Kino Flo Diva

Intro

The Kino Flo Diva is a professional LED flat panel that delivers buttery soft, shadowless illumination without the need for additional diffusion. The system combines high light output with precise segment control, enabling flexible light shaping without flags or cutters. Variable color temperature and stepless dimming allow for seamless adjustments during shooting.

History & Development

Kino Flo introduced the Diva series in 2016 as a direct LED successor to their established fluorescent systems. The California-based company was responding to the transition from fluorescent tubes to LED technology, as classic T12 tubes increasingly disappeared from the market. In 2019, the Diva-Lite followed as a more compact variant, and in 2021, the Diva 401 with an expanded color spectrum. The current Diva 400 Universal integrates DMX control and advanced app features.

Practical Application in Film

Cinematographer Roger Deakins used Diva lights for close-ups in "Blade Runner 2049" because they provide soft light without additional diffusion. In television productions like "The Crown," they serve as the main light for interview scenes, with color temperature adjustment enabling seamless transitions between daylight and artificial light. The low heat output makes longer takes with actors comfortable, while the flicker-free technology ensures consistent exposure even in slow-motion shots.

Comparison & Alternatives

Compared to classic Kino Flo fluorescent systems, the Diva offers instant operational readiness without warm-up time and no color shifts due to tube aging. The ARRI SkyPanel S30-C delivers comparable performance with RGB color mixing but is 40% heavier. The Aputure Nova P300c scores with higher output (300W) but consumes correspondingly more power. The Litepanels Gemini 2x1 offers similar dimensions with lower light output (1,800 lux at 3m). For mobile productions, the Diva remains the standard due to its balanced ratio of size, weight, and light output.

Technical Specifications

Diva 400 / Diva-Lite Series

Light Output and Spectrum:

• Luminous Flux: 8,500 lumens (Diva Standard)
• CRI: 95+
• TLCI: 98+
• Color Temperature: 2700-6500K electronically continuously adjustable
• Number of LEDs: 576 individual LEDs
• Segmentation: 4 independently controllable LED segments for shaping

Power Supply and Operation:

• Power Consumption: 100-200W depending on model
• Power Sources: 100-240V AC or V-mount batteries (14.4V DC)
• Dimming: 0.1-100% stepless without color shift
• Flicker-Free: Up to 30,000fps

Physical Specifications:

• Housing: Anodized aluminum (thermally optimized)
• Weight: 4.1 kg standard
• Dimensions: 45×28×18cm (Diva Standard)
• Optics: Diffuse LED array with uniform light distribution

Control and Connectivity:

• Protocol: DMX-512 (via optional control module)
• App Control: Wireless remote control (optional)
• Controls: Local dimmers and color temperature controls

Accessories:

• Softboxes: 1x1, 2x2 variants
• Barndoors: For precise light control
• Honeycomb Grids: For focused light without spill
• Diffusion Gels: For increasing surface area

Diva-Lite Variants (more compact versions)

Common Specifications (Diva-Lite):

• CRI: 95, TLCI: >96
• Color Temperature: 2700-6500K
• Power Supply: AC or DC battery
• Cooling System: Active/Passive depending on model