In this article I’ll compare four modern light meters to see which offers the best value for money, specifically for film lighting and cinematography.
Do you need a light meter? Yes. I think you should own a good light meter and learn how to use it.
Check out this article that goes in-depth on why you need a light meter:
What should you look for in a light meter?
A good light meter should account for modern cinema cameras, and maybe have an eye out for future advancements.
- It should be able to handle low f-numbers.
- It should be able to handle high ISOs.
- It should have high frame rate modes.
- It should have foot candle and lux readings (If possible nits as well).
- It should primarily be an incident meter but with the option to add a 1o spot meter.
- It must have an error of less than 0.1EV (that’s one-tenth of a stop).
- It must run on regular batteries.
Let’s take a look at the contenders.
The contenders
Here are the four I recommend:
- Sekonic LiteMaster Pro L-478D-U (Amazon, B&H)
- Sekonic Speedmaster L-858D-U (Amazon, B&H)
- Spectra Cine PRO V
- Gossen MAVOLUX COMPACT
I’ve given my reasons in the article I’ve linked to earlier.
The comparison
| Feature | 478D-U | 858D-U | Cine Pro V | Mavolux |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $379 | $629 | $695 | $487 |
| Lowest Lux | 0.63 | 0.1 | 0.01 | 0.1 |
| Max. Lux | 2,000,000 | 2,000,000 | 1,000,000 | 199,900 |
| Lowest Aperture | f/0.5 | f/0.5 | f/0.35 | n/a |
| Max. ISO | 409,600 | 13,107,200 | 8,000 | n/a |
| Lowest FPS | 1 | 1 | 2 | n/a |
| Max FPS | 1,000* | 1,000* | 360 | n/a |
| Nits Range | 1 to 980,000 | 0.1 to 980,000 | No | No |
| EV Range | -2 to 22.9 | -5 to 22.9 | n/a | n/a |
| Spot Meter | Additional purchase 5o | 1o | No** | No |
| Battery | 1.5V x 2 (AAA) | 1.5V x 2 (AAA) | 1.5V x 3 (AA-Lithium) | 1.5V x 2 (AA) |
| Water Resistant? | No | Yes | n/a | n/a |
| Filter Compensation | Yes | Yes | n/a | n/a |
| Weight | 130g | 240g | 499g | 105g |
| Operating Temperature | -10oC to +50oC | -10oC to +50oC | n/a | 0oC to +50oC |
| LCD | 2.7″ | 2.7″ | 2.8″ | 3.5″ |
** Spectra Cine did have an optional 1o spot attachment with the IV-A model. They haven’t updated their website with any information about the V-A.
Prices and specifications may be wrong or inaccurate. Please refer to manufacturers websites for correct information.
Which one is the best value for money?
It’s actually pretty obvious.
I’d pick one of these, and the demarkation is clear:
| Light Meter | When to Buy |
|---|---|
| Sekonic LiteMaster Pro L-478D-U (Amazon, B&H) | For most cinematographers, this should be good enough |
| Sekonic Speedmaster L-858D-U (Amazon, B&H) | This is useful for advanced cinematographers and gaffers that are working year round and can afford the extra expense. |
However, my Sekonic 478D has lasted over a decade without any issues, and I would recommend the Sekonic LiteMaster Pro L-478D-U (Amazon, B&H) to any cinematographer at any level.
However, you don’t need the 1o spot meter any more because cameras already have that, and you have video-centric tools that eliminate the need for a spot meter. It’s still useful, mind you, but is not a must have.
The Sekonic light meters are the best future-proof solutions you can invest in. They have high ISOs, high FPS, filter compensation, and can work in cold weather.
The Sekonic LiteMaster Pro L-478D-U (Amazon, B&H) wins.
What do you think?
