LED Light Showdown: Aputure LS1200D VS Godox MG1200Bi

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes 

The LS1200D Pro LED Light is a powerful COB LED from Aputure. It offers an impressive power output of 1200w COB, the brightest light in the entire Aputure product line. At the same power output, the new Godox KNOWLED MG1200Bi LED Video Light has also gained significant attention thanks to it's high power output, innovative features and efficiency.

In this blog, we’ll compare these powerful LED lights' specifications and features to help you make an informed decision on which suits your work.

Similarities: LS1200D Pro Vs MG1200Bi LED Video Light

Both Aputure LS1200D Pro and Godox KNOWLED MG1200Bi LED Video Lights deliver a staggering 1200w of maximum power output. Both lights are ideal choices for professional-grade lighting setups that demand high intensity and versatility.

Both have built-in quiet-fan systems. The Aputure LS1200D LED Video Light is designed with four fan modes: smart, medium, high, and silent, which keep the light cool without creating excessive noise. The Godox KNOWLED MG1200Bi LED Video Light also employs an innovative heat dissipation system with four optional fan modes, which makes it ideal for video shoots where maintaining high-quality audio is paramount. 

Each light also offers the same step-less dimming of 0.1%, ensuring you can reach the exact amount of light and fine-tuning in full brightness ranges. Both MG1200Bi and LS1200D lights are controlled through a diversity of control methods: Bluetooth, wireless Lumenradio CRMX, and DMX512. The only difference is that the Aputure LS1200D LED Video Light is compatible with the Sidus Link app, while alternatively, the MG1200Bi is designed to work with Godox Light app control as well as the Godox RC-A6II and RC-R9II remotes.

Considering waterproof capability, the two lights achieve the same IP54 rating to protect the unit from water and dust ingress in outdoor conditions. The LS1200D and MG1200Bi lights use waterproof fans, sealed internal structures, rubber caps for all ports, and waterproof connectors.

Differences Between LS1200D Pro and MG1200Bi

Performance Evaluation: Lux Output

Without modifiers, the LS1200D Pro has a marginally higher illuminance than the MG1200 Bi at a 5600K colour temperature, while the MG1200Bi excels greatly when using lighting modifiers. Following the table below, the MG1200Bi offers a greater illumination with R15 reflector than the LS1200D Pro when attached to a reflector. It is a better option for situations where high brightness is required and focused lighting is needed. At closer ranges, however, the LS1200D Pro might have a slight advantage on its own.

|Related Article:

    Unlocking the Most Powerful Godox Knowled MG1200Bi LED Light. 

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Accuracy Assessment: Colour Temperature

As the name implies, these lights have different colour temperature ranges. The LS1200D comes with daylight temperatures of 5600K, providing a natural look, reducing post-production work.

The MG1200Bi, being Bi-Colour, is designed to get any colour temperature from 2800K to 6500K. It enables you to achieve the desired lighting effects and match ambient light conditions. Most filmmakers use bi-colour because of its ability to match the colour of existing white light sources in an environment you can’t control without the need for gels. 

You don't need to worry about power efficiency as the KNOWLED MG1200Bi LED Video Light can achieve a full power output of 1200W in any colour temperature thanks to the innovative chip. It is a new advantage when compared with other bi-colour LED lights available on the market. It helps to match different shooting environments but also improves storytelling and makes an editor's job easier. 

The MG1200Bi is designed for professional filmmaking and movie shooting. If you want the sunlight kicking in through a window or you have to light up a massive space, it will be the perfect choice. 

Differences Lighting Effects

If you primarily require basic lighting effects, the LS1200D offers 8 effects including “Paparazzi”, “Fireworks”, “Lighting”, “Faulty”, “Bulb”, “TV”, “Pulsing”. “Strobe” and “Explosion”. On the one hand, if you want more advanced and diverse lighting effects to elevate your projects and have greater creative control, the MG1200Bi LED Filming Lighting gives you a range of 11 effects that may be better suited to your shooting, covering the above, plus Candle and Welding effects.

Bowens S-Type vs G-Mount LED Light

One more thing that differs between the LS1200D and the MG1200Bi is the mounting system. The LS1200D LED Video Light is equipped with the Bowens S-Type mount. It is compatible with three new Bowens Mount Hyper Reflectors with varying beam angles.

In other views, the MG1200Bi is updated with the newest mounting system from Godox, which is called G-mount. The reason why MG1200Bi comes with G-mount instead of Bowens-mount is because it is a lot safer, due to the very high power and therefore high working temperature of the light. The G-Mount is built to safely withstand that heat. 

The G-mount system has a much more robust and intelligent design than the standard Bowens mount. It is a fantastic safety feature to avoid accidents on setting the light itself as you can't turn the light on with the cap attached. But if you want to turn it on without modifiers, you may need to turn off the optical sensor in the menu system. In this case, when you turn off the power, it automatically switches on the optical recognition.

Moreover, it has electronic contacts that can recognise particular accessories. It allows for easy communication with various modifiers, so the MG1200Bi knows what modifier is attached, and will work safely and efficiently with that modifier. At the same time the cooling system communicates through G-Mount touch spots, keeping a safe and consistent working temperature for the unit. 

The larger size of G-mount system allows for better heat dissipation and cooling to prevent overheating. Its stronger design contributes to a more secure attachment of the light modifier or accessory, reducing the risk of wobbling or accidental detachment during a shoot. It also facilitate more intricate, precise light control and adjusting light modifiers such as softboxes, barn doors, and grids.

The G-mount system has been designed with high-powered LED lights in mind, specifically for use in professional videography and filmmaking. The Bowens mount, on the other hand, was designed for different lighting needs. It became a popular industry standard for smaller to mid-sized studio and on-location lighting setups. While its smaller, it's well-suited for a wide range of lighting scenarios.

Size and Weight Comparison

The LS1200D Pro weighs 8.95kg, within 13.08 x 9.12 x 8.52" dimensions. Comparatively, the MG1200Bi has a weight of 16kg and dimensions of 22.8 x 14.9 x 13.9". The MG1200Bi LED Filming Lighting is slightly bigger and heavier than the LS1200D due to its tailored design and robust build to survive tough, long shoots. Additionally, the MG1200Bi is released with big fan under the bottom and two fans on the back to prevent overheating. It ensures the longevity of the MG1200Bi light but also contributes to the weight. 

Final Thoughts: Which one is right for you?

With its new innovative features, the Godox KNOWLED MG1200Bi was recognised as the winner of the TIPA Awards 2023. The Godox MG1200Bi LED will take your shooting to the next level with its consistent colour temperature, innovative mounting system, waterproof function, incredible thermal protection, and super quiet fan amongst other features. At EssentialPhoto & Video, we offer the most affordable price for the Godox KNOWLED MG1200Bi at £3,275.00, and warranty cover with your purchase.

Specifications Comparison