Nanlite FC-500B

Last Updated 2 days ago

Overview

This is the 520 W rated bi-colour model, distinct from the RGBW FC-500C and the integrated-supply FS range. Its 3.16 kg head reference excludes the external supply and modifiers.

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Key specifications

Specification	Details
Fixture	Bi-colour LED spotlight; external power supply
Rated power	520 W
Head input	48 V DC / 10.4 A maximum
Power-supply AC input	100–240 V, 50/60 Hz
CCT range	2700–6500 K
CRI / TLCI	Average 96 / 98
TM-30	Average Rf 95; Rg 100
Dimming	0–100%, adjustable in 0.1% steps
Bare-head beam	120°
Accessory mount	Bowens; umbrella holder
Controls	Onboard; NANLINK Bluetooth; Nanlite 2.4 GHz; DMX/RDM via adapter
Cooling modes	Smart, Full Speed, Low Speed, Off
Quiet-mode power ceilings	Low Speed: 50%; Off: 8%
Head dimensions / mass	373.2 × 246.4 × 149 mm / 3.16 kg
Battery option	Separate compatible FC PowerController and V-mount batteries
Effects / firmware	12 white-light effects; USB firmware updates

Strengths and limitations

Strengths

• A Bowens mount, umbrella holder and external supply support several key and bounce arrangements.
• DMX/RDM, Bluetooth and 2.4G cover wired and app operation.
• The optional FC PowerController adds a manufacturer battery route.

Limitations

• The DC supply and its connections remain part of the working package.
• There is no native CRMX or green/magenta adjustment.
• That controller and suitable batteries are separate from the standard AC kit.

Practical uses

The 520 W FC-500B provides more output reserve for large diffusion, bounce or a more distant key. Its 3.16 kg head is only part of the package: the external supply, DC cable and modifier need separate support and transport allowance.

The 0.1% dimmer increments offer finer local adjustment than the FC-300B’s documented whole-percent control. That numerical resolution does not alone prove a particular fade quality on camera, so test very low levels and console fades.

The emitter is a compact source rather than a large soft panel. Shadow hardness, apparent source size and reflection shape come from the chosen accessory and working distance. A softbox changes those qualities while consuming some of the available intensity.

Setup	Working approach
Soft key	Fit a suitable Bowens softbox and grid, allowing space for both source and stand.
Bounce or diffusion	Compare exposure over the full useful illuminated area rather than the brightest reflector centre.
Location power	Include the optional FC PowerController when battery operation is required and verify its supported output for this model.

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Output and colour

Nanlite’s global table publishes the following lux readings at 5600 K. The bare head and reflector are different optical arrangements; the reflector concentrates the available light into a smaller field. Do not substitute its central reading for the output of a softbox or a uniformly lit scene.

The manufacturer also lists optional Fresnel and projection measurements, but some use 3/5/7 m rather than the 1/3/5 m columns below. At 5600 K, FL-20G spot is 22,340 lux at 3 m, 7,791 at 5 m and 3,987 at 7 m; flood is 6,507, 2,514 and 1,362 lux at those same distances.

These are manufacturer measurements, not a site retest. Select the intended output and fan modes before comparing exposure, and test the final modifier over the required coverage area.

5600 K configuration	1 m, lux	3 m, lux	5 m, lux
5600 K, light only	21,110	2,624	1,065
5600 K, supplied reflector	106,500	9,402	3,393

The 2700–6500 K engine adjusts warm/cool white; it does not provide RGB hue selection or a green/magenta control. CRI/TLCI are average white-light metrics, and a camera test remains useful for matching other fixtures or critical fabrics.

The 12 effects include CCT/intensity loops, flash, pulse, storm, TV, paparazzi, candle/fire, bad bulb, fireworks, explosion and welding. Their output remains within the variable-white engine. Test the timing and exposure of an effect with the intended shutter and frame rate.

The Bowens mount and umbrella holder offer many modifier choices. Confirm mechanical fit, optical compatibility and power rating for Fresnel or projection accessories. A large modifier creates a front load and wind area that the head’s listed weight does not capture.

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Power and batteries

The head receives 48 V DC from its matching power supply; the supply accepts 100–240 V AC. The supplied 3 m DC connection cable separates the head from the power supply, while the AC lead is listed at 6 m.

The optional FC PowerController is a distinct accessory with local controls and two V-mount plates for specified 14.4–14.8 V or 26 V batteries. It enables battery operation and can charge suitable attached batteries when connected to AC. It is not included simply because the standard package contains a power supply.

Confirm the supported battery combination, discharge capability, cable and firmware for the intended output. Do not plug a nominally similar battery into the head or assume every battery arrangement sustains full power. Budget runtime using the complete system and allow for conversion losses.

Support the supply or PowerController independently and leave cable slack for tilting. Controls on the standard lamp remain at the head, while the optional PowerController adds controls closer to ground level.

Control, cooling and camera operation

Maximum mode prioritizes available brightness at each CCT. Constant mode sacrifices some peak intensity to reduce changes while adjusting colour temperature. Record the selected mode with exposure settings; the same displayed percentage does not establish identical light output across both modes.

The manual provides four fan choices. Smart and Full Speed allow the documented full output; Low Speed limits maximum power output to 50%. Fan Off limits it to 8% on the FC-500B. These are model-specific limits, so the FC-300B and FC-500B quiet settings are not interchangeable.

For a sound-sensitive interview, check microphone pickup after the lamp warms up and meter the actual quiet-mode result. Full-power photometry is not a promise of the same brightness with the fan stopped.

Wired DMX/RDM uses the specified adapter cable at the head’s DMX In/Out connection; the manual lists that cable as separately available. Select the correct address and personality and check that the console exposes the intended dimmer, CCT and effect parameters.

Bluetooth supports direct NANLINK control, while Nanlite’s proprietary 2.4 GHz route works with a compatible remote or transmitter box. Neither route is native LumenRadio CRMX. Verify protocol, channel and signal-loss behaviour for the actual control path.

Keep firmware and console profiles matched to the exact model. Use the manufacturer’s USB update procedure and preserve a stable power supply while updating. USB is a service interface rather than an alternative head power input.

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Modifiers, rigging and the working package

Use the Bowens accessory’s supported fixture and power range. Balance larger softboxes before raising the stand, keep the external supply secured and leave the head’s air paths clear. Include the reflector, emitter cap, power leads and case when comparing complete packages.

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Alternatives and related fixtures

Fixture	Choose it for
Forza 500B II	A different controller package with tint adjustment and battery arrangements.
FS-300B	An integrated AC-only head with app control and no native wired DMX.

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What people are saying

Matthew Allard: value and output, with a build trade-off

Allard’s paired review found useful output and colour performance for the price, with less substantial construction than costlier fixtures. He found the 500B’s fan more noticeable than the 300B’s near sound-sensitive positions. The review predates the optional FC PowerController.

Videos

Photo Genius: FC-300B and FC-500B

A paired lighting review with portrait applications.

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Rental and used-fixture checks

Check the emitter protection, accessory catch, yoke, fan, power/DC connectors and adapter retention. Test warm/daylight endpoints, low dimming, every intended remote route and all fan modes. Confirm the supply, correct DC lead, reflector and carry case are present in a used package.

The Forza 300B II is another bi-colour location option with a different controller, battery and tint-control feature set. The FS range favours an integrated AC assembly. Choose FC-500B for its measured output, Bowens system and documented control routes.

Check the FC-500B power supply, correct locking DC cable and stand mount. If supplied with the optional battery controller, test the complete combination under load. Verify Maximum and Constant output modes, the chosen DMX personality and reduced levels in Low or Off fan modes.

Documentation and specifications

official FC-300B / FC-500B model page, model-specific English manual, official FC PowerController details and manufacturer overview.

Product photograph: Nanlite product photograph from the official product gallery.

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