SMALLRIG RC 60B COB Video Light with Built-in 3400mAh

I am updating this review following my discovery that the firmware cannot be updated by the user. This seems to be possible on most other cob lights but not for this unit. I don’t like the idea that I’ve purchased 2 units new within 1 week of each other not being on the same version and I would not have realised this had I not purchased a second unit. I regret to say smallrig cannot give me an answer to suggest this will even be possible at a later date. I’m now thinking of returning both units because this means that smallrig can develop and improve the firmware over a period of time for the same model ( and I’m sure they will) but as things stand if I cannot move my units forward with those developments then something is wrong here. This I believe is a massive oversight by Smallrig and it’s such a shame as apart from this I really love these units and still think they’re fantastic but this discovery is disappointing. If you look at photos 1 & 2 I have posted for one of the units you will the screen showing version 0.1 which is the latest version. If you look at photos 3 & 4 you will see the unit I bought from Amazon shows version 0.0 and I’m now wondering if I have been sold a returned unit that has sat in the stock room? Read my review for the charger which arrived with missing parts and consider why I am now thinking this way? Amazon or Smallrig replaced that charger with no concerns and I am grateful but somehow my enthusiasm for smallrig has taken a bit of a knock and I am now a little disappointed. I have emailed Amazon as directed by smallrig and asked if they would replace the unit with at least one that has the latest firmware and waiting for a response. Please read my review below which is absolutely genuine as I still feel it’s a great unit but I also feel buyers should be aware that the software cannot be updated by the user or at least that there is a possibility the can end up with 2 different firmware products if they buy additional units. Maybe if smallrig read this they might realise they really need to do something about it. Surely they can Despite this concern I still believe it’s a great product and will leave the 4 star rating. but only just

The original review below:
As an actor I’ve been trying to up my game when it comes to auditions and self taping. Having been working with an iPhone and a flat panel led; although I was booking some jobs I knew I could do better if I improved my production values. So whilst looking into what equipment would work better for me I purchased a LUMIX GH5ii from Amazon to improve the quality of my tapes and then considered what studio lighting would be best for the job. My key requirements were to find something that was small and portable but also capable of being used with a soft box. I came across this small rig having read most of the reviews and watched various YouTube videos. Together with the case and the extras that were included ( reflector, hand grip, type c charging cables long and short, stand and battery mount) this seemed to tick many boxes for me. My only negative (hence the 4 stars) was the lack of remote control but hey it’s not as if it’s difficult to adjust whilst working. One of the biggest positives for this unit was the built in battery but this also brought some consideration for concern as to How Long the built in rechargeable battery would last before needing to be replaced and “if” it could be replaced? I will only be using the light on occasions when required to audition so I’m hopeful that it will last me a while before I have to cross that bridge. I do believe that even when the built in battery eventually gives up the ghost the light should still work if connected to a usb c power source or external battery but the whole idea here is to have light that can work independently from its own charge so I will need to see how things play out. The build of the unit is plastic but it feels that it is made to a very high quality and the design is really fantastic. This light fits in the palm of my hand and although not as powerful as larger units it still has a considerable amount of power which I feel is more than enough to meet my requirements. Also, it has an indicator on the screen telling you approximately how much running time is left which increases or decreases subject to the amount of power you are using giving you more time the lower the power is reduced. I have not tested the running time yet but this feature alone is so useful as it’s good to know how much time you have to work. Charging time on the unit using a normal power source I have read can be extremely long but with the right charging unit which I also bought from small rig charging time is considerably reduced maybe from 1-2 hours max. So do consider buying an additional 100 watt charger to give you the fastest turn around time. The colour temperature on the unit is amazing. You can dial the colour very easily to match the colour balance of the lighting in the room or dial it to a day light balance for a much cooler temperature. This for me is a significant must depending on the mood you might need to create. Also, I need to mention that the fan runs pretty much most of the time but it’s relatively silent and if you use the unit in ECO mode not only does this extend the battery life but the fan noise is also reduced. I do not think the fan will interfere with sound unless the mic is next to the unit. So for me the fan is not an issue at all and does its job without interfering with your job. I can go on a lot more as to the pros of this unit but perhaps if I tell you that I have since bought a second unit because I think it is so good and I can light from two different areas that will give me all of the option I need. I really feel that I have the perfect kit to meet my requirements and the perfect portability of this kit means I can take it anywhere very easily and this purchase for me will be a total game changer when it comes to the standard of tape I will be able to produce. I would highly recommend this small rig unit along with the small soft box. I have read that small rig will be producing a mini mount to Bowens mount soon allowing you to use a larger soft box and this will be something I will definitely be keen to purchase when available. I would like to think that when the internal battery packs up that small rig might be able to install a new battery but I guess this remains to be seen. I’m sure this would give potential purchases greater confidence in future proofing their purchase and would be a very welcome option. In the meantime, I’m trying to find out if the software on the unit can be updated? Does anyone know? One of my unit shows version 0.1 the other shows 0.0 this suggests to me that it should be possible but I’ve not seen anything on the instructions or anywhere else that would refer to this. This is not a deal breaker at the moment and I haven’t noticed much of a difference in the operation of both units but there is a slight difference in the way each unit turns on when the dial is rotated and I would like both units to be working from the same page. Perhaps if someone from smallrig reads this review they might be able to advise. With all being said, I have very quickly become a smallrig fan and think this unit will find its way into many peoples baskets. I am really pleased with my purchase and I’m convinced this is just what I needed.