Zhiyun has announced two new compact video lights. The CINEPEER CX50 is a bi-color light, while the CX50 RGB is a full-color fixture.
Compact design
Zhiyun says that the CINEPEER CX50 series is more than 50% smaller than competitors’ video lights with a 50W output. The lights measure just 5.98 inches wide, by 2.24 inches by 3.7 inches. They are also lightweight at around 1.3 pounds (590g). The CINEPEER CX50 lights do have a slightly unusual form factor, with a battery compartment to one side, which is taller than the main body of the light. However, Zhiyun’s photos show this being used to handhold the CX50 lights, so the design seems quite ergonomic in practice.
CX50
The Zhiyun CINEPEER CX50 is a bi-color light. It delivers a CCT range from 2700K to 6500K, so you should be able to balance it with most natural lighting scenarios. The CX50 also has a CRI of more than 95 and a TLCI of more than 96, so the colors in your scenes will reproduce correctly. At 0.5 meters and set to 4300K, the CX50 delivers an impressive 26400 lux when set to 100% brightness and using the standard reflector. In addition, the CX50 includes 13 lighting effects, including paparazzi, faulty bulb, lightning, and TV.
CX50 RGB
The Zhiyun CINEPEER CX50 RGB is a full-color light, delivering a full RGB color range. Again, it offers color-accurate light with a CRI greater than 95 and a TLCI greater than 96. The maximum output is a little lower than the bi-color model, but still powerful at 16,500 lux measured at 0.5 meter using the standard reflector. In addition, because of the RGB output, the CX50 RGB includes five extra lighting effects as well as the 13 with the CX50. These include police car, party, and hue loop.
Other features
The Zhiyun CINEPEER CX50 and CX50 RGB lights feature a powerful DynaVort active cooling system, so you won’t have to worry about them overheating. There may be some fan noise, however. As well as the reflector, the lights also come with a silicone dome diffuser. In addition, both lights are compatible with Mini and Bowens mount modifiers using an optional adapter. You can control the lights using the onboard buttons or via the ZY Vega app.
Battery power
The Zhiyun CINEPEER CX50 and CX50 RGB lights feature a built-in 4,500mAh rechargeable battery. This gives you up to 60 minutes of continuous use at 100% brightness. The CX50 series lights also support Power Delivery (PD) USB fast charging. This means you can charge and use the device simultaneously with a PD-compatible fast charger or power bank. Zhiyun says that charging the lights takes around 2 hours and 20 minutes using a PD charger.
What we think
The Zhiyun CINEPEER CX50 and CX50 RGB lights deliver a lot of power for such compact lights, especially when using the included reflectors. Although they are designed as fill lights, you could use them as a key light for close-ups or in smaller locations, such as a car. The option to use standard Bowens mount modifiers also increases the versatility of these compact lights. If you are looking for a new small bi-color or RGB light, the Zhiyun CINEPEER CX50 and CX50 RGB should be on your shortlist.
Availability
The Zhiyun CINEPEER CX50 and CX50 RGB lights are available now for $149 and $179, respectively. You can also take advantage of a 20% discount the company is offering between May 20 and June 13.
