Aputure/Amaran COB 60d S vs Amaran COB 60x S
Here’s a breakdown comparing Aputure/Amaran COB 60d S vs Amaran COB 60x S, and guidance on which one might be best for you.
Key Specs & Differences
| Feature | 60d S | 60x S |
|---|---|---|
| Light type / color mode | Daylight only (fixed ~5600K) | Bi-color (2700K to 6500K) |
| Power / Output / Lux | 65W LED output; ~37,800 lux @ 3.3 ft with mini Hyper Reflector | 65W; ~33,300 lux @ 1 m with reflector |
| Color Accuracy / Rendering | CRI ≥ 96, TLCI ~99, TM-30 / spectral updates (improved LED chipset) | CRI ≥ 96, TLCI ~97, TM-30 Rf ~96, Rg ~100, full-color support |
| Beam angle | Bare: ~108° ; With reflector: ~14° | Naked: ~109°, Reflector: ~14° |
| Weight / Size | Lamp head about 695 g, compact 11×11×11 cm (fixture) | Lamp ~695 g, similar compact dimensions ~11.7 × 11.1 × 11.1 cm |
| Power options / control | DC 19V / AC 100-240V, battery via NP-F or D-Tap / Sidus Link app control | AC / DC input, own power flexibility, app / Sidus Link control |
Pros & Trade-Offs
Why choose the 60D S
Purist daylight use case: If your lighting work is almost always daylight (oscillating around ~5600K), the 60d gives you a clean, strong, fixed daylight beam without need to adjust color temp.
Slight edge in lux with reflector: The 60d can push high lux when used with its hyper reflector, giving you more punch in that configuration.
Simplicity & consistency: No shifting color temp means less wiggle room for mismatch or needing to balance varying sources.
Why choose the 60x S
Flexibility with bi-color: Because it spans from warm to cool (2700-6500K), you can match ambient or mixed lighting environments without extra gels.
Full color output / richer spectral control: As a “full color” LED unit, it gives more creative freedom, especially for work that mixes temperatures or needs warm/cool transitions.
More universal for varied shoots: If you’re shooting interviews, product work, scenes where lighting varies, the 60x offers more “one light fits many moods” capability.
Trade-offs/compromises
The 60x’s bi-color flexibility may come at a slight lux/intensity cost compared to a pure daylight unit under ideal reflector conditions.
Bi-color circuitry adds more complexity; more things that can drift or need calibration over time.
If your workflow is strictly daylight / consistent temperature, the flexibility of 60x may go underutilized.
Which One
Should You Buy?
Here’s how to decide based on typical workflows:
If 90% of your shoots use daylight or you always control lighting temp → Go with 60d S. You’ll benefit from its power, simplicity, and purer daylight consistency.
If your shoots vary (studio, ambient, mixed light, warm interiors, cool exteriors) → The 60x S is safer. The color control gives you flexibility, so you don’t have to carry multiple lights or gels just to match color.
Future proofing/resale: The 60x’s added flexibility might help you adapt to more projects over time, making it a better “all-rounder” kit piece.
Budget and priorities: If price difference is modest, investing in flexibility is often worth it in the long run — but if you want maximum light for your dollar in a daylight scenario, the 60d is compelling.