The use of chip-on-board (COB) LEDs has made it possible to produce small but strong light sources. Almost every light company offers one or more such lights. SmallRig has the RC 60B COB LED video light. It’s small, lightweight, and easy to carry with you. I took a closer look at this light.
First a disclaimer. SmallRig asked me to review the RC 60B 60-watt COB LED video light. This review is independent and not influenced by the company in any way. However, I would like to thank SmallRig for providing the unit.
What’s in the Box
The RC 60B light comes in a small carrying case with the essentials. The light itself is included, which I’ll describe in the next section. A pivot, a simple grip for handheld use, and a bracket for a power bank are also included. It comes with two USB-C cords—one measuring only 20 cm, the other a generous 3 meters—and a reflector dish with a Mini Bowens mount.
SmallRig assumes you already have a USB-C wall adapter. If not, the company also offers one as an accessory, with a reserved spot for it in the carrying case. The SmallRig RC 60B Unit
The SmallRig RC 60B Unit
The light is a small square box, measuring approximately 115 x 85 x 85 mm. It weighs only 650 grams without the pivot, bracket, or reflector disk. The unit has a non-removable battery that can be charged through a USB-C port, hence the included cables.
Next to a small power switch on the back, there are two additional buttons and two rotation knobs that also function as push buttons. A small LED screen displays all necessary information. One of the two buttons, located on the back, activates ECO mode with a two-second press. The other is the mode button, situated beneath the LED screen, allowing you to switch between regular and creative modes. Regular Mode
Regular Mode
The RC 60B is a bi-color light, with a range between 2700K and 6500K. The rotation knob is used for setting the color temperature, while the other knob adjusts light intensity in 1% increments. The knobs rotate freely without haptic feedback. Clicking the knob will switch between preset settings.
Creative Mode
Creative mode is activated by the mode button beneath the LED screen. It offers nine settings, such as fireworks, candlelight, and lightning. You can switch between these settings with the rotation knob. Pressing the knob allows you to adjust the frequency of the effect.
In creative mode, the other knob controls both light intensity and color temperature. Pressing the knob toggles between these functions.
ECO Mode vs. Normal Mode
The RC 60B is rated for 60 watts, but this is only applicable in normal mode. With ECO mode activated, the light output is limited to 80%, which reduces the amount only slightly while significantly increasing battery life. At maximum intensity in normal mode, the light can get hot, causing the built-in fan to run at full power.
Temperature Control
The RC 60B has built-in overheating protection. If the temperature reaches 62°C, the unit reduces output to 80%, eventually lowering it to 50% at 64°C. If the temperature hits 65°C, the light will turn off automatically. During my usage in ECO mode, the light became warm but never overheated.
The large fan on top of the unit provides necessary cooling, and though it’s audible, it isn’t disruptive. In ECO mode, noise is measured at 30–35 dBA at one meter distance, increasing to 40 dBA in normal mode. The fan maintains a constant speed, preventing fluctuations in noise.
While charging the internal battery, the fan runs at a low speed, only becoming noticeable in quiet environments.
Battery Life
A full charge of the 3,400 mAh battery offers 75 minutes of light at maximum intensity in ECO mode, decreasing to 40 minutes in normal mode. The battery level indicator shows the remaining runtime, which is convenient. If the battery runs low, it’s possible to connect the light to a wall adapter and charge it while in use.
You can also use a power bank if a wall mount is unavailable. SmallRig includes a bracket to attach a power bank to the back of the unit. The included short USB-C cable is perfect for this kind of use. If the power bank provides enough power, the light can run at full intensity without lowering the output.
A minimum of 60 W is necessary, but SmallRig advises using a 100 W power bank. For charging, a 100 W adapter is advisable. Charging the battery with a 120 W GaN USB-C wall charger took about three hours, which is decent. Mounting and Light Modifiers
Mounting and Light Modifiers
The included pivot allows for attaching an umbrella. Regular light modifiers are connected by a Mini Bowens mount. SmallRig offers a small range of light modifiers on their website. A full-size Bowens mount adapter is also available for larger modifiers, though a 60 W light might not provide sufficient output for them.
In Use
I used the RC 60B for video recordings, product photography, and Zoom meetings. Its small size makes it easy to set up in tight spaces. The light output is perfect for these uses, though I didn’t find much use for the creative functions. However, I’m sure some people will find them useful, and it’s good to have these options available.
The light has a CRI rating of 97+, making it suitable for continuous video lighting. However, its color temperature accuracy diminishes above 4,500 K, with a margin of error around 200 K. Light output is rated at 2,650 lux at one meter at 4,200 K, increasing to 11,200 lux with the reflector. However, output varies with the color temperature, being around 20% higher at 6,500 K compared to 2,700 K.
The power bank bracket is a great addition, though a full-size power bank or a V-mount battery like the SmallRig VB99 doesn’t fit very well. I recommend using power banks around 3 cm thick. When the bracket is in use, the power switch becomes more difficult to reach, but this is only a small inconvenience.
I do wish the rotation knobs had some feedback while rotating, making it easier to feel or hear a change in setting. Currently, you need to look at the screen to see what’s happening, especially since there’s no remote control or Bluetooth connectivity. This isn’t a problem in small setups like mine, but it becomes an issue when the light is high up on a stand.
Conclusion
The SmallRig RC 60B is a great little COB LED video light with solid build quality, especially for its price range. It offers flexibility, decent battery life, and thoughtful accessories like the power bank bracket. However, the lack of remote control or Bluetooth connectivity is a significant drawback.
Would I recommend this light? In short, yes. The SmallRig RC 60B is a well-built, affordable light with good standard accessories. At less than $200, it's reasonably priced and a solid addition to any lighting kit.
What I Like
- Build quality, size, and weight
- Battery life, especially in ECO mode
- USB-C power delivery input
- Can be used while charging
- Battery life indicator showing remaining time
- Power bank bracket
- Quiet fan with constant speed
- Mini Bowens mount
- Easy controls and a simple LED screen
- Good light output
- Nice carrying case
What Can Be Improved
- Non-removable battery
- Remote control or Bluetooth connectivity
- Color accuracy
- Bracket could be more suitable for thicker power banks
- Better haptic feedback from knobs
Compared to its peers
I’ve compared this light with the Amaran COB 60x S Bi-Color LED light and the Zhiyun Molus X100. Although both alternatives provide higher output, they have downsides that the SmallRig RC 60B addresses. Unfortunately, I can’t compare the light against the Nanlite FS-60B.
Regarding size, the SmallRig RC 60B stands out, especially against the Amaran. The Mini Bowens mount makes the SmallRig RC 60B perhaps more flexible compared to the proprietary mount of the Zhiyun, although full-size Bowens mount adapters are available for both.
I won’t go into specifics about the differences, but it’s worth noting that every other light I mentioned does have Bluetooth connectivity.
