Build and Setup
The SL1 200BNA is bright, lightweight and easy to set up. Its all-plastic build, including what appears to be a plastic Bowens mount, feels sturdy enough for studio use but requires gentle handling. The fixture handled a Light Dome-style softbox during testing, though smaller modifiers and barn doors are a safer match.
Controls are straightforward: dials adjust brightness and CCT, with a quick-press for 20% jumps. The light also offers four dimming curves and ten effects, though some (like Welding) feel underwhelming.
The Lumin+ app provides remote control, but requires an account. Features like preset saving and multi-lamp control work smoothly, though the music sync mode remains impractical.
Color and Performance
Color accuracy is solid, with SSI scores of 91 at 3200K and 83 at daylight. For comparison, the Amaran 200x S scored 90 at daylight. Both lights produce pleasing skin tones, though Amaran has a slight edge in daylight performance.
Brightness is more than sufficient for key light use, even at modest output settings. Flicker appeared below 10% brightness in high-frame-rate shooting, but above that the image was stable.
Cooling and Noise
One advantage for iFootage is fan control. The unit includes Auto, Quiet and Ultra-Quiet modes. In lower modes, noise was barely audible, making it a strong choice for sound-sensitive environments. The caveat: Auto can kick the fan on mid-take, potentially noticeable on microphones.
Verdict
At $369, the iFootage SL1 200BNA delivers strong color accuracy, useful fan control and an easy learning curve, though its plastic build and simpler app ecosystem may give some buyers pause. The Amaran 200x S still edges ahead with a sturdier feel, better app support, and a lower price.
Studio creators who value quiet operation may find the iFootage worth the small premium. For everyone else, the Amaran remains the more versatile pick.
