What makes a great video light? To start, good output is a must, as are wireless control options, versatile color features, and high accuracy ratings. The Nanlite FC500C RGB LED Spotlight easily checks those boxes with its 500W output, built-in Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz connectivity, RGBW color modes, and a TLCI score of 94. But what makes this light extra special is its ability to pair with Nanlite’s new FC Power Controller, which replaces the FC500C’s included AC power supply and allows the light to run off of V-Mount batteries. That means you can take this light out in the field without a generator or use it in a studio and free up floor space and outlets. Suddenly you have a sleek, portable light that can act as a powerful key in almost any production environment—with one major asterisk. Read on for our thoughts!
Shining a Light on the Spotlight
If you didn’t get the impression already, this is an extremely capable LED light. Its 500W output lets it function as a key or fill in a variety of scenarios, and while it can’t quite compete against direct sunlight, it can still work well in daylight or nighttime conditions. We used it in a studio with large windows and tons of sun streaming through, and the FC500C was still able to act as a strong fill. The included reflector helps focus and boost the light, while the built-in locking Bowens mount also allows for the use of Fresnel and softbox attachments. Having 0.1% incremental control over its output is super useful for really dialing in your ratios or matching other lights, and the included yoke has full 360° rotation for total freedom. The head itself is 15 x 9.7 x 5.8’ and weighs 8.6 lb, which isn’t too bad for a light with this much juice, but expect the AC power supply to add another 5 lb and some bulk to your final set-up.
The 500C is the FC line’s first light with full RGBW capabilities, and that means you’ll suddenly have access to over 36,000 color options. Other pigmentation plusses are nuanced green-to-magenta shifts, 151 gel presets, and a capable HSI mode. Built-in effects include your classic flash, storm, TV, fire, fireworks, police car, and more, all rendered with the force of 500W. A panoply of control options is another major selling point. On-board dials are basic but sturdy, while Bluetooth smartphone control and 2.4 GHz control via additional accessories are there for those who want to go wireless. The light has a locking 3.5mm port for DMX/RDM and a USB port for firmware updates. On the software side, smart fan modes and the ability to rotate the screen display are welcome bonuses. All in all, it’s a very capable fixture with tons of things you’ll like, but nothing that will totally blow you away. That is until …
Portability via the Power Controller
Less powerful lights have always had battery-powered options, but being able to take a 500W light on the go without a portable generator is a major game changer for filmmakers. The FC Power Controller is actually smaller and lighter than the FC500C’s standard AC power supply (at least before you add the batteries), so swapping them out really turns the FC500C into a fixture that can be great on location. Even in the studio environment we used for testing, having the light and controller on a rolling stand meant I could quickly and easily adjust it and move it around the space without having to worry about dangling cords or the length of my cables. The Power Controller connects to the FC500C via both its power and its DMX port to give you full control of the light from the knobs on the unit, thus its name.
But here’s where we get to that asterisk. If you want to take full advantage of the Power Controller, you need at least two V-Mount batteries capable of outputting 26V. That’s the only way to achieve 100% output on the FC500C via batteries. One 26V V-Mount caps you at 50%, two standard 14.4-14.8V V-Mounts gives you that same 50% cap, and only using one 14.4-14.8V battery keeps you to a measly 30% max output. This will become less of a concern as 26V V-Mount batteries become more of an industry standard, but for now they remain relatively rare and notably pricier than their less powerful predecessors. I think a restriction like this is totally understandable if you’re dealing with super powerful and expensive lights, but it’s harder to swallow when you consider the price point and market for the FC500C, FC500B, and FC300B (the three lights currently compatible with the Power Controller). It’s not a deal breaker, but it is the biggest factor to keep in mind when considering a purchase of the controller.
Investing in a Lighting System
Let’s say you’re all in—you’re ready to invest in the light, the Power Controller, and the 26V batteries. How do you put them to use in the most effective way? For me, it starts with investing in a whole ecosystem. If your primary light is going to be a Nanlite fixture, try to keep that same brand for most of the other lights within the production, as this will allow you to control them all from the NANLINK smartphone app instead of jumping between apps, moving around the room, or having to rely on wired DMX control. The same thing applies for other brands as well. If the FC500C is going to be your key, consider a FC300B for fill and a PavoTube as a hair light. Replace some of the practicals in the scene with PavoBulbs and now you’re really rolling. Embrace the RGB capabilities of these lights when the scene calls for it, but don’t let your choices distract from story and character. Good filmmakers also know it’s as much about subtracting light as it is adding it, so don’t forget your floppies, flags, and cutters.
The FC500C and Power Controller make for an exciting combination, freeing you up from AC-dependency and giving you a powerful fixture that’s still lightweight and compact enough to be thrown into tight spaces and unique places. The voltage demands of the Power Controller are disappointing, but it is providing the FC500C a massive amount of juice, and for a first-of-its-kind device, some downsides are understandable. The Power Controller also includes an AC input so it can function as a standard power supply, and it can even charge V-Mount batteries when not powering a light, so it might be worth considering even if you’ll only use it on certain projects. There’s always room for more innovation in the lighting space, and it’s nice to see Nanlite trying something new with the Power Controller.
For more information about the Nanlite FC500C RGB LED Spotlight and FC Power Controller, including additional features, specs, and highlights, be sure to check out their detailed product page.
