Light & Motion has long been at the forefront of creating high-performance, portable underwater lighting systems. Their SOLA line, known for its innovative designs and adaptability, has continuously evolved to meet the increasing demands of underwater photographers and videographers. With a focus on providing solutions that ensure superior image and video quality, the SOLA series has seen significant updates over the years. These updates are particularly notable with the introduction of newer models like the SOLA Photo 800, SOLA 2000, and SOLA 4000, which cater to a wider range of underwater professionals.
Among the most recent advancements in the SOLA series is the SOLA Photo 800, a model that has quickly captured the attention of underwater photographers. As the successor to the highly regarded SOLA Photo 600, the SOLA Photo 800 comes with enhanced features that make it an even more attractive choice for photographers working in dynamic underwater environments. One of the most notable improvements in this model is its wider and more even flood beam. This feature proves crucial in underwater photography, where ensuring that the light stays focused on the subject is far more important than ensuring precise alignment with the focus light. The SOLA Photo 800 is designed to eliminate worries about missing the right shot due to beam misalignment, providing users with a worry-free and seamless lighting experience.
Another standout feature of the SOLA Photo 800 is its stealth red mode. This feature is especially helpful when photographing sensitive underwater creatures like gobies, juvenile fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. With red light, photographers can capture stunning images of these creatures without startling them or disrupting their natural behavior. The ability to use red light to approach more elusive subjects without spooking them is a significant advantage for underwater photographers who prioritize minimizing their impact on the environment while still capturing breathtaking shots.
Expanding the SOLA Range: The Introduction of the SOLA 2000 and SOLA 4000 for Videographers
While the SOLA Photo 800 caters to the needs of underwater photographers, Light & Motion has not forgotten about the growing needs of underwater videographers. The SOLA 2000 and SOLA 4000 represent a major shift in the SOLA lineup, as these two models are specifically designed to meet the more demanding requirements of professional videographers. With the increasing popularity of underwater video production, these two lights have been created to provide higher lumen outputs, more flexibility, and a greater range of beam control.
The SOLA 2000, one of the latest additions to the series, is engineered for videographers who need a powerful, versatile light to illuminate their underwater shots. This model boasts a 2,000-lumen output, ensuring ample brightness for even the darkest underwater environments. Its wide beam is designed to provide even illumination across the scene, offering videographers the flexibility they need to light a broad area effectively. This makes it an ideal solution for filming in environments where lighting consistency and reliability are paramount.
For those requiring even greater power, the SOLA 4000 offers an adjustable beam with an incredible 4,000 lumens. What sets the SOLA 4000 apart is its ability to adjust the intensity across seven different levels, allowing users to fine-tune the brightness to suit specific needs. Whether you are shooting in shallow waters or deep in the ocean, the SOLA 4000 provides the control and adaptability that underwater videographers require. The combination of power, flexibility, and beam control makes both the SOLA 2000 and SOLA 4000 the perfect lighting tools for videographers who demand the best in terms of performance and versatility.
The addition of these two models strengthens Light & Motion's position as a leading provider of underwater lighting solutions. By addressing the specific needs of videographers, Light & Motion has ensured that its SOLA series remains one of the most versatile and sought-after lighting options for professionals working beneath the waves. The SOLA 2000 and SOLA 4000 open up new possibilities for videographers, allowing them to achieve stunning footage in a variety of challenging underwater environments.
A New Era of Affordability and Accessibility: Pricing Adjustments for a Wider Audience
While Light & Motion has always focused on delivering exceptional quality with its products, the company has also recognized the importance of making its lighting systems more accessible to a broader audience. In response to growing demand and the evolving market landscape, Light & Motion has made strategic pricing adjustments to some of its key models, ensuring that both seasoned professionals and beginners in underwater photography can benefit from its cutting-edge technology without breaking the bank.
The SOLA Photo 500, a model that has been a popular choice among many photographers, has seen a price reduction, now available for just $299. This makes it an affordable option for those just starting in underwater photography, offering them a reliable lighting solution without the need to invest heavily upfront. For more experienced photographers who require greater performance, the SOLA Photo 800 is now priced at $499. This price reduction makes the SOLA Photo 800 an excellent value for its impressive capabilities, offering a great balance of power, beam quality, and versatility.
These adjustments reflect Light & Motion's commitment to making high-quality underwater lighting solutions accessible to all. Whether you're a professional photographer who needs a dependable and powerful light or a hobbyist just starting to explore the world of underwater imaging, these pricing changes ensure that you can enjoy the benefits of top-tier lighting technology without compromising on quality or breaking your budget.
As the underwater photography and videography industries continue to grow, the SOLA series from Light & Motion remains a key player, providing professionals and enthusiasts with the tools they need to create stunning, high-quality images and videos. With the introduction of models like the SOLA Photo 800, SOLA 2000, and SOLA 4000, along with strategic pricing adjustments, Light & Motion is poised to continue leading the way in underwater lighting for years to come. Whether you are a photographer looking for a reliable lighting solution or a videographer seeking the perfect tool to capture cinematic underwater footage, the SOLA series offers a range of options that cater to your specific needs, providing exceptional performance and versatility in every dive.
The SOLA Photo 500: Compact, Reliable, and Versatile Lighting for Underwater Photography
The SOLA Photo 500 is a popular choice for underwater photographers who seek a compact yet highly effective lighting solution. With its clean 60-degree flood beam, it is perfectly suited for photographers using compact cameras or smaller systems. This model stands out for its versatility, making it not only an excellent lighting option for still photography but also a reliable video light. The dual-purpose nature of the Photo 500 allows photographers to seamlessly transition between capturing stills and shooting videos during the same session.
Despite its smaller size, the SOLA Photo 500 offers impressive performance, providing up to 400 minutes of burn time on low power. This extended battery life makes it an ideal option for photographers who need dependable lighting for long photo shoots, ensuring that their equipment can keep up with their creative demands. It’s a fantastic choice for those just starting out in underwater photography and looking for an affordable, high-quality lighting solution that won’t break the bank. The SOLA Photo 500 offers exceptional value for its price, providing excellent illumination for macro photography and close-up shots, while also being powerful enough for broader lighting needs.
The compact design of the Photo 500 makes it incredibly easy to handle, even in tight underwater spaces. It is lightweight, portable, and can be easily integrated into any photographer’s underwater gear. Whether you’re a beginner or an enthusiast looking for a high-performing lighting system that can meet a variety of shooting needs, the SOLA Photo 500 is a solid option to consider. Its ability to function as both a still light and a video light makes it an especially versatile tool in an underwater photographer’s kit.
The SOLA Photo 800: A Step Up for Serious Underwater Photographers
The SOLA Photo 800 is a step up from the Photo 500, offering more power and flexibility to meet the needs of a wider range of underwater photographers. Its clean, broad flood beam provides exceptional lighting for both macro and wide-angle compositions, making it suitable for capturing everything from small marine creatures to expansive underwater landscapes. One of the standout features of the SOLA Photo 800 is its red "stealth" mode, which is highly appreciated by photographers who wish to avoid disturbing marine life with bright light. The red light mode ensures that creatures remain undisturbed while still providing enough illumination for stunning shots.
This model offers three intensity settings, allowing photographers to fine-tune the light output to suit different shooting conditions. Whether you’re working with large subjects like schools of fish or taking close-up shots of tiny marine life, the SOLA Photo 800 gives you the control you need to achieve the perfect shot. Its compact size makes it highly portable, ensuring that it won’t weigh down your gear while still delivering powerful light performance.
At a price point that has been reduced to $499, the SOLA Photo 800 offers incredible value for serious underwater photographers. This model strikes the perfect balance between power and affordability, making it an excellent choice for those who want top-notch performance without the premium price tag. Whether you’re just starting to delve into underwater photography or you’re an experienced photographer looking for a reliable and versatile light, the Photo 800 is an outstanding option that won’t disappoint.
The SOLA Photo 1200: High-Performance Lighting for Professionals
For photographers who demand the very best in terms of power and performance, the SOLA Photo 1200 is the ultimate underwater lighting solution. Offering a staggering 1200 lumens of light output, the Photo 1200 is 50% more powerful than the Photo 800, providing the added brightness needed for a variety of challenging underwater conditions. Its wide, clean flood beam ensures that the light is evenly distributed, allowing you to capture incredible details and vibrant colors in both stills and videos.
One of the most notable features of the Photo 1200 is its ability to deliver exceptional brightness without overpowering your subject. This makes it an ideal choice for professional photographers working in deeper waters or murkier environments where additional light is necessary to illuminate subjects without causing harsh overexposure. The SOLA Photo 1200 maintains the same red "stealth" mode as the Photo 800, providing photographers with the ability to work discreetly without disturbing marine life. This feature is especially useful when capturing images of sensitive species or in locations where minimizing human impact is crucial.
The increased brightness and versatility of the Photo 1200 make it an excellent choice for those who need top-tier performance in all lighting conditions. Whether you're capturing intricate macro shots in deeper water or working with wide-angle compositions in low-visibility environments, the SOLA Photo 1200 delivers the illumination needed to produce stunning, professional-grade images. For those who need the reliability and power to tackle a wide range of underwater photography challenges, the Photo 1200 offers unmatched performance.
In addition to its impressive light output, the SOLA Photo 1200 also benefits from a long burn time and a rugged design that can withstand the harsh underwater environment. Whether you're a seasoned professional or an advanced enthusiast, this model is engineered to meet the demands of serious underwater photographers. The SOLA Photo 1200’s combination of power, reliability, and versatility makes it the go-to option for professionals who need lighting that performs at the highest level, regardless of the underwater conditions.
Unveiling the SOLA Dive: A Revolution in Underwater Lighting
Underwater videography presents unique challenges that require specialized equipment capable of overcoming the limitations of traditional lighting. Light & Motion’s SOLA Dive series has been specifically designed to meet these challenges, providing divers and videographers with high-quality, adaptive lighting solutions that enable them to capture exceptional footage in diverse underwater environments. Among the most popular models in the series is the SOLA Dive 1200, a lighting tool that has rapidly gained a reputation for its impressive performance and versatility, making it a go-to choice for those who demand professional-grade equipment for underwater shooting.
The SOLA Dive 1200 is equipped with a versatile 60-degree flood beam, offering ample light coverage for wide-angle shots. This feature is particularly advantageous when shooting expansive underwater vistas, where it is critical to illuminate the scene without compromising on quality. The broad beam spreads light evenly, ensuring that large areas, from the rocky sea floor to the towering coral reefs, are bathed in natural-looking illumination, even in challenging conditions such as murky or low-visibility waters. This uniform light distribution is essential for videographers aiming to showcase the full splendor of underwater environments, capturing everything from vast marine landscapes to intricate details in vibrant ecosystems.
In situations where more focused and precise lighting is required, the SOLA Dive 1200’s narrow beam option provides the flexibility to highlight specific subjects with remarkable clarity. This concentrated light output is perfect for shooting smaller subjects, such as fish, coral formations, or other delicate marine life. The ability to direct light in a more controlled manner allows videographers to zero in on particular elements of the scene without disturbing the surrounding environment, making it an ideal tool for showcasing fine details and textures that are often overlooked in broader lighting setups.
One of the most thoughtful and practical design features of the SOLA Dive 1200 is its included wrist mount, which provides hands-free operation. This innovative addition allows divers to keep both hands free to maneuver their cameras, explore the underwater world, or perform other essential tasks while maintaining optimal lighting conditions. The wrist mount also ensures that the light remains stable and directed in the right position, reducing the need for constant adjustment during filming. This feature is a game-changer for divers who want to remain fully immersed in the experience while focusing on capturing high-quality video, ensuring that lighting does not become a distraction.
The wrist mount's hands-free functionality contributes to making the SOLA Dive 1200 an essential tool for underwater videography, as it allows users to maintain greater control over their filming process. The freedom it offers enables them to concentrate solely on framing the perfect shot, adjusting their camera settings, or responding to the movements of marine life without worrying about holding a light source. Whether diving in shallow waters, where sunlight still filters through, or exploring deeper, darker regions of the ocean where artificial lighting becomes even more crucial, the SOLA Dive 1200 adapts to the environment, making it the perfect solution for a wide range of diving conditions.
In addition to the flexibility of its beam settings and the convenience of its hands-free operation, the SOLA Dive 1200 is designed to be rugged and durable, built to withstand the harsh conditions of underwater environments. Its waterproof construction ensures reliable performance even at significant depths, allowing divers to use it confidently during their dives, knowing that it will continue to operate effectively no matter how deep or challenging the water conditions may be. Whether you’re shooting in the shallows or venturing into deeper waters, this light remains a dependable tool, providing the right amount of brightness and coverage to ensure that every underwater moment is captured to perfection.
The SOLA Dive 1200 isn’t just about functionality and durability it's also a tool designed for ease of use. Its lightweight design ensures that divers won’t feel burdened by the additional weight, and its intuitive controls make it easy to adjust the light settings, even while underwater. This simplicity means that videographers can focus on the artistry of their work, rather than spending time figuring out how to operate the light. In a setting where every second counts, the ease with which the SOLA Dive 1200 can be adjusted helps to streamline the videography process, allowing the user to work more efficiently and creatively.
When considering the demands of underwater videography, it becomes clear that the SOLA Dive 1200 is a vital asset to any serious diver or videographer’s toolkit. Its combination of powerful lighting capabilities, flexible beam options, hands-free operation, and durable design makes it an invaluable tool for capturing high-quality footage in even the most challenging underwater environments. By providing the right lighting for a wide range of shooting conditions, the SOLA Dive 1200 enables videographers to capture stunning underwater scenes with ease, allowing them to create content that is as beautiful and dynamic as the marine world itself. Whether documenting marine life, exploring shipwrecks, or simply capturing the breathtaking beauty of the ocean, this lighting solution ensures that every shot is illuminated to perfection.
SOLA 2000 Video: Power and Precision for Deeper Water
The SOLA 2000 Video light brings next-level illumination for underwater videographers looking to step up their game. Known for its robust design and versatile lighting features, this model is a powerful choice for those shooting in both shallow and deeper waters. Equipped with a broad, white beam, the SOLA 2000 ensures that a wide area is thoroughly illuminated, providing exceptional visibility for every scene. Whether you're capturing coral reefs or the mysterious depths of the ocean, this light delivers the brightness and clarity needed to showcase underwater environments in their full glory.
One of the key benefits of the SOLA 2000 is its three adjustable intensity levels, which allow videographers to fine-tune the light output to suit the specific conditions of their shoot. Whether you're working in low-light conditions or shooting in the bright, sun-drenched waters of shallow reefs, the ability to control the light's intensity makes this light a versatile choice. With a maximum output of 2,000 lumens, the SOLA 2000 ensures that every shot is perfectly illuminated, offering videographers more control over their footage than ever before.
The SOLA 2000 is designed with underwater video professionals in mind, making it a reliable and durable option for capturing high-quality content. Its advanced design features include a waterproof housing and a long-lasting battery, ensuring that it will withstand the challenges of underwater filming. Whether you're filming in calm, shallow waters or the darker depths of the ocean, the SOLA 2000 is built to provide consistent performance, ensuring that your footage looks as sharp and vivid as possible.
SOLA 4000: The Ultimate Tool for Cinematic Underwater Footage
For videographers seeking the ultimate lighting solution for underwater filming, the SOLA 4000 represents the pinnacle of the SOLA series. As the flagship model in the range, this powerhouse light offers an impressive array of features that make it the ideal choice for those aiming to capture cinematic-quality footage in even the most challenging underwater conditions. With a maximum output of 4,000 lumens and an adjustable beam, the SOLA 4000 provides unparalleled flexibility and power.
One of the standout features of the SOLA 4000 is its ability to adjust the beam's intensity, with seven levels available to cater to a wide variety of underwater environments. This fine-tuning capability ensures that you can adapt your lighting to perfectly suit the conditions, whether you're filming in crystal-clear shallow waters or navigating the deep, dark depths of the ocean. The flexibility in adjusting both the intensity and beam pattern of the light means that videographers can use the SOLA 4000 for a variety of filming situations, whether you're working with large marine life or capturing the intricate details of coral reefs and underwater creatures.
The SOLA 4000 is designed to meet the highest standards of professional underwater videography, offering top-tier performance and exceptional durability. Its rugged construction ensures it can withstand the harsh underwater environments it’s built for, with a long-lasting battery life to power long shooting sessions. For videographers who demand the best in terms of light intensity, adaptability, and performance, the SOLA 4000 delivers everything needed to create stunning cinematic shots. Whether you're shooting in the clear waters of tropical reefs or the pitch-black depths of the ocean, this light will ensure that your footage is perfectly lit, capturing the beauty and drama of the underwater world in vivid detail.
Enhanced Flexibility for Every Dive
The SOLA series by Light & Motion isn't just about high-output lights; it's about providing videographers with the flexibility to shoot in any conditions. Each model in the SOLA lineup is designed with versatility in mind, offering adjustable beams and varying levels of intensity to suit different underwater environments. Whether you're filming in shallow, sunlit waters or the dark depths of the ocean, these lights ensure that your footage is captured with the perfect balance of brightness and focus.
Beyond the powerful illumination provided by these lights, the SOLA series also focuses on ease of use, allowing divers to concentrate on their filming without worrying about managing complex lighting setups. The inclusion of wrist mounts in some models ensures that videographers can focus on capturing the perfect shot while keeping their hands free for other tasks. This attention to user experience is a key element in making the SOLA series a must-have for professional underwater videographers.
Whether you are a beginner diving into the world of underwater videography or an experienced professional looking for the best lighting tools available, the SOLA series provides everything you need to elevate your content. From the reliable performance of the SOLA Dive 1200 to the cinematic capabilities of the SOLA 4000, these lights are designed to bring your underwater footage to life, ensuring every shot is lit to perfection.
With the ever-growing demand for high-quality underwater footage, it’s clear that the SOLA Dive and SOLA Video lights from Light & Motion are setting the standard for what underwater lighting should be. These innovative lights are built to withstand the challenges of underwater environments while delivering exceptional performance, helping videographers capture the beauty and mystery of the ocean like never before.
The Future of Underwater Videography Lighting
As underwater videography continues to evolve, the need for innovative lighting solutions will only grow. The SOLA series from Light & Motion is leading the charge in providing powerful, versatile lighting tools that allow videographers to capture their subject matter in stunning detail. With a focus on beam flexibility, intensity control, and ease of use, these lights represent the future of underwater videography lighting.
With the ability to capture everything from expansive reef shots to close-ups of elusive marine life, the SOLA series offers the tools you need to tell compelling underwater stories. Whether you're working in shallow, clear waters or deeper, darker environments, the SOLA lights provide the performance and reliability necessary to make your underwater filming experience both professional and enjoyable.
By continuing to innovate and refine their designs, Light & Motion ensures that the SOLA series remains at the forefront of underwater lighting technology. For videographers looking to push the boundaries of their craft, the SOLA series represents the next step in the evolution of underwater videography lighting, offering everything needed to create stunning, cinematic footage that captures the magic of the ocean.
Best Lighting Options for Underwater Photographers
Underwater photographers need a light that offers sufficient brightness while being compact and easy to handle. The SOLA Photo 500 and Photo 800 are among the best choices, providing excellent versatility in various shooting conditions.
For those just starting out in underwater photography, the SOLA Photo 500 is an excellent option. This light strikes a perfect balance between power and portability, making it ideal for use with compact cameras. It offers enough illumination to capture clear, vibrant images of marine life without overwhelming the scene. Its lightweight design ensures that photographers can carry it comfortably during long dives, making it a great choice for beginners who need a reliable light for casual underwater photography.
On the other hand, for photographers looking for a more powerful lighting solution, the SOLA Photo 800 takes things to the next level. While it remains compact and portable, the Photo 800 provides greater light output than the Photo 500, making it ideal for shooting in deeper or darker underwater environments. The additional red "stealth" mode is a standout feature of the Photo 800, offering photographers the ability to capture more sensitive subjects like marine creatures that are easily disturbed by bright white light. This makes the SOLA Photo 800 a perfect choice for those who have some experience and need a bit more power without going for the highest-end models.
Whether you're an enthusiastic beginner or an intermediate photographer, the SOLA Photo series provides excellent options that cater to various needs. Choosing the right model comes down to the level of lighting required and the type of subjects you wish to capture.
Lighting Solutions for Underwater Videographers
Underwater videography presents unique challenges that require lighting solutions with greater power and flexibility. SOLA lights have always been a favorite among professional and hobbyist videographers alike. If you're shooting underwater videos, the SOLA 2000 and SOLA 4000 are the top models to consider, each offering different benefits based on the size of your setup and the type of footage you're capturing.
The SOLA 2000 is a fantastic option for underwater videographers who need a balance between power and portability. It offers ample brightness for filming in most conditions while maintaining a manageable size that doesn’t add too much bulk to your diving equipment. This model is perfect for those who shoot a variety of underwater scenes, from close-up shots of marine life to wide-angle shots of coral reefs and seascapes. The 2000-lumen output is powerful enough to ensure your footage is well-lit, even in deeper or darker waters, yet it remains compact enough for easy handling.
For those who need even more power and control, the SOLA 4000 is the ideal choice. As the most powerful model in the SOLA series, the SOLA 4000 is designed for professional videographers who require maximum brightness and the flexibility to adjust light output for different shooting conditions. Whether you're filming large subjects like schools of fish, expansive reef scenes, or diving in murkier waters, the SOLA 4000 ensures your footage remains bright and clear. This model is equipped with advanced features like adjustable beam angles, allowing videographers to fine-tune the lighting to suit their exact needs.
In addition, the SOLA 4000 boasts impressive color accuracy, providing rich, vibrant hues that make underwater scenes appear more lifelike on camera. This makes it the perfect choice for professional filmmakers and serious hobbyists who want to capture stunning footage with minimal post-production work. The flexibility and high light output of the SOLA 4000 make it an excellent choice for capturing everything from wide-angle shots to intricate close-ups, giving you the power to create cinematic underwater videos.
A Wide Range of Options for All Levels of Expertise
The SOLA series offers a diverse range of lights designed to cater to underwater photographers and videographers at all levels. Whether you're a novice photographer just starting to explore the underwater world or an experienced videographer looking to elevate your footage, there is a SOLA light that meets your specific needs.
Each light in the SOLA series is designed with portability, performance, and ease of use in mind. The SOLA Photo and SOLA Video models are incredibly user-friendly, making them perfect for beginners, while the more powerful options like the SOLA 2000 and SOLA 4000 cater to professionals who need greater control and higher light output. Additionally, these lights are built to withstand the unique challenges of underwater environments, ensuring that your investment in SOLA lighting will last through countless dives.
Beyond their practical benefits, SOLA lights also come equipped with advanced features that enhance the quality of your footage or photos. Whether it’s the ability to switch to a red "stealth" mode to capture more sensitive marine life or adjusting the light output to match the ambient conditions of your dive, SOLA lights offer an array of options that allow you to be more creative and precise in your work.
In recent years, Light & Motion has expanded the SOLA range to provide even more choices for underwater creatives. With updated pricing and a wider selection of lights, more photographers and videographers can now access professional-grade underwater lighting without breaking the bank. The SOLA series provides exceptional value, offering high-end features and performance at a competitive price point.
The design and build quality of the SOLA lights further reinforce Light & Motion’s commitment to excellence in underwater lighting technology. From their intuitive controls to their rugged construction, these lights are made to perform in challenging underwater conditions. Whether you're filming in the shallows or at deeper depths, the SOLA lights ensure that you have the reliable lighting you need to capture stunning images and video.
Conclusion
Selecting the right SOLA light depends on several factors, including your level of expertise, the type of work you plan to do, and your budget. The SOLA series offers something for everyone, whether you’re just starting out in underwater photography or you’re a seasoned professional looking to take your work to the next level.
For photographers, the SOLA Photo 500 and Photo 800 provide excellent options, with the Photo 500 being ideal for beginners and the Photo 800 offering additional power and versatility for more advanced users. Meanwhile, underwater videographers can choose between the SOLA 2000 and SOLA 4000, depending on their lighting needs and the scale of their production. The SOLA 2000 offers a great balance of portability and power, while the SOLA 4000 delivers the highest output and flexibility for professional videographers.
Ultimately, the SOLA series is designed to help underwater creatives bring their vision to life with reliable, high-performance lighting solutions. By choosing the right light for your specific needs, you can ensure that your underwater photography and videography reaches its full potential. With continued innovation and expanded options, SOLA lights remain a top choice for those who demand quality and performance in their underwater shooting gear.