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 has been replaced with diffusing fabric. This change in light propagation results in a different lighting effect. The Helio™ softboxes create expansive, soft areas of light with a gentler intensity compared to classic octaboxes of the same power. The light is distributed omnidirectionally (360°), with a large relative size for the light source. The height of the lights allows you to utilize the ceiling as a natural reflector.

The light produced by the SoftTop™ Lanterns complements lighting in the background beautifully. Often, especially in amateur video, we see a frame with the foreground well-lit (usually a face) and the background underexposed (the interior of a room). Placing the SoftTop™ Lanterns in the background allows you to achieve simultaneous illumination of the background while also highlighting the foreground through contour lighting (hairlight, three-point lighting, movie look).

Adding the SoftTop™ Lanterns improves the tonal dynamics of an image, thereby enhancing its quality (and indirectly increasing bit rate during digital recording), allowing you to use lower sensitivities and improving visual aesthetics 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 with classic construction. The lamp's assembly is also simple, just like unfolding a studio umbrella, saving you valuable time. The diffusing fabric provides good light dispersion while only slightly reducing intensity.

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

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

The bulbs used in the light are specialized fluorescent tubes 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, this bulb is perfect for photographers working under constant lighting conditions. Using constant lighting allows you to model the light faster and better predict the final result in photographs. Its low power consumption makes it suitable for both open fixtures and partially closed ones (softboxes, diffusers, octaboxes). The generated luminous flux, achieved after about 90 seconds of operation, is 3900 lumens, which corresponds approximately to a 325W halogen bulb. Bulbs from the PureLight series are characterized by high parameter repeatability (luminous flux and color rendering index).

These are studio and outdoor, three-section lighting stands. The maximum height is 230cm, the working height is 220 cm, with convenient section clamps, 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 sets. They perform excellently in configurations with flashlights and constant light sources, softboxes, and halogen lamps. Their compact dimensions when folded have been reduced by using a telescopic folding mechanism, thus not limiting the wide range of operation (ranging from 78 to 220 cm, adjustable smoothly at any height) or their versatility of use. The leg spread (from foot to foot) is 75cm.

These stands allow you to work with SoftTop™ Lanterns lights in most cases 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 times dominated by video production, we observe competition and learn to evaluate images in the best productions. Paying attention to details shows that you take your work seriously and respect your audience. Introducing background lighting 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 viewers' attention on the message being conveyed, and creates an impression of wide reach and high 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 supplementary light source. When used as the main light, pay attention to ensure that it doesn't shine directly onto the lens (by using a lens hood).
• 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.