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Product Description
From the Manufacturer
Sekonic L-478D LiteMaster Pro
Sekonic's new LITEMASTER PRO L-478D meter is the world's first touch-screen-operated light meter. It has an array of unique, must-have features for both motion and still story tellers. Its compact size is both instantly familiar and comfortable to use. The large LCD (2.7") displays ambient, flash, cine and a host of other information in a clear and understandable way. Settings are made by simply touching or sliding a finger over the screen.
The L-478D can be quickly calibrated to your camera using Sekonic's Data Transfer software and either Sekonic or X-Rite Brand targets or by manually inputting data to the DTS program or on the meter itself.
Simple Operation
Instantly familiar and comfortable to use. Make settings by touching icons or sliding a finger on the screen. The large color LCD displays ambient, flash, cine and other information in a clear and understandable way.
Analyzing Function
The L-478-Series meters are especially useful when using flash to lighten shadows or reduce background detail. That’s because they measure ambient and flash simultaneously and automatically indicate the percentage of flash in the total exposure. Touch the screen to adjust settings to get the perfect the ambient flash mix. The meter’s analog display uses color-coded lines to graphically display the relationship between ambient and flash components.
Enhanced HD Cine / Cine Features
Today’s digital cameras are boundless and a variety of cameras can be used in a single production. The L-478-series has two motion- capture modes to fit camera in use. Touch to set shutter speeds for HD SLR cameras or quickly select frame rates and shutter angles for Cine. Create unique frame rates and shutter angles for special effects.
Infinite Frame Rate/Shutter Angle
Special effects and light sources can push standard camera settings to their limits That’s why the L-478 also allows creating unique frame rates and shutter angles to .000 to enable precise exposure and lighting that produce the very best images and reduce time in post-production.
Unique Filtration Compensation Mode
Like all light and exposure meters, the L-478D is calibrated for visual light. And because meters can’t measure filtered light by design, Sekonic designers added a unique filter mode that enables getting exact light levels with touch screen ease. Touch the L-478 to instantly call up light-source or camera filtration expressed industry standard CTO/CTB/ND terms. For special filters or applications, create a unique filter factor and give it a name. Up to four filters can be used together in as a pack to assure full control in virtually any situation.
Calibrated to your Camera with Exposure Profiling
Every camera system is unique. Optical, mechanical and imaging components all act on each other to produce slight differences in the dynamic range and exposure. Knowing the limits of your camera enables making better exposures with less post processing. Sekonic’s pioneering Data Transfer Software enables quick dynamic range mapping and meter calibration for the most precise control of light. Create and store up to ten profiles with Sekonic or X-Rite brand targets 
or use the touch display of light meter to directly enter the profile information obtained from other sources.
Illuminance or Luminance Measurement
Brightness measurement in Lux or FC and Cd/m2 or FL will make the L-478 a major player on movie sets around the world. Display brightness along with exposure measurements or simply by itself.
Contrast Function
The L-478’s contrast function simplifies setting up lighting ratios or checking the evenness of a background or scene. Take a reading of the key or reference light and touch AVE/ΔEV to create a standard. Then press the measuring button to display the brightness difference between the standard and new reading.
Memory Mode and Latitude Display
Up to nine readings can be memorized. An indicator appears on the analog display each time a measurement is memorized. This provides a fast and simple way of retaining and analyzing shadow, mid tone and highlight exposure readings. Digital readings can be recalled and/or cleared at any time for precise exposure control. The dynamic range of your digital camera or film can be programmed into the L-478 to create a Latitude Display that mirrors the range of your system. This important guide will let you know readings are within the range of your camera.
Data Transfer Software (CD-ROM included)
Data Transfer Software offers 1) Create exposure profiles, 2) Change custom settings, 3) Customize user settings such as frame rate, shutter angle and filter compensation, and 4) Upgrade the L-478D/DR firmware.
Additional Features:
– Swivel measuring head with retractable Lumisphere
– Reflected light metering: with separate 5-degree reflected light
attachment
– Thirteen Custom Setting
– Thirteen custom setting provides a quick and easy setup of personal
preference and expanded use.
– USB upgradeable
– Using Data Transfer Software (in CD-ROM included)
– Universal, AAA battery power
– Two convenient AAA dry cell or rechargeable batteries can be used
as the power source.
Technical Specifications:
| Type: | Digital exposure meter for ambient and flash light |
| Receptor Head: | Rotating Domed Head 90° to the right, 180° to the left, Retractable for Contrast Reading |
| Light Receiving Method: | Incident light and reflected light |
| Receptor Incident Light: | Convertible to flat diffuser(Lumisphere slides to expose Lumidisc) |
| Receptor Reflected Light: | 5° Viewfinder (Separate Accessory) |
| Light Receptor Element: | 2-Silicon photo diodes (incident and reflected) |
Measuring Range and Modes:
| Measuring Modes Ambient Light: | - HD Cine - Shutter priority metering, FPS (Frame Rate Priority) metering, Lux/FC - Cine - FPS (Frame Rate Priority) metering, Shutter Angle setting, Lux/FC - Simple brightness measurement (foot-lambert, cd/m2 - Simple illumination measurement (lux, foot-candle) - Aperture priority metering - EV metering - Shutter priority metering |
| Measuring Modes Flash: | - Measurement using the optional wireless flash radio triggering system (cumulative and non-cumulative) - Without synchro cord (cumulative and non-cumulative) - With synchro cord (cumulative and non-cumulative) |
| Measuring Range (ISO 100) Ambient Light: | - Incident light EV-2 to EV 22.9 - Reflected light EV3 to EV 19.9 (requires accessory sold separately) |
| Measuring Range (ISO 100) Flash: | - Incident Light f/1.0 to f/128.9 - Reflected Light f/2.8 to f/128.9 (requires accessory sold separately) |
| Measuring Range Illuminance: | 0.63 to 2000000lux - 0.10 to 180000FC |
| Measuring Range Brightness: | 1 to 980000 cd/m2 - 0.29 to 290000 foot lamberts |
Display Range and Modes:
| Display Range Film Speed: | ISO 3 to 409600 (in 1/3 steps) |
| Display Range Shutter Speeds Ambient: | 30 min to 1/64,000 sec. (in 1, 1/2, 1/3 steps) plus 1/200, 1/400 |
| Display Range Shutter Speeds Flash: | 30 min to 1/1000 sec. (in 1, 1/2, 1/3 steps) plus 1/75, 1/80, 1/90, 1/100, 1/200, 1/400 |
| Display Range Aperture: | f/0.5 to f/161.2 (in 1, 1/2, 1/3 steps) |
Product Description
Customer Reviews
My problem with this device is not how well it works but it's design. Quite frankly, I find the touch screen design to be awkward to easily control/use. Versus pressing the buttons and spinning the scroll wheel of the older L-358, the touch screen buttons are small and very easy to mis-touch. It can be frustrating because my thumb all too often covers the reading display while I am trying to get a reading because the display is placed in the center of the scroll arrows.
It's not that I am opposed to touch screen control, but this is a device that small enough that it 100% touch screen control is impractical. In my opinion, it is an item/device that could have been better served with a combination of touch screen features while keeping some mechanical features like a manual scroll wheel on the side of the device.
My other problem with this device is that I really feel as though I was getting less product for more money. My first reason for this is that a Reflected Light Attachment was not included as part of this product's overall package. While I never used the Reflected Light Attachment frequently when I had it with the L-358, I did use it and it seemed to be an appropriate part of the overall meter package. Now it seems that the company is just trying to up-sell a 5 degree spot viewfinder for an additional $100 (approx).
My second reason is because the device uses AAA batteries versus the CR123A Lithium Battery for the the L-358 and the battery drain on this device is substantial.
It's tough to write this because I like Sekonic products and I don't want to give the impression that I think that it's a bad product as I am using it and have been happy with the results I am getting in my photographs. That said, it's just a bit too much tech in its interface design and, given a chance to do it all over again, I would have stayed with the L-358.
1) The pouch should have a flap over the top
2) The meter cannot measure reflective light without the 5 degree attachment (minor for me, given I was going to buy it anyway for the 5 degree spot)
3) Dual complaint between this and the 5 degree attachment - the 5 degree reflective spot attachment comes in a little drawstring pouch. Sekonic should have provided a single pouch with this 478 (or with the 5 degree) that would allow storage of the dome and 5 degree attachment and meter. Why are there two incompatible carrying cases? Comes across as someone not thinking it through.
Be aware that you must choose according to whether you currently (or will) use pocket wizards. The 478DR is for that. This 478D cannot be upgraded to pocket wizard capability later, so if you're going to use PW, get the 478DR instead. It's the only difference between the two (well, that and price).
The menu, as someone else pointed out, is a little clunky. I got used to it within a day or so. I don't have a problem with the touchscreen, but then I don't have hands like a truckosaurus.
Also, there is currently an issue with the Wacom driver and the driver for the Sekonic 478 that results in the 478 not being detected by the DTS software. The fix? You have to install everything (driver, DTS software etc., including the reboot) version 3.05 FROM THE CD ONLY (do not install the latest version, 3.06), plug in your light meter and turn it on, open DTS software. At this point it still will not be detected. Go to the update section inside the DTS software and update it to 3.06. DTS will auto close and reopen after this update and then your light meter will be detected. You can unplug the light meter and plug it back in again without issues, but if you close DTS you will have to uninstall 3.06, reinstall 3.05 from the CD, update from within DTS again to 3.06 for the auto close/reopen for it to see your meter. Sekonic are aware of this issue and are apparently working on it.
Dome in gives me the ability to measure incident light from one source/angle, useful if I have multiple lights arrayed around a subject.
Dome out gives me incident light in 3D.
Things I love about this meter:
-Accurate
-Able to calibrate my camera to my meter using my existing X-rite color checker passport, and have my dynamic range right there on the meter
-Can fine tune my own DR settings using the calibration profile
-ISO range exceeds my 5D Mk III on the low end and on the high end, with some future proofing there
-Memory functions
-Was only $70 more than the 378
-Memory functions are great, can see at a glance where all my measurements are
-Light
-Touch screen is responsive
-Able to angle dome/spot
-Sekonic have a TON of video tutorials, not just on their light meters but on using them in different scenarios, including an excellent vid for how to calibrate it
I like that I can use AAA batteries in this. I have a bucketload of AA and AAA eneloops for flashes and triggers and other devices. I also get very good battery life out of it, I've had the meter for about two weeks now, and am still at 3/4 battery charge.
The menu system is a little clunky, needs an update. Pretty old school folder system, not super user friendly.
