By Sahar Sarshar
The Cineo Matchbox is a portable, durable lighting system that is perfect for any videographer, photographer or filmmaker in need of a simple lighting solution while on the go.
I could have really used the Cineo Matchbox in my backpack journalism days. It’s affordable, not heavy and the lighting power packs a punch. The remote phosphor technology used in this system creates uniform lighting. It comes with a 3200K plate and a 5600k plate, enabling the user to adjust light temperature when needed. Additional plates are sold separately should you need more temperature options. The 2700K and 4300K optional panels cost only $233.73 extra and also include a storage pouch and barn door set.
What I liked best about the light panels is that they are uniform. Gone are the days of colored light gels. The Matchbox’s color temperature plates look similar but are differentiated by a label stating their color temperature. This creates a more professional look in my opinion. And it doesn’t give away any lighting tricks to those familiar with the effect of gels, whether they’re blue or orange in hue.
As a videographer on the go, I’d often use LED lights mounted on my camera. The outcome wasn’t always ideal, but it worked well enough. The Cineo Matchbox, on the other hand, creates a larger circumference of light – one comparable to a much larger light. The panels also do a wonderful job of covering the light underneath. I remember subjects complaining about other portable light systems and the fact that the lights put a strain on their eyes and caused them to see “white dots” after looking at the light. But this isn’t the case with the Matchbox.
My current role and job title in video production is as a field producer who works with cameramen. My cameramen are in charge of carrying heavy equipment, especially lights – and usually they take a great deal of space and time to set up. Having someone there who deals with the camera and lighting alone has taken a huge burden off my shoulders. But working in the field means that you will inevitably face situations when equipment fails or all of the battery power has been used up and there are no outlets in sight. I don’t even want to count the number of times I have scrambled to find an alternative lighting situation, both during my backpack days and now working with a crew. I am going to recommend my cameramen to carry the Cineo Matchbox as a back-up lighting system from now on, especially since these lights can easily be powered with Canon batteries.
During all of our shoots, we use Canon DSLR cameras. I was very pleased to find out that the Matchbox can also be powered using Canon rechargeable batteries. Being able to switch out a battery that we use on our cameras on a camera light is not only very convenient, it’s also necessary. The Canon batteries last a long time, are easily accessible and charge quickly.
I know function is always more important than design. But this doesn’t stop me from marveling at the Matchbox’s aesthetics. The sleek yet rugged design of the Matchbox has a very polished and professional aesthetic – it will leave an impression on all of your clients and interview subjects.
My favorite feature on this light is the dimmer – which is an essential option as the light is pretty powerful. Every time I’ve used the Cineo Matchbox I’ve had to dim the light on my subject to achieve the optimal amount of light. The dimmer allows you to go from 0% to 100% without any flickering, allowing you to film in higher frame rates or shutter speeds without getting any interference in your image. The dimmer is very useful in low light situations because this light system will give ample light when used at the highest setting. Plus, once you’ve found the perfect light setting, you can push the dimming button in to make sure that the light stays at your desired level – a very useful feature.
I tested the light on a human subject’s face. Image 1 displays the subject without the Cineo Matchbox and only natural light from a window. Image 2 was taken with the 5600k panel on the Matchbox. Finally, Image 3 was taken with the 3200k panel.
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The Cineo Matchbox doesn’t generate any noise, so there are no concerns if the mic and light happen to be close to each other. This is possibly not a game-changing feature considering that most lighting systems today are pretty much silent. I was, however, really reaching to find a flaw that could make me second-guess a purchase of this item. But the $462.83 price at Adorama is a bargain for what you’re getting.
Cineo Lighting Basic Matchbox Light Fixture comes with a 120-240VAC Adapter, 3200K and 5600K Phosphor Panels and a 6′ Extension Cord; all at an affordable price of $462.83, I highly recommend investing in this lighting system – I will be mentioning it to every single cameraperson I work with from now on.
