Aputure STORM 80c Monolight

Aputure STORM 80c Monolight: Compact, Full-Color Power for Creators

The Aputure STORM 80c packs professional, full-color output into a compact monolight form factor. With a robust RGBWW engine, a wide CCT range, and the flexibility of a Bowens S-Type front mount, the STORM 80c is designed to be a versatile key, fill, or accent light across studio and location work. Whether you’re building a lean documentary kit, lighting a small narrative set, or elevating product and portrait shoots, the STORM 80c gives you precision, control, and a creative palette in a travel-friendly footprint.

Full-Color Engine & Accurate Skin Tones

At the heart of the STORM 80c is a modern RGBWW chipset engineered to deliver accurate, flattering color reproduction. Seamlessly blend from warm tungsten-inspired looks to crisp daylight, then move into full-spectrum color modes for gels, effects, and stylized accents. Expect high color fidelity (CRI/TLCI 95+ class) to maintain natural skin tones and consistent color across multi-light setups. The flexible color control makes it an ideal companion for interviews, commercial content, YouTube studios, and indie film sets.

Bowens S-Type Mount: Modifier Freedom

The STORM 80c uses the industry-standard Bowens S-Type mount, unlocking a vast ecosystem of modifiers. From hard punchy reflectors to softboxes, lanterns, parabolics, and projection attachments, you can shape, soften, or intensify output to suit your scene. Aputure and third-party Bowens accessories integrate seamlessly, making the STORM 80c easy to slot into existing kits.

Intuitive Controls & Sidus Link App

On-board controls give quick access to intensity, CCT, HSI/RGB adjustments, and effects. For wireless operation, use the Sidus Link app to dial in precise levels, match multiple lights, save looks, and trigger effects without leaving camera. The STORM 80c supports modern workflows where speed, repeatability, and remote tweaking are essential.

Quiet Cooling for Sound-Critical Sets

Built with video production in mind, the STORM 80c features quiet (low-noise) active cooling. Keep your audio clean during interviews and narrative dialogue while still benefiting from stable output over long takes and extended sessions.

Power Options for Studio and Location

Run the STORM 80c from universal 100–240V AC in studio or mains-powered environments. For the field, optional DC power solutions enable flexible, mobile lighting setups. Pair with a compact softbox or lantern, and you’ve got a travel-ready key light that sets quickly and handles most interview or talking-head lighting tasks with ease.

Creative Modes & Practical Effects

Tap into creative lighting with full HSI and RGB controls, plus a suite of built-in lighting effects to simulate practical sources. From a subtle candle flicker to emergency strobes and color loops, the STORM 80c helps you craft ambience and story-driven looks on tight timelines, without reaching for extra gels or complicated rigging.

Use Cases

- Interviews and talking heads: Soft key with a small softbox or lantern for flattering talent lighting.
- Product and tabletop: Accurate CCT for true-to-life color; creative hues for stylized product highlights.
- Content creation and streaming: Quiet operation and app control make it ideal for solo creators and studios.
- Narrative and documentary: Portable, full-color monolight for quick setups and expressive accents.

Benefits at a Glance

- Full-color workflow without gels, minimizing setup time.
- Consistent color across multiple fixtures for reliable multicam shoots.
- Bowens ecosystem support for maximum light-shaping flexibility.
- Remote control from the Sidus Link app streamlines solo and small-team operation.
- Compact, travel-friendly design that still offers professional output.

Comparison: STORM 80c vs. Larger COB Lights

Compared to high-wattage COB fixtures, the STORM 80c emphasizes portability, ease of rigging, and power flexibility. It’s a natural upgrade from entry-level compact LEDs for creators who want a pro-grade color engine and Bowens compatibility—without the size and weight of larger studio heads. If you need punch for large modifiers or outdoor daylight balancing, pair the STORM 80c with harder reflectors or consider using it as a complementary fill or practical hue source with bigger key lights.

Recommended Accessories

- Bowens-mount softbox (e.g., 26–36" quick softbox) for soft keys and fills.
- Bowens lantern (45–60cm) for omnidirectional room tone and group setups.
- Standard or deep parabolic reflector for a harder, punchier beam.
- Grid and diffusion kits to fine-tune spill and contrast.
- Light stand with sandbag for secure mounting on location.
- Optional DC power solution for mobile use.

Setup & Usage Tips

- Start at 5600K for neutral daylight matching; adjust CCT to taste for mood and warmth.
- Use HSI mode to quickly establish accent colors, then refine with saturation controls.
- For interviews, raise the light slightly above eye level and angle down 30–45° for a natural shadow falloff.
- Add a small fill or negative fill to sculpt contrast; use grids to keep light off backgrounds.
- Save presets in Sidus Link for repeat setups—handy for recurring shoots and studio templates.

Build & Reliability

The STORM 80c is built to handle the rigors of production life with a rugged housing, reliable thermal management, and consistent output over long sessions. It’s engineered to integrate seamlessly with common grip gear, stands, and modifiers for dependable day-to-day use.

Aputure Color Lineage

Aputure has been a leader in LED lighting for filmmakers and photographers, evolving from tungsten/daylight COB heads to advanced RGBWW systems. The STORM 80c carries forward that color science and workflow design, bringing a portable, creator-friendly form factor to the full-color monolight space.