LED panel from Kino Flo, 80cm wide, delivering soft, even light with variable color temperature.
Technical Details
The Image 80 utilizes a matrix of 576 high-quality LEDs arranged in six different color spectra (Tungsten, Daylight, Red, Green, Blue, Amber). The maximum illuminance is 1,890 lux at one meter distance and full power. The panel weighs 6.8 kg without the yoke mount and consumes 240 watts at maximum output. Dimming is stepless from 0 to 100 percent without color shift, and color temperature is precisely adjustable in 100K increments. The unit features DMX-512 control, local controls on the housing, and an integrated fan with three speed settings.
History & Development
Kino Flo introduced the Image series in 2014 in response to growing LED demand, after the company had primarily produced fluorescent tube systems since 1987. The Image 80 was released in 2015 as the flagship of the series and quickly established itself as the standard for mid-sized LED soft lights. A firmware update in 2018 brought expanded color modes and improved DMX integration. The current version 3.0 from 2021 offers additional preset modes and smartphone connectivity via the Kino Flo app.
Practical Use in Film
The Image 80 often serves as a key light for close-ups or as a broad fill light in interiors. On "The Crown" (Netflix), several Image 80s were used to simulate window light on the Buckingham Palace sets. Its square shape is particularly suitable for Instagram-optimized productions, as it creates natural catchlights in the eyes. Typical use cases include beauty shots through diffusion with 1/4 or 1/2 Grid Cloth, greenscreen illumination with consistent color temperature, and mobile exterior shoots thanks to its robust housing. The quiet fan operation allows for use during sound recording without post-sync.
Comparison & Alternatives
The Image 80 directly competes with the ARRI SkyPanel S60-C (575 watts, rectangular) and the Litepanels Gemini 2x1 (340 watts, 61x30 cm). While ARRI offers higher light output, Kino Flo excels with more precise color rendition and lower power consumption. The newer Kino Flo Celeb 850 positions itself as a modern alternative with improved LED efficiency. For smaller productions, the Image 40 (40x40 cm) offers 240 watts at a reduced budget, while the Image L80 is the elongated variant for strip light applications.