As a photographer, videographer, or content creator, the lighting you choose can make or break a project. That's why we were super excited to get our hands on the brand-new Elinchrom LED 100 C, Elinchom's first major foray into the world of LED lighting. This compact powerhouse offers exceptional flexibility and portability for both still photography and video production. So, let's dive into the unboxing experience and answer some of the most pressing questions you might have about this versatile light.
Unboxing the Elinchrom LED 100 C
The first thing we noticed when we opened the box was how compact and lightweight the Elinchrom LED 100 C is. It’s sleek, modern, and feels solid in your hands. The small hardcase it comes in makes it incredibly easy to carry around, which is a huge plus for on-the-go shoots. Inside the box, is the Elinchrom LED 100 C itself, along with an Elinchrom OCF Diffusion Dome, the Profoto to Elinchrom Adapter, a 2m USB-C charging cable, and, of course, the hard case itself to keep everything safe. This kit did not come with the Elinchrom 100W USB-C Wall Charger, but this is available as an added extra, or a third party charger can be used (more on that later!).
Effortless Setup and Intuitive Menu System
The setup was incredibly easy, and what really stood out was the intuitive menu system. Powering up the LED 100 C, the touchscreen immediately grabs your attention with its sleek, user-friendly design. Adjusting key aspects of the light, like brightness, colour temperature, and RGB settings, was smooth and effortless, just as you’d expect from a company with over 60 years of experience in studio lighting. It’s the finer details, though, that make this system truly shine, like the seamless fan silent mode adjustment and the real-time battery life indicator. While we haven’t had a chance to try it yet, we’re excited for the upcoming Elinchrom app, expected in spring 2025, which will offer Bluetooth control from your smartphone for even more flexibility.
FAQ
Now that we've unboxed the LED 100 C, let’s tackle some of the questions you might have, to help you decide if this is the right light for you!
How powerful is the Elinchrom LED 100 C?
The Elinchrom LED 100 C is a 100W bi-colour LED light with 50W RGB capabilities, offering a strong output that’s ideal for both still photography and video production. To give you a better sense of its power, here are the lux readings at 1 meter with no reflector at maximum power:
3000 lux at 2700K
3000 lux at 3200K
3000 lux at 4200K
3000 lux at 5600K
3250 lux at 6500K
Lux is a unit of light intensity, measuring how much light hits a surface. A higher lux value means brighter light on your subject. However, these lux readings can change depending on the accessory you use. For instance, a Rotalux Go Softbox will spread the light over a wider area, softening its intensity and reducing the lux reading. On the other hand, a focused reflector like the Elinchrom 26cm High Performance Reflector will concentrate the light into a smaller area, increasing the lux reading and making the light more intense. The choice of accessory allows you to control the quality and direction of light to achieve your desired effect.
Speaking of accessories, what are my options for use with the LED 100 C?
The Elinchrom LED 100 C is designed to be versatile when it comes to light shaping, offering compatibility with Elinchrom OCF (Off-Camera Flash) accessories, Profoto OCF accessories and Elinchrom’s full-size mount (thanks to the adapter included in all kits) straight out of the box. This means if you’re already using Elinchrom or Profoto modifiers, you won’t need to invest in a whole new set of accessories to get started.
For those looking to expand their kit, we recommend Elinchrom’s OCF accessories, as they are specifically designed to be portable and lightweight, ideal for on-the-go shoots. A couple of great options to consider are the Rotalux Go Round Softbox 60cm with Rotalux Go OCF Adapter for easy setup and the Elinchrom OCF Barndoors for precise control over light direction.
What are the charging options for the LED 100 C?
The standard Elinchrom LED 100 C kit includes a 2m USB-C cable but does not come with the Elinchrom 100W USB-C Wall Charger. However, for a limited time at TFC, we’re including a free Newell GaN Tech T-Power 100W Mains Charger with every LED 100 C kit, so you’ll be ready to power up straight away.
If you already own the Elinchrom 65W USB-C Wall Charger (included with all Elinchrom ONE and Elinchrom THREE kits), this is also compatible, though with a reduced charging speed. The LED 100 C can also be charged using third-party USB-C chargers or powerbanks up to 100W, with faster charging times achieved using higher-wattage options. If you don’t already have at least a 65W USB-C charger (commonly supplied with modern devices like Macbooks and smartphones) we recommend picking one up to ensure optimal performance.
How long does the battery last, and can the LED 100 C be used while charging?
The built-in 72Wh battery provides up to 40 minutes of full-power output, making it perfect for quick, high-intensity shoots. But if you need more time, the LED 100 C supports USB-C Power Delivery, meaning you can keep using it while it charges, whether plugged into a USB-C charger or a power bank.
With a 100W USB-C charger, the battery recharges from empty to full in 85 minutes. Since the charging speed is slightly lower than the power consumption rate, the battery will still drain, but much more slowly. In our tests, starting with the battery at full power and plugged into the mains with a 100w charger, we were able to get between 4 and 5 hours of run-time at full power. We did see some variation dependant on colour temperature, and of course lowering the brightness would extend this further, as the charger would be able to keep up with the reduced power draw.
What are the colour temperature options on the Elinchrom LED 100 C?
The Elinchrom LED 100C offers a wide bi-colour range from 2700K to 6500K, allowing you to adjust the light to match various environments and creative needs. It also has full RGB control, giving you the flexibility to explore virtually any colour imaginable.
What control options are there for wirelessly controlling the LED 100 C?
The LED 100 C offers Bluetooth connectivity, which will allow for remote control via the Elinchrom App (coming spring 2025). Until then, the intuitive touchscreen on the unit itself is super easy to use for on-the-fly adjustments. .
Can the LED 100 C be used in high-frame-rate video?
Absolutely! Thanks to its flicker-free operation, the LED 100 C is optimised for high-frame-rate video recording. Whether you're filming at 60fps or higher, the light will provide stable and consistent illumination, ensuring smooth and professional-looking footage without any flicker.
How portable is the LED 100 C for on-location shoots?
The LED 100 C is incredibly portable, weighing just 0.91kg (about 2 lbs). Its compact design and integrated battery make it easy to take on the go, whether you're shooting outdoors, at an event, or on a movie set. The hard case included in all kits makes it even easier to pack and transport, keeping your gear safe and secure during transit.
Does the LED 100 C offer any special lighting effects?
Yes! The LED 100 C includes 15 dynamic lighting effects, such as Lightning, Fireworks, and Paparazzi mode, which add a whole new level of creativity to your shoots. Whether you're trying to create a cinematic atmosphere or mimic real-world lighting scenarios, these effects open up endless possibilities for visual storytelling.
Is the fan noise on the LED 100 C noticeable during a shoot?
No need to worry about distracting fan noise! At full power, the LED 100 C’s fan reaches a maximum of just 36.1dB at 1m, about as quiet as a whisper or a library. The fan is heat-responsive, meaning it runs even quieter at lower power levels. Plus, Silent Mode lets you disable the fan entirely, reducing output for noise-sensitive environments like interviews and film shoots.
How does the Elinchrom LED 100 C compare to other continuous lights?
Comparing to the Nanlite Forza 60C (TFC's current favourite super-portable RGB LED), the Elinchrom 100 C has some obvious pros and cons.
Power consumption wise, they’re similar. The Forza 60C draws 88W, while the Elinchrom LED 100 C offers 100W of bi-colour output and 50W of RGB power. However, the Forza has a wider bi-colour range (1800K–20,000K vs. 2700K–6500K), which could be beneficial for those needing extreme warm or cool tones.
The Elinchrom LED 100 C comes with a built-in 72Wh battery, offering up to 40 minutes of full-power use and the option to charge while in use via USB-C. In contrast, the Nanlite Forza 60C requires external batteries (NP-F or V-mount), which add to the cost and bulk. The Elinchrom is also lighter despite having this on board battery, making it a more convenient choice for location shoots.
You’ll soon be able to see the Elinchrom LED 100 C in action at all three TFC stores, where we’ll have demo units available for hands-on testing, as well as rental options for those who want to try before they buy. We’re waiting on confirmation from Elinchrom regarding arrival dates, but we’ll update you as soon as we have more news. Stay tuned!
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