Video summary

Neewer Basics FL10 vs SmallRig RF 10C | Background Light Under $50 Showdown!

Main summary

Key takeaways

Product Review

Product Comparison: Neewer Basics FL10 vs SmallRig RF10C LED RGB Flashlights

Background Lights under $50

Main Features

  • Both are RGB LED flashlights designed for studio background lighting.
  • Include gobo filters and adapters to project different background designs.
  • USB-C charging ports.
  • 3/4 inch mounting holes compatible with standard mounts.
  • Adjustable field of view by extending/pulling the light.
  • Four color options: white, yellow (sometimes called orange), red, and blue.
  • Brightness adjustable with different granularity on each model.
  • Compact, portable, and affordable alternative to expensive gobo lighting setups (~£300 vs under £50).

Pros and Cons

Neewer Basics FL10

Pros:

  • Slightly cheaper (~£5 less).
  • Finer brightness adjustment with nearly 100 stops, allowing precise control.
  • Slightly wider field of view at the widest setting.
  • Cooler color temperature output.
  • Charges faster than SmallRig.

Cons:

  • Field of view adjustment mechanism is very stiff and difficult to operate.
  • Runs hotter during extended use.
  • Branding (“Neewer Basics”) on the body looks less professional.
  • Battery life is significantly shorter (about 2-3 hours less than SmallRig).
  • Fine brightness adjustments make it hard to know when max or min brightness is reached.
  • Filter attachment design is somewhat finicky and frustrating to use.

SmallRig RF10C

Pros:

  • Easier and smoother field of view adjustment.
  • Longer battery life (up to 5 hours, 2-3 hours longer than Neewer).
  • More professional-looking black metallic finish and branding.
  • Brightness adjustment with 10 stops allows quick changes.
  • Slightly warmer color temperature output.

Cons:

  • Slightly more expensive.
  • Charging takes longer than Neewer.
  • Brightness steps between 0-10% are large, making fine control less precise.
  • Brightness indicator flashes at min and max, which can be annoying.
  • Filter attachment also finicky, similar to Neewer.

User Experience

Both lights are compact and come with similar accessories. Key points include:

  • The SmallRig is favored for ease of use, especially for adjusting the field of view while mounted.
  • The Neewer offers more precise brightness control but is less user-friendly mechanically.
  • Both lights are suitable for studio background lighting but are not powerful enough for bright or large space illumination.
  • The SmallRig’s longer battery life makes it more reliable for extended sessions.
  • Neewer’s faster charging is better for quick turnaround needs.

Comparisons

  • Price difference is minimal, with Neewer slightly cheaper.
  • Build quality and materials are very similar.
  • SmallRig has a more professional aesthetic.
  • Neewer offers better brightness control and wider beam spread.
  • SmallRig excels in battery life and ease of mechanical adjustments.
  • Both have similar color options and brightness ranges.

Verdict / Overall Recommendation

Both the Neewer Basics FL10 and SmallRig RF10C are excellent budget-friendly RGB LED flashlights for creative background lighting in studios. The choice depends on user priorities:

  • Choose SmallRig RF10C if you prioritize:

    • Longer battery life
    • Ease of use (especially field of view adjustment)
    • Professional look

  • Choose Neewer Basics FL10 if you prioritize:

    • Finer brightness control
    • Faster charging
    • Slightly wider beam
    • Slightly lower price

The reviewer leans toward the SmallRig due to its usability and appearance despite liking some features of the Neewer. Both lights provide significant value compared to expensive traditional gobo setups and can dramatically improve studio backgrounds affordably.

Additional Notes from Video

  • Both lights flash red when battery is low.
  • Filter attachment is somewhat clunky on both models.
  • The reviewer filmed the comparison with Panasonic S5 and S52X cameras.
  • The reviewer remains open to changing their preference but currently favors SmallRig.

Summary Table

Feature Neewer Basics FL10 SmallRig RF10C Price Slightly cheaper (~£5 less) Slightly more expensive Build & Appearance Shiny silver, “Neewer Basics” branding (less professional) Black metallic, professional branding Field of View Adjustment Stiff, difficult Smooth, easy Brightness Control ~100 stops (fine control) 10 stops (coarser control) Brightness Level Slightly brighter, cooler Slightly warmer Battery Life ~2-3 hours shorter Longer (up to 5 hours) Charging Speed Faster Slower Filter Attachment Finicky Finicky

Final Recommendation: SmallRig RF10C is recommended for most users due to ease of use and battery life, unless fine brightness control and faster charging are top priorities.

Original video