After 15 years we lived to see a new version of the iconic device from ClayPaky. The long-awaited "new Sharpy" is now on the market. During the open days at Prolight's headquarters, I had the opportunity to see the new device with my own eyes, also next to the old version.
General Features
The main change is a new 250w light source with a color temperature of 7200K, which now has an extended life of up to 6000 hours. Unlike its predecessor which had 2000 hours. Output is 100,000 lux from 20m at open beam.
The new Sharpy is 0.5kg heavier than its predecessor which is still a good result when looking at the fact that it is an IP66-rated device (for more information on waterproofing classes, please see Kamil's article)
Gobos, effects, prisms and no telling what else.
Ultimo Sharpy contains exactly the same as the previous version plus a few extra things:
- 17 permanent gobos + open
- the dial of 14 colors + white and in the new version the CMY mixing system
- 8x circular prism + additional 6x linear prism with ability to overlay both at once
- 10-stage linear frost filter
It is worth noting here that the color dial and gobo are identical to its predecessor. The device also has an emulation mode of the old Sharpy. In case someone was so lazy and did not want to embrace the new library. Of course, then we lose the new Ultimo Sharpy functionality such as CMY color mixing, for example.
Motion and optics
New to the Ultimo Sharpy is unlimited pan movement. In tilt, the device has a range increased from 250 to 275 degrees. In terms of speed, it is virtually the same.
The new optics in the device have reduced the angle of illumination to 2 degrees, so it gets quite narrow. Certainly narrower than the 3.8 degrees of the "old" Sharpy.
A brief comparison with its predecessor
| Ultimo Sharpy | Sharpy | |
| Colors | Shield 14 filters + CMY | Only the shield |
| Illumination angle | 2 steps | 3.8 degrees |
| Power | 250w | 190w |
| Source life | 6000h | 2000h |
| Prism | 8x circular + 6x linear with the ability to overlay both, all rotary | 8x rotary |
| Output | 100,000 lux from 20m | 60,000 lux from 20m |
| Weight | 19.5kg | 19kg |
Summary
ClayPaky Ultimo Sharpy is a successor that had to be created eventually because how many can you slap the same devices on when technology is advancing?
I think you can also be tempted to say here - that CP has "delivered". Successor - keeping a piece of the original and full compatibility, which can not be said of some, other manufacturers making "successors".
And for you, how does the "new Sharpy" sit? Feel free to comment.
Distributor: Prolight Ltd.
