If you have ever tried to create content on the go, you know how challenging lighting can be. Enter Zhiyun and their new solution to help all creators on the go, the CINEPEER CX100 COB Light. This compact solution is designed to help all mobile content creators, photographers and videographers with their lighting setup. With a range of features, a compact size and a blindingly bright light, the CINEPEER CX100 may be the new must-have item in every creator’s toolkit.
First of all, the CINEPEER CX100 COB light is an eye-catching device that packs a whopping 100W of power into a form factor that fits comfortably in the palm of your hand. Weighing in at just 710g, it’s hard to believe that such a small device can produce such impressive output, but trust me, it does. The sleek, minimalist design is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional, allowing for easy handling and set-up in a variety of shooting scenarios.
I have a soft spot for the Fallout-style retro look of the CINEPEER CX100. The dual-dial design, with intuitive control of both colour temperature and brightness, is unique, functional and, unlike many modern lighting devices, looks good. This tactile approach to adjustment is a welcome feature for those who prefer physical controls to touchscreen interfaces or app-based management. Don’t get me wrong; app controls can be nice, but when I want to get something working quickly, I want it to work. Call me old school. However, tactile buttons are still my go-to.
It may look impressive, but its functionality makes it a luminaire worth considering. At the heart of the CINEPEER CX100 is a 100W COB (chip on board) LED capable of delivering an impressive 3840 lux. This output is more than sufficient for most lighting situations, from intimate portrait sessions to larger video productions. It is also ideal for product photography and video, providing a controlled light that can highlight the aspects you want to show off.
“At the heart of the CINEPEER CX100 is a 100W COB (chip on board) LED capable of delivering an impressive 3840 lux.”
The CX100 also offers a wide colour temperature range from 2700K to 6500K. This flexibility allows users to adapt to different lighting conditions or create specific moods without the need for additional gels or filters. The fixture offers high colour accuracy with a CRI (Colour Rendering Index) of ≥96 and a TLCI (Television Lighting Consistency Index) of ≥97, ensuring that colours are faithfully reproduced in both photographic and video applications.
Looking almost like a battery pack itself, the CINEPEER CX100 is equipped with a built-in 4500mAh battery, providing up to 30 minutes of continuous use at full power. Whilst this may seem limited for longer shoots, the unit offers multiple power options to extend its usability. It is also incredibly portable, something that many of the larger lights cannot claim. Users can also choose to power the CX100 via its DC input or take advantage of the USB-C PD (Power Delivery) fast charging capability. This versatility of power options makes the CX100 an excellent choice for both studio and on-location shooting.
To manage the heat generated by its powerful LED, the CX100 employs Zhiyun’s advanced DynaVort Cooling System. This system utilizes an FOC (Field-Oriented Control) fan and a specialized cooling design to efficiently dissipate heat, ensuring consistent performance even during extended use. Having tested at the CGM offices and outside, the CX100 stays cool even when on for longer periods of time while not becoming overly noisy, something you want to avoid while shooting video.
The CX100 is also compatible with a wide range of accessories. The fixture is equipped with Zhiyun’s proprietary ZY accessory mount, which is also compatible with Bowens mount modifiers. This opens up a world of light-shaping possibilities, allowing users to attach various accessories such as softboxes, reflectors and diffusers to achieve their desired lighting effects.
The CX100 comes with a mini reflector and diffuser in the box, providing users with basic light modification options right out of the box, giving them most of what they need to get started. Thanks to convenient threading around the unit, it can also be connected to a tripod or any number of rigs based on your needs.
For content creators, the CINEPEER CX100 offers a lot to like. With a retail price of $199 USD, the fixture offers excellent value for money. It’s positioned as an accessible option for content creators who want to step up their lighting game without having to invest in expensive equipment that, frankly, won’t do as good a job or simply won’t be as portable as Zhiyun has managed to make this light.
The CINEPEER CX100’s compact size and powerful output make it ideal for a wide range of shooting scenarios. It’s particularly well suited to run-and-gun videography, where set-up time is limited and portability is crucial. The light’s wide colour temperature range also makes it an excellent tool for product photography, allowing quick adjustments to highlight different aspects of the subject.
For streamers and vloggers, the CX100 offers a professional lighting solution that doesn’t take up much space in a home studio setup. Its ability to be powered via USB-C means it can be easily integrated into existing computer-based workflows. As a solution for both home and on-the-go, Zhiyun has delivered where it matters most with the CINEPEER CX100.
While it may not replace larger, more powerful studio lights for all applications, the CX100 carves out a niche for itself as a versatile, go-anywhere lighting solution. Its combination of power, portability, and affordability makes it an attractive option for content creators at various levels, from enthusiasts looking to up their game to professionals seeking a reliable backup or travel light.
Having used the CINEPEER CX100 in a variety of settings, I have to say I am a fan. As creators continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible with compact equipment, lights like the CX100 will play an increasingly important role in enabling high-quality content production in a variety of settings. For those in the market for a powerful, portable lighting solution, the Zhiyun CINEPEER CX100 Light is well worth considering. It offers a compelling blend of features and performance that punches well above its weight class, making it a valuable addition to any creator’s toolkit.
