SmallRig RC 100B is a 100 Watt BiColor LED powerhouse

The SmallRig RC 100B ($169.99) is a compact and portable bi-color LED light. It is part of SmallRig’s family that targets creators, filmmakers, and vloggers. That said, the RC 100B does offer a few higher-end features that may make it appealing for higher-level videographers, like DMX and Vmount options. It’s essentially a more powerful version of the popular RC 60B LED, with the same cube-shaped design, but this time, boasting a 100-Watt output. (The “box” is slightly larger but still has a fit-in-your-hand design). It is also pretty lightweight, coming in at 700g. To conclude this high-level section, the RC 100B offers a color temperature range between 2700K to 6500K. Let’s dive in.

SmallRig RC 100B Power Options

One of the major highlights of the RC 100B is the support for a wide range of power options. Unlike the RC60B, which has an internal battery, the RC 100B relies on external power sources. This is a tradeoff: The box is lighter, and there is a lot of flexibility with the power source, but you would need to carry one more thing. The light can be powered via (It’s a long list):

• USB-C PD
• DC input (through an optional AC to DC adapter)
• battery plates for two NP-F batteries. (SmallRig makes some of the best NPF batteries I’ve seen to date)
• V-mount option on the back of the unit.

With NP-F970 batteries and USB-C power, the spec says 60 watts, but I was able to go up to 100% with a ugreen 145W battery. (If you ar following DIYP, you know I am a big fan of powering video lights with power banks). For maximum brightness (at lest spec-wise), you’d need to use the DC jack or a 99Wh V-mount battery (Up to one hour of runtime at full brightness. I got similar results with the powerbank as well).

Controls and usability

The SmallRig RC 100B offers a few control options. The most obvious one is a set of dials and buttons on the side of the light, that control the light, just as you would expect. There is a physical on/off switch (thank god), and a small screen that shows the modes, brightness, color temp and so on.

Generally, all the “important” buttons do not need menu access. The on/off switch, mode (constant/effects and so on), and Bluetooth sync all have dedicated buttons. Bless the designer for this. (I hate how some lights have the BT sync hidden in menu four \ sub-menu six \ right-hand side selection. BT sync is one of the more used buttons, and I am glad it’s so prominent. SmallRig got the idea for this from their users for sure!)

For remote control, you have two options. For the casual user, you can use the SmallRig SmallGogo App. This is the same app that controls the entire SmallRig range of lights, so if you are in their ecosystem, it’s a breeze. You can see and control the light, get the battery status, and generally do anything you would expect from a video light app in 2024.

When I started the app, I was prompted to update the firmware. This was one of the smoothest firmware update experiences I had. Just “next, next, next,” and I was done.

The other option is to use DMX via the USB plug. This is an interesting choice. However, using the USB socket for DMX kills one of the power options. That said, I assume that if you are using DMX, you are probably powering the light from the mains. I do not have a USB DMX adapter and have not tested the DMX capabilities.

SmallRig RC 100B accessories and Ecosystem

The RC 100B is part of SmallRig’s Mini Bowens system, so it fits their mini reflectors, softboxes, and other mini-Bowens accessories they will bring in the future. It makes sense for such a small light to use a minimalistic mount and not the huge Bowens mount.

Specifically, the RC 100B comes with a 45° mini reflector, which can significantly boost the light’s output, and a grip handle/swivel that is thick enough to hold but will also fit on a standard light stand stud. If you’ve ever worked with swivels, you know how annoying it is to have the light (or the strobe) misaligned with the tilt axis. Not here; the swivel has anti-rotation locking pins.

SmallRig RC 100B Light Quality

When it comes to color accuracy and light quality, the RC 100B delivers strong results. We got 96+RA @ 2,600 K, 95+RA @ 5,600 K, and 96+RA again @ 6,500K. SmallRig also mentions an SSI (Spectral Similarity Index) of 91 at 3200K and TM-30 Rf/Rg ratings of 97/102, but we do not have the gear to verify those. Overall, we are very pleased with the light quality.

In the Box

The SmallRig RC 100B Mobile Version comes with:

• SmallRig RC 100B Bi-Color LED Monolight
• Mini Reflector (45°)
• Grip Handle
• NP-F Battery Plate
• USB-C cable (a very generous one, I might add)
• Limited 1-Year Manufacturer Warranty

Real-life experience

I took the RC 100B for a quick test outside. I have to say that the light, a small Manfrotto Nano stand, a VB99 Pro battery, and the softbox didn’t even fill the bottom half of my bag. Here is a quick shot from our setup.

Conclusion

Overall, I love the SmallRig RC 100B. Between the light quality, small factor, and multiple power options, it made it into our small outdoor kit. The ability to use either a professional V-mount, NP-F970, or simply a power bank makes it a no-brainer for small out-of-the-studio productions. (Ok, my kids may or may not have twisted my arm to use this light for their Instagram videos). Summing up, for $169.99, this is a no-brainer for both quick lighting for setup, traveling, or any production where you don’t need 1,200 Watts of light.

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