Based on professional film set experiences, CineGEN has created this lamp with a semi-spherical light modifier - the Helio™ 60 softbox. Most of the reflector has been replaced with diffusing fabric, changing how the light is dispersed and, as a result, how it illuminates. The Helio™ softbox creates an extensive, soft area of light that is gentler in intensity compared to classic octaboxes of the same power. The light is omnidirectional (360°), with a large relative size for the light source. The lamp's height allows you to use the ceiling as a natural reflector.

The SoftTop™ Lantern's lighting perfectly complements background illumination. 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 the SoftTop™ Lantern lamp 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 the SoftTop™ Lantern improves the tonal dynamics of the image, thus increasing its quality (and indirectly boosting throughput when recording digitally), allowing you to use lower sensitivities, and enhancing plasticity and color accuracy.

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 lamp at a price that's unattainable for classic constructions. The lamp is also easy to assemble, just like unfolding a studio umbrella, saving valuable time. The diffusing fabric provides good light dispersion while only slightly reducing brightness.

The Helio™ 60 has a classic E27 bulb fitting and a socket for mounting on a lighting stand (most studio stands will fit). You can use low-temperature photo fluorescent lamps or LED bulbs in the softbox (closed fixture).

The SoftTop™ Lantern set already includes an appropriately matched bulb and a studio stand.

The bulb used in the lamp is a specialized fluorescent lamp for photographic and video applications. PureLight bulbs have a standardized color temperature of 5500K (neutral). The fluorescent lamp generates light with an ideal color for photographic and video use, avoiding any color distortions. Thanks to its natural color rendering, this bulb works perfectly for photographers working under constant lighting conditions. Using constant lighting allows you to model the light faster and better predict the final result on your photos. Its low power consumption enables using this bulb in both open fixtures and partially closed ones (softboxes, diffusers, octaboxes). The generated light stream, achieved after approximately 90 seconds of turning it on, amounts to 7200 lumens, which is roughly equivalent to a 600W halogen bulb. PureLight series bulbs are characterized by high parameter repeatability (light flux and color rendering index).

This is a studio and outdoor, three-section lighting stand. Its maximum height is 230cm, working height is 220 cm, it has convenient section clamps, a 16mm studio head with a universal 1/4" thread. The stand is designed to work with small and medium lamps as well as lighting sets. It works perfectly in configurations with flash lights and constant light sources, softboxes, halogen lamps. Its dimensions after folding 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 its versatility of use. The leg spread (from base to base) is 75cm.

The stand allows you to work with the SoftTop™ Lantern lamp in most cases encountered in a home studio setting. Its height enables framing from sitting positions up to wide shots of an entire room.

Lighting a scene 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 (or hobby) seriously and respect your audience. Introducing lighting for background plans provides a subtle change in the image that distinguishes professional productions from amateur ones.

Skilful use of studio lamps allows equipment to operate under optimal conditions, focuses viewers' attention on the message conveyed, 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 lamps whose skilful use will charm viewers and overcome competition.

• The SoftTop™ Lantern lamps have been designed as a complementary light source. When used as the main light, pay attention to ensure that it does not shine on the lens (by using a lens hood).
• For wider frames and larger plans, use several lamps to improve dispersion.
• Creative effects can be achieved by carefully using lamps with different color temperatures.
• In narrow frames, the lamp is a source of contour lighting that gives the image depth.