Nanlite FC-500C LED RGBW Spot Light

Nanlite FC-500C LED RGBW Spot Light – 520W high-output full-color spotlight

The Nanlite FC-500C is a high-output, full-color spotlight rated at 520W. It gives filmmakers and photographers both a powerful point source and flexible color control. Use it with reflectors and lenses for a tight, focused beam, or pair it with softboxes and diffusion to create a larger, soft source while keeping strong output.

Design, weight and basic components

The fixture combines a distinct gray/black body with Nanlite blue accents for a practical and recognizable design on set. The lamp head includes integrated controls and a clear display for direct operation. Nanlite supplies the light head plus a separate AC power supply in the box. The head itself weighs 3.91kg, making the FC-500C easier to transport and simpler to rig than larger fixtures.

Color range and accuracy

Nanlite built the FC-500C to meet strict color requirements for video and stills. It uses a dedicated color mixing system to deliver a wide correlated color temperature (CCT) range and precise Green/Magenta adjustment. These features let you fine-tune output to match ambient light or other fixtures on set.

Five built-in lighting modes for creative control

The FC-500C includes five distinct lighting modes. You can access all modes from the onboard interface or through remote control. Each mode serves a different creative need and offers precise parameter adjustment so you can dial in the exact look you want.

Mode summaries:

• CCT Mode: Adjust color temperature and Green/Magenta shift accurately to reproduce specific lighting conditions or match other sources.
• HSI Mode: Control hue, saturation and intensity to select from a palette of 36,000 colors for stylized or corrective lighting.
• RGBW Mode: Independently control red, green, blue and white channels to create a broad range of colors and tones.
• Gel Mode: Choose from 151 gel presets. The base color temperature remains adjustable and the selected gel displays on the fixture’s screen for previewing.
• Effect Mode: Choose from 15 built-in effects and modify parameters to simulate realistic or dynamic lighting behaviors.

Control options: on-board, wired and wireless

You can operate the FC-500C directly from the lamp head using the clear display and a simple two-knob, two-button layout. The interface limits complexity while allowing quick setup and precise adjustments.

For extended or remote operation, the FC-500C supports multiple control methods:

• FC PowerController: Connect the optional FC PowerController for wired control up to 3m away. The controller duplicates the head display so you can set options quickly and accurately. (Sold separately)
• Wireless Remote Controller: A built-in 2.4G module allows wireless remote control of CCT, HSI, G/M shift and other settings via a compatible wireless handset.
• NANLINK app control: Use the upgraded NANLINK 2.0 App on a tablet or smartphone to access full touchscreen control over the FC-500C. The app extends flexibility for multi-light setups and remote adjustments.
• DMX/RDM: For more complex lighting rigs, the fixture includes a DMX port and works with a DMX console via a DMX adapter cable with a 3.5mm connector to provide reliable multi-fixture control.

Accessory compatibility and light shaping

The FC-500C uses a standard Bowens mount and an umbrella mount. These mounts let you attach a wide range of light modifiers and shape the point source output for different shooting scenarios. Reflectors and lenses produce tight beams; softboxes and diffusion broaden and soften the output.

Cooling system and noise management

A larger 11cm diameter fan provides efficient cooling while running at lower speeds. Nanlite included four fan modes so you can prioritize performance or minimize noise during recording.

Fan behavior and output:

• In Smart mode or Full Speed mode, the maximum output is 100%.
• In Low Speed mode, the maximum output is 50%.
• In Off mode, the maximum output is 8%.

In Smart mode, the fan automatically adjusts to ambient temperature. This allows 100% power output while keeping noise levels around 29 dBA in many scenarios, which makes the fixture appropriate for productions that require lower sound levels during recording.

Flexible power options

The FC-500C accepts DC 48V input and ships with an AC power adapter. You can also run the light from external batteries when needed. For greater mobility, the FC PowerController (sold separately) allows powering the fixture from one or two 14.4–14.8V or 26V batteries. This setup enables continuous lighting in locations without AC power and provides freedom of movement on location.

Included items

• FC-500C x 1
• Power Supply x 1
• Reflector x 1
• Quick Release Clamp x 1
• AC Power Cable 6M x 1
• DC Connection Cable 3M x 1
• User Manual x 1
• Carry Case x 1

FAQ

Question: What light outputs and color control does the FC-500C provide?
Answer: The FC-500C is a 520W full-color fixture. It delivers a wide CCT range from 2700K to 7500K, ±150 Green/Magenta adjustment, and multiple color modes including HSI, RGBW and Gel. These options let you match ambient light, mix creatively, or reproduce conventional gel looks accurately.

Question: How can I control the FC-500C remotely on set?
Answer: You can use the built-in 2.4G wireless module with a compatible wireless remote, the NANLINK 2.0 App on a smartphone or tablet, an optional FC PowerController for wired control up to 3m away, or integrate the fixture into DMX/RDM systems using the 3.5mm DMX adapter cable.

Question: What are the cooling and noise options during recording?
Answer: The fixture features an 11cm fan and four fan modes (Smart, High Speed, Low Speed, Off). Smart mode balances cooling and noise, targeting around 29 dBA while allowing 100% output, and the other modes limit maximum output as specified to reduce sound when needed.

Question: Can I use batteries to power the FC-500C?
Answer: Yes. The FC-500C supports DC 48V input and can run from external batteries. When used with the optional FC PowerController (sold separately), it can be powered by one or two 14.4–14.8V or 26V batteries for location work without AC power.

Question: What accessories and mounts are compatible with the FC-500C?
Answer: The fixture uses a standard Bowens mount and an umbrella mount, allowing a wide range of light-shaping accessories such as reflectors, softboxes and lenses to be attached for different beam control and diffusion needs.

Question: What comes in the box when I buy the FC-500C?
Answer: The package includes the FC-500C head, power supply, reflector, quick release clamp, a 6M AC power cable, a 3M DC connection cable, a user manual and a carry case, so you have the basic items needed to set up and transport the light.