While some secondary sources cite later dates for the establishment of the Aputure brand or corporate structure, the company’s own website states it was founded in 2005. Consequently, Aputure traces its origins to 2005.2

The name Aputure is a combination of the cinematography term “aperture” and the concept of the future. This choice reflects the company’s original connection to cameras, filmmaking and visual technology, while communicating an emphasis on developing new-generation production equipment.

Early beginnings

Aputure’s origins date to 2005, when its founders were involved in camera-related electronics and accessories. According to the company’s history, Aputure emerged from a group of filmmakers and videographers who sought professional production equipment without the high prices traditionally associated with cinema gear.3 This philosophy became central to the brand’s identity: professional filmmaking technology should not be restricted to large Hollywood productions. The company initially focused on camera accessories and electronics before shifting towards LED lighting.

Transition to LED lighting

Early Aputure lighting products were designed to make professional-quality illumination more accessible and portable. One of its early successful families was amaran, which consisted of compact LED fixtures intended for independent filmmakers, photographers and smaller production teams.

This shift was significant because traditional cinema lighting was often large, heavy, power-hungry and expensive. LED technology offered distinct advantages, including lower power consumption, smaller form factors, reduced heat output, battery operation, easier transport, adjustable colour temperature, electronic control and remote networking capabilities. Over time, Aputure evolved from compact creator-oriented lights to increasingly powerful professional cinema fixtures.

A major milestone in the company’s development was the Light Storm (LS) family. This series became Aputure’s flagship professional lighting platform and helped establish it as a serious competitor in the cinema-lighting market. Notable products included the LS 120d, LS 300d, LS 300d II, LS 300x, LS 600d Pro, LS 600x Pro, LS 600c Pro and LS 1200d Pro.

The core concept combined the flexibility and efficiency of LED technology with the output and accessory compatibility expected from professional cinema fixtures. The LS 300d, in particular, played a key role in Aputure’s rise among independent filmmakers.

A defining technology for Aputure is the use of COB (Chip-on-Board) LED light sources. Rather than using a large conventional LED panel, a COB fixture concentrates many LED emitters into a relatively small light-emitting area. This allows the fixture to function similarly to a traditional cinema point source.

High-output Aputure fixtures can be paired with reflectors, Fresnel lenses, softboxes, lanterns, parabolic modifiers, projection systems and barn doors, making a single light considerably more versatile. The current product ecosystem includes both traditional point-source fixtures and newer architectures such as pixel bars, soft mats and high-output tunable-colour fixtures.4

Aputure’s product range has expanded significantly beyond simple LED panels.

Light Storm

The Light Storm / LS family is the product line most strongly associated with Aputure. It comprises professional point-source LED fixtures ranging from compact units to high-output cinema lights, spanning the LS 60, LS 300, LS 600 and LS 1200 series. The LS 1200d Pro, for example, is a 1,200 W daylight-balanced point-source fixture and is identified in support documentation as the company’s most powerful light.5

STORM

STORM represents Aputure’s newer generation of high-fidelity lighting technology. Current models include the STORM 400x, STORM 700x, STORM 1000c and STORM 1200x. The STORM 1200x is a 1,200 W tunable-white high-fidelity point-source lamp utilising the ProLock Bowens Mount.6 This family demonstrates a move towards more sophisticated colour control and higher-quality LED light engines.

Nova

The Nova family focuses on larger, softer LED panel lights, including the Nova P300c, Nova P600c, Nova II 2×1 and Nova 9° 2×1. Unlike point-source fixtures such as the LS 600d Pro, Nova units produce a broad, soft light source suitable for interviews, commercials, studio work, television, film sets, key lighting and soft fill.

INFINIBAR

The INFINIBAR family is a pixel-bar lighting system comprising models such as the INFINIBAR PB3, INFINIBAR PB6 and INFINIBAR PB12. These narrow, linear RGB and tunable-colour fixtures are designed for creative lighting, practical integration and visual effects. Multiple units can be connected to create larger continuous shapes, making them useful for music videos, commercials, product photography, background lighting, architectural lighting, virtual production and in-camera effects. Multi-light kits are also available.7

INFINIMAT

INFINIMAT is a flexible large-format soft-light system. Unlike rigid LED panels, INFINIMAT uses a mat-style lighting structure available in sizes ranging from 1×2 ft to 20×20 ft. Some versions incorporate inflatable softbox or airbag systems to create a large, soft source that remains practical for film production.8

MC

The MC family consists of compact, portable LED lights designed to fit into a filmmaker’s or photographer’s kit. Typical applications include tabletop photography, product shoots, interviews, accent lighting, mobile filmmaking, travel and practical lighting. The MC Pro offers a more professionalised version of this compact concept.9

Accent B7c

The Accent B7c is a wireless tunable-colour practical bulb with a built-in battery. It allows filmmakers to place an intelligent RGB or tunable-white bulb directly into a lamp or practical fixture while retaining remote control. This reflects a broader philosophy where every visible light source on set is treated as potentially controllable, rather than relying solely on large lights on stands.

A significant innovation is the Sidus Link control ecosystem, which allows compatible Aputure and related lighting products to be controlled wirelessly. Depending on the fixture, users can adjust intensity, colour temperature, RGB colour, lighting effects, fixture groups, presets and lighting scenes.

This system is particularly valuable for productions with many fixtures, enabling lighting technicians to adjust multiple lights from a mobile device without physically accessing each unit. Through Sidus Link, Aputure has developed beyond being a light manufacturer into a connected lighting ecosystem.

Many Aputure point-source fixtures use the Bowens mount, allowing filmmakers to attach a wide ecosystem of third-party and proprietary modifiers, including softboxes, reflectors, Fresnels, lanterns, projection attachments and optical modifiers. This compatibility means users do not necessarily need to replace existing modifier collections when purchasing Aputure fixtures. The company has also developed specialised modifiers designed specifically for its lights, with a compatibility system covering numerous Aputure and amaran fixtures and accessories.10

The brand structure distinguishes between Aputure and amaran. Aputure is generally positioned towards professional cinema, commercial production, television, large productions, high-end filmmaking, broadcast and professional lighting departments. In contrast, amaran targets independent filmmakers, YouTubers, content creators, photographers, small studios, enthusiasts and budget-conscious professionals.

Essentially, Aputure represents a professional cinema ecosystem, while amaran serves as a more accessible creator ecosystem. While they share considerable technology and design philosophy, they address different market segments.

Aputure equipment is used across diverse production environments:

• Film and television: Large fixtures serve as key lights, backlights, fill lights, daylight sources, window simulation and high-output exterior lighting.
• Commercial production: Lights are used for automotive commercials, product advertising, fashion, food photography and corporate videos.
• YouTube and online content: Smaller products like the MC and LS 60 are common in YouTube studios, podcast setups, streaming environments and home studios.
• Photography: Continuous lighting allows photographers to observe lighting effects in real time.
• Virtual production: RGB, pixel and high-output fixtures integrate into virtual production environments.

Aputure’s success stems from making professional cinema lighting technology more accessible. Historically, professional film lighting involved expensive fixtures from established companies. Aputure entered the market by combining high output, LED efficiency, professional features, modern connectivity and relatively aggressive pricing. This combination garnered popularity among independent filmmakers and eventually professional productions, aligning with the company’s mission to provide professional-grade equipment at accessible prices.11

Key characteristics of the Aputure ecosystem include:

• High output: Focus on powerful LED sources, such as the 1,200 W-class LS 1200d Pro.12
• Modularity: Single fixtures can transform from hard light to soft light, focused beam or broad source via accessories.
• Connectivity: Wireless control is fundamental to the ecosystem.
• Portability: Designs accommodate modern production needs, including battery operation for certain models.
• Colour quality: Emphasis on accurate reproduction and sophisticated control.
• Ecosystem thinking: Selling integrated systems of lights, modifiers, software, accessories and networking rather than isolated units.

Aputure’s development follows a general trajectory:

• 2005: Origins in camera and electronics development.
• Early 2010s: Increasing focus on LED lighting.
• Mid-2010s: Development of professional Light Storm fixtures.
• Late 2010s: Growing recognition among independent and professional filmmakers.
• 2020s: Expansion into high-output fixtures, RGB lighting, connected lighting, pixel systems and large-format soft lights.
• Current generation: STORM, LS, Nova, INFINIBAR, INFINIMAT, MC and connected ecosystems.

Corporate milestones are complex due to distinctions between brand development and manufacturing entities, but the 2005 origin date remains the primary reference for brand history.13

Aputure combines cinema lighting with consumer-style technology development. Whereas traditional film lighting emphasised the path from fixture to power to modifier to operator, Aputure approaches lighting as a complete ecosystem involving the fixture, LED engine, optics, wireless network, software, accessories and mounting. This approach aims to make lighting departments more programmable and connected, rather than simply producing brighter lamps.

Strengths

• Professional output: High-power fixtures capable of lighting large sets.
• Broad product range: Coverage from pocket lights to multi-kilowatt fixtures.
• Accessory ecosystem: Bowens-compatible mounts provide access to extensive modifiers.
• Wireless control: Centralised management via Sidus Link.
• Filmmaker recognition: Strong presence among cinematographers and gaffers.
• Accessible pricing: Historically competitive against traditional high-end cinema systems.

Limitations

• Cost: Professional fixtures still cost thousands of dollars despite being relatively affordable.
• Size and weight: High-output models like the LS 1200d Pro and STORM 1200x are substantial pieces of equipment.
• Complexity: Choosing between multiple product families can be complicated.
• Software dependence: Advanced functionality relies on software and wireless communication.
• Specialisation: Different models serve distinct production roles; no single light suits every task.

Aputure competes or overlaps with companies such as ARRI, Nanlux, Nanlite, Litepanels, Kino Flo, ETC, Astera, Godox, Zhiyun and Dedolight. Competitive dynamics vary by category:

• vs ARRI: Aputure competes on price and connected LED tech; ARRI leads in high-end cinema cameras and premium lighting.
• vs Nanlux: Direct competition in high-output LED point-source cinema lighting.
• vs Astera: Overlap in wireless/RGB lighting, tubes and creative applications.
• vs Nanlite/Godox: Greater overlap in independent filmmaker, photographer and creator markets.

Aputure’s identity is defined by five concepts: cinema-focused design, LED-centric strategy, high power output, connectivity through wireless control and software, and an integrated ecosystem approach.

Aputure is considered one of the most important modern brands in LED cinema lighting. Its significance lies in changing the accessibility and expectations of professional LED lighting, normalising ownership of powerful cinema lights by independent filmmakers. Today, its portfolio spans the entire lighting workflow, from pocket lights and practical bulbs to high-output cinema lights, flexible mats, pixel bars and control software. Current catalogues illustrate this breadth, ranging from the MC Pro and INFINIBAR to the Nova, INFINIMAT, LS 1200d Pro and STORM 1200x.14

In summary, Aputure is a global professional cinema-lighting technology brand whose growth is driven by high-output LED fixtures, accessible professional equipment, wireless lighting control and an increasingly integrated ecosystem.

1. About Us | Aputure
2. [Service] General FAQ
3. Accessory Compatibility Wizard | Aputure | Aputure
4. LED Lights for Film and Video | Shop All Lights | Aputure | Aputure
5. Shop Aputure Products | Aputure
6. Aputure Imaging Industries Co.,Ltd
7. Aputure Imaging Industries – Global Lighting Forum
8. About Us | Aputure – Aputure – Connected Light, Engineered Forward
9. Aputure | Aputure – Aputure – Connected Light, Engineered Forward
10. Compare Aputure LS 600X Pro vs Aputure STORM 1200x vs Aputure LS-600d Pro vs Aputure 1200D Pro
11. Compare Aputure STORM 1200x vs Aputure LS-600d Pro vs Aputure 1200D Pro
12. Compare Aputure STORM 1200x vs Aputure LS-600d Pro | B&H
13. Compare Aputure LS 600X Pro vs Aputure 1200D Pro vs Aputure STORM 1200x vs Aputure XT26
14. Accessory Compatibility Wizard | Aputure | Aputure