It’s been quite a journey finding the right lighting setup for my video work, and I know many of you out there face similar frustrations. Juggling bulky equipment, searching for accessible power outlets on location, or dealing with inconsistent colour quality can truly hinder creative flow and production efficiency. If you’re someone like me, who frequently shoots in various environments and needs reliable, high-quality light without the hassle, solving these problems isn’t just convenient, it’s essential. Failing to do so often means compromising shot quality, wasting valuable time on set, and potentially missing critical moments, which can be devastating for any project. Having a portable, powerful, and versatile lighting solution would have significantly eased many of those past production woes.
Before you dive into the world of continuous LED video lights, it’s crucial to take a step back and assess your specific requirements. These lights are workhorses for filmmakers, photographers, and content creators, providing consistent illumination for everything from interviews and product shots to moody cinematic scenes. You’d seek one out if you need reliable, flicker-free light that you can see and shape in real-time, unlike flash photography. The ideal customer is someone who requires control over colour temperature and intensity, values portability for on-location shoots, and needs consistent lighting for extended periods.
However, these lights aren’t for everyone. If your primary need is overpowering bright sunlight outdoors with a single light source, a much higher-wattage light or even a powerful flash might be more appropriate. Similarly, if you only shoot still photos and prefer the flexibility and power output of strobes, a continuous light might not be the best fit, though they can be used for modelling light. Before buying, think about: What is your budget? What power source flexibility do you need (AC, battery, PD)? What level of brightness is sufficient for your typical shooting distance? Do you need bi-colour or RGB capabilities? What kind of modifier mount compatibility do you require (Bowens is standard, but others exist)? How important is portability and weight? Considering these factors will help you narrow down your options and find a light that truly meets your needs.
- Ultra-Portable and Lightweight: The RC 100B is a compact, dimmable continuous light, perfect for on-the-go photography and video production. Constructed from aircraft aluminum, it's a mere 700 grams...
- Outstanding Colour Rendering: The SmallRig RC 100B COB video light boasts a 2700K-6500K color temperature range and impressive illumination of 4,610 lux (bare, at 1m/5600K) and 20,100 lux (with hyper...
- Versatile Power Options: The RC 100B light features unique interface design that supports various charging methods. For wireless charging, it's compatible with V-mount batteries. For wired charging, a...
Introducing the SMALLRIG RC 100B
The SMALLRIG RC 100B COB Video Light positions itself as an ultra-portable, bi-colour lighting solution designed for content creators on the go. Its promise is simple: provide powerful, professional-grade illumination in a tiny, lightweight package with versatile power options. When you unbox the standard version of the RC 100B, you typically receive the light itself, a mini reflector, a light stand adapter, a silicone diffuser, a 3m USB-C to USB-C cable, and a user manual. Notably absent from the standard package are an AC power adapter and a carrying case, which are common inclusions with many other lights, even from competitors. Compared to larger, more traditional COB lights, the SmallRig RC 100B stands out purely on its diminutive size and weight. While SmallRig has a growing lineup of lighting, the RC 100B was one of their earlier entries into this ultra-compact form factor. This specific product is ideal for solo shooters, run-and-gun videographers, or those with limited space who need a powerful punch from a small footprint. It might not be the best choice for large studio setups requiring many high-power lights or users who rely heavily on readily available standard Bowens mount modifiers without an adapter.
Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons based on extended use:
Pros:
* Extremely compact and lightweight (only 700g).
* Excellent colour rendering (High CRI/TLCI).
* Bi-colour flexibility (2700K-6500K).
* Versatile power options (V-mount, USB-C PD, optional DC adapter).
* Very quiet cooling fan.
* Intuitive onboard controls and functional app control.
Cons:
* Does not include an AC power adapter or carrying case.
* Proprietary modifier mount requires an adapter for standard Bowens accessories.
* Power output limited when using NP-F batteries via adapter.
* Optional SmallRig DC adapter is a separate purchase.
- Powerful functions, diverse colors, 21 button mode remote control, 7 kinds of lamp color change, adjustment of light brightness, automatic mode, three speed timing, etc., to meet your needs for...
- Super Bright Flashlight: Updated XM-L2 Led, the maximum range up to 100 meters. The diving light can be submerged up to 80 ft. So diving flashlight provides you ultra-bright light when underwater...
Examining the Core Capabilities and Advantages
After spending significant time with the SMALLRIG RC 100B COB Video Light, its strengths truly shine through, especially when considering its intended use case. Let’s break down the features that make this little powerhouse a staple in my gear bag.
One of the most striking aspects is its Ultra-Portable and Lightweight design. At a mere 700 grams and roughly 11.5cm cubed, this light is genuinely palm-sized. Constructed from aircraft aluminum, it feels sturdy yet incredibly light. This portability is a game-changer for mobile content creation. Setting up shots on location, whether it’s a tight apartment or a sprawling outdoor scene, becomes significantly easier when your main light source can fit into a small corner of your bag and doesn’t weigh you down. Hauling large, heavy lights, stands, and cables is exhausting and time-consuming. The small size of the RC 100B dramatically reduces setup time and makes run-and-gun shooting much more feasible. It helps solve the problem of needing powerful light in challenging or remote locations where larger units are impractical.
Next up is its Outstanding Colour Rendering and illumination capabilities. Despite its size, this video light offers a bi-colour range from 2700K (warm tungsten) to 6500K (cool daylight), providing immense flexibility to match existing light sources or set a specific mood. More importantly, its colour accuracy is top-notch, boasting a high CRI of 97+, TLCI of 98+, and impressive TM-30 scores. In practice, this means skin tones look natural, and colours in your scene are rendered accurately without strange colour casts. This is crucial for professional results. Poor colour rendering can ruin footage, requiring extensive correction in post-production, if it’s even possible. The ability to trust that the light you’re seeing on set is the light you’ll get in your final edit saves immense time and ensures a higher quality output. The stated brightness, reaching over 20,000 lux at 1m with the included reflector, is impressive for its size and is sufficient for many indoor setups or as a fill/accent light outdoors.
The Versatile Power Options are another major advantage of the SMALLRIG RC 100B. Its unique interface supports several charging methods. You can power it wirelessly using V-mount batteries, which is excellent for portability and getting the full 100W output. It also features a USB-C port that supports PD (Power Delivery) fast charging. This means you can potentially power or charge the light using compatible USB-C power banks or laptop chargers (provided they meet the necessary wattage, ideally 100W or more for full power). This flexibility addresses a common problem: being tethered to a wall outlet. With a suitable V-mount battery or a high-capacity PD power bank, you can take this light anywhere, shooting in locations previously inaccessible with AC-only fixtures. The fact that it has a built-in V-mount plate is a thoughtful design touch, though the batteries themselves are separate purchases. While it also has a proprietary DC input for a dedicated adapter, having V-mount and USB-C covers most portable power needs effectively. It’s worth noting, however, that achieving the full 100W requires a robust power source like a V-mount battery (over 98Wh recommended) or a powerful (>100W) USB-C PD source. Using smaller power banks or NP-F batteries (via the included adapter) will typically limit the output to around 60W, which is still useful but not the full potential.
Controlling the RC 100B is also a breeze thanks to its Three Control Modes. You can manage settings wirelessly using the SmallRig GOGO app on your smartphone. This is incredibly convenient, allowing you to adjust brightness, colour temperature, and special effects without physically touching the light, especially when it’s placed high on a stand or in a hard-to-reach spot. For quick adjustments, the onboard controls are intuitive. A 1.3-inch LCD colour screen displays detailed lighting information, and precise parameter adjustments can be made via the dual knobs which also act as buttons. One controls mode (basic/effects) and intensity, while the other handles colour temperature and wireless channels. For more complex setups, it’s also compatible with DMX wired control when used with a separate DMX adapter. Having these multiple control options caters to different workflows and preferences, ensuring you can easily and quickly dial in the perfect light setup for any situation. The app control, in particular, feels modern and efficient, saving time on set.
Finally, the Noiseless Cooling Fan is a feature you might not think much about until you’re recording video with audio. Many powerful LED lights require fans to dissipate heat, and a loud fan can easily ruin clean audio recordings. The SMALLRIG RC 100B is equipped with intelligent temperature control technology and features a remarkably quiet cooling fan. The noise level is stated to be about 26dB at 1 meter, dropping to an almost imperceptible 18dB in ECO mode. In real-world use, I’ve found the fan noise to be negligible, even when placing the light relatively close to subjects wearing microphones. This is a significant benefit, ensuring that your video recording will not be disturbed by unwanted background noise from your lighting equipment, saving you from potential audio headaches in post-production.
While the proprietary modifier mount is a bit of a drawback, requiring SmallRig’s own accessories or their separate Bowens adapter, the included mini reflector is surprisingly effective for concentrating the light. For soft lighting, the small silicone diffuser is helpful, though a larger softbox via the Bowens adapter is often preferred. Despite the accessory ecosystem being somewhat tied to SmallRig initially, the core performance and features of the RC 100B make it a highly versatile and reliable light source for many scenarios.
What Others Are Saying (User Reviews)
Having scoured various platforms for feedback, it’s clear many users share my positive experiences with the SMALLRIG RC 100B. Many reviewers highlight its incredibly compact size and lightweight nature as major selling points, making it perfect for portable setups. The quality of the light output, particularly the accurate colours and impressive brightness for its size, receives frequent praise. Users also appreciate the flexible power options, specifically the convenience of V-mount battery compatibility and USB-C PD charging, freeing them from wall outlets. The quiet fan and intuitive app control are also commonly mentioned as significant positives. While some users noted the absence of an AC adapter and the proprietary modifier mount as drawbacks, many feel the overall quality and performance justify these points. There were isolated reports of technical issues, but SmallRig’s customer service seems responsive, with some users reporting successful replacements or refunds, restoring confidence in the brand.
Final Thoughts on This Portable Powerhouse
The problem of needing powerful, portable, and colour-accurate lighting for video production is a constant challenge for creators working outside of dedicated studios. The complications of not having such tools include compromised image quality, limited location options, and inefficient workflows. The SMALLRIG RC 100B COB Video Light offers a compelling solution. Its ultra-compact design makes it incredibly easy to carry and set up anywhere. The excellent colour rendering ensures professional-looking footage right out of the camera. And the versatile power options mean you’re not stuck searching for a wall socket. If you’re looking for a reliable, portable, and powerful light to elevate your video production, the RC 100B is definitely worth considering. To learn more and check it out for yourself, click here.
Last update on 2025-07-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API