Based on professional film set experiences, CineGEN^® has created lights with a hemispherical light modifier at their core - the Helio™ 60 softbox. Most of the reflector in this softbox is replaced by diffusing fabric. This changes how the light propagates and, as a result, how it illuminates. The Helio™ softboxes create extensive, soft areas of light with a gentler intensity compared to classic oktas of the same power. The light has an omnidirectional distribution (360°), with a large relative size for the light source. The height of these lights allows you to use the ceiling as a natural reflector.

The light from SoftTop™ Lanterns perfectly complements lighting in deeper scenes. Often, especially in amateur video, we see a frame where the foreground is well-lit (usually a face) and the background is underexposed (the interior of a room). Placing SoftTop™ Lanterns in the background allows you to simultaneously light up the background and emphasize the foreground through contour lighting (hairlight, three-point-lighting, movie-look).

Adding SoftTop™ Lanterns improves the tonal dynamics of an image, thereby increasing its quality (and indirectly boosting throughput when recording digitally), allowing you to use lower sensitivities and enhancing plasticity and color accuracy (color fidelity).

The Helio™ is a surprisingly effective adaptation of professional spherical softboxes. Its genius and simplicity lie in utilizing an existing, proven solution - the integrated octagonal softbox - to create a modifier with the properties of a completely different fixture: a spherical softbox. As a result, you get a professional light at a price that's unattainable for classic constructions. The lamp's assembly is also simple, just like unfolding a studio umbrella, saving valuable time. The diffusing fabric provides good light dispersion while only slightly reducing its intensity.

The Helio™ 60 has a classic E27 bulb fitting and a socket for mounting on a lighting stand (the vast majority of studio stands will fit). In the softbox (closed fixture), you can use low-temperature photo fluorescent lights as well as LED bulbs.

The SoftTop™ Lanterns set already includes appropriately matched bulbs and studio stands.

The bulbs used in these lights are specialized fluorescent lamps for photographic and video applications. PureLight bulbs have a standardized color temperature of 5500K (neutral). The bulb generates light with an ideal color for photographic and video use - it doesn't introduce any color bias. Thanks to its natural color rendering, the bulb is perfect for photographers working under constant lighting conditions. Using constant lighting allows you to model light faster and better predict the final result on your photos. Its low power consumption means this bulb can be used in both open fixtures and partially closed ones (softboxes, diffusers, okts). The generated luminous flux, achieved after about 90 seconds of operation, is 7200 lumens, which corresponds approximately to a 600W halogen bulb. Bulbs from the PureLight series are characterized by high parameter repeatability (luminous flux and color rendering index).

These studio and outdoor, three-section lighting stands have a maximum height of 230cm and a working height of 220 cm. They feature comfortable section clamps and a 16mm studio head with a universal 1/4" thread. These stands are designed to work with small and medium lights as well as lighting kits. They perform excellently in configurations with flashlights, constant light sources, softboxes, and halogen lamps. Their compact dimensions when folded have been reduced through the use of a telescopic folding mechanism, thus not limiting their wide range of operation (ranging from 78 to 220 cm, adjustable smoothly at any height) or versatility of applications. The leg spread (from foot to foot) is 75cm.

These stands allow you to use SoftTop™ Lanterns lights in most situations encountered in a home studio setting. Their height allows framing from sitting positions up to wide shots of an entire room.

Lighting a frame is the most important factor that separates professionals from amateurs. To achieve success in an era dominated by video productions, we observe our competition and learn to evaluate images in the best realizations. Paying attention to details shows that you take your work seriously and respect your viewers. Introducing lighting for deeper scenes provides a subtle change in the image that distinguishes professional productions from amateur ones.

Skilful use of studio lights allows equipment to operate under optimal conditions, focuses the viewer's attention on the message conveyed, and creates an impression of wide reach and great popularity.

Remember that the art of filming and photography is about creating a visually more attractive reality within the frame. An even greater art is achieving television studio effects in home settings. CineGEN softboxes, including the SoftTop™ Lantern series, are affordably priced lights whose skilful use will charm viewers and defeat competition.

• The SoftTop™ Lanterns have been designed as a complementary light source. When used as the main light, pay attention to ensure that it doesn't shine on the lens (by using a sunshade).
• Creative effects can be achieved by carefully using lights with different color temperatures.
• In narrow frames, these lights are a source of contour lighting that gives depth to an image.