GEAR TESTS: Fix Neo 2000 DX SWR

Paul Barnett Nauticam Team Member

For my lighting needs during the Digital Shootout, the FIX Neo 2000 DX SWR was an easy choice. I knew I could use the 2000 SWR's wide and red modes as a focus light when shooting photos. I could even use the 2000 SWR as a fill light to compliment my external strobe. Shooting video, where more light is always better, having 2000 lumens available would help greatly by providing the camera proper color at depth. 

A welcomed addition to the Neo was using its accessory remote controller. This was especially beneficial when multiple Neos are being used. The Neo's FR1 Remote Controller attached to the top of the housings handle where it is in thumb's reach. Like the Neo itself, the FR1 can turn the light on and off, plus cycle through the mode and power settings. Just like the Neos, the FR1 can adjust the output in either 25% steps or 1% increments allowing a diver to adjust light output to achieve correct exposure without having to adjust the camera. Plus, the FR1 can adjust the Neos together or individually.

Diving Little Cayman's shallow reefs was a joy with plentiful marine light and dives easily exceeding 60 minutes. Normally, you'd have to aggressively regulate your light power to keep both lights burning through two or more dives. With the Neo that was of little concern. After each dive the batteries can be swapped with a fresh one keeping you shooting and less concerned about low battery warnings. Back at the resort, the Neo can also be charged without removing the battery leaving the light sealed. Having the ability to charge both ways was very convenient. 

The 2000 SWR performed spectacularly for both photos and videos systems. Using the Sony A5000 and Nauticam housing to capture both stills and videos, the Neo could perform both tasks as focus light and video light. As a bonus, I could switch on the 2000 SWR's "mixed" mode to add a little bit of red back into the composition to warm it up a bit. The 2000 SWR's were essential shooting the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera (BMPCC) and Nauticam housing. Setting the camera's Iris for maximum depth of field, I could then dial in the exposure using the variable power, 100% to 1%. To really tweak exposure the micro 1% adjustment is really useful. 



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