In this comparison we look at two SmallRig portable LED lights: the Pix M160 and RM75 models
After writing about SmallRig on two occasions, taking into consideration both a tripod and one of their fluid heads designed for videos, you will surely have understood that it is not a company aimed solely at the production of cages for our cameras. SmallRig has in fact tried over time to expand its catalog of rigs designed for our camera bodies.
One of the categories that in the recent period has seen a substantial enrichment is that of lighting. The choice is wide and ranges from the largest Softboxes to portable LED lights designed for use on the move and not. In this comparison we will focus on the latter, analyzing the two top of the range proposed by the company at an attractive price: SmallRig Pix M160 e SmallRig RM75.
Why a comparison?
We decided to analyze the two proposals in a single article since the two lights have several points in common (including one difference of only 20.00 euros which tapers off thanks to frequent discount codes), but also substantial differences. To avoid being repetitive, we decided to set up our test this way. At the end of this comparison, in fact, you will be able to understand which of the two lights is for you!
Technical specifications
| Features | SmallRig Pix M160 | SmallRig RM75 |
| Power | 12 W | 5 W |
| Color temperature | 2500K-8500K | 2500K-8500K |
| light intensity | 1350 Lux (0,5 m) | 1300 Lux (0,3 m); 500 Lux (0,5 m); 120Lux (1m) |
| CRI | 95+ | 96 |
| TLCI | 98 | 96 |
| Battery Type | Li-ion battery (3.8V / 3800mAh) | Li-polymer battery (3.7V 4000mAh) |
| Material | aluminum alloy, plastic | aluminum alloy, plastic |
| Net weight | 230g | 180g |
| Product size | 158 x 80 x 12,4 mm | 99 x 67 x 18,3 mm |
Package Contents – Comparison between SmallRig Pix M160 & RM75
SmallRig Pix M160
The packages of the two models are very similar and, already from these, the attention to detail that SmallRig pays shines through. Below, you can take a look at the contents of the latter.
- 1 silicone diffuser
- 1 silicone honeycomb grid
- 1 ball head
- 1 protective bag
- 1 cavo USB Type-C
- 1 instruction manual in English / Chinese.
SmallRig RM75
- 1 silicone diffuser
- 1 x Braided USB Type-C Cable
- 1 instruction manual in English / Chinese.
From this point of view, the SmallRig Pix M160 certainly wins, above all thanks to the ball head already included, ready to be installed on our room. The addition of the white diffuser is essential in both models, while we understand the absence of the alveolar softbox in the smaller variant since it already has a smaller luminous fan.
Construction – Comparison between Pix M160 & RM75
The physiognomy of the two lights is what distinguishes them most at first sight.
SmallRig Pix M160
SmallRig Pix M160 is 15.8cm longper 8cm deep e 1.2cm thick. His body is totally in aluminumwhile the front part is made in opaque plastic. The resulting weight is 230 grams. On the top we have the on and off button. The right side houses the “SET” button aimed at switching the various modes, the “FN” lever (which is also clickable) and the wheel to change the light intensity. On the bottom we find the USB-C input and the USB-A output. Here, in the central part, we have a 1/4 ″ -20 thread to screw it horizontally. On the left side there is the same thread in case we want to position it vertically on a stand. The back houses a small OLED screen that provides us with various info, including the remaining battery, the mode and the light intensity.
SmallRig RM75
Compared to its big sister, the SmallRig RM75 is not only smaller, but also a little more plasticky. She reaches one length of 9.9cma depth of 6.7cm is one thickness of 1.8cm. Il front and the retro I am in shiny plasticwhile the edge is in aluminum. On the upper side there are: the on / off buttons, the click wheel “SET” and the USB-C input for charging. Below we have the entry for the 1/4 ″ -20 threaded screw and the screen on the rear. Unfortunately, there is no thread on the long side and this will prevent us from placing it horizontally on a tripod.
Differences in use – Comparison between Pix M160 & RM75
SmallRig Pix M160
Let’s now move on to the actual use of the two lights. SmallRig Pix M160 isgenerally, much simpler and more immediate. The fact that we can control the temperature with a lever and the light intensity with a very comfortable ring is really the top. The management of the HSI lighting is also very intuitive. Regarding the video effectshere we will have it 12 divided into 4 categories different, all very credible, including fireworks, police lights and much more; moreover we will be able to modify its intensity directly from the wheel. One of the peculiarities of Pix M160 is the possibility to use it as a Power Bank thanks to the 5V / 2.4A USB output port.
The light emanating from this small accessory is truly remarkable; about the 12W in exit and gods 160 LED points of which it is provided. Placing it on a tripod, in fact, it can easily be used as the only light source in case of video or streaming. On the other hand, we realized how, after a few minutes of use at maximum power, this you tend to heat up a little.
The 3800mAh battery guarantees the use of 1 hour and a half if set at maximum power but, if necessary, it can be powered through the Type-C input.
SmallRig RM75
SmallRig is more hostile in navigating the menus since with the click wheel alone we will have to extricate ourselves in a mix of pressures and prolonged presses. The other side of the coin, however, is the more functionality. In addition to the classic warm / cold lighting (ranging from 2500K to 8500K for both lights) we can manage colors both through the HSI and RGB standardwhile there effects rise to 15. The real must of this model is, however, the ability to manage everything through the “SmallGoGo” smartphone app. Thanks to Bluetooth connection we will be able to carry out the same operations that can be carried out in the spotlight menu, but we can also save a color preset, emulate the color present on a photobut also emulate the lighting of a light source that it is a screen, rather than a lamppost, directly by making a video through the smartphone.
Thanks to battery more capacious da 4000mAhat the lowest power of 5W and the fewest bright LED points (60) this mini spotlight can reach up to 3 hours of uninterrupted use with 100% brightness. It is obvious: the light emanating from the two spotlights varies in intensity and, in this regard, you can see a comparison below where we have set the two lights at maximum intensity, putting them in the same position and with the room set uniquely. On the left Pix M160, while on the right RM75.
A gem of the two models is the presence of the rear magnet, which will allow us to place them on a metal surface. In the case of the RM75, the magnets are also on the sides and this allows us to attach other identical lights to them, creating a larger pattern. Given the aluminum construction of Pix M160, its grip is excellent even on smoother metal materials, while the RM75, being made of plastic, tends to slip in some cases.
Which one is right for you? – Comparison between Pix M160 & RM75
The SmallRig Pix M160 is a more traditional portable light and can also be relied upon as the only light for video. The setting is immediate directly from the body of the spotlight and the equipment is undoubtedly complete. It performs very well all the works designed for a light of this type, from the filling, to the lighting of the background, also thanks to the two included diffusers that make it more versatile. The only flaw is the absence of wireless controls and the fact that it heats up a little after a few minutes of use.
The wireless controls are instead present on the SmallRig RM75. Although the navigation through the buttons is present on the body of the product, the real potential comes out once you download the appropriate app. Being able to control this little LED light from a smartphone is really great, especially if we decide to use it as a fill or background light. This will allow us to change color and intensity without having to move from the camera’s field of view, keeping everything under control. Furthermore, also with regard to FX, it proves valid since we will be able to modify the various parameters or deactivate an effect from a distance: useful in the case of video clips.
There is no substantial difference in size. SmallRig RM75 is practically pocketable, while Pix M160 clutters a little more. However, they both easily fall into the category of compact and portable lights. In case you want to buy one of the two models, you can do it directly through the links below:
We thank SmallRig for the collaboration and we hope that this comparison has been useful for you to choose one of these two LEDs proposed by the company. We remind you to keep following our pages for articles, reviews and much more, concerning the world of photography and more!