Our experience with Aputure Amaran AL-H160 with CR195+

What’s great about photography gadgets is when there is a technological enhancement in the gadget which brings forth a better photography experience. We have previously reviewed the Aputure Amaran LED Video Light (AL 160) here. Now, the manufacturer has enhanced the LED Video Light with a new CRI 95+ technology.

The Aputure Amaran AL-H160 with CR195+

CRI or color rendering index is a quantitative measure of the ability of a light source to reproduce the colors of various objects faithfully in comparison with an ideal or natural light source. As the CRI is rated on a scale of 0 to 100 (the higher CRI the better), a CRI of 95 is considered to be excellent and are used for tasks and projects that require a high degree of colour discrimination. Therefore, the newly enhanced Aputure LED Video Light with the new CRI 95+ technology is definitely an interesting enhancement for those who require better colour accuracy and colour reproduction.

The newly enhanced Aputure LED Video Light provides for a more colour balanced lighting. The more improved colour rendering results in better photo and video lighting. The better LED lighting successfully provides for a more natural lighting too. It certainly retains all the advantages of the original model besides giving it an additional edge in colour reproduction.

In the box of Aputure Amaran AL-H160 with CR195+

What we like about this product:
- Better colour rendering that comes close to daylight (we’re talking about CRI 95+!)
- More colour balanced lighting and natural lighting
- Maintains good colour temperature
- Provides an additional advantage for colour critical application
- Retains all advantages of original model while giving it an edge in colour reproduction

What we dislike about this product:
- Higher battery consumption
- Would be better if it can be plugged into power outlet for continuous lighting like the AL-528W

If you want better controls and colour accuracy, it’s a good idea to grab this enhanced version of the Aputure LED Video Light!

What you can do with the Aputure Trigmaster Family Product

1. Act as a wireless flash trigger 
What you need:
- Aputure Trigmaster set
Can only trigger same brand of flash and camera body. For additional flash just need to add RM65 for the receiver!
- Aputure Trigmaster Plus + Aputure Trigmaster receiver only
Can trigger different brand of flash at the same time + support wake up function on the flash. For additional flash just need to add RM65 for the receiver!
- Aputure Trigmaster Plus + Aputure Trigmaster Plus
Can trigger different brand of flash at the same time + support wake up function on the flash.

 2. Act as a wireless remote shutter
What you need:
- Aputure Trigmaster set
- Aputure Trigmaster Plus + Aputure Trigmaster receiver only
- Aputure Trigmaster Plus + Aputure Trigmaster Plus

3. Act as a wired remote shutter 
What you need:
- Aputure Trigmaster set
- Aputure Trigmaster Plus

FAQ
Can I trigger the camera shutter wirelessly as well as the flash wireless at the same time?
Yes, you can with the options below:

Option 1 - Trigmaster Plus + Trigmaster set (one transmitter + one receiver) 
- Mount one Trigmaster Plus on your body hotshoe + cable attach to the body.
Mount the flash on Trigmaster set receiver. Use the Trigmaster set transmitter as the transmitter to trigger both the camera + flash wirelessly.

Option 2 - Trigmaster Plus x 3 units 
- Mount one Trigmaster Plus on your body hotshoe + cable attach to the body.
Mount the flash on Trigmaster Plus. Use one Trigmaster Plus as the transmitter to trigger both the camera + flash wirelessly.

Benefit of Option 2 over Option 1: Supports wake function. Can trigger different brand of flashes at the same time!

Our experience with Aputure Trigmaster Plus 2.4G

Conventionally, when we want to use a camera flash or strobe trigger together with a wireless remote shutter, we will need to set up one system for the wireless flash and another system for the wireless remote shutter. We will typically require one transmitter and one receiver to trigger the shutter on the camera. Then, a second transmitter will be placed on the camera’s hotshoe to trigger the camera flash. This can be very costly and troublesome.

Now, we have found a simpler and better way to trigger the camera flashes and shutter remote wirelessly at the same time. Introducing the Aputure Trigmaster Plus 2.4Ghz which embodies both the transmitter and receiver built in one unit. In comparison with the Pocket Wizard Plus II transceivers, it works in similar ways but cost less than half the price. Best of all, each Aputure Trigmaster Plus comes with PC Sync cable, 3.5mm cable for studio light, camera model cable and batteries too!

The hotshoes on the transceivers and receivers makes it possible for the flashes to be mounted directly onto the Aputure Trigmaster Plus. It features an interlink system where you can now use a single transceiver at the remote camera which will trigger both the camera & the remote flashes! If you have a few units of the Aputure Trigmaster Plus, you can actually mount one on the camera’s hotshoe, one on the flash and use the other as a wireless remote. This will trigger the camera to take shoot, whilst the one on the hotshoe would trigger the other receivers to fire the flash.

Throughout the period of our usage, we found that the flashes fired really well with no interference. There was no misfiring as well. It can also fire up to a long range of 100m with no problems.

On a parting note, the Aputure has another range of transmitter and receiver unit called the Aputure Trigmaster which comes in as a pack of trigger and receiver. It is brand specific and you can only trigger a canon flash using a canon trigmaster. As for the Aputure Trigmaster Plus, which is a transceiver, it can be used across the brands where the unit can be used on a Canon, Nikon, or Olympus body and flash. Both the Aputure and Aputure Trigmaster Plus can be used together.

What we like about this product: 
- Pocket size
- Relatively cheaper than other alternatives within this functionality
- Autofocus support for remote cameras - Can trigger different brands of speedlights
- Can support a lot of channels
- Can awaken flashes from sleeping mode
- Reliable triggering
- Transmitting distance of 100m

What we dislike about this product: 
- No test button

In the next series of our blog, we will update on what you can do with the Aputure Trigmaster Family Product.

More information about the Aputure Trigmaster Plus here.

Using the Aputure Amaran LED Video Light

Find out what you can do with the Aputure Amaran! View original video from Aputure here: :)

Our experience with Aputure Amaran LED Video Light (AL 160)

Here's a cool gadget to add on to your spread of gear. Get the Matrix LED lighting, introduced by Aputure Photo Tech Co recently. Called Amaran, the video lights come in three versions, the 126, 160 and 198 LED bulbs per light.

The Amaran on our DSLR camera.

We know...the name Amaran sounds like "Warning" to Malaysians and perhaps rightly so...because you'd be amazed by how this gadget can be a solution for your lighting issues. Built with high quality imported light and IC technology, this gadget can be used on your HDSLR or video camera. When it is set on full power, it can brightly light up the room. The brightness can be adjusted to your liking using the brightness adjustment wheel so there are no issues in this area. In fact, the lighting is also dimmable from full power, giving you maximum control over your desired illumination. Lighting output is 100% flicker free and therefore ideal for videos as well. The colours cast by the Amaran is soft and warm enough to our liking and is able to enhance our photography subject especially when it comes to product or macro shoooting.

Physically, the Amaran is small and lightweight making it easier to carry around. Since it has a 16:9 widescreen design and thin borders, the light range is wider. We used the NP-FM500H battery to power up the Amaran. Alternatively, the Amaran can be powered up using 6 AA batteries too. To use the Amaran, simply connect it to your camera by hot shoe.

What we like about this product: 
- Controllable lighting and brightness
- Enhances photography subject
- Almost heat-free
- Long lifespan (up to 50,000 hours) & power saving
- Portable and lightweight
- Can be used on DSLR and video camera

What we dislike about this product:
- Battery option is limited to either AA batteries or a range of Sony (compatible) batteries.

If you're looking for professional lighting quality as seen on TV, go get one. Yes, you've been warned!!

The Amaran upclose.

More information about this cool gadget here.

ACCESSORIES

*Click on the picture to view updated price.

APUTURE

Aputure Amaran Halo LED Ringflash

Available Type:

Aputure Amaran Halo LED Ringflash for Canon (HL-C60)

Aputure Amaran Halo LED Ringflash for Nikon (HL-N60)

Aputure Amaran LED Video Light 

Available Type:

Aputure Amaran LED Video Light (AL-126)

Aputure Amaran LED Video Light (AL-160)

Aputure Amaran LED Video Light (AL-198)

Aputure Amaran LED Video Light (AL-198A) 

Aputure Amaran LED Video Light (AL-198C) 

Aputure Gigtube Wired LCD Viewfinder

Available Type:

Aputure Gigtube Wired LCD Viewfinder for Canon (GT1C)

Aputure Gigtube Wired LCD Viewfinder for Canon (GT3C)

Aputure Gigtube Wired LCD Viewfinder for Canon (GT3CII)

Aputure Gigtube Wired LCD Viewfinder for Nikon (GT1N)

Aputure Gigtube Wired LCD Viewfinder for Nikon (GT1NII)

Aputure Gigtube Wired LCD Viewfinder for Nikon (GT3N)

DATACOLOR

Datacolor Spyder4ELITE Colorimeter

Datacolor Spyder4EXPRESS Colorimeter

Datacolor Spyder4PRO Colorimeter

PHOTTIX

Phottix 4-in-1 Cleaning Kit

Phottix 3-in-1 Cleaning Kit

Phottix Geo One GPS (Replace Nikon GP-1)

Phottix Remote Cable Only (C6) for Canon EOS 60D 400D etc

Phottix Remote Cable Only (C8) for Canon EOS 20D 30D 40D 5D etc

Phottix Remote Cable Only (N6) for Nikon D70s D80

Phottix Remote Cable Only (N8) for Nikon D200 D300 D700 D3

Phottix Remote Cable Only (N10) for Nikon D90 D5000 D7000 D3100

Phottix Remote Cable Only (S6) for Sony A100 A200 A300 A350

Phottix Tripod Mount Ring A (W) for Canon EF USM 100mm F2.8

Phottix Tripod Mount Ring for Canon 70-200mm F2.8 (White)

Phottix Tripod Mount Ring for Canon 80-200 F2.8 (Black)

YONGNUO

YongNuo SYD-0808 64 LED Video Light

SHUTTER REMOTE - WIRED & WIRELESS

*Click on the picture to view updated price.

WIRED

Phottix Wired Remote 1m

Available For:

Phottix 1 meter Wired Remote Switch (N6) for Nikon D70s/ D80

Phottix 1 meter Wired Remote Switch (N8) for Nikon D200/D300/D700/D2X/D3/Fuji S5

Phottix 1 meter Wired Remote Switch (N10) for Nikon D90/D5000

Phottix 1 meter Wired Remote Switch (C6) for Canon 350D/ 400D/450D

Phottix 1 meter Wired Remote Swtich (C8) for Canon 20D/30D/40D/50D/5D/1D/1Ds Mk2

Phottix 1 meter Wired Remote Switch (S6) for Sony A100/200/300/350/700

Phottix Nikos Digital 

Available For:

Phottix Nikos Timer Remote (N6) for Nikon D70s/ D80

Phottix Nikos Timer Remote (N8) for Nikon D200/D300/D700/D2X/D3/Fuji S5

Phottix Nikos Timer Remote (N10) for Nikon D90/D5000

Phottix Nikos Timer Remote (C6) for Canon 350D/ 400D/450D

Phottix Nikos Timer Remote (C8) for Canon 20D/30D/40D/50D/5D/1D/1Ds Mk2

Phottix Nikos Timer Remote (S6) for Sony A100/200/300/350/700

Phottix Nikos Timer Remote (06) for Olympus E420/E410/E510/E520 RM-UC1

Phottix Hector Live-View Remote 

Available For:

Phottix Hector Live-View Wired Remote Set (N10A1) for Nikon D5000

Phottix Hector Live-View Wired Remote Set (N10P2) for Nikon D90

Phottix Hector Live-View Wired Remote Set (N8P2) for Nikon D3/D3X

Phottix Hector Live-View Wired Remote Set (C6P2) for Canon 450D/1000D

Phottix Hector Live-View Wired Remote Set (C6P3) for Canon G10/G11

Phottix Hector Live-View Wired Remote Set (C6R) for Canon 500D/550D

Phottix Hector Live-View Wired Remote Set (C8P2) for Canon 1Ds MK II

Phottix Hector Live-View Wired Remote Set (C8P4) for Canon 5D MK II

Phottix Hector Live-View Wired Remote Set (C8R) for Canon 7D

Phottix Hector Live-View Wired Remote Set for Canon 40D/50D

Phottix Hector Live-View Wired Remote Set (S6A1) for Sony Alpha 300/350

Phottix Wired Remote 5m

Phottix Wired Remote 3m

Phottix TR-80

Phottix TR-90

Aputure Digital Timer Remote (C) AP-TR1C for Canon 60D, 550D etc

Aputure Digital Timer Remote (C) AP-TR3C for Canon 40D,5DMK2 etc

Aputure Digital Timer Remote (N) AP-TR1N for Nikon D700,D300 etc

Aputure Digital Timer Remote (N) AP-TR2N for Nikon D80, D70s

Aputure Digital Timer Remote (N) AP-TR3N for Nikon D3100 etc

Aputure Digital Timer Remote (S) AP-TR1S for Sony A550, A350 etc

WIRELESS

Phottix Cleon I

Phottix Cleon II Hybrid (Wired & Wireless) Shutter Release

Available For:

Phottix Cleon II Wire/Wireless Remote Set (N6) for Nikon D70s/D80

Phottix Cleon II Wire/Wireless Remote Set (N8) for Nikon D200/D300/D700/D2X/D3/Fuji S5

Phottix Cleon II Wire/Wireless Remote Set (N10) for Nikon D90/ D5000

Phottix Cleon II Wire/Wireless Remote Set (C6) for Canon 300D/350D/400D/450D

Phottix Cleon II Wire/Wireless Remote Set (C8) for Canon 20D/30D/40D/50D/5D/1D/1Ds MK II

Phottix Cleon II Wire/Wireless Remote Set (S6) for Sony Alpha A100/200/300/350/700

Phottix Cleon II Wire/Wireless Remote Set (O6) for Olympus E420/410/510/520 RM-UC1

Phottix Hero Live-View Remote

Available For:

Phottix Hero Live-View Remote (N6) for Nikon D70s/D80

Phottix Hero Live-View Remote (N8) for Nikon D200/D300

Phottix Hero Live-View Remote (N10) for Nikon 90/D5000

Phottix Hero Live-View Remote (C6) for Canon 350D/400D

Phottix Hero Live-View Remote (C8) for Canon 20D/30D/40D

Phottix Hero Live-View Remote (S6) for Sony A100/200

Phottix Plato Hybrid (Wired & Wireless) Shutter Release for Camera

Available For:

Phottix Plato 2.4GHz RF Wire/Wireless Remote Set (N6) for Nikon D70s/D80

Phottix Plato 2.4GHz RF Wire/Wireless Remote Set (N8) for Nikon D200/D300/D700/D2X/D3/Fuji S5

Phottix Plato 2.4GHz RF Wire/ Wireless Remote Set (N10) for Nikon D90

Phottix Plato 2.4GHz RF Wire/Wireless Remote Set (C6) for Canon 350D/400D/450D

Phottix Plato 2.4GHz RF Wire/Wireless Remote Set (C8) for Canon 20D/30D/40D/50D/5D/1D/1Ds MK II

Phottix Plato 2.4GHz RF Wire/Wireless Remote Set (S6) for Sony A100/200/300/350/700

Phottix Plato 2.4GHz RF Wire/Wireless Remote Set (O6) for Olympus E420/410/510/520 RM-UC1

Phottix Strato Hybrid (Wired & Wireless) Shutter Release for Camera

Available For:

Phottix Strato Remote (N6) for Nikon D70s/D80

Phottix Strato Remote (N8) for Nikon D200/D300/D2Xs

Phottix Strato Remote (N10) for Nikon D90/D5000

Phottix Strato Remote (C6) for Canon 350D/400/450D

Phottix Strato Remote (C8) for Canon 20D/30D/40D

Phottix IR Remote for Nikon

Phottix IR Remote for Olympus

Phottix IR Remote for Canon 

Phottix Aristo 6 in 1 Infrared Remote Control 100m for Canon/ Nikon/ Olympus/ Pentax

Phottix Aristo IR Remote Control for Nikon D70s/D80

Phottix Aristo IR Remote Control for Canon 350D/400D/XTI/450D

Phottix 6 in 1 IR Remote Control

Aputure Pro Coworker Wireless Remote Kit for Canon (1C)

Aputure Pro Coworker Wireless Remote Kit for Canon (3C)

Aputure Pro Coworker Wireless Remote Kit for Nikon (1N)

Aputure Pro Coworker Wireless Remote Kit for Nikon (2N)

Aputure Pro Coworker Wireless Remote Kit for Nikon (3N)

Aputure Pro Coworker Wireless Remote Kit for Sony (1S)