On the eve of NAB in Las Vegas, LED light manufacturer Aputure has announced its new flagship STORM XT52 Video Light.
Designed around the company’s revolutionary BLAIR light engine, the Storm XT52 promises to deliver exceptionally accurate white light as well as color adjustability that covers the majority of the HDR color space.
Image Credit – Aputure
“We set out to create the most powerful point source LED in the industry,” said Ted Sim, President and Co-Founder of Aputure. “Customers have been asking us to unlock the color potential of BLAIR, and the customer is always right.
So, we added a Limited HSIC+ control and XY mode, allowing users to fully utilize the XT52’s capabilities. Now, the STORM XT52 can not only replicate daylight but also deliver the vibrant colors of a late afternoon sunset.
No other light can achieve this at this level.”
Image Credit – Aputure
Designed to function as a powerful 6K HMI light, the STORM XT52 utilizes the BLAIR Light Engine, offering tunable white light outputs in the range of 2500-10000 CCT.
The light features full +/- green tint control and can display saturated colors, covering over 70% of the Rec 2020 color space, thanks to the Limited HSIC+ and XY modes.
The light has a CRI/TLCI rating of >96 and an SSI rating of 87/86. And Aputure is so satisfied with the BLAIR Engine expansion that it will release a free firmware update for the STORM 1200x, integrating Limited HSIC+ into that light as well.
Image Credit – Aputure
Aputure proudly claims no other light in this category matches its brightness and color capability.
The light also includes an Indigo emitter that outputs near UV, creating a natural fluorescence in people and objects, effectively mimicking both natural daylight and tungsten light.
The Aputure STORM lights are the first in the industry to feature this technology.
Image Credit – Aputure
In addition to best-in-class color illumination, the XT52 boasts impressive brightness, rated at 41200 Lux at a distance of 5 meters when used with the included 35° reflector.
Users can further increase brightness levels through Aputure’s optional reflector set, which includes 20°, 25°, and 50° options. Its third-generation HyperDrive power system ensures zero flicker at any color above 20% brightness.
Image Credit – Aputure
Built to withstand various weather conditions with an IP65 rating, the STORM XT52 offers robust construction while remaining lightweight, making it suitable for a wide range of productions.
The lamp head weighs just 27.7 kilograms, while the control box is a mere 13 kilograms, allowing one person to easily lift and position it atop a standard crank stand.
The light also supports optional modifiers, including the CF16 Compact Fresnel with an adjustable beam of 20-62°, as well as Aputure’s new multi-optic CF12 Fresnel.
Another option is the STORM Parallel Beam 70, a super-narrow 5° Cassegrain dual mirror reflector designed for an intense, focused beam with attractive shadow quality and double the brightness of other options.
Showcased at NAB
The retail price is listed on Aputure’s website as $13,100; however, currently, B&H lists the light for $10,500, or a $10,990 kit, which includes Dual Flight Lamp Head and Control Box cases.
Aputure will showcase the STORM XT52 and its variety of accessories at booth N2959 during the annual NAB Show in Las Vegas from April 6-9, 2025.
[source: APUTURE]
Order Links:
- Aputure STORM XT52 Point-Source Full-White LED Monolight (B&H)
- Aputure STORM XT52 Point-Source Full-White LED Monolight Dual Flight Case Kit (B&H)
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