Nanlite has introduced two powerful new lights for film and video. The Nanlite FC-1200B is a bi-color fixture. Its sibling, the Nanlite FC-1200C, is a full-color light. Both have a rated power of 1,350 W with an output of 1,200 W.
All-in-one design
The Nanlite FC-1200B and FC-1200C feature an all-in-one design. You connect a mains power cable directly to the lamp head, so there’s no separate power supply to rig. The yoke also allows 360 degrees of tilt adjustment.
Excluding the reflector, each light measures 16.87 x 15.02 x 7.85 inches (428.4 x 381.4 x 199.3mm). Both weigh a little over 22 pounds (10kg), though the FC-1200C is slightly heavier than the FC-1200B.
Color accuracy
The FC-1200B posts an average CRI of 96 with a TLCI of 98. Numbers for the FC-1200C are slightly lower, at an average CRI of 95 with a TLCI of 94. Either way, both lights land in the range where skin tones look natural. You won’t be fighting color casts in post.
Photometrics
At 5,600K, the FC-1200B puts out 7,900 lux at around 10 feet (3 meters). Add the included 45-degree reflector, and that jumps to 15,620 lux. The FC-1200C trails slightly at the same settings. It reaches 6,960 lux bare, climbing to 14,220 lux with the reflector.
Dimming runs from 100% down to 0% in 0.1% increments. That’s fine enough to make small exposure tweaks without jumps in brightness.
Modifier support is broad. A Bowens mount on the front opens up a huge range of compatible softboxes. There’s also an umbrella mount built into the yoke.
CCT and color ranges
The bi-color FC-1200B covers a CCT range of 2,700K to 6,500K. Step up to the full-color FC-1200C, and the range widens to 2,400K to 12,000K with ±150 green/magenta adjustment.
The FC-1200C also gives you more ways to dial in color. HSI mode handles hue, saturation and intensity. RGBW mode lets you control each color channel individually, white included. Gel mode lets you pick from 460 LEE and Rosco gel presets.
Special effects
Both lights include built-in FX modes. The FC-1200B has 12 effects, including paparazzi, bad bulb and explosion. With the FC-1200C, you get 15 effects. Some are full-color options such as police car and disco.
Active cooling
Both fixtures use a fan for active cooling, with four modes to balance output against noise. Smart mode unlocks 100% of each light’s maximum output, as does full speed. Low-speed mode caps power at 70%.
Switching the fan off gives you silent running, but output drops to just 10%. That’s enough for a subtle accent. It won’t light a scene. For dialogue work, test whether low speed is quiet enough for your mics before you commit.
Controls
Onboard controls pair a 2.4-inch display with two knobs plus two buttons. You can also run the lights from your phone through the Nanlink App 2.0. For larger setups, both support wired DMX/RDM with multiple DMX dimming curves.
What we think
Nanlite’s FC-1200B and FC-1200C deliver serious output for the money. Your choice comes down to priorities. The bi-color model is brighter, while the full-color version trades a little output for a lot more creative control.
The all-in-one design is the real selling point. With no separate power supply, setup is quicker. There’s also one less cable to trip over. That makes these a smart pick for small crews, though at over 22 pounds, you’ll want a sturdy stand.
Bowens compatibility means you can shape the light with modifiers you may already own. If you need a powerful key light, both belong on your shortlist.
Pricing and availability
The Nanlite FC-1200B costs $1,290. The Nanlite FC-1200C runs $1,490. Both are available now.
