Compact ARRI LED panel with a 15x15cm light surface and 200W draw. Smallest unit in the SkyPanel line, ideal for mobile and run-and-gun lighting setups.
Technical Details
The S30 measures 360 x 360 x 111 mm with a weight of 6.3 kg and consumes a maximum of 220 watts. The color temperature can be continuously adjusted between 2800K and 10,000K, with a CRI of 95+ and TLCI of 96+. The unit offers plus/minus green control from -100 to +100, as well as HSI color mixing (Hue, Saturation, Intensity). Control is via DMX, RDM, Art-Net, sACN, or WLAN via the SkyPanel App. A temperature-controlled fan serves as passive cooling, which switches off at low intensities.
History & Development
ARRI presented the SkyPanel series at NAB in 2015, with the S30 positioned as the mid-size option between the S60 and S120. Development was based on ARRI's experience with the L-Series and aimed to combine soft light, color mixing, and digital control. A firmware update in 2017 introduced expanded effect modes, followed by integration into ARRI's Web Remote Platform in 2019.
Practical Use in Film
The S30 primarily serves as a soft fill light or background illumination on small to medium-sized sets. For "Blade Runner 2049" (2017), Roger Deakins used SkyPanels for subtle color modulation in interiors. Its compact design allows for use in confined locations, while its color control eliminates the need for gel filters. The flicker-free technology operates at all frame rates up to 10,000 fps. Downsides include limited light output for daylight exterior shots and higher acquisition costs compared to tungsten alternatives.
Comparison & Alternatives
Compared to the larger S60, the S30 offers more portable dimensions with approximately half the light output. Competitor products such as the Litepanels Gemini 1x1 or Creamsource Vortex4 utilize similar LED technology but differ in color accuracy and control options. Traditional 2K Fresnel fixtures produce more light output but require dimmers and color filters. The S30 is suitable for studios and smaller productions, while large-scale productions typically opt for the S60 or S120.