Just over a year ago I wrote an article about the LIT DUO 1 and I was beginning to think it may be vaporware as I kept seeing social media advertising for it, but there was never any indication of when it would actually become available. Well, finally, you will be able to pre-order it via a Kickstarter campaign that goes live on Wed 10th of July at 9:00 AM EST (New York) / 6:00 AM PST (Los Angeles) / 3:00 PM CET (Stockholm) / 10:00 PM JST (Tokyo).
If you are not familiar with the LIT DUO 1, it combines color, exposure, illuminance, spectrum, and a flicker meter all into one pocket-sized device inside a durable aluminum body. The concept behind LIT DUO 1 was to make an all-in-one device that could be used by filmmakers.
The LIT DUO 1 was designed for ease of use and to enable fast workflows. It features a unique user interface based on pioneering software and tactile physical controls.
According to the company behind the project, development has taken longer than planned due to running out of R&D funds and changes in the development team. They tried to raise investment money but didn’t succeed. To continue, they took out a loan to overcame all of these setbacks.
What can it do?
Color Mode
It can help you match the color temperature of lights by measuring two lights and seeing what correction filters or CCT values need adjusting.
You can also measure x,y co-ordinates to help match full color lights. You can press ↑↓ to see values in different color units (CIE 1931 or HSI).
Measure Exposure
Just like a traditional light meter, you can measure the difference or ratio between two points.
There is a camera target function where you can input camera parameters manually and then measure the difference to that target.
Other Measuring Features
You can measure illuminance in either lux of foot-candles.
This is also a Spectrum Mode where Evaluate the quality of your lights by looking at CRI, SSI, and TLCI.
The Duo 1 can measure flickering so that you see which shutter speeds to avoid when using various lights.
Believe it or not, and this isn’t a joke, there is even a LIT Snake game.
Usability
Lit App
There is also a LIT App that allows you to remotely measure light. You can also store and keep track of your measurements, and update software.
New product improvements
- Ultra fast operation and low power consumption: Switched to state-of-the-art high-speed, ultra-low-power MCU and memory chipsets.
- Flash exposure & flash analysis (DUO 1 only): Automatic flash detection (“cordless mode”). No physical flash sync port or built-in radio trigger. Capable of AMBI:FLASH ratio measurement as well flash analysis (output shape and t0.1/t0.5 duration). This upgrade also improves continuous light flicker metering at lower light levels and at very high frequencies.
- USB-C port: Can now power the device via cable or serve as a backup for firmware updates.
- Battery charging: Even though LIT meters run on 3 x AAA replaceable batteries, you can charge them via the built-in USB-C port if they are rechargeable (NiMh).
- Sound buzzer: DUO 1 can now provide a range of sound feedbacks at different button presses or measuring events, to speed up your workflow.
- Improved tripod thread port
- Ergonomics and buttons: Device sits and works better in your hand with high tactile feel.
Measurement Specifications
Price & Availability
There are two versions available:
- LIT DUO 1: Starting at €514 (up to 40% off from retail price €849)
- LIT C1: Starting at €439 (up to 40% off from retail price €729)
- There will be a limited amount of highest discount units.
- Campaign will run for 25 days.
- We will be shipping Worldwide.
Pre-orders will run via Kickstarter campaign. According to the company, the reason for doing this is that there is less hassle for them to handle orders and payments, limited time duration, community aspect (your feedback and ideas will help us deliver a better product), and building in public.
The company states that the funds will be used to streamline the design for industrial production and enable mass manufacturing.
They go on to say that, achieving enough pre-orders is crucial. If they don’t secure enough support, refunds will be issued, and the project will pause until alternative financing is found.
I am always skeptical of crowdfunding campaigns and you should always use your own best judgment when deciding to back a project as there are zero guarantees. While it is easy for a company to state that they will issue refunds if the campaign fails to get enough traction, there is no guarantee that they will actually do that.
