Wetpixel Live: Keldan 8XR and RTC1 review with Natalie Gibb

@adamhanlon joins cave explorer and underwater image maker @Natalie Gibb in the jungle for this episode of Wetpixel Live. Natalie has been testing the new Keldan 8XR lights and the RC1 ultrasonic remote control and they discuss how the combination has performed, and the creative opportunities that  having true remote control of off-camera lights offers.

Thanks for the overview.
I think there is a real problem in the market, that everyone can write specs as they pleased. Weefine said they have now a 13000 lm lamp with CRI of 95. I don't know of anyone who is able to test these claims. 

Would be nice to know if Keldan is really worth the money or maybe just a luxus brand. Or if they pick the best parts for the best possible light and this just drives the price. 

9 hours ago, JYk said:

Thanks for the overview.
I think there is a real problem in the market, that everyone can write specs as they pleased. Weefine said they have now a 13000 lm lamp with CRI of 95. I don't know of anyone who is able to test these claims. 

Would be nice to know if Keldan is really worth the money or maybe just a luxus brand. Or if they pick the best parts for the best possible light and this just drives the price. 

I don't think you need to worry about the accuracy of the quoted lumen/CRI figures. From my experience and testing, they're mostly accurate, or within a 10% margin that you're not going to notice. Is that chinese light really 18k lumens? Maybe not, maybe it's 15k. But that's not really a practical difference. We're talking about 1/6th of a stop difference. For all intents and purposes, a 18k and 15k light serve the same purpose.

The real difference between Keldan and less 'famous' brands is not about the specs so much as it is about the ergonomics, build quality and support network. That's what you're paying extra for.

And some innovation, too, like the wireless remote control. None of the cheaper lights offer such options.