Is a Cine Reflector Panel Kit Better Than Bounce Boards?
Following up on our previous Godox LiteFlow article, we're looking at what traditional bounce boards and cine reflector panel kits are and how they differ from each other, any by extension, which option it's better to use in your filming environment.
In general, both bounce boards and reflectors are flat surfaces that can be made of different materials, such as foam, metal or fabric, reflecting light onto a subject or a scene. Its main purpose is to redirect or diffuse the light from a natural or artificial source, such as the sun, a window, or a lamp.
Note: This guide focuses specifically on the Godox LiteFlow as a reference model for comparison with other bounce boards.
How do Godox LiteFlow cine-reflectors and Standard Bounces work?
Both bounce boards and cine reflector panel kit work by controlling the direction and intensity of the reflected light. It can achieve a flattering or dramatic look when shooting indoors and helps to manage the changing and harsh conditions of natural light in outdoor shootings. For example, reducing the contrast and filling the shadow on a sunny and cloudy day. These light diffusions allow users to redirect or diffuse the sunlight onto the subject, creating a more soft and natural look.
Even though, start with the same purpose, these light diffusions still contain some different features from each other. The cine reflector panel kit is the latest light diffusion system, introducing a fresh perspective on illumination, specially designed for the film industry. Unlike traditional reflectors or bounce boards, cine reflectors are calculated reflectors with special techniques to spill light-free surfaces. This means it also offers several advantages that traditional reflectors and bounce boards don’t. Let’s dive into it.
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Previous blogs: What is the Godox LiteFlow Cine Light Reflector Panel series?
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Round 1: Precision Control of Light
First things first, the cine reflector panel kit gives you fully controlled diffused light in 4 precise steps of diffusion (D1 for hard light to D4 for strip light) while the traditional bounce boards offer a more generalised reflection of light. Cine reflectors can also provide the perfect balance of control and adaptability by offering a range of sizes (7, 15, 25, 50 and 100cm), meaning cinematographers can adapt to various shooting scenarios by choosing the right combination of size and diffusion, allowing for a wide range of creative possibilities. This then opens the doors for various lighting experiments and the ability to achieve visual richness, whether it’s a small intimate scene or a grand cinematic moment.
In contrast, traditional bounce boards often have fixed sizes and may not offer the same level of customisation options as the cine reflectors, therefore limiting the cinematographer's ability to tailor the lighting setup to the specific needs of a scene.
-------------------- Related blog --------------------
Lighting Made Easy: Godox LiteFlow Reflector Instruction Manual.
Godox LiteFlow vs LightBridge CRLS: Which Reflector is Better?
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Round 2: Consistency in Lighting Quality
Unlike traditional bounces that rely on unpredictable and inconsistent light, the Godox LiteFlow C-reflectors empower you to exactly achieve your desired diffused and reflected light without spilling because of it is built-in high-quality aluminium-coated surface. Therefore, it allows you to effortlessly receive 100% colour reflection and 97% light reflection. It takes full advantage of available light with the least amount of energy loss. This efficiency translates to more powerful and focused illumination, enabling cinematographers to achieve the desired look with fewer lighting fixtures.
The standard bounces, on the other hand, may scatter light indiscriminately, leading to less efficient use of resources and potentially requiring additional equipment to achieve the desired brightness.
Round 3: Portability and Ease of Use
Likewise, the cine reflector panel kit stands out from the standard bounces because of its portability and ease of use. Its sleek rail mounting system empowers you to reduce the time and effort required for setting up. It is particularly valuable in fast-paced and dynamic shooting scenarios. At the same time, the integrated mounting system minimises the risk of accidents in complex setups, providing users with peace of mind while executing their projects. Therefore, the Godox LiteFlow cine reflector's efficiency not only saves time but also allows for a smoother overall production workflow. While standard bounces are usually compact and portable, they may have some challenges in setup, especially when coordinating the simultaneous use of two or more boards for professional lighting setups.
Round 4: Multiple light Points
The LiteFlow cine reflector panel kit allows you to redirect a single light source to multiple light points, which standard bounces don’t. It provides an efficient and effective means of achieving cinematic lighting without the need for an extensive array of fixtures. The decrease in additional equipment not only improves efficiency but also presents a cost-effective solution, particularly beneficial for filmmakers with budget constraints.
Each lighting option comes with its own unique advantages; standard bounces have long been recognised as reliable light diffusers and are a great option on a budget when minimal control is needed over the reflection, while cine reflectors excel in adaptability and versatility, especially for the film industry. But, no matter which lighting modifiers you choose, you will achieve a high-quality result with an excellent experience.
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Next blog: Lighting Made Easy: Godox LiteFlow Reflector Instruction Manual.
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EssentialPhoto & Video is an official Godox partner and trusted UK distributor, stocking the widest range of Godox kits in the UK. We offer a 1Year Warranty* , customer support, and after-sales repair at our British store.
We are excited to now be able to offer support and installation of large-scale products & shooting environments to a wide range of Photography & Videography areas such as Film & Televisions Studios, Commercial Studios and many more!
Find out more at https://www.essentialphoto.co.uk/pages/project-installation-department
Tags: lighting modifiers, reflector, godox liteflow.
