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GE F18DBX/827/ECO 4P 18W G24q-2 Base CFL Bulb — main product image
GE

GE F18DBX/827/ECO 4P 18W G24q-2 Base CFL Bulb

★★★★★2.8 (4 reviews)

Warm 2700K output and compact 4-pin form factor make this 18W CFL a dependable practical light for controlled studio environments.

$15.58*
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jul 14, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.

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Overview

The GE F18DBX/827/ECO 4P is an 18-watt compact fluorescent lamp rated at 2700K, producing a warm white light that mimics the tonal quality of traditional incandescent sources. In studio or location environments where a warm, inviting practical glow is needed — desk lamps, background fixtures, architectural accents — this lamp offers a familiar color temperature without the heat load or power draw of tungsten. Its CRI rating in the 82 range (implied by the '827' designation) means color rendering is acceptable for ambient use, though it falls short of the CRI 95+ threshold demanded by critical color grading environments.

The G24q-2 4-pin base is a standard compact fluorescent socket found in a broad range of commercial and residential fixtures, making this lamp a straightforward replacement in compatible housings. The ECO designation reflects GE's efficiency-focused design approach, and the 18W draw represents meaningful energy savings in multi-lamp installations. Build quality is consistent with GE's commercial lamp line. Key practical considerations: this lamp is not rated for dimmer use, requires a brief warm-up period to reach full output, and should be frame-rate tested before deployment in any video-critical application due to the inherent flicker characteristics of CFL technology on 60Hz power.

Key Features

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Specifications

Brand
GE
Model
F18DBX/827/ECO 4P
Wattage
18W
Base Type
G24q-2 (4-Pin)
Color Temperature
2700K
Light Type
Compact Fluorescent (CFL)
ASIN
B00D8R9ZOO

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • 18W draw delivers incandescent-equivalent output with significantly lower power consumption, useful in multi-fixture practical setups where heat and power budgets matter.
  • 2700K color temperature produces a warm, film-like glow that reads naturally on camera as a tungsten-adjacent practical source.
  • Compact 4-pin form factor fits a wide range of commercial downlight and task light fixtures designed for the G24q-2 socket.
  • ECO-rated design reflects GE's efficiency optimization, making this a cost-conscious choice for installations requiring multiple identical lamps.
  • Consistent color output across its rated lifespan reduces the need for re-balancing when used in matched-lamp setups.

👎 Cons

  • Not dimmable, which limits creative control in lighting setups where output intensity needs to be adjusted without changing the source.
  • CFL technology carries an inherent flicker risk at certain video frame rates, making it unreliable as a primary on-camera light source without frame rate verification.
  • Warm-up time before reaching full lumen output means the lamp isn't at rated brightness immediately on switch-on — a limitation in time-sensitive shooting environments.
  • G24q-2 base is a specific socket type not universally available in all fixture lines, limiting retrofit options without fixture verification.
  • CFL construction is more fragile than LED alternatives, increasing breakage risk during repeated transport and lamp swaps on location.

Frequently Asked Questions

The F18DBX/827/ECO 4P outputs at 2700K, placing it firmly in warm white territory — comparable to incandescent tungsten sources. On camera, it reads as a warm, amber-tinted practical, suitable for backgrounds or fill when matched with tungsten-balanced lighting.
This lamp uses a G24q-2 4-pin base, which is a quad-pin compact fluorescent socket. It is not interchangeable with 2-pin G24d bases — verify your fixture accepts a G24q-2 before purchasing.
Compact fluorescent lamps operating on 60Hz mains can exhibit flicker at frame rates that don't align with the AC cycle — particularly 24fps and 48fps. Testing at your specific frame rate before committing this lamp to a primary role in video work is recommended.
The F18DBX/827/ECO 4P draws 18 watts, offering substantial energy savings compared to an equivalent incandescent source in the 75W range. GE's ECO designation indicates a design optimized for efficiency and extended service life.
Standard compact fluorescent lamps of this type are not dimmable unless explicitly rated for dimmer use. This lamp is not listed as dimmable — pairing it with a dimmer switch risks flickering, buzzing, or premature lamp failure.

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