Zhiyun has launched a new palm-sized light for filmmakers. The Zhiyun Molus X100 RGB light delivers a powerful full-color output from a device you can fit in your pocket.
Compact design
The Zhiyun Molus X100 RGB light features a very compact design. It measures just 5.7 inches (144.5 mm) wide, 3.7 inches (94 mm) high, and 1.4 inches (36.1 mm) deep. The X100 RGB is also lightweight at just 13.6 ounces (385 g).
You also get a mini lens reflector that attaches with Zhiyun’s ZY mount system. Usefully, the light features Zhiyun’s Dynavort active cooling technology so you can use it for extended periods without overheating.
Full color RGB
The Zhiyun Molus X100 RGB is a full-color light with dimming from 0% to 100%. It delivers a color temperature from 2,500 K to 10,000 K when you use it as a bi-color light. You also get a full RGB color output as well. As a result, the X100 RGB offers colored lighting effects, including police car and fireworks as well as standard light effects such as paparazzi, faulty bulb and lightning.
Plus, the light features a CRI greater than 95 and a TLCI greater than 97, meaning you can be sure that the colors will be reproduced accurately in your scene.
Output
As its name suggests, the Zhiyun Molus X100 RGB is a 100 W light. This gives the light a very impressive output, given its small size. Set to 5,500 K and 100% brightness, the X100 RGB delivers 3,110 lux when measured at one meter. In addition, if you add the mini lens reflector, the output is boosted by more than a factor of four to deliver 12,600 lux. Zhiyun says that this matches the output of some 300 W lights.
Powering the X100 RGB
The Zhiyun Molus X100 RGB doesn’t have an internal battery, so you will need a power source. It comes with a mains power adaptor, or you can use power delivery PD over USB-C from a suitable power bank or adaptor. You can get an optional high-capacity grip battery that attaches to the X100 RGB to make a compact, fully portable light. The grip battery has a capacity of 55.08 Wh, which will run the light for up to 34 minutes at full power.
Other accessories
You can get a range of light modifiers for the Zhiyun Molus X100 RGB light’s ZY mount. These include parabolic, octagonal, and rectangular soft boxes. You can also pick up two sizes of lantern modifiers.
Also, Zhiyun makes a Bowen’s mount attachment for the X100 RGB so you can use standard Bowen’s mount modifiers.
What we think
The Zhiyun Molus X100 RGB is a powerful little light. It’s only around 20% larger than the Amaran Ace 25c, but delivers around 3 times the output without a modifier. Once you add the innovative mini lens reflector, the maximum output is nearly 12 times greater. The X100 doesn’t have a built-in battery, but with a 100 W light, that wouldn’t last very long anyway. You also still have the option to use a PD power bank or Zhiyun’s own battery grip when you are away from a mains source.
Additionally, the X100 RGB is so small you can tuck one in your camera bag without taking up much space at all. If you want the convenience of a palm-sized light with the output of a much larger fixture, check out the Zhiyun Molus X100 RGB.
Pricing and availability
The Zhiyun Molus X100 RGB light with the mini lens reflector costs $269. You can also get a Pro pack, which adds 4-leaf barn doors and a soft box for $449. Zhiyun says that the lights are available to order now, with delivery scheduled for the end of May.
