Electronic Diffusion Panels vs Fabric Scrim Diffusion for Filmmaking
With the introduction of Godox's new AD21, AD32 and AD33 panels, announced to excitement from Godox fans, we're answering your question of what benefits do they bring to your shoot?
Electronic Diffusion Panels, or Active Diffusion, is far from commonplace on your average video shoot, especially as the first iteration of this was introduced to the market in 2017 by Chimera and Zylight in softbox form. Made from a flexible, transparent LCD panel, Active Diffusion works by adjusting it's density to become more or less opaque and therefore allows more, or less, light to pass through it.
Announced in three sizing models, the Godox AD Panels come in 1'x2' (30x60cm), 3'x2' (90cmx60cm) and 3'x3' (90x90cm), and comprise of collapsible frames and a flexible mat which attaches to the frame via velcro/hook and loop.
Precise Adjustments
The primary benefit of having electronically controlled diffusion is the flexibility and precise control that it allows. With controls that allow for tiny adjustments between 0-100% in 1% increments, having access to a very specific level of light filtering can go far to ensure consistent lighting across different scenes, or even just allow for quick and easy adjustments when lighting with harsh natural light outdoors.
The Godox AD Panels also support Level Mode (above, 0-100% adjustment) and Light Reduction Mode which allows for adjustments of -0.1 to -2.0 EVs.
This allows for very precise, tiny changes in the diffusion that you otherwise wouldn't get with fabric diffusion.
Size
One benefit you'll get from using Fabric scrims over electronic will be the size. Active Diffusion is more limited in size due to the price and uses, and so therefore is difficult to find in larger sizes like 240cmx240cm which you can find easily in fabric options.
While the AD33, the largest of the three offered by Godox, goes up to 90cmx90cm, this still often isn't large enough for larger scale sets and uses that need to filter light for multiple subjects or a whole room for example, so the smaller panel options remain most suitable for shoots such as interviews or on smaller scale sets and productions.
Remote Adjustment
Another huge benefit of using adjustable diffusion panels is the ability to control and change this remotely to save time. The Godox AD Panels are currently compatible with DMX and Godox Bluetooth App control, as well as CRMX control with the AD00-01 controller.
For gaffers dealing with multiple diffusion panels or who have panels rigged up high or on high stands, this makes it much more straightforward to adjust, especially when first figuring out the lighting setup.
These panels also have V-Mount battery compatibility which negates the need for extra cables to plug in!
Price
The larger of the two Lumenarc AD Panels (40x40") is currently listed at $2,400.00 (approx. £1,850.00 GBP) lumenarctech.com, while the largest KNOWLED AD Panel (AD33 - 3'x3') is currently listed at just £848.00! This makes this technology much more accessible to independent or smaller productions. The smallest of the panels, the AD21, is also just £481.00, making it an affordable option for those who could benefit from using them.
So do I need Adjustable Diffusion Panels?
It depends on your shoot and your needs. While not everybody or every shoot necessarily needs electronic diffusion panels, there are many situations where these panels could streamline production, and make gaffers' lives easier. As they become more commonplace and easy to find, these panels may become more widely used, and released in larger sizes for more shooting flexibility.
