Aputure Storm 400x + CF7 Fresnel Review – vs. 300x & 600x

The Aputure 400x has arrived.

After the release of the Storm 1200x and 80c, we've all been waiting to see what Aputure would release to fill the gap. A couple weeks ago, I got the opportunity to test drive the new Aputure Storm 400x on a music video, where I gathered some first impressions on the light.

In this hands-on review, I break down the 400x and compare it directly to the 300x and 600x. We'll take a look at the new CF7 Fresnel, and how to fit it directly in the 400x's case. I'll also show some behind the scenes footage from my shoot, showcasing the 400x in action.

I want to give a couple big shoutouts ~
Thank you to Kyle Stubbs for helping out with the b-roll filming!
Thank you to Chris Mac for shooting the on-set BTS - you can check out his channel here:
   / @chrismacfilms  

📦 Gear Used or Mentioned:
Aputure 400x (V-Mount): https://bhpho.to/44Ivt1s
Aputure 400x (Gold-Mount): https://bhpho.to/3IE4E5W
CF7 Fresnel & Barn Doors Kit: https://bhpho.to/455Rki2

Aputure 1200x: [B&H] https://bhpho.to/46FUtYg / [Amazon] https://amzn.to/4lpAuSd
^ get the reflectors with it: [B&H] https://bhpho.to/44NLcLu / [Amazon] https://amzn.to/40knpkR
^ or get the fresnel if you can: [B&H] https://bhpho.to/4o5j1R5

Aputure 80c: [B&H] https://bhpho.to/4ltljYt / [Amazon] https://amzn.to/3Uatrkp
^ the fresnel is great: [B&H] https://bhpho.to/44KSbED / [Amazon] https://amzn.to/46aHNZw
^ the mini dome is sick: [B&H] https://bhpho.to/46MUp98 / [Amazon] https://amzn.to/3TAYiGH

Aputure Spotlight Mount (36*): [B&H] https://bhpho.to/3UeIt93
Aputure Spotlight Mount (26*): [B&H] https://bhpho.to/4o0eBdU
Aputure Spotlight Mount (19*): [B&H] https://bhpho.to/4f22byl

👍 If you enjoyed the review, give it a like and subscribe for more gear reviews and on-set breakdowns! :)


📦 My most used pieces of gear:
THE CAMERA I FILMED THIS WITH: [B&H] https://bhpho.to/4eMR0JL / [Amazon] https://amzn.to/4kEVcfY
MY FAV ADAPTER FOR PL LENSES: [B&H] https://bhpho.to/44Sgl0f / [Amazon] https://amzn.to/3IqPcdc
MY GO TO E-MOUNT LENS: [B&H] https://bhpho.to/4nOsgop / [Amazon] https://amzn.to/40N7fAr
THE OTHER CAMERA I USED FOR THIS: [B&H] https://bhpho.to/40SInr0 / [Amazon] https://amzn.to/3GONbH8
MY FAVORITE ZOOM LENSES: [B&H] https://bhpho.to/3IHR4yc

THE MONITOR I USE: [B&H] https://bhpho.to/4lrC6uH / [Amazon] https://amzn.to/44wV90M
CHEAP & POWERFUL WIRELESS VIDEO: [B&H] https://bhpho.to/3Udb9Pq
WIRELESS COMMS (4x): [B&H] https://bhpho.to/3GDfl8c / [Amazon] https://amzn.to/4nOtksp
WIRELESS COMMS (6x): [B&H] https://bhpho.to/40ikBEV
WIRELESS MICROPHONE: [B&H] https://bhpho.to/4kGJCAO / [Amazon] https://amzn.to/4kEXifQ
^ same as above, but with lightning for older iPhones: [B&H] https://bhpho.to/3GL0hFl / [Amazon] https://amzn.to/4lWPUgT

MY FAVORITE EYE LIGHT: [B&H] https://bhpho.to/4lMY0sc / [Amazon] https://amzn.to/3Iuf5Zv
^ GET THIS WITH IT: [B&H] https://bhpho.to/40gZJxG / [Amazon] https://amzn.to/4kzRuE3
MY FAVORITE PANEL LIGHT: [B&H] https://bhpho.to/469Hi1K / [Amazon] https://amzn.to/4o5kczZ

How I wirelessly control my lights:    • The Ultimate iPad Lighting Control Rig for...  

The above affiliate links help support my channel at no cost to you! I was not paid to promote any of the above links, they’re just some of the filmmaking tools I use most. I'll be making a video soon talking more in depth on my ethics re: affiliate links.


‼️ A quick update (which is also in my pinned comment): I mentioned at 9:45 in this video that the 1200x hadn't received an HSI update yet, but a few hours after I posted this video Aputure announced and released the update haha. For anyone with a 1200x, you can download the update here: https://help.aputure.com/en/storm-120...


⏱️ Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:40 Not sponsored
1:15 What I was hoping for
1:44 Quality of life improvements
2:30 CF7 Fresnel
2:43 300x vs 400x vs 600x
4:59 Output Test Results
5:17 Color Testing
6:03 Unlimited Power (via BLAIR)
6:34 Real-world shoot footage
7:55 It’s good, and it’s smaller
8:15 The case fits the fresnel
9:04 Nitpicks / Critiques
9:46 Final thoughts
10:02 Pricing
10:21 Outro