Amaran has rolled out a new line of lights called the Ray, and the 660C model is a real standout. This 660-watt point-source light with a Bowens mount packs a punch, bringing Aputure-level color accuracy to a more budget-friendly option.
- Impressive Power and Output: The 660C is powerful enough for various lighting setups, even at low intensity settings.
- Excellent Color Accuracy: Features an "omni-color" engine that rivals high-end lights, with SSI scores of 86 at 3200K and 82 at 5500K.
- Quiet Operation: The fan is incredibly quiet, making it suitable for dialogue-heavy shoots.
- Durable and Weather-Resistant: IP54 rated, meaning it's splash and dust resistant.
- User-Friendly Controls: Offers manual control, a great app with NFC pairing, and optional DMX compatibility.
- Smart Design: Integrated power supply on the 660C and 330C models eliminates extra power bricks.
- Innovative "FlowTurn" Knob: A motorized knob that makes adjusting settings faster and more intuitive.
- Great Value: Offers professional-level features at a price point accessible to many creators and smaller studios.
Bridging the Gap in the Lighting Market
Amaran and Aputure, though related, have carved out different niches. Aputure aims for the high-end professional market, producing lights built for extreme durability and demanding sets. Amaran, on the other hand, focuses on affordability while still incorporating advanced features and good color accuracy.
The Ray line, especially the 660C, seems to hit a sweet spot, offering professional-grade performance without the professional-grade price tag.
This light is perfect for those of us who operate in the middle ground – not quite the massive Hollywood productions, but beyond the typical solo creator setup. Think corporate video departments, small studios, or even freelancers who need reliable, high-quality lighting without breaking the bank. The 660C is powerful enough that I lit this entire video with it, positioned about two meters away at a low intensity setting, and the results are fantastic.
Color Accuracy and Performance
One of the most impressive aspects of the Ray 660C is its color accuracy. It uses a new "omni-color" lighting engine that mixes multiple LED colors to achieve a broad spectral output.
This engine is designed to mimic the color rendering of natural light sources, something many LEDs struggle with. The metrics back this up, showing SSI scores very close to those of Aputure's high-end lights. This means you get reliable and pleasing skin tones and accurate color reproduction, which is vital for any video production.
Even with the fan running, the light is remarkably quiet, which is a huge plus when you're recording dialogue. You won't have to worry about distracting fan noise in your audio.
Built for Real-World Use
The Ray 660C comes with an IP54 rating, meaning it's resistant to splashes and dust. This adds a layer of confidence when shooting in less-than-ideal conditions, like a light drizzle. While it's not waterproof, it's certainly more robust than many other lights in its price range.
Control is also a breeze. You have the standard controls on the light itself, but the Amaran app offers more flexibility. What's really neat is the NFC pairing. You can simply hold your phone near the light, and it pairs instantly. This makes setting up multiple lights much faster, even if they're powered off.
For those who need it, DMX control is also an option, though it requires a separate USB-C to DMX dongle. This is a smart move by Amaran, as it keeps the base price down for users who don't need wired DMX, while still offering the capability for studio setups.
Smart Features and Design
A standout feature across the Ray lineup is the "FlowTurn" knob. Instead of just a standard dial, this knob is motorized. You can spin it rapidly to get close to your desired setting, then tap it to stop and fine-tune. It's a surprisingly useful innovation that makes adjustments quicker and more intuitive.
The 660C also boasts an integrated power supply. This means no separate power brick to manage, just a simple IEC cable connecting the light to the wall. This clean setup is a welcome change from the usual tangle of cables and accessories.
Comparing to the Aputure Storm Series
While the Ray 660C shares DNA with Aputure, it's important to understand the differences, especially when compared to the Aputure Storm series. The Storm lights are built like tanks, designed for the rigors of constant production use, with all-metal construction and a locking Bowens mount. They also feature separate power boxes that can accommodate cine batteries for portable power.
The Ray 660C, while still very well-built with a high-density plastic casing, isn't quite as rugged as the Storm. It also lacks the locking Bowens mount and cine battery power options. However, these differences are what allow Amaran to offer the 660C at a more accessible price point.
For many creators and smaller studios, the build quality of the Ray 660C is more than sufficient, and the integrated power supply and lack of unnecessary features (like wired DMX on the base model) make it a more practical and cost-effective choice.
Final Thoughts
The Amaran Ray 660C is a fantastic light that punches well above its weight class. It offers excellent color accuracy, impressive power, quiet operation, and smart features, all at a price that makes professional-level lighting more attainable.
If you're looking for a versatile and reliable light that bridges the gap between entry-level and high-end professional gear, the Ray 660C is definitely worth considering.
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