As a news shooter, I just got back from a 4 day trip to Washington D.C. I haven't flown in 8 years so I just took run and gun gear. I borrowed light gear from our bureau and realized I would probably be coming back. I first looked at the Zihyun Molus G60 until I saw the SmallRig RC60B with the built in battery. Ordered one and was surprise how much light it produced so I ordered another and the 2 soft boxes I had to order from China. These are now my run and gun lights to go with my Lowel stands. I shot two two camera interviews this week and used them due to the rooms were so small. Needless to say I'm in love with them plus I got the Black Friday discount early so $160 U.S. each. Then tonight I see your review confirming what my eyes were telling me! Thanks for what you do for the industry!
Why? You just stick a westcott Quick-Mount S-Bracket on it and it'll take Bowens mount accessories. I bought three of them to compliment my smallrig rc 450d, 2 X smallrig rc 350d, smallrig rc220d lighting set up and they're perfect for adding touches of light to round out motivated lighting that I may be looking for.
I have two of these lights. As a workaround for not having a Bowens mount adapter available yet, I would recommend the Wescott Quick-Mount S-Bracket to attach Bowens mount accessories.
Seems like a solid choice for a quick eye light. With no cables to manage you just pop it on a stand and keep it near camera. Quick question: why won't a standard USB-A out of a v-mount power the light? The cable included with the light won't work? Is the 5V output on the v-mount too few volts? I imagine you could use a Bescor D-Tap to USB-C 100W adapter if you want the full 100W the input can take. Mount the v-mount to the stand with a Godox universal v-mount clamp.
It can extend the run time, it can be used to charge the light if it is off , but USB A will not drive it outright without the internal battery doing the bulk of the work because the light pulls 65w and USB A is well under that. For some reason my v-mount diagnostic shut down the outlet when this light is attached also
Great review as always. I would be very interested in seeing an eye light / catch light tutorial from you, using something like this light. I always struggle to get a good eye light without raising the fill level on the face.
Thanks for this detailed review Andrew. I was actually waiting to get your thoughts on this. Seems like a decent unit. I really like the idea of an internal battery. Speaking of which, any plans to review the INKEE GC60X5? Would love to know your thoughts on it.
Nice and compact light for small/home studio.. But like on tomorrows video shoot/streaming on funeral service bit on the very side not enough for my needs
You mentioned phone app control but can you confirm it supports wireless control? I have their 120D and control it using the SmallGoGo app but not sure if the RC 60B is compatible.
Are You able to create video about options for 60W mobile COBs? There are nanlite forza, fs, godox, amaran, aputure, zihyune and now smallrig. I cannot decide what to invest in.
weird request, Would you consider doing a comparison between the NEEWER CB60 and CB100 RGB lights vs The Amaran 150c and 300c. The Amarans are probably miles better, it would just be very useful on lil indie sets to know if we can mix them together, we just don't have a spectrometer to test like you do. Thank you!
If they send me some I would review. A lot of these cheaper lights actually have good colour science, they are just missing top end features you may not need.
As always, great review. Andrew, have you perhaps come across the Zhiyun MOLUS 60 or 100 COBs? Curious as to your impressions for these fixtures, as well. Thanks!
@@gaffergear Agreed. You would be ideal in breaking down the Molus series for all of here. It’d be nice if @ZhiyunTechGlobal would send them to you for review.
did i miss the internal battery capacity ? i can't find it online... i'm guessing it won't do more than an hour at full power but... that's only a guess
It'll be best contacting them directly. The more people ask for it, knowing smallrig, they'll make it happen. They really are listening to their customers
Thank you for this review. Just got my RC60B the other day. A couple of notes: My ECO mode does not disable the fan, it's always spinning, although at a quieter/slower setting on ECO. Also, if the unit doesn't have remote control capability (beyond DMX), can you point that out? Once this light is mounted up high, it's not easy to adjust the settings without bringing it back down (or climbing to it's level). That might not be an issue for everyone, but for me, it's a major annoyance. Also, when running off external battery, all you get is the power-draw on the display. You lose the total available run time (estimate). I understand the limitations behind this, it's just a shame there isn't a way to restore this useful indicator.
Edit: I had a pre-production unit from smallrig without realizing, disregard my comments about build quality and then laugh at Andrew's anecdote in the replies below! Old comment: I tested this unit and the sekonic c800 said it was good but I held the unit in my hand and the body flexed way more than I was comfortable with. Not sure what to make of it with these two conflicting points
@@gaffergearI just squeezed the unit while it was on a light stand, I did not spend too much time with it. I believe it was a fully production ready example that smallrig sent over, but possibly it was Pre-Production. I will defer to your opinion on this matter Andrew, you have spent more time with this unit than I have. I ran the meter over the light and got some good numbers then I felt the unit and noticed that flex I mentioned. I stopped looking at the unit after that point because it weirded me out to have that much flex in a light with an internal battery.
@@joeaddison I was once sent a light to do a first look video. But no one told me it wasn't for a full review or test. They just forgot that information in the email. I thought "this doesn't look all that strong" so I dropped it 20cm and let a safety chain catch the load. It ripped the 10“ fresnel and barn doors straight off the front and completely wrecked the gears in the mechanical flood spot. It looked like a high speed car wreck. They were not happy with me, it was 1 of only 2 in the world at the time and was put together from 3D printed internal parts. I was only meant to have it for a few days before it was to be shipped back to the USA and displayed at NAB as a prototype light. Now I ONLY test the finished products, the product that the user gets, and it must have completely patched and working firmware which is why my reviews are so often months late.
Totally dependent on your charger as one is not supplied. About 1 hour 10 minutes was about what it was taking me with a unit capable of outputting 100w
@@civinenad I did four charge cycles on the first day of testing so it can't have been more than 90 minutes max for the charge times, I was using the Eccoflow delta to charge it as I don't have any USB-C chargers with the PD Hight speed changing function they suggest. My other chargers only seemed to charge it at between 2w and 5w, that would take at least 7 hours. I just checked some on-line information from sellers and some claims under an hour with a 100w USB-C to USB-C charger. But I definitely wasn't getting it charged in under an hour from fully flat.
The light isn't for me as I shoot mostly TV dramas and I shoot throughout the day. The battery only lasting 45mins at 100% isn't gonna cut it especially since I can't attach any of my vmount accessories but I can see it's a good quality light for smaller projects!
As a news shooter, I just got back from a 4 day trip to Washington D.C. I haven't flown in 8 years so I just took run and gun gear. I borrowed light gear from our bureau and realized I would probably be coming back. I first looked at the Zihyun Molus G60 until I saw the SmallRig RC60B with the built in battery. Ordered one and was surprise how much light it produced so I ordered another and the 2 soft boxes I had to order from China. These are now my run and gun lights to go with my Lowel stands. I shot two two camera interviews this week and used them due to the rooms were so small. Needless to say I'm in love with them plus I got the Black Friday discount early so $160 U.S. each. Then tonight I see your review confirming what my eyes were telling me! Thanks for what you do for the industry!
I didn't think you would review this. thanks a million.
finally someone who know what they are talking about!
Superb and comprehensive. Thanks for the detail and comparisons on the mini mount. It was my single biggest question on this light.
Mount system con is the biggest one to not buy this light , this video helped save my money ❤
Why? You just stick a westcott Quick-Mount S-Bracket on it and it'll take Bowens mount accessories.
I bought three of them to compliment my smallrig rc 450d, 2 X smallrig rc 350d, smallrig rc220d lighting set up and they're perfect for adding touches of light to round out motivated lighting that I may be looking for.
Another brilliant review Andrew! Thank you for all you do.
Thank you for this review Andrew
I have two of these lights. As a workaround for not having a Bowens mount adapter available yet, I would recommend the Wescott Quick-Mount S-Bracket to attach Bowens mount accessories.
Nice tip. Thanks.
Is it the one made for FJ80 and FJ200?
Everything with a 1/4" 20 needs locating pins. Good to see more products with them.
Seems like a solid choice for a quick eye light. With no cables to manage you just pop it on a stand and keep it near camera.
Quick question: why won't a standard USB-A out of a v-mount power the light? The cable included with the light won't work? Is the 5V output on the v-mount too few volts?
I imagine you could use a Bescor D-Tap to USB-C 100W adapter if you want the full 100W the input can take. Mount the v-mount to the stand with a Godox universal v-mount clamp.
The V battery's usb A ports(white) have 5v 2a, so it's 10w at most, it's hard to supply any camera equipment stably.
It can extend the run time, it can be used to charge the light if it is off , but USB A will not drive it outright without the internal battery doing the bulk of the work because the light pulls 65w and USB A is well under that.
For some reason my v-mount diagnostic shut down the outlet when this light is attached also
I am seriously considering this for my new OB light.
Great review as always. I would be very interested in seeing an eye light / catch light tutorial from you, using something like this light. I always struggle to get a good eye light without raising the fill level on the face.
thanks for the review, so far i like this cutie. btw: a "small usb-c to usb-a cable" was not inluded here though.
Big fan of
will you review nanlite fc500b &300?? greetings from germany!
Thanks for this detailed review Andrew. I was actually waiting to get your thoughts on this. Seems like a decent unit. I really like the idea of an internal battery. Speaking of which, any plans to review the INKEE GC60X5? Would love to know your thoughts on it.
Nice and compact light for small/home studio.. But like on tomorrows video shoot/streaming on funeral service bit on the very side not enough for my needs
You mentioned phone app control but can you confirm it supports wireless control? I have their 120D and control it using the SmallGoGo app but not sure if the RC 60B is compatible.
Are You able to create video about options for 60W mobile COBs? There are nanlite forza, fs, godox, amaran, aputure, zihyune and now smallrig. I cannot decide what to invest in.
Hi
Will you do a review of the Rotolight Anova Pro 3?
If they send one to me
weird request, Would you consider doing a comparison between the NEEWER CB60 and CB100 RGB lights vs The Amaran 150c and 300c. The Amarans are probably miles better, it would just be very useful on lil indie sets to know if we can mix them together, we just don't have a spectrometer to test like you do.
Thank you!
If they send me some I would review. A lot of these cheaper lights actually have good colour science, they are just missing top end features you may not need.
As always, great review. Andrew, have you perhaps come across the Zhiyun MOLUS 60 or 100 COBs? Curious as to your impressions for these fixtures, as well. Thanks!
Im not andrew but Molus is much much bigger and heavy than this! 😢😢
I haven't seen these, looks like some interesting design thoughts
@@gaffergear Agreed. You would be ideal in breaking down the Molus series for all of here. It’d be nice if @ZhiyunTechGlobal would send them to you for review.
did i miss the internal battery capacity ? i can't find it online... i'm guessing it won't do more than an hour at full power but... that's only a guess
I can't remember the run time now, it's in the review somewhere. It's not anywhere near an hour I think
Most reviews that tested it were around 45 minutes give or take
Check out the colbor cl60r. Full color 60w same size same Idea but nato rail
It'd be awesome if they made a China Ball for it, and outright epic if they made some optics for it.
It'll be best contacting them directly. The more people ask for it, knowing smallrig, they'll make it happen. They really are listening to their customers
Thank you for this! Does the light work with the Forza 60 spotlights?
No unfortunately
What do you think Andrew: Is it a good light for some little product photos?
A bit limited due to attachments
Thank you for this review. Just got my RC60B the other day. A couple of notes: My ECO mode does not disable the fan, it's always spinning, although at a quieter/slower setting on ECO. Also, if the unit doesn't have remote control capability (beyond DMX), can you point that out? Once this light is mounted up high, it's not easy to adjust the settings without bringing it back down (or climbing to it's level). That might not be an issue for everyone, but for me, it's a major annoyance. Also, when running off external battery, all you get is the power-draw on the display. You lose the total available run time (estimate). I understand the limitations behind this, it's just a shame there isn't a way to restore this useful indicator.
Edit: I had a pre-production unit from smallrig without realizing, disregard my comments about build quality and then laugh at Andrew's anecdote in the replies below!
Old comment:
I tested this unit and the sekonic c800 said it was good but I held the unit in my hand and the body flexed way more than I was comfortable with. Not sure what to make of it with these two conflicting points
That's odd, This one's solid, it definitely wouldn't flex underhand. How did you get yours to flex, just squeezing it?
@@gaffergearI just squeezed the unit while it was on a light stand, I did not spend too much time with it. I believe it was a fully production ready example that smallrig sent over, but possibly it was Pre-Production. I will defer to your opinion on this matter Andrew, you have spent more time with this unit than I have. I ran the meter over the light and got some good numbers then I felt the unit and noticed that flex I mentioned. I stopped looking at the unit after that point because it weirded me out to have that much flex in a light with an internal battery.
@@joeaddison I was once sent a light to do a first look video. But no one told me it wasn't for a full review or test. They just forgot that information in the email.
I thought "this doesn't look all that strong" so I dropped it 20cm and let a safety chain catch the load. It ripped the 10“ fresnel and barn doors straight off the front and completely wrecked the gears in the mechanical flood spot. It looked like a high speed car wreck.
They were not happy with me, it was 1 of only 2 in the world at the time and was put together from 3D printed internal parts. I was only meant to have it for a few days before it was to be shipped back to the USA and displayed at NAB as a prototype light.
Now I ONLY test the finished products, the product that the user gets, and it must have completely patched and working firmware which is why my reviews are so often months late.
@@gaffergearjust got confirmation it was a Pre-Production unit so that's my mistake, I'll edit my original comment above to avoid confusing anyone!
Couple of deal breakers there...
I want a video Gamma & Gamma Assist Lut
I didn't even know SmallRig made anything more than camera cages
Smallrig makes their own Vmounts that are mini v mount from 50 to about 155 WH. I am sure that their mount will fit their own batteries.
Charging time ?
Totally dependent on your charger as one is not supplied. About 1 hour 10 minutes was about what it was taking me with a unit capable of outputting 100w
@@gaffergear tnx , somebody else sad 6h 😆
@@civinenad I did four charge cycles on the first day of testing so it can't have been more than 90 minutes max for the charge times, I was using the Eccoflow delta to charge it as I don't have any USB-C chargers with the PD Hight speed changing function they suggest.
My other chargers only seemed to charge it at between 2w and 5w, that would take at least 7 hours.
I just checked some on-line information from sellers and some claims under an hour with a 100w USB-C to USB-C charger. But I definitely wasn't getting it charged in under an hour from fully flat.
The light isn't for me as I shoot mostly TV dramas and I shoot throughout the day. The battery only lasting 45mins at 100% isn't gonna cut it especially since I can't attach any of my vmount accessories but I can see it's a good quality light for smaller projects!
Am cinematographer here in Pakistan
Looks like these will be come to the LED equivalent to a Tungsten Tweenie.