REVIEW – I am assuming that by now, the readers who follow my articles know that I have been working very hard at upgrading my home office/studio to increase the quality of the videos I record for my podcast and other Social media including Gadgeteer reviews. A big part of quality video is lighting and I have been struggling with getting that just right in my relatively small space. Having a compact and portable light that is designed with multiple mounting options, that I can move around to find just the right placement, that has enough power, can produce the right light, and can be diffused can be challenging. Enter the SmallRig RC 60B COB LED Video Light.
What is it?
The SmallRig RC 60B COB Video Light features a built-in 3400mAh Battery, USB-C Fast Charging, and is a continuous output light with 9 lighting effects. Â
What’s in the box?
- 1 x RC 60B LED Video Light
- 1 x mini Hyper Reflector
- 1 x USB-C to USB-C PD Charging Cable
- 1 x Light Stand Adapter
- 1 x Grip Handle
- 1 x Protection Cover
- 1 x User Manual
- 1 x Carrying Bag
- 1 x Power Bank Holder
- 1 x USB-C to USB-C PD Charging Cable
Hardware specs
Design and features
- Built-in 3400mAh Battery: No need to connect battery mounting plate, NP-F, V-mount battery, or various cables, the 60W COB video light can be used immediately, eliminating complicated assembly steps. The maximum battery life is 45 minutes at full power and 75 minutes in ECO mode.
- Type-C PD Fast Charging: The LED video light has a Type-C interface that supports up to 100W PD fast charging (compatible with PD power banks and PD adapters with an output power of 65W and above). It supports mainstream fast charging/power supply protocols and can be used while charging. NOTE: SMALLRIG 100W PD Charger for RC 60B – 4315/4370/4371/4372 needs to be purchased separately.
- Lightweight & Portable: With dimensions of 115 x 85 x 85mm and a body weight of only 650g, the handheld photography light is very suitable for flat and video content creation in mobile scenarios. All accessories can be placed in an elegant and durable storage bag, and the overall weight is only about 1.5kg. Lightweight storage and portability allow your content creation not to be constrained by the weight of the light!
- Simple & Precise Light Control: There is an independent CCT/INT adjustment knob on the side of the light body, which can quickly adjust the color temperature and illumination, with simple operation and timely feedback. The 1.3″ LED color screen provides richer lighting information, allowing you to accurately control lighting parameters and find the light that is most suitable for the shooting scene.
- Ultra-High Color Rendering Index & 9 Light Effects: CRI 97+, TLCI 98+, SSI average 89, TM-30 Rf/Rg can reach 96/100 respectively, which can truly restore the color of objects. Color temperature range 2700K-6500K. Under 1m/5600K, the illumination of the bare light is 2670lux, and the illumination with the standard cover is 11200lux. 9 built-in light effects, including paparazzi, fireworks, lightning, broken bulb, TV, party, flame, breathing, and flickering.
- Noiseless Cooling Fan: Equipped with intelligent temperature control cooling technology, the body dissipates heat quickly and has low operating noise. The noise is about 26dB within 1 meter, and the noise at 1 meter in ECO mode is about 23dB, and your video recording will not be disturbed by noise.
The SmallRig RC 60B COB LED Video Light is small, light, and compact and is made mostly of plastic/ABS. On the top, there is a vent and the release button for the Modifier/Shadowbox.
There is venting and a 1/4-20″ mount on the bottom.
On the back, there is the ECO button, the USB-C Charging port, and the on/off switch.
On one side, there is the display screen and the 2 knobs that control the color and intensity. There is also a mode button.
The External battery mount clips onto the back.
Performance
The SmallRig RC 60B COB LED Video Light offers a few mounting options like on a light stand or a 1/4-20″ tripod mount. Starting with its controls, the rotary knobs feel solid and rotate without any wobble. The adjustment capability is quite precise and the details of the adjustment levels are displayed on the LED display. The mode button allows you to switch between the lighting effects. The Power Bank clip easily clips onto the back of the light and will easily hold a sizeable portable battery. I would suggest one with a USB-C output port.
The light output is powerful and for my use and the levels of light I use, the battery asks for hours. I often keep a USB-C cable connected so I am not dependent on the battery.
Here are a few photos of it mounted on the overhead rail in my office/studio. I use it as a fill light for product reviews and for when I am recording my Podcast.
Overall, this is a fantastic portable light that works well indoors and I am very sure will work well for outdoor projects as well. The ability to mount it on a light stand or a tripod mount is great and the size allows you to remove the modifier or shadowbox and drop it into any gear bag. The shadowbox shown in the photos in this review did not come with the light. I purchased it separately.
The following video provides a look at the unboxing and an overview of this SmallRig RC 60B COB LED Video Light:
Here is a video that I shot using this as the overhead light:
The video was a part of the JSAUX FlipGo Dual Stacked Portable Monitor review.
What I like
- It is lightweight and compact
- The light it produces is great
- It is completely portable
- The adjustability of the intensity and color
- The ability to add light Modifiers and shadow boxes
- The built-in battery and the ability to use a portable USB power pack
- The external battery snap-on holder
What I’d change
- I like everything about it
Final thoughts
The SmallRig RC 60B COB LED Video Light is an amazing, effective, and worthwhile addition to my gear and the quality of the videos I am now able to record. It is lightweight, produces a ton of light, and has enough adjustability to accommodate various lighting needs. In addition, it has a built-in battery and can be powered via an external battery pack. With the ability to attach a shadowbox with a diffuser, this light is an all-around winner!!
Price: $199.00
Where to buy: SmallRig, Amazon, B&H Photo Video
Source: The sample of this product was provided by SmallRig.