The LS 600d Pro is Aputures first “Pro” light with the improved build quality, water resistance, and DMX options. The LS 1200d Pro followed with a similar build and features in the proline. So, what if you don’t need those more advanced features and just want the higher quality build with the same output and save a few bucks? Well, that is exactly what Aputure has done with the new LS 600d. They took the same lamp head and COB but with no water resistance feature and redesigned the controller to decrease the price. The LS 600d will retail for $1390 USD. That’s $500 less than the LS 600d Pro.

Aputure states the LS 600d performance is the same as the LS 600d Pro. Therefore, light output and color accuracy are the same. Check out my review of the LS 600d Pro if you are interested in learning all about the impressive fixture. The LS 600d Pro is one of my favorite Aputure lights as it’s very bright with excellent color performance. Add a large 5′ Octagon softbox, and you have a beautiful large source of soft light. You can also use the Spotlight and the beefy F10 Fresnel. According to Aputure, the LS 600d is comparable to a 1200W HMI or Joker 800, making the fixture very useful for so many applications.

Below is a breakdown of the key differences between the two fixtures. While the LS 600d Pro does include the 2.4G VA-RC1+ Remote, the LS 600d does not.

The LS 600d comes with the same rolling case, cables, and 600 series Hyper Reflector as the Pro version. The cables are beefy and have high quality connectors.

I like the case a lot as it’s solid and light. A hard plastic case would be very heavy, while the included semi-hard case is a good balance for weight and protection. I also like that you can repack the light and accessories after the first time taking out all the items. Many cases are so compact once you remove the light, it never will go back into the case again without jamming stuff in. Especially cables. I don’t wrap my cables up tight like they are when fresh out of the box.

The controller is a little smaller and lighter than the Pro model. I’ll take that! it comes in at 3.24kg / 7.14lbs versus the Pro at 5.8kg / 12.79lbs. Since it doesn’t have Art-net and LumenRaido CRMX connectivity and is not weather-resistant, this all adds up to a smaller, lighter box. The head cable is the same waterproof 5-pin cable. The controller doesn’t support battery charging and has an OLED UI display versus an advanced LCD UI.

You still get two battery slots and the Aputure clamp for mounting to a stand, and the feature for using batteries for 50% output or 48V DC power source with the input on the bottom. Just like the Pro model, the inputs are on the bottom, with the main output to the lamp head on top. I was not too fond of the bottom placement as you have to lay it on its side if using AC and DMX. I get it’s a real estate issue and in order to keep it compact, it makes sense.

To operate the LS 600d at full power using DC battery solutions, users should utilize the 48V/15A 3-Pin XLR DC Input. Using a regulated 48V block battery or power station such as the GenEnergy Monster Kit with enough power output, users can operate the LS 600d at full power.

We also suggest using solar generators or AC Battery Inverters for longer-term usage.

Since the technology is the same Aputure states, they perform the same. I reviewed the LS 600d Pro also. Here are the tests I performed for your reference.

Color accuracy is almost not an issue these days, with LEDs being so much better than ever before. The Aputure LS 600d Pro is a good example of this as its ratings are excellent.

The extended CRI color accuracy is very good at 93.4. The Spectral Distribution is also very good, with a nice even color balance. The LS 600d Pro is rated at 5600K and came in at 5675K. This puts it a CC Index of 0.1G to balance at 5600K.

The extended CRI color accuracy is very good at 94.7. The Spectral Distribution is also very good, with a nice even color balance. The LS 600d Pro is rated at 5600K and came in at 5782K. This puts it a CC Index of 0.5G to balance at 5600K.

Overall these are very good ratings and would work perfectly with lights that also are true 5600K.

I highly recommend reading the review of the LS 600d Pro I did as it will have much more information on the fixture that is relevant to the LS 600d standard version.

The LS 600d is a good option if you don’t require weather sealing and the more advanced connectivity of Art-net and LumenRaido CRMX. You still get 2.4G Remote, Sidus link, and DMX512. Many users will want to have two LS 600d onset and control them with the Sidus link. It’s an excellent way to use Aputure fixtures; plus, if you have other Amaran or other Aputure lights, they all can be controlled with the app.

I’m curious if Aputure intends to offer the LS 600x Pro with similar options removed as bi-color would be great. I usually like to have bi-color options since they work well with other lights to match, and these days the output differences are not that different, making them more versatile.

I like the idea of saving $500 bucks on the LS 600d. If you don’t need the extra features, it’s not worth paying the extra price. The build quality is the same, and that matters more to me.

The LS 600d is available in V-Mount & Gold Mount. The fixture with accessories retails for $1,390 USD and will be available for shipping worldwide beginning April 14, 2022.

Erik is an 18 time Emmy award-winning DP, with over 20 years experience in photojournalism, working in newsrooms all over the USA. The last decade has seen Erik migrate into broadcast television and filmmaking, where he has discovered a passion for visual storytelling and production. Additionally, Erik is an outstanding educator, teaching filmmaking via courses on Linkedin Learning and Lynda.com.

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