At the Photokina show Lumu were demonstrating working versions of their recently announced Lumu Power. This is a little plug-in device that turns your iPhone into a fully functioning light, flash and colour meter.
The Lumu Power has a dome side and a flat side. The dome has a colour sensor behind it and is used for colour temperature, white balance and illuminance. The flat side measures ambient light and flash. You can switch between modes by simply reversing the way it is plugged into the phone. There is also a spot meter function that uses the iPhone’s own camera to determine exposure.
We were able to see a fully working demo of the product and it seems like the iOS app was stable, even when the device was unplugged and plugged back in several times. The info display was also clear and easy to read. We were told that the colour metering on the prototypes is very accurate.
The device will cost $299 US, but is currently on pre-order for $229 and the company say it should be shipping in a few weeks time. At this price it is probably the most affordable (as Adam pointed out in the comments, there are other solutions that may be more affordable to achieve similar results) colour meter on the market and I’m sure that many DPs and photographers will be sorely tempted to pick one up.
For more info visit the Lumu website.
