Sirui has launched a new compact but powerful 150W bi-color light for filmmakers, the Sirui C150X. The company describes the palm-sized C150X as a handheld pocket light.
Compact design
The Sirui C150X is relatively lightweight, weighing only one pound (450 g). It’s also compact, measuring 5.5 inches by 3.8 inches by 2.1 inches (140 mm by 97 mm by 53 mm). Unfortunately, fitting 150W of power into such a small case does require active cooling. Sirui says the C150X has a newly designed automatic heat radiator, but the light also has a fan. At the maximum output of 150W, Sirui says the fan noise is only 26 dB, however. In addition, you can limit the power to 100 W, which reduces the noise level to 23 dB, or switch the fan off completely.
Bi-color
The Sirui C150X is a bi-color light, with a color temperature range from 2800K to 6500K. While this isn’t as wide a range as some other lights, Sirui claims their light is more color-accurate. The company says that at 100% output, the color temperature accuracy is within plus or minus 100K. At 1%, this drops to plus or minus 250K but that’s still good. In addition, the C150X has a CRI of 95.5-97 and a TLCI of 98. This means that colors should reproduce correctly on camera when using this light.
Output
The Sirui C150X has a maximum output of 5310 lux at one meter when set to 100% and 6500K. This drops to 4590 lux when set to 100% at 2800K. Both of these output figures are for the bare light. However, the C150X also comes with a reflector which increases the output to an impressive 24000 lux at 1 meter. In addition, the output is fully controllable from 100% down to 1%.
Powering the C150X
The Sirui C150X doesn’t have an internal battery so you will need a power source. The light comes with a mains power adaptor, but you can also buy an optional V-mount plate for using an external battery. You will need a 26V battery to use the full 150 W of output, however. With a 14.8V V-mount battery, you are limited to 75 W of output from the C150X. In addition, you can use a PD Type C power supply, or a 30 W, 60 W or 100 W PD power bank.
Lighting effects
The Sirui C150X comes with twelve built-in lighting special effects. These effects include fire, broken bulb, lightning, flash and CCT recycle. You also get explode, SOS, candle, electrowelding, pulse, firework and TV.
Other features
The Sirui C150X has a standard ¼-20 threaded mounting hole on the base for attaching to a light stand. In addition, the light comes with a quick setup tilt head and a handle for handheld use. Optional accessories include a mini softbox that attaches to the light’s built-in mount. Alternatively, you can buy an optional Bowens mount adaptor which supports loads up to 3.7 pounds (1.7 kg). In addition to the light’s onboard controls, you can use the Sirui Light Remote Control app which works over Bluetooth. The app means you can adjust CCT, intensity and lighting effects from up to 49 feet (15 meters) away.
What we think
The Sirui C150X gives you a powerful output from a compact design. You could carry it in a large pocket, but you might need a sturdy belt to help keep your pants up. It’s also good to see the range of power options that Sirui has designed into the light to help keep it portable. You could easily mount the C150X on your camera rig or gimbal as well as “Hollywooding” (hand holding) it. In addition, the Bowens mount adaptor means you have access to a wide range of lighting modifiers. If you want to add a new small light to your kit, take a look at the Sirui C150X.
Pricing and availability
The Sirui C150X is available to preorder now for $219. The basic kit includes the light, reflector, tilt head, handle and AC power supply. You can also get a Combo kit for $249. This adds the Bowens mount adaptor, V-mount battery plate and a battery plate clamp.
