Like many creators today, I often struggled to get the lighting just right. Whether I was shooting interviews, product shots, or just vlogging, inconsistent or flat lighting could completely ruin the mood and professionalism of the final output. It wasn’t just about making things brighter; it was about shaping the scene, adding depth, and ensuring colours looked accurate. Without a reliable, portable lighting solution, I faced frustrating reshoots and limitations on where and when I could film, which was a significant bottleneck to my creative workflow.
When you’re serious about creating compelling video or photographic content, adequate lighting isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessity. Poor lighting can lead to noisy footage, unflattering shadows, and colours that just look… wrong. A portable video light is sought after by creators who are often on the move, working in diverse locations, or needing flexible lighting setups without being tethered to wall power. The ideal customer is someone who shoots video or photos with cameras or smartphones and needs supplemental light for interviews, product reviews, vlogging, portraits, or adding creative accents.
However, a portable light like this might not be the right fit for someone needing a powerful key light for large film sets, or someone working extensively outdoors in unpredictable weather conditions, as most are not weather-sealed. If your primary need is to illuminate a large space, a much more powerful, mains-powered light might be necessary. Before you buy, think about the light’s required power output, colour accuracy (CRI/TLCI ratings), battery life and charging options (USB-C PD is a plus), size and weight for portability, mounting options, included accessories (diffusers, grids, barn doors can shape the light), and whether features like RGB, special effects, and app control are important for your creative vision. Also, consider potential noise from cooling fans if recording audio nearby.
![ZHIYUN FIVERAY M20C Combo [Official] RGB Video Light, 20W Portable Camera Light, HSI Mode, TLCI 96+,...](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41GRdKOGdkL.jpg)
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Presenting the ZHIYUN FIVERAY M20C Combo
Enter the ZHIYUN FIVERAY M20C Combo. This compact RGB video light promises powerful, versatile lighting in a pocket-sized package. The standard M20C is a capable light on its own, but the Combo version elevates its utility significantly by including a robust metal cage and a suite of magnetic light modifiers: a diffuser, a honeycomb grid, and barn doors. Compared to some basic on-camera lights, the M20C Combo stands out with its impressive 20W output for its size, full RGB capabilities, wide colour temperature range, and the thoughtful accessory system that makes shaping the light incredibly easy. It’s designed for the content creator who values portability and versatility, needing more than just a simple bright light but wants creative control over colour and light shaping, especially in mobile or tight setups. It might be less suitable as the *sole* key light for illuminating a full body shot in a large room, but excels in close-up work, fill light, accent light, or background effects.
Pros of the ZHIYUN FIVERAY M20C Combo:
* Extremely compact and lightweight design
* Powerful 20W output for its size
* Full RGB and wide 2500K-10000K CCT range
* High colour accuracy (TLCI 96+)
* Innovative magnetic accessory system (Diffuser, Grid, Barn Doors included in Combo)
* Flexible mounting options via cage (magnetic, cold shoe, 1/4″ thread)
* Convenient USB-C PD charging supporting simultaneous use
* Intuitive dual dial controls and clear OLED display
* Useful app control via Bluetooth
Cons of the ZHIYUN FIVERAY M20C Combo:
* Fan noise can be noticeable at higher power levels, especially when close to a microphone
* Not weather resistant due to open cooling vents
* Built-in battery is not user-replaceable
* Charging indicator only shows animation, not exact percentage while off
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Features & Benefits
My personal experience with the ZHIYUN FIVERAY M20C Combo has been overwhelmingly positive, largely thanks to how well its features translate into practical benefits for real-world shooting scenarios.
Compact Size and Unmatched Portability
Measuring just 7.8 x 7.8 x 3.6 cm and weighing around 200 grams, the ZHIYUN FIVERAY M20C Combo truly lives up to its “pocket-sized” claim. I can toss it into any camera bag, jacket pocket, or even a backpack side pouch without it adding significant bulk or weight. This has been revolutionary for run-and-gun shooting, spontaneous creative ideas, or simply ensuring I always have a capable light source on hand. I no longer have to second-guess bringing a light; it’s just always there. The freedom to set up quality lighting anywhere, anytime, without needing a huge setup is a massive benefit for mobile content creators.
Surprising Power Packed into a Small Cube (20W Output)
For such a small device, the ZHIYUN FIVERAY M20C Combo packs a serious punch with its 20W output. While 20W might not sound like much compared to massive studio lights, for close-up work, product photography, interviews where the light is relatively near the subject, or as a fill/accent light, it’s incredibly effective. The description mentions up to 1950 lux, which is quite bright for its size. I’ve used it to successfully light faces for interviews from a few feet away, add separation light behind a subject, or illuminate small product setups. Its power-to-size ratio is exceptional, meaning you get usable light without the bulk of larger, less portable units.
Full Colour Control: CCT, HSI, and RGB Modes
One of the main reasons I opted for the M20C Combo over a bi-colour only light was its full RGB capabilities. The CCT (Correlated Colour Temperature) mode offers a massive range from a warm 2500K to a cool 10000K. This wide spectrum allows me to match ambient light precisely or set a specific mood, from cosy incandescent to bright daylight or even cooler tones. What’s more, it includes a green/magenta adjustment, a crucial feature for fine-tuning colour balance, especially when mixing different light sources.
Beyond CCT, the HSI (Hue, Saturation, Intensity) and RGB modes unlock a world of creative possibilities. I can dial in virtually any colour on the spectrum to add colour accents to backgrounds, use it as a rim light with a specific hue, or create dramatic effects. The precision dimming across all modes allows for granular control over intensity, essential for blending the light seamlessly into a scene. This colour versatility makes the video light an indispensable tool for adding production value and creative flair.
Creative Lighting Effects (FX Mode)
The ZHIYUN FIVERAY M20C comes with a selection of built-in lighting effects (listed as 10 or 16 depending on the source, but definitely a good variety). These include simulations like lightning, TV screen flicker, paparazzi flashes, candle flicker, and more. While some of these are situational, effects like “Hue Pulse” or controlling speed and intensity add dynamic elements to videos. They are easily accessible via the intuitive dual dials, offering quick ways to add visual interest or practical effects without needing complex programming.
Flexible Power and Simultaneous Charging
Battery life is always a concern with portable gear. The FIVERAY M20C boasts a solid 40-minute runtime at full 20W power. While 40 minutes isn’t necessarily a whole day of shooting, it’s often sufficient for short bursts or specific setups. The key benefit here, however, is the USB-C PD charging support which allows for simultaneous charging and lighting. I can plug it into a PD-compatible power bank or wall adapter and run the light indefinitely while it charges or maintains its current level. This flexibility means I’m never truly limited by the internal battery life if I have access to external power, which is often the case with modern tech setups. A minor drawback is that the battery level indicator on the light itself is just an animation when off, not a precise percentage, which makes planning charging a little less exact.
Innovative Magnetic Mounting System and Combo Accessories
The standout feature of the M20C Combo is arguably its magnetic mounting and accessory system. The light itself has a magnetic surface (on the cage in the Combo version), allowing it to stick to metal surfaces like doors, car panels, or even overhead beams (with caution!). This opens up countless mounting possibilities that would be impossible with standard light stands alone. The included metal cage, which the light slots into securely with a satisfying spring mechanism, features three cold shoe mounts and a 1/4″ thread on the bottom, offering even more traditional mounting options (camera hot shoe, light stand, mini tripod).
The front of the cage is also magnetic, designed to quickly snap on the included modifiers: the diffuser softens the light beautifully, reducing harsh shadows; the honeycomb grid narrows the beam for a more focused, dramatic look; and the barn doors allow precise control over the light spill, shaping the light and preventing it from hitting unwanted areas. Being able to swap these modifiers instantly via magnets is incredibly efficient during a shoot, allowing for rapid adjustments to the light quality and direction. This integrated system is incredibly practical and genuinely enhances the creative control available.
Intuitive Controls and App Connectivity
Operating the ZHIYUN FIVERAY M20C is straightforward thanks to its dual tactile dials and clear OLED display. One dial typically controls intensity, while the other handles colour temperature or hue, depending on the mode. Clicking the dials allows for quick jumps between common values (like 0%, 50%, 100% brightness) or cycling through modes. This on-device control is fast and intuitive.
For more complex setups or when the light is in a hard-to-reach spot, the ZHIYUN Vega app connectivity via Bluetooth is a lifesaver. I can control all functions – CCT, HSI, effects, intensity – from my smartphone. The app interface is well-designed, featuring a colour wheel for RGB/HSI and presets. Connecting multiple Zhiyun lights through the app allows for coordinated control, which is fantastic for more elaborate lighting setups. The app also includes a ‘picker’ function to sample colours with your phone camera, which is a fun, albeit sometimes gimmicky, feature.
Effective Cooling System
The light uses Zhiyun’s Dinavort cooling system, which includes a small fan. At lower power levels (below 50%), the fan is very quiet, almost imperceptible. However, at higher power levels (above 50% and especially at 100%), the fan becomes quite audible. This is a disadvantage if you are recording audio with a microphone placed close to the light. I’ve found that positioning the light further away from the mic or using a directional microphone helps mitigate this, but it’s something to be aware of for critical audio recording scenarios. Despite the noise at high power, the cooling system is effective at keeping the light from overheating, which is essential for maintaining performance and longevity.
User Review Insights
After spending time with the light myself, I scoured the internet to see what other users thought, and the feedback largely mirrors my own experience. Many users praise its incredibly compact size and surprising brightness for such a portable unit. The RGB and CCT capabilities are frequently highlighted as a major advantage, offering significant creative flexibility. The magnetic mounting system, particularly with the accessories in the M20C Combo kit, is consistently mentioned as innovative and highly practical for fast setups in unconventional locations. The ease of use via the dual dials and the added convenience of the app control are also appreciated. While the fan noise at full power is sometimes noted as a drawback for video recording with audio, most users find the overall performance, versatility, and the comprehensive nature of the Combo package offer excellent value for the price.
Conclusion
Dealing with poor or limited lighting is a common frustration for anyone trying to create quality visual content, leading to compromised results and wasted time. The ZHIYUN FIVERAY M20C Combo offers a compelling solution by providing a powerful, feature-rich, and incredibly portable camera light. Its compact size means you can always have professional-grade lighting on hand, the full RGB and wide CCT range provide immense creative and practical control over your scene’s look, and the unique magnetic mounting system bundled with essential light shapers in the Combo kit makes setup and light control faster and more flexible than traditional methods. For content creators who need versatile, portable, and powerful lighting to elevate their work without breaking the bank or carrying bulky gear, this light is an excellent fit. To check out the ZHIYUN FIVERAY M20C Combo and see detailed specifications, Click here to learn more.
Last update on 2025-06-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API