SmallRig's New RC 220 LEDs: Two of NAB's Most Budget-Friendly Crowd-Pleasers
A dreamy LED light without the overhead? Where do we sign up?!
The best lights for filmmaking all offer something unique, and SmallRig's latest releases are no exception. Power and precision both come standard here, all at a price well within what the average artist or technician will be able to afford.
This pair of incredibly versatile point-source fixtures builds upon the previous SmallRig RC 120 line. They're smaller and lighter, all without compromising on output and quality.
The All-New RC 220 Series: Two Must-Sees for NAB 2022
SmallRig actually got its start in camera gear. After the resounding success of its first foray into the world of G&E, the RC 120B and the RC 120D, the brand is back for more, just in time for NAB. Its all-new RC 220 series of LED lights is here, and it means business.
Just like the RC 120s before them, you'll find two flavors here to choose from—a bi-color, adjustable LED, and a daylight-exclusive version that has a bit more to offer in terms of pure power output.
The RC 220B allows you to tune its color output. Any color temperature between 2700K and 6500K is rendered stunningly, and other hue and color-matching features can help you dial things in with precision.
The brand keeps things simple here—220 watts of pure, daylight-balanced illumination, all in a package more manageable and reliable than ever.
This fixture is not adjustable in terms of color output, which won't be an issue if you light for daylight often. If it ain't broke, why bother fixing it?
What These Versatile LEDs Have in Common
Both of them have earned CRI and TLCI ratings of 96+ and 95+ respectively, but that's not all you have to look forward to at NAB this year.
Here are a couple of other things we love about the RC 220 collection so far:
- Maximum Output: The RC 22D can achieve a maximum center illuminance of up to 98,700 lux, and its bi-color companion is capable of up to 84,500 lux.
- A Highly-Faithful Color Index: CRI and TLCI ratings aside, these two fixtures are especially note-worthy in terms of color stability and consistency.
- Accessibility and Control: You'll be able to run the show through the SmallGoGo app, which includes group control features and the ability to create preset configurations. Flip them on and off on-the-fly; watch your world change in literally seconds.
- An Intelligent On-Board Cooling System: The cooling fan ensures the performance of the unit without exceeding 30 decibels—that's a full 20 decibels less than your average refrigerator, leaving your recorded soundbed totally undisturbed.
- Dual Power Supply: Both fixtures can run off of either V-mount battery supplies or through an AC power input.
Aside from these features of note, you can expect the rest of the usual stuff—a standard Bowens mount ensures that all of your favorite accessories will play well with these two stand-outs.
The RC 22B will run you $369, and the daylight-balanced version costs $329, making these LED lights two of the most budget-friendly investments out on the showroom floor.
Lighting It Up with SmallRig: Some of the Best of NAB 2022
The RC 220 series has been unleashed to the public officially with its NAB 2022 debut. You can find the full collection here, including both of the RC 120 LEDs of yesteryear.
With these lights in tow, the choice between output, convenience, and price becomes a non-issue. If you work well with LED fixtures, any of these options will help every shot sing, all while allowing you to remain light on your feet.
No Film School's complete coverage of NAB 2022 is brought to you by Blackmagic Design, Atomos, and Creative Solutions (makers of Teradek, Wooden Camera, and SmallHD).