iFootage SL1 60DN - User Guide
Have you ever unboxed a new piece of gear, brimming with excitement for the creative possibilities, only to be met with a confusing array of buttons, cables, and accessories? You’re not just looking for a tool; you're looking for a partner in your creative journey.
This guide is here to bridge that gap for the iFootage SL1 60DN. We'll go from what's in the box to setting it up, and finally, to harnessing its power to create the softest, most beautiful light for your subjects.
First Impressions: What’s in the Box?
Right away, iFootage shows its commitment to creators by including a wonderful, sturdy carrying case. No need to worry about making an extra purchase to protect your investment.
Upon opening the case, you’ll find:
The body of the SL1 60DN light itself
The power strip and the power adapter brick
A light reflector dish with a compact Bowens mount
An extra spigot adapter and a Velcro strap
The instruction manual for quick reference
Setting Up for Success: A Step-by-Step Assembly
Now that we’re acquainted with the parts, let’s bring the light to life.
Mounting the Light: Begin by securing the light onto a light stand. You’ll see a hole on the light’s yoke designed for this purpose. First, loosen the locking knob to ensure the path is clear. Place the light on the stand’s spigot and then tighten the knob firmly to lock it in place.
Finding Your Angle: A handle on the side of the light allows for smooth tilting. Adjust the light to your desired position and tighten this handle to secure the angle.
Adding the Reflector: To attach the included reflector dish, align its three pins with the corresponding holes on the front of the light. Gently push and turn it clockwise until it locks into place.
Powering Up: Your SL1 60DN offers two power options: the included DC power adapter or a USB-C power delivery source.
Note: If you opt for USB-C, ensure your cable and power brick can handle a continuous 100W output to utilize the light's full potential. Connect the power brick to its cable, then plug the cable into the back of the light. As a final step, plug the power cord into the wall.
Mastering the Controls: Dials, Menus, and Effects
This is where your creativity truly gets to shine.
Power and Brightness: Press and hold the middle button to power the unit on. The "Dim" dial is your primary brightness control. Slow turns allow for incredibly fine 0.1% adjustments, while faster turns let you jump quickly from 0 to 100%. You can also press the "Dim" dial to cycle through brightness presets at 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100%.
A Pro Tip: A single, quick tap of the power button will turn the lamp off without powering down the entire system, allowing you to make quick adjustments on set without a full restart.
Diving into the Menu: The "Set" dial is your gateway to the light's advanced features. Turn it to scroll through options and press it to make a selection. In the main menu, you can adjust the fan mode (Auto or a quieter setting), change the dimming curve from linear to exponential, reset Bluetooth, and more.
Creative Lighting Effects: Navigate to the "Effects" menu to find eight built-in special effects: Fireworks, Lightning, Paparazzi, Welding, Strobe, Explosion, Pulsing, and Faulty Bulb. Once an effect is selected, you can press "Set" again to fine-tune parameters like speed, giving you precise artistic control.
Untether Your Creativity with the Lumin+ App
For ultimate control, the SL1 60DN features Bluetooth connectivity.
Get Connected: Download the "Lumin+" app from your app store and create an account. Open the app, start a project, and the light should appear for connection. You might be prompted for a quick firmware update on your first use.
Control at Your Fingertips: The app gives you wireless access to all the functions on the back of the light, including intensity, presets, and all eight special effects.
App-Exclusive Music Mode: The app unlocks a feature not available on the light itself: Music Mode. Grant the app microphone access, and the light will dynamically adjust its brightness in response to sound, like your voice or music in the room.
The Secret to Soft Light: Using the Softbox Attachment
For truly professional results, especially when lighting people, a softbox is essential. Let’s assemble the optional iFootage softbox.
Assembly: The softbox requires a Mini Bowens to full Bowens mount adapter. Once that’s attached to the softbox, start by adding the inner diffusion panel, which attaches via small locking tabs.
Adding Diffusion Layers: Next, attach the large, outer diffusion sheet using the inner strip of Velcro around the softbox's edge. This leaves the outer Velcro edge free.
Grid for Control: Attach the fabric egg crate (or grid) to the remaining outer Velcro strip. This will help direct the light and prevent it from spilling into areas of your scene where you don't want it.
Mount and Illuminate: With the softbox assembled, mount it to the light just like you did the reflector. The result is a gorgeous, soft light that wraps around your subject beautifully, creating a gentle and pleasing look that’s far less harsh than a bare reflector.
Your Creative Journey Awaits
The iFootage SL1 60DN is far more than just a light; it's a versatile, powerful, and user-friendly tool designed for modern creators. Whether you're shooting interviews, crafting product videos, or adding cinematic depth to a scene, you now have the knowledge to do it with confidence. Go ahead, experiment with these setups, and see how masterful lighting can transform your work.
