Compact 500W LED fixture from Fiilex with variable Color Temperature and dimming — ideal for mobile shoots.
Technical Details
The Q500 operates with 36 high-performance LEDs (18 daylight, 18 tungsten) and achieves a Color Rendering Index (CRI) of 95+. Power consumption is a maximum of 50 watts when running on AC power or 35 watts when running on battery with Sony NP-F batteries. The unit features a stepless dimmer from 0-100% and DMX-512 control via a 5-pin XLR connector. The beam angle is 60° and can be modified with optional barn doors or honeycomb attachments.
History & Development
Fiilex first presented the Q500 in 2014 as a response to the growing demand for compact, battery-powered LED solutions for run-and-gun productions. The US-based company, founded in 2012 by former Litepanels engineers, deliberately targeted the prosumer and independent market. In 2018, the Q500-AC followed for AC-only applications, and in 2020, the Q500-RGB variant with full-color LEDs was released.
Practical Application in Film
Due to its compact design, the Q500 is particularly suitable for handheld shots, automotive shots, and tight shooting locations. Documentary filmmakers appreciate the long battery life of up to 2.5 hours at 50% power. In "The Revenant" (2015), Emmanuel Lubezki used Q500 units as portable key lights for extreme outdoor shots. The low power consumption allows multiple units to be operated from standard household outlets without tripping breakers. The variable color temperature eliminates time-consuming filter changes when switching between artificial and daylight situations.
Comparison & Alternatives
Direct competitors include the Litepanels Astra 1x1 (heavier, but brighter) and the Arri Skypanel S30-C (three times the light output at ten times the weight). For mobile applications, the Q500 offers the best light output-to-weight ratio, while stationary setups usually opt for the larger Skypanels. Modern RGB panels like the Astera Titan Tube offer more color options but do not achieve the light intensity of the Q500. For budget productions, the Q500 remains the first choice for professional light quality under 1500 Euros.