Following on from our Twinkly Candies review we now have to check out what the Twinkly C9 Bulbs have to offer which can be used indoors or outdoors and as mentioned in the last review we decided to get all in and get up on a ladder and show them off to the neighbours since there is hot competition on the street this year.
Again a simple product to set up and an app to get creative the C9 bulbs can be set up in whichever way suits your needs best and you can control them to show off even more with the Twinkly App which is great and again we have used and tested this app many times over the years and allows you to get creative. These would be best suited outdoors but can be used indoors if required and either way will look great no matter where installed.
The Twinky app once again will allow you to get creative and we have gone over this many times but again show you in the video review below of what can be done with ease there is many designs and colour palettes to mix and match which makes it more customisable than others out there.
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Set a merry scene with traditional pine cone lights reimagined with Twinkly technology. The C9 faceted lights are designed to embellish homes with a mix of tradition and innovation. The C9 LED string lights come with Twinkly’s patented smart light technology to create the most captivating holiday display.
The C9 come in two lengths 12 or 24 metres (40 and 80ft). The C9 are www.twinkly.com at the MSRP of £99.99 for the 12 metres and 40 LEDs model, while the 24 metres and 80 LEDs variant comes at the suggested MSRP of £189.99.
Be it a content creator filmmaker you need lights, how many will vary and this to some extent is an overkill for me however will be used and going forward with plans will be part of the set-up and you could consider this rather affordable start up cost for a small producer I might ad as some kits run into the thousands. This one the ZHIYUN MOLUS G200 Video Light will set you back 400 euro but it is worth the money and portable and everything comes in a cool travel case saving space time and keeps all the kit in one place.
Probably an overkill for me however the light output is fantastic as you will see in the video demo below and alongside the app makes it simple to use and it can certainly give you the light required to focus on a subject or area, the app allows you to control the lights as well as the controls on the device itself which for me is a better option so the light can be placed anywhere and for the user standing back away from it can get a better idea of the brightness situation rather than being behind it which gives you a better look from both perspectives.
There are two fans on the device and yes it can be warm around it,these fans are silent more or less and emit no noise which is important for most using this I would imagine having such a big output, The ZHIYUN MOLUS G200 boasts a peak output of up to 200W under normal usage, with a one-press MAX Extreme mode that delivers a staggering peak output of up to 300W.
Three modes for professional scenes
Normal mode: Simply turn on the light using the conventional switch. Live mode: Automatically turns on as soon as it’s powered on. You can sync multiple lights with a single power source.
Music mode: The built-in radio port flashes synchronously according to the ambient sound volume.
The App
The ZY Vega App supports Bluetooth Mesh networking, allowing for remote dimming and quick switching of presets. Achieving professional lighting on any film set or studio is effortless and convenient.
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Features
Powerful, steadfast illumination
At peak brightness, G200 offers: 9460 Lux (without reflector); 61500 Lux with ZHIYUN’s standard reflector (at 1m). In MAX Extreme mode it offers: 13800 Lux (1m, without standard reflector) 85800 Lux (1m, with ZHIYUN standard reflector). CCT (colour correlated temperature) range is excellent: 2700K – 6500K. A colour rendering index (CRI) of ≥95 and a television light consistency index (TLCI) of ≥97 make for accurate rendition of the subject’s colours.
Three lighting modes = exciting visual experiences
In normal mode, you can turn on the light and adjust the brightness to your desired level. Live mode automatically turns on as soon as it’s powered on. Music mode syncs your lighting with music beats to create a dynamic and immersive experience for your audience.
Accessories and apps for full creative control
The G200 comes with a stand with 180° flexibility: the stand’s 180° adjustable arm and full-range rotation capabilities, making it easy to adapt to any setting. The stand has a universal lighting umbrella slot for added convenience. The G200 is compatible with the Bowens mount accessories by ZHIYUN and other Bowens accessories. In addition, ZHIYUN’s ZY Vega app: supports Bluetooth Mesh networking, allowing for remote dimming and quick switching between presets, allowing for professional lighting results on any film set or studio.
• One-press MAX Extreme Mode for 300W Peak Output
• DynaVort Cooling System™
• 180° flexible support for full adjustment
• Easily equipped with a variety of light control accessories
• Three Modes for professional scenes：Normal mode, Live mode, Music mode
ZHIYUN has been part of our review channel for some years now with their equipment that we use on a daily basis and we have some other products in for review from them so stay tuned for those coming soon, today we are here to talk about the FIVERAY V60 light wand combo pack which gives you control over the tone you need for the subject you will be focussing on.
This is a less expensive version of similar lights we have reviewed such as the FIVERAY F100 stick light and the FR100C light stick which are also great tools to have at your disposal which cater in other ways compared to this one and it is great to see that the company does offer different solutions for different needs. Both those previous models had colour options as you will see in the reviews and had some cool features.
This model is less complicated to use and again portable or can be placed on a tripod to set the tone, you could use two or more of these in a scene or just one like what we will be basing our review on which is plenty for now in my set up.
If you do plan to use a tripod and want it vertical you will need a strong one as it will be top heavy
Once set up this is simple to use, really simple you have two dials to adjust your needs as you will see in the video below, this for me is ideal to focus on one point but others may be more useful in certain settings, this not only provides multiple light modes but also music modes too. See the video for a hands on look at what to expect.
Features
• Compact and portable design, only 1.96lb
• True-to-life colors, CRI≧96
• MAX mode 100W, fill light wherever
• Use while charging, easy charging with DC/PD adapter
• Multiple light effects & music modes, ideal ambiance created instantly
Quntis is a brand who have simple affordable lighting solutions for your home or office inside and out, we have tested several over the years and their latest edition is one for gamers and those who just use their pc/laptop at home or in the office, this is a well built product and simple to use which is great. It is a slender bar that just sits on top of your pc/laptop and you are in full control of what way to use it so if you are a gamer or just a casual user or even both this is ideal for you to get your work done.
This is more aimed at gamers but regular users can also use this and it is even better if your keyboard is not backlit as it can shine the right amount of light down on the keys and you can control the light temperature and it does not effect your eyes either.
If you are a gamer you are in for more of a treat as it emits RGB lights from the rear or front whichever suits you nest as it can be changed to suit your requirements. What is also notable about this the light will not take over the whole room, just your space you are in which again would suit many people and you will not be disturbing anyone else in the same room as it will not light the entire room and just your own personal space with cool lighting effects.
There is one control each end of the bar and it is simple to change the colour tones and brightness here so it is really a plug in a go solution for your lighting needs, check out the video below on what you will get.
Quntis RGB bar demos
Features
【Professional Eye Protection Screen Light】Quntis eye protection reading light has passed the IEC62471 light radiation safety, IEC62778, and TUV anti blue light certification standards, with LED>700Lux, CRI>95, and no flashing. The monitor light bar has a unique 45% asymmetric optical design, which illuminates the entire office area without directly shining into the eyes and avoiding glare reflected on the screen, thus protecting the eyes.
【Vivid Gaming Experience】Dual light source screen light bar with monitor lamp and RGB backlight you can control 15 RGB modes through the touch button (tap：turn on/switch modes, long press：turn off) to experience immersive gaming and watching movies. After illuminating the RGB monitor backlight, it can also reduce the light difference and play a role in protecting the eyes.
【Memory Function+sensitive Touch】Quntis computer light will automatically store, and when the display monitor lamp is opened, it will restore the last set brightness and RGB backlight without resetting. The screen lights are controlled by the left button. Short press to turn on and adjust the three color temperatures（warm, cold, natural）. Two short presses can adjust the brightness（25%, 50%, 100%）. Long press to turn off.
【Stable Suspension】Computer monitor light bar use an exclusive patented electrostatic sticker weight increasing spherical clamp, suitable for all 1-3cm thick displays【not including curved displays and Laptops】. Flexible soft stickers do not harm the screen, easy to install and more stable than other clips.
【Rest Assured Use】We use lightweight and impact resistant aluminum alloy as the material for screen lights. The integrated control IC 5050 light source is energy-saving and environmentally friendly, long life over 10000 hours. In addition, Quntis LED light bar not only has excellent eye protection effects, but it is also very suitable for entertainment. If you are a long-term computer user, office worker, game or music anchor, then this gaming light will definitely bring you surprises.
The camera looked and felt solid, slightly heavier than many used before at 220g, which is relevant when connected to a laptop. The kit came with an effective manual private shutter with a USB Type-C port and white light on when the camera is in use. The included Microphone had a Pickup Range of 6m and was not obtrusive in the form of a camera. The camera is quoted as a 4K Real-Time Auto-Tracking webcam.
Image Noise Reduction 2D&3D Digital noise reduction
Microphone Electret Microphone Pickup Range6m
USB Protocol
Operating System Windows WIN 10 or above MacOSmacOS 10.10 and above
Compatibility :
Setup and use,
The software is standard in terms of download fromhttps://www.coolpo.io/resources/download-coolpotools with options for Mac or Windows. This was used on a Windows laptop which resulted in a Microsoft firewall wanting to block the installation and a separate Antivirus package doing similar. ( the software was double-checked, but no instances of any risks were noted rather a compatibility related to anti-virus software )
The kit works directly from the box by plugging into the USB port on the laptop, but the Coolpotools software allows advanced features in terms of turning the AI on / off. This included the Frame Master (Group and Individual Mode) and Division Master with 4K video conference solutions and a 120-degree Field of View (FOV).
Warranty 1 year
Conclusion:
The kit came in a nice packing with the key features displayed on the box. The supplied setup guide was clear and concise, while the manual on testing on a Windows laptop did not allow the downloading of the manuals, the software Coolpotoolsetup download caused 2 separate anti-virus packages to pop warning messages; both were found to be a false alarm which may need the manufacturers to work with the software vendors. The software was easy to set up and use and gave an extra multitude of features.
Typically, many manufacturers use the term AI in their software with little to show what it does. The AI Huddle Mini light had a WOW feeling to the AI option when tested on the screen to move around the room and attempts to trick the software using the face of a teddy bear; this clearly distinguished the difference and had the faster response time I have seen on other webcams. The audio was surprisingly good, having used it at a distance from the unit on numerous calls.
Overall a pleasure to use; while there are slight niggles on the website, testing of the software and the lack of a carry case if carrying in a laptop bag etc., The AI 4 x Digital Zoom 4K@30fps Real-Time Auto-Tracking webcam has been the best / fastest camera I have seen to follow the presenter on a call; Group Framing was good with the adjustable microphone pickup with a range of 6m to provide noticeable audio quality.
If we had to choose a single image that represents our lifestyles in this century, we would most certainly choose one in which smartphones or computers play a starring role. “On average,” says Jakub Odcházel, head optician at Lentiamo.ie, “we spend around 7 hours in front of a screen every day, a significant amount of time that puts strain on our eyes. Unfortunately, we often aren’t able to reduce this figure by much, if at all.”
As a result of prolonged screen use, symptoms that are collectively referred to as Computer Vision Syndrome, or CVS, are becoming increasingly prevalent. Among the most common symptoms are:
Decreased or blurred vision
Burning or excessive tearing
Increased sensitivity to light
Headaches
Backaches and neck stiffness
What can be done to prevent these discomforts?
The opticians and optometrists at Lentiamo offer five practices to implement into your routine that can reduce the chances of suffering during screen time.
1) Choose high-performance monitors and position them correctly
Not only should they be adequately sized and offer good resolution (24’’ with a resolution of 1920×1200), computer screens must also be positioned so as not to harm the neck, back or eyes. The ideal distance between a user and monitor should be between 50 and 80 centimetres. Ideally, the top of the screen should be positioned in line with the eyes.
2) Reduce glare
Light reflected off a screen can force your eyes to work harder and can cause increased sensitivity. Insufficient contrast between letters and background colours can also have the same effect. To combat glare, position your monitor to avoid glare, reduce any harsh environmental lighting, choose low-watt bulbs for desk lamps, and even consider an anti-glare filter for your screen.
3) Take small breaks
To limit fatigue, take a break every 20 minutes to look away from your monitor and focus on something at least 20 feet (about six metres) away for at least 20 seconds. This simple exercise won’t greatly impact your workflow and will give your eyes a chance to rest.
4) Moisturise your eyes
We tend to blink less frequently when using screens. As a result, the chance of developing dry eye syndrome increases. To mitigate this effect, it’s recommended to use eye drops as well as ensure your environment has adequate moisture levels in the air, particularly during sleep.
5) Use glasses or contact lenses with a blue light filter
Computer glasses are designed with a specialised filter to minimise the impact that blue light from screens has on our eyes. They’ve been shown to effectively reduce eye fatigue and improve visual focus, comfort and contrast. As a result, you can maintain higher levels of concentration throughout the day. Computer glasses may even have a positive impact on sleep quality. Additionally, some contact lenses feature Transitions Light Intelligent technology that quickly adapts to changes in light, reducing stress on your eyes when transitioning between natural and artificial lighting. These lens models also provide protection against blue light emitted by computers and smartphones, as well as offer UV protection.
Last year you might remember the FR100C from Zhiyun which is a really cool light to have at your disposal and you can check out the review of that here, this time around we have their new FIVERAY F100 stick light which is similar but has more on offer this time around when it comes to features and so on and comes in a really cool travel case too so for those who need portability you have got it and not only that you keep the device protected and out of harms way.
ZHIYUN’s FIVERAY F100 is the second professional lighting stick in its FIVERAY product range, bringing power, portability and accurate colour rendition in one versatile tool. Weighing just 950g, F100 is designed for one-handed control and comfort, offering a pro lighting solution without the need for complicated set-up or setting adjustment. The lighting tool reaches 20,708 lux at its 100W maximum power. Embedded with 5 times more LED chips, F100 gives you ultra-bright output compared to similar-sized lights. F100 offers six creative lighting effects that help build up the atmosphere easily when inspiration strikes.
The unit is a solid well built product and has barn doors this time around and an additional filter and cap to add to the mix and the brand is all about professional tech here for filming and vlogging etc and they have all the tools required for such people and from testing these products ourselves we can easily recommend them for your needs and the lates tkit is no different,perhaps a bit of an overkill for my set-up but it does enhance the game and gives me the opportunity to do better things and the same applies to others doing similar.
Again it is a simple product to use with no app and a simple control wheel to change the lighting experience which offers a wide range of colours and tones to work with making it the right tool for the job in any situation. There is also an app coming soon for this which will make it even more interesting, check out the video below for a full walkthrough of all the features and what to expect.
Features
【Classic & Portable 】Weighted only 950g/2.1lb, the upgraded stick light packed with excellent features fits perfectly in your hand, offering lighting solutions without complicated settings and setups.
【100W High Power & Innovative Cooling System】Embedded with 5 times more LED chips, F100 gives you ultra-bright output compared to the same-sized lights. Adopts inventive DynaVort Cooling System based on fluid dynamics and the dynamic algorithm.
【CCT Mode and HSI Mode for Pro RGB】Offers precise adjustment of color temperature in CCT Mode via the intuitive dial. CCT Range: 2700K-6200K. Increased to 148 RGB chips and help improves the lighting effect two times brighter than the predecessor.
【Inspiration Glows Non-Stop】6 built-in 2600mAh batteries ensure 1 hour 4 mins runtime at 50W working power. Supports Types-C charging. The adaptive charging technology satisfies PD power adapters of different power for both high power for both high power and long runtime scenarios.
【Get Intuitive And Precise Control】Nail every shoot in various scenarios such as live streaming, interviewing,TVC, vlogging, and close-up portraits.
Looking for a small pocketable light for the house or travel look no further than one the latest products from ZHIYUN which is the FIVERAY M40 pocket fill light is all you will need, this can be anywhere be it at home in the office or like me who stays in hotels quite often and does reviews there where the lighting in general is terrible in rooms most of the time with dim lights to give you some kind of brightness which to be fair I understand.
This is well built and robust and simple to use to which makes even more a product that should be on your radar if you are in the market for such, there is a port to charge via USB-C and this is covered by a swivel type cover that also protects the two wheels to control the brightness and colour temperature and there is 4 LED lights on one side to give you a status of the charge.
This is about the size of an old styled camera and looks like one in some instances and has fans all round to let the heat out and you can see the vents throughout the product and has a nice bit of heft to it too but again will fit in a pocket or travel tech bag which is what I tend to use not taking up much space. As I do travel a lot I keep things to a minimal and this certainly will be a perfect edition to my bag now filling a void that was always an issue but not only that this makes any working space super bright and you can control it to your needs without the need for additional stands and so on and this also can be mounted on a tripod or existing bar or light stand that suits. Check out the video below for more.
The palm-sized ZHIYUN M40 360° fill light epitomises simplicity and utility. Based on the attitude-control algorithm applied on gimbals, DynaVort technology enables better heat dispersion, allows for smaller fans, and therefore, a compact device without compromising on its 40W power. Products of a similar size currently only give 5-13W of power. Weighing only 320g, it fits neatly in pockets, looks stylish and is the ultra portable illumination companion for videographers, whether amateur or professional.
Features
【Tiny but Professional】With a palm size and only 320g that fits well in pockets and looks chic on your desk, providing 360° fill light with 40W peak illuminance.
【14000 Lux, Ultra-Bright】Embedded with 176 LED chips that bring an incredible peak illuminance of 14000 lux, M40 rivals the key light provided by bigger equipment.
【Dual Wheels Design】Precise dimming of color temperature and brightness is available via two separate wheels. Offer adjustable dual color temperature ranging from 2700 to 6200k that enables power output peaks at 40W with no strobes.
【Simplified Setup】The adjustable stand of M40 extends possibilities for various occasions, while two 1/4″ screw holes allow the M40 to be mounted on a tripod or light stand.
【Adaptive Charging Technology】M40 supports a 50W PD fast charge protocol that allows real-time charging.
Overall this is a powerful simple to use effective product which is now part of one of my home set-ups..
The tapo is a brand well known to techbuzz as part of the tp-link family. The box briefly gave a clear picture of the features, compatible and a UK support address listed while option to use in a variety of languages available. The QR code is displayed for ease of downloading the app with clear images of the actual light strip visible to highlight the catch phrase “Full colour ambiance for every occasion”
Contents
Tapo Smart Light Strip (Tapo L900-5)
Power Adapter
Quick Start Guide
Setup and use:
Download the tapo app via the QR code, set up an account with easily guided instructions on screen on the app. Once setup the latency is negligible in changing colours on the unit with a variety of options throughout the menu structure. Note when connection to the Wi-Fi only use – Wi-Fi Frequency: 2.4 GHz
Setting up the unit to e.g Alexa worked as expected, adding a skill, and linking this to the tapo app. The Alexa option allowed voice control to turn off or on, but not the option to change the colours via voice control. Overall, this worked well either via the phone app, tactical control, or voice control .
Niggles:
The design in terms of software and functionality works well but in terms of out of the box experience having a black plug going into a white cable on off switch (AKA Tactical Control which is the controller box to manipulate the Light Strip. This allows the unit to be turned / off / on, reset the Light Strip and change the current colours.) looks completely out of sync, and again TP prefers to use a proprietary plug which gives no value to a user. The connection to the cables which again has seen similar in other brands is fiddle and does little justice to the unit.
Conclusion:
The biggest concern for any products of this nature for future proofing is not the 50000 hours lifespan rather the software upgrades and compatibility that happen over time. Many products as with smart phones are obsolete in a few years as happens with lots of technology. The unit has a variety of uses from the obvious colour changes, linking to music or and an extra security deterrent via the use of schedules to set your light to automatically turn on and off.
The family of tp link, tapo may be at a higher level in terms of cost, which is made up for in terms of quality, support and expected future updates and compatibility. An example of this support was a question asked by techbuzz via the tapo app was submitted to Tapo at 5:45 pm on a Sunday evening and a tailored response was received back by 7:39Am on Monday via their TP-Link Technical Support, no subscription was signed up to. This higher level of support with its combined app setup stands out on a product, albeit a few personal niggles, notwithstanding the product does what it’s supposed to do, connected and is certainly a unit to give colour and ambiance to an occasion.
