Atlantis Light Systems has announced the release of the MKI self-contained LED video lighting system. The lights feature an output over 4,000 lumens, a burn time of over an hour at full power and oversized control dials and status indicators on the rear of the lights.

The MKI is available now at a retail price of $1,850 including a charger and neoprene floatation tube.

The Next Innovation in Underwater Imaging

BOULDER, CO – November 28, 2011 – Atlantis Light Systems, a wholly owned subsidiary of Boulder Engineering Studio, has announced the production of the Atlantis MKI, a leap forward in lighting for underwater photography and videography. Designed for use by elite amateurs and professionals alike, the MKI’s combination of rugged design and user-friendly controls sets a new standard unmatched by other manufacturers.

“Lighting for underwater imaging poses numerous unique challenges,” said Dan Bodenstein, cofounder of Atlantis Light Systems. “In addition to the difficulties of operating in such a harsh environment, water absorbs white light. Everything becomes darker and colors are drowned out and replaced by blue.”

Red is the first color to disappear. As you go deeper, the other “warm” colors also fade – first orange, then yellow and green. Additionally, ambient light diminishes as depth increases, even in crystal clear waters.

To overcome these challenges, the MKI uses an integrated system of twenty LEDs, each with an individual reflector of thirteen facets. These LEDs, focused by a solid-poured lens manufactured of aerospace optical materials, cast a beam of light without hotspots, rings or shadows. The murkiness withdraws under the MKI’s powerful beam, the brightest in the industry at over 4000 lumens; and at 5000 kelvin, or closely matching daylight, it has the ideal temperature to reinvigorate the missing colors.

Other more practical concerns for the underwater videographer include the size and weight of the equipment and its ease of use. Both video and still underwater cameras are bulky and awkward; an additional large piece of equipment would unnecessarily encumber the photographer. Light controls also must be usable while wearing thick gloves. The MKI combines a lightweight design – three and a half pounds – and simple, rear mounted controls in a sealed, hard-anodized aluminum case.

Noted underwater videographer Jonathan Bird summed it up nicely, “After thorough testing in the field, I can say for sure these are the brightest lights I have ever used. Perfect for HD cameras with poor low light capability when you need all the light you can get - be it in a cavern, cave, or on a night dive. And the 5 hour battery life on low is great for repeat dives.”

The MKI marks a technological step forward for filming and photographing underwater.

About Atlantis Light Systems: Located in Boulder, Colorado, Atlantis Light Systems was founded in 2009 with the sole purpose of creating a better light for underwater photography. For more information about the company or the MKI, please visit their website.