Thanks for doing this review. I was filming with the light today and noticed the fan noise kicking in and out, a but annoying but I was unusually close to the key in a non ideal shooting scenario. Glad to know the kelvin is so accurate. The phone app works fairly well, it syncs quickly enough and is responsive. Hopefully they can change the fan to an all ways on low option in future firmware
I have the SmallRig RC220D, the daylight version, and have been very happy with it. I especially like the case, and that I can run it off the optional battery plate (which I haven't yet, but it's nice to have the option!). I'd def get another one vs getting the Amaran equivalent, which has a cardboard box and can't be run on battery. I wish they made a 300W or 600W.
Agreed, the pricing for the light and battery plate make it really competitive against Aputure's lights. I got the 120D as soon as it came out, wish I'd known they would release a 220 not too long after. I've just been desperate for some trustworthy measurements of the output, most people reviewing SmallRig's lights just seem to read off the spec sheet. Seems all good, I guess I can go all-in on SmallRig lights now.
I am really into how the well the checkerboard COB produces that tungsten look and 32-3000 look fantastic! I would throw a few of these on the truck. I would also make a custom nylon harness rig for the ballast so you can hang it from a stand.
Great review as always, out of interest are you going to be reviewing the ifootage anglerfish lights, I’ve seen some reports of them being ridiculously accurate
I need to see you reviewing the Zhiyun FR100C, is a 100w tube light and I want to see the review to know if is good to buy it. Thanks for this amazing review👍🏼
Wait a minute! So the Nanlite Fresnel works well with this light? without any weird coloring on the corners from the stripe pattern on the COB? That's very interesting. I returned my Amaran 200x because I couldn't use the Aputure x2 Fresnel on it haha. I guess I should've tried the nanlite version instead. The Amaran has the same COB design as this one.
It's awesome that you don't want to disparage anyone by naming which light failed testing... but it would be good to know in case someone is about to spend $5k on a dud.
Yes, however: If the light isn't reviewed by Andrew, I'm probably not going to look at it, anyway. So the lights I'm not looking at are duds I'm already avoiding. It's VERY helpful when a gaffer is recommending equipment.
The light in question will be reviewed eventually, it just needs a LOT of work done on calibration. I also suspect it could be out of calibration or faulty. I have a lot of big brands that fail the first time around. Because at $5000 I expect a lot better. But because most problems are ultimately solved by firmware calibrations they often are ready for me to review by the 2nd or 3rd firmware. Unfortunately a lot of manufacturers are not giving lights to someone like me who will tell them to their face that this shit is not good enough for the price.
You don't find easily this expert level of knowledge on this subject online. Thank you, Sir
Very smart to include your demonstration of the curve with this budget light.
Thanks for doing this review. I was filming with the light today and noticed the fan noise kicking in and out, a but annoying but I was unusually close to the key in a non ideal shooting scenario. Glad to know the kelvin is so accurate. The phone app works fairly well, it syncs quickly enough and is responsive. Hopefully they can change the fan to an all ways on low option in future firmware
Oh so that's what a real gear review is supposed to look like 👏🏿
Great in depth review as always! Would love to see reviews for Aperture’s budget brand, Amaran, and their COB lineup.
Good things are worth waiting for! I am sure SmallRig will be delighted with your findings and final review as am I! Great job as usual Andrew! 👍🏾🙏🏾
Great review always on point with information that matters to real world users.
I have the SmallRig RC220D, the daylight version, and have been very happy with it.
I especially like the case, and that I can run it off the optional battery plate (which I haven't yet, but it's nice to have the option!).
I'd def get another one vs getting the Amaran equivalent, which has a cardboard box and can't be run on battery.
I wish they made a 300W or 600W.
The Amaran COBs can be run from battery using the Aperture 2-Bay Battery Power Station, that costs about $170.
The Amaran COBs can be run from battery using the Aperture 2-Bay Battery Power Station, but that costs about $170.
Agreed, the pricing for the light and battery plate make it really competitive against Aputure's lights. I got the 120D as soon as it came out, wish I'd known they would release a 220 not too long after.
I've just been desperate for some trustworthy measurements of the output, most people reviewing SmallRig's lights just seem to read off the spec sheet. Seems all good, I guess I can go all-in on SmallRig lights now.
@@tom_cressey_dop those power stations are so cheap I use them on so many 48v lights. I have 8 of them now.
> I wish they made a 300W or 600W.
The series was extended and a 450W light, albeit only daylight, is now available.
Greatest light review I've ever seen.
Really thorough review, thank you for your expertise.
I am really into how the well the checkerboard COB produces that tungsten look and 32-3000 look fantastic! I would throw a few of these on the truck. I would also make a custom nylon harness rig for the ballast so you can hang it from a stand.
Thanks for reporting the SSI and white point.
Excellent review by an obvious pro (rather than another youtuber turned DP haha)! Thanks from the middle of the pond!
Great review as always, out of interest are you going to be reviewing the ifootage anglerfish lights, I’ve seen some reports of them being ridiculously accurate
If they send one, I would be keen to look it over. It seems interesting
Excellent review, as allways! Thank you
I need to see you reviewing the Zhiyun FR100C, is a 100w tube light and I want to see the review to know if is good to buy it. Thanks for this amazing review👍🏼
Do you recommend aputure fresnel 2x for this light?
Do you know how it compares against aputure 200x
Love my Amaran 200x🙌🏻🎥🎥
No idea, but everyone I know with the 200x is happy
Great video 👍 if you get the daylight version, how would you mount gells if using a softbox?
did you find the answer?
@ Nope
Wait a minute! So the Nanlite Fresnel works well with this light? without any weird coloring on the corners from the stripe pattern on the COB? That's very interesting. I returned my Amaran 200x because I couldn't use the Aputure x2 Fresnel on it haha. I guess I should've tried the nanlite version instead. The Amaran has the same COB design as this one.
I was surprised too
It's awesome that you don't want to disparage anyone by naming which light failed testing... but it would be good to know in case someone is about to spend $5k on a dud.
Yes, however: If the light isn't reviewed by Andrew, I'm probably not going to look at it, anyway. So the lights I'm not looking at are duds I'm already avoiding. It's VERY helpful when a gaffer is recommending equipment.
The light in question will be reviewed eventually, it just needs a LOT of work done on calibration.
I also suspect it could be out of calibration or faulty.
I have a lot of big brands that fail the first time around. Because at $5000 I expect a lot better.
But because most problems are ultimately solved by firmware calibrations they often are ready for me to review by the 2nd or 3rd firmware.
Unfortunately a lot of manufacturers are not giving lights to someone like me who will tell them to their face that this shit is not good enough for the price.
Do you thing the dtap cable can work with amaran 200d?
I'm not sure about the Amaran 200d. I don't think it has any DC inputs.
@@gaffergear It has 48v dc input 3 pin xlr if im right.
@@eszesfilms1651 Aputure power station is the best bet for v-mounts then
220 !!!
So the Amaran 200x never made it in your test? This looks like a copy cat if the Amaran200x👀
Aputure didn't want me to review it as their priority was for me to review their pro range. I know a few people who have it and love it
@@gaffergear oh ok..yes I have the 200x, and it’s great.🎥🙏🏻
A $5k light doesn't make the cut???
Dying to know why. Value has a real meaning here!
Calibration is not good enough for the price. A bit more love from the programmers will get it reviewed.
@@gaffergear was it from Cream source ?
@@johnmarkblevins4007 nope
@@gaffergear thank goodness lol
poor review
Do you recommend aputure fresnel 2x for this light?
I can't remember how it worked with it.