Action cams such as the GoPro are great tools not only for hobby videographers, but increasingly also for professionals. But as good as the image quality of current GoPro models is, it’s really only a camera for use in good light. Because, like all digital cameras that try to pack as much as possible into a small body, the GoPro isn’t exactly a Sony A7S when it comes to low light shooting (not to mention, GoPro cams don’t have onboard lights or flashes).
When used in film production, additional lighting are normally used alongside GoPro cams. That’s why Australian accessory manufacturer Knog has created the Qudos, a small, high-power LED light that can be attached to GoPros and similar action cams. The Qudos weighs a mere 5.3 ounces (150 grams) including its battery, and attaches to the side of your GoPro thanks to a special bracket that is part of the package. And just like the GoPro, the Qudos comes in a padded case that is waterproof down to 130 feet (40 meters).
Equipped with three LEDs, the Qudos’ light output and lighting angle can both be adjusted depending on your subject. At its Action Sport setting, the LEDs emit a wide angle beam at either the full brightness setting of 400 lumen, or at a reduced setting of 225 lumen. In Target Spot mode, the angle of the light beam is more narrow, and the output is reduced to 155 or 100 lumen. Finally, there’s an Ambient mode with an ultra-wide-angle beam and a brightness of anywhere between 70 and 270 lumen.
Thanks to its powerful battery, which has a capacity of 1000 mAh, the Qudos runs between 40 minutes and 4 hours, depending on the intensity of the light. If you run out of light, you can either recharge the battery via USB, or replace it with a spare one. The Qudos will be available in the coming weeks, according to The GearCaster, and will retail for $120, in either black or white.
(Via Gizmodo Reframe)
