Are there any affordable products with those "real sun-like diodes"?

From Aputure

[RGBWW vs. RGABCL] Hey guys, Ted here. I am seeing a lot of misinformation out there on the topic of RGBACL vs. RGBWW, so here is some data, plain and simple. This lays out exactly why when given the option, we choose RGBWW. But to start, here are the SSI scores between the ARRI Orbiter and Prolycht Orion 300 FS, which are both RGBACL lights.

ARRI Orbiter (@ 10% Intensity)

• 5600k: 75 SSI
• 3200k: 84 SSI

Prolycht Orion 300 FS (@ 10% Intensity)

• 5600k: 66 SSI
• 3200k: 75 SSI

Note: Not all RGBACL lights are the same. Just as we know that all single color LEDs are not the same in quality, we need to remember that diode selection has a significant impact as we can see in the difference in SSI scores above.

To be clear, these are two fixtures that have already been released on the market and cannot be improved upon (unless either company wants to change their color science again). You can do these tests yourself.

RGBWW produces a Better Spectrum. To go one step further, here are the SSI scores we tested of the Aputure LS 600c Pro vs. the ARRI Orbiter vs. the Prolycht Orion 675 FS. The 675 FS reading was taken on the NAB 2022 show floor where yes, I admit that light pollution can be an issue. But the results did not change much, and our process was consistent: 1m in distance on the show floor, 10% intensity and black photo tape snoot to block ambient light. The testing device was a Sekonic C-7000.

ARRI Orbiter (@ 10% Intensity)

• 5600k: 75 SSI
• 3200k: 84 SSI

Aputure LS 600c Pro @ NAB 2022 (@ 10% Intensity)

• 5600k: 72 SSI
• 3200k: 85 SSI

Prolycht Orion 675 @ NAB 2022 (@ 10% Intensity)

• 5600k: 69 SSI
• 3200k: 79 SSI

SSI measures Color Fidelity. Specifically the area of the difference between the spectrum of a source and "perfect" version of the light standard. It is the highest testing standard beyond CRI and TLCI. SSI measures the actual spectrum itself and is what the scientific community refers to for the accuracy of claims.

This means that the LS 600c and RGBWW produce better skin tones, which we chose because 90% of the time filmmakers use these fixtures to light people and faces, not buildings and architecture. You will also note that in our tests, the color performance of the Aputure 600c is similar to the Orbiter. That said, that difference in SSI is marginal and reinventing this system takes a lot of time. So why did we choose RGBWW? I talked about this in interviews, but here it is again.

Color Matching Across Fixtures. Most lights do not match between brands. You can try this for yourself. Dial in any HSI number to two different fixtures and look at the difference. With multiple color engines, this problem will occur with lights even from the same brand. Yes, software can be used to match between fixtures on a point-by-point basis or via an algorithm. However, this will still not cover transitions and colors will drift any time that you want to have your lights change in unison.

Actual RGBACL Benefits. The only place where RGBACL does benefit over RGBWW is in the saturation of a few colors. However, this comes at the direct expense of brightness (light generated by the phosphor of blue diodes has the highest efficiency of any LED), and remember, the engine itself does not improve color fidelity or SSI.

Do Your Own Tests. In the comments, I will post all of these readings again plus additional charts if you would like to see them.

If you're here at NAB, bring a meter and feel free to do these tests for yourself. We have one more day here tomorrow and will also be at Cinegear. We can help facilitate whatever additional testing you would like to see.