact on-camera lights. In 2013, the company expanded into larger panel systems, and in 2015, introduced the first bi-color LEDs with continuous color temperature control. The company introduced RGB systems in 2017 and integrated app control and expanded DMX functions into its Professional Line in 2019.
Practical Application in Film
Dracast systems are used in documentary productions such as "The Last Dance" (2020), where the compact LED500 panels were used for interview setups in confined spaces. In television production, shows like "Shark Tank" utilize Dracast LED1000 arrays for consistent jury illumination. The silent LEDs are particularly suitable for sound recording, while battery compatibility enables location-independent shooting. Typical workflows include 3-point lighting with LED500 as key light, LED160 as fill, and LED300 for background accents.
Comparison & Alternatives
Dracast directly competes with Aputure (AL-Series), LitePanel (Astra), and Godox (LED panel systems). Unlike Arri SkyPanels, Dracast offers significantly more compact, but less powerful systems at lower costs. Kinoflo remains superior in area lighting with fluorescent technology, while Dracast excels in mobility and energy efficiency. Modern alternatives like the Nanlite Forza series offer higher light output, but Dracast impresses with precise color reproduction and intuitive operation in the broadcast environment.