If you are a beginner photographer, filmmaker, or content creator in the process of learning about and investing on lighting, quality should be alongside affordability and ease of use. The Nanlite FS-60B might be something worth considering.

Continuous lighting has been getting more and more popular in recent years mainly because of the fact that LED lights are becoming more cost-effective, more portable, and for most photographers and videographers, the result becomes instantaneous. Continuous lighting offers a great way for beginning photographers to get a good and clear grasp of how the light changes and how it affects the photograph depending on intensity, distance, quality, and how they blend with any existing ambient light.

An entry-level-friendly option, whether in cameras, support gear, or lighting, would always be one that is relatively more affordable but also not necessarily the cheapest among all options. A good budget option would be able to give good quality light, consistent output and colors, but would often fall short on some ergonomic or efficiency features. This way, it can be a good starting point that would give the user the full experience of using the tool and any upgrade would, later on, be about making it easier to use one way or another. What an entry-level option should not be is something that would compromise quality and be counterproductive for the user.

The Nanlite FS-60B

The Nanlite FS line of lighting fixtures is generally bigger than the Forza line however the FS-60B has little difference from the Forza counterparts when compared to the difference in sizes of the higher power models. The FS-60B is 5.2 x 3.4 inches (13.2 x 8.6 cm) with a length of 9.7 inches (24.6 cm). This is longer (more rectangular) than the Forza 60 primarily because the power input cable goes straight onto the fixture which is kept as one piece instead of having a separate power adapter. While it isn’t the most portable option, it still is one that can be carried inside a bag and carried with multiple lights and accessories.

The Nanlite FS fixtures pack a CSP (Chip Scale Package) module compared to the COB (Chip on board) chip found on the Forza versions. COBs are known to have a higher light intensity which means that the FS lights will be less in terms of output, but CSP modules can also offer softer and more pleasant light quality and less propensity for hotspots in terms of output. Nonetheless, this module has a rating of 96 on the color rendering index (CRI) and 97 on the Television lighting consistency index (TLCI). The FS 60B has a mini Bowens mount in front for modifiers and has no ports for umbrella attachments however, included in the box is a Bowens mount adapter with its own umbrella attachment. The package also includes a thin tubular reflector attachment that offers a way to soften and shape the light to a fair extent compared to using it as a bare light source.

Controls and User Interface

The FS-60B basically has three main modes and three controls made up of a mode switcher button and two knobs. On the main CCT mode, the knob on the left controls the power or dim while the knob on the right controls the color temperature. By pressing the mode button you can then switch to the effects mode where the knob on the left switches between the different effects modes, such as CCT (color temperature) loop, INT (brightness) loop, pulse, flash, TV, storm, explosion, and paparazzi effects. The knob on the right allows you to switch between different parameters of the effects such as the rate of the pulses of flashes of light, the time intervals, and the range of brightness and/or color temperatures that it would change and loop within. The third mode is simply a channel selector mode for connecting with radio frequency controllers and synchronizing with other lighting fixtures.

All of that said, the most significant convenience factor of the FS-60B is the Bluetooth connection to the Nanlink smartphone app. Through the app you can set and group together multiple lighting fixtures and control them individually or simultaneously depending on their individual capabilities. This app is compatible with most of the Forza and FS bi-color fixtures and the newer Pavotube lights.

Through the app, you can access and remotely select all the available modes of each fixture and set the parameters applicable to each selected mode without having to touch the physical buttons and knobs. This is especially convenient for when the lights are placed on tall stands or when used inside modifiers that require the entire fixture to be placed inside like a reflective umbrella or softbox. This becomes extremely convenient when shooting videos with specific effect modes and would save to operator so much time by being able to change the modes and the parameters remotely and by group. The app also allows for certain presets that can be created early on, saved, and easily accessed by tapping the preset on the app for more efficiently replicating lighting setups that have been done previously.

Application

The Nanlite FS-60B is a highly convenient first light for anyone who is just starting out and learning how to use artificial light as well as for someone who uses multiple lighting fixtures in more advanced setups.

For a beginning photographer, whether for shooting portraits, products, food, or even interior spaces, the instant result that can be seen while setting up the light can make it easier to visualize and adjust than strobes. Of course, studio strobes often have much more power than a 60-watt continuous light but for the majority of situations that don’t require high-speed shooting or intense power output, especially if shooting single subjects, this light can be more than enough.

At the same time, independent video content creators and YouTubers, especially those who shoot in small controlled spaces or even home studio setups, can benefit from the full range of output while enjoying the convenient user experience whether from the rear panel or through the app. The FS-60B when used properly and with the right modifier can be perfect for talking head videos in sets with existing ambient light or with the use of reflectors or fills. Of course, there can be so much more applications when multiple lighting fixtures and modifiers are available depending on the capability of the user to work with more complex lighting setups.

What I Liked:

• Affordable, good color neutrality
• Relatively portable
• Convenient controls and remote options

What Can Be Improved:

• Umbrella attachment on the adapter instead of on the fixture
• No included carrying case; uses styrofoam packaging

Editor’s note: This press release was provided by Parish of Christ the Redeemer. The Pelham Examiner publishes press releases in the form received as a service to the community

APRIL 2023 HOAG HALL ART, Parish of Christ the Redeemer: CARLEEN MURDOCH, ARTIST

A reception will be held SUNDAY, APRIL 16, from 11:30-1:00 PM.

Carleen’s Scandinavian heritage along with growing up in the garden valley of Oregon gave her a rich backdrop for creativity. Teaching school in the high Cascade Mountains and then within the deep design culture of Misawa and Tokyo, Japan added to the breadth and inspiration for a life of creative expression. Carleen has traveled to eighty countries on seven continents which has enriched and emboldened her life in many ways!

This month’s show features Carleen’s work which is a representational relating to nature and world cultures preserved throughout her lifetime passion for photography.

Carleen resides in City Island, New York.

Art is available to be viewed/bought Sundays from 8 am till noon or by appointment. Twenty percent of the proceeds of the sale of the art work will be donated to the Parish of Christ the Redeemer.  If you or someone you know would like to display/purchase art work in Hoag Hall, please contact Patrice Fitzpatrick at [email protected] or 914-393-1885.

Reptiles have populated this planet for millions of years and yet they still have a certain mystique about them. The green tree python stands out with its luscious green colour and offers much more than just a significant first impression. With such a strong subject, the photographer must act strategically to achieve a balanced end result.

Joshua Sommerfeldt’s portfolio includes many exotic species but he is particularly fond of photographing snakes. “They are one of the most misunderstood animals,” he says. “I want to show people that snakes are actually amazing and don’t deserve their negative reputation. Negative interactions with humans are rare and most would rather flee than fight.” he adds.

“I captured this animal in a low-light area so using a tripod or flash wasn’t an option. Fortunately, the Canon EOS RP (opens in new tab) copes well with high ISO. I was able to increase the ISO and the stabilization of the Sigma 150mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM APO Macro lens allowed me to shoot handheld,” he says. The exposure was 1/13sec at f/8, with an ISO of 2500.

Joshua shot with a small aperture to create a greater depth of field (opens in new tab). The image doesn’t feel cluttered and instead focuses on specific details to draw in the viewer’s eye. Perspective is also crucial and the macro lens allows a closer viewpoint that creates exciting insights. 

When post-processing, it is important to highlight certain features but not overload the photo. To achieve a harmonious and interesting interaction, Joshua used Capture One (opens in new tab) to enhance the colors and contrast, then he removed distracting background elements in Photoshop to maintain the focus on the snake. 

Joshua ‘Lowbass’ Sommerfeldt

As a nature and animal photographer, Joshua ‘Lowbass’ Sommerfeldt has always been fascinated by the world of invertebrates and reptiles. He captures the often-overlooked creatures, showcasing their beauty and uniqueness. Joshua is the founder of The Web Creative Community, an online platform dedicated to educating and supporting creatives in their endeavors. Through this community, he has helped countless individuals connect with one another, share their knowledge, and grow their skills in the creative industry. With a passion for both photography and community building, Joshua is a true advocate for the power of art and collaboration.