The short answer
- FS-300C: an integrated, plug-in, budget-friendly model. A good choice for a fixed YouTube, podcast or interview room; DMX is not listed in the official technical data.
- FC-500C: higher output at 520 W, a separate power supply, DMX/RDM control and a battery option through its DC 48 V input. Better suited to studios run from a DMX console and to location shoots.
Technical comparison
| Specification | FS-300C | FC-500C |
|---|---|---|
| Rated power | 300 W | 520 W |
| Light engine | RGBW | RGBW |
| Colour temperature | 2,700–7,500 K | 2,700–7,500 K |
| Green/magenta | ±150 | ±150 |
| CRI / TLCI (average) | 95 / 94 | 95 / 94 |
| TM-30 Rf / Rg (average) | 92 / 100 | 92 / 100 |
| Beam angle | 65° | 65° |
| Illuminance (1 m, 5,600 K, reflector) | 48,850 lux | 77,110 lux |
| Illuminance (1 m, green, reflector) | 22,740 lux | 34,630 lux |
| Lighting modes | CCT, HSI, effects | CCT, HSI, RGBW, gel (151 gels), effects |
| Dimming | 0–100% | 0–100%, 0.1% steps |
| Body | All-in-one (power adapter built in) | Lamp head + separate power supply |
| Power input | AC 220–240 V | AC 100–240 V; DC 48 V |
| Weight | 3.23 kg | Head 3.91 kg; power supply 2.24 kg |
| Control | On-board, remote, NANLINK app (Bluetooth / 2.4G) | On-board, remote, NANLINK app, DMX/RDM, FC PowerController |
| Fan | Smart / full / low / off; average 24 dB(A) in smart mode | Smart / high / low / off; about 29 dBA in smart mode |
| Maximum output with fan off | 15% | 8% |
| Accessory mount | Bowens + umbrella hole | Bowens + umbrella hole |
What does the output difference mean?
Under the same measuring conditions (1 m, 5,600 K, with reflector) the FC-500C delivers roughly 1.6 times the illuminance of the FS-300C. You notice the difference with a large softbox or diffusion, when the light has to sit further away, or when shooting in a space with daylight.
For a key light used close up with a softbox in a small room, the FS-300C’s output is usually a sensible starting point; if you are unsure, test with your own camera. See our lux and watts guide for comparing lux figures correctly.
Power and portability
On the FS-300C the lamp, control unit and power adapter sit in one body; you just plug it in. The official technical data lists only AC 220–240 V as input, and no battery operation.
The FC-500C comes with a separate power supply and has a DC 48 V input. With the separately sold FC PowerController it can run from one or two 14.4–14.8 V / 26 V V-mount batteries, which matters on outdoor and event shoots without mains power. It also ships with a carry case.
Control: if your studio needs DMX
The FC-500C has a DMX port; it connects to a DMX console through a DMX adapter cable with a 3.5 mm connector and supports RDM. The separately sold FC PowerController also gives wired remote control up to 3 m.
DMX is not listed in the FS-300C’s official technical data; it is controlled on the fixture, by remote and through the NANLINK app over Bluetooth / 2.4G. In studios where several lights are run from one console, that difference is decisive.
Noise and cooling
Both models have four fan modes. According to the manufacturer, the FS-300C gives full output at an average of 24 dB(A) in smart mode, and the FC-500C at about 29 dBA. With the fan fully off, maximum output drops to 15% on the FS-300C and 8% on the FC-500C. In small rooms where sound is recorded, build these figures into the lighting plan.
Which one for which job?
| Use | Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| YouTube / podcast room | FS-300C | Plug-in, all-in-one body, low fan noise |
| Location interviews and corporate shoots | FC-500C | Battery option via DC 48 V, carry case, higher output |
| TV / broadcast studio run over DMX | FC-500C | DMX/RDM support |
| Gel emulation and colour effects | FC-500C | RGBW and gel modes; the FS-300C has CCT, HSI and effects |
| A single light on a tight budget | FS-300C | Lower power class, simple setup |
A note on model names
A “Forza 300C” or “Forza 500C”, often seen in searches, does not appear in Nanlite’s current product list; people usually mean the FS-300C, the FC-500C or the Forza 300/500 series. Also, the FS-300C and FC-500C use an RGBW engine; the RGBLAC engine with a 1,800–20,000 K range is found in other Nanlite models such as the Forza 60C. If you need more output, the FC-1200C from the same family is worth a look.
Frequently asked questions
Can the FS-300C be controlled over DMX?
DMX is not listed for the FS-300C in Nanlite’s official technical data; it is controlled on the fixture, by remote and with the NANLINK app. For a studio run from a DMX console, the FC-500C is the better choice.
Does the FC-500C run on batteries?
Yes. Thanks to its DC 48 V input it can run from one or two 14.4–14.8 V / 26 V V-mount batteries with the separately sold FC PowerController.
Do both models take the same softboxes and accessories?
Yes. Both have a standard Bowens mount and an umbrella hole, so they work with Bowens-mount softboxes, Fresnel lenses and projection attachments.
Which one is quieter?
According to the manufacturer, in smart fan mode the FS-300C runs at an average of 24 dB(A) and the FC-500C at about 29 dBA.
