Daylight luminaires feature a color temperature of between 5,600 K and 6,000 K and thus offer the intensity of natural sunlight. The bulbs in these lamps are filled with a combination of halogen gases and a series of metals, including rare earth metals. Because the distance between the electrodes in daylight luminaires is so small, they achieve a higher light efficiency and better color reproduction than tungsten luminaires, with the capacity ranging from 21 W to 400 W.
Also known as HMI or metal halide lamps, daylight luminaires are the most well-known discharge lamps. A ballast produces the high voltage required to ignite the light arc between the electrodes and sustain the arc voltage.
Modern electronic ballasts can also be used to dim the output of a daylight luminaire by between 50 % and 100 %.
These luminaires are mainly used for outdoor production, and are also very popular for night shoots, as their color temperature is more efficient at creating an authentic night look.