In the fast-paced world of documentary filmmaking and on-the-go journalism, the difference between capturing a spontaneous moment and missing it entirely often boils down to gear setup time. Recognizing this universal bottleneck for video producers, camera accessories manufacturer SmallRig has joined forces with digital filmmaking publication CineD to introduce an unconventional yet highly practical lighting solution: the OrBrella FM 60B Foldable LED Video Light. Formally named the OrBrella FM 60B, this innovative lighting fixture aims to streamline professional workflows by combining a traditional photographic umbrella with modern LED technology into a single, highly portable unit that can deploy in roughly fifteen seconds.
The genesis of the OrBrella lies in the practical frustrations shared by veteran industry professionals who frequently find themselves setting up and breaking down interview spaces multiple times a day. Johnnie Behiri, the co-founder of CineD, brings more than thirty years of hands-on experience as a documentary camera operator and editor to the collaboration. Throughout his decades in the field, Behiri has encountered countless lighting innovations, yet he noted that many contemporary fixtures continue to fall short when creators need to produce extremely soft, diffuse illumination without hauling around an abundance of bulky modifiers, heavy softboxes, and complicated mounting hardware.
To solve this perennial industry challenge, the design team at SmallRig and CineD engineered a lighting architecture that integrates the light source directly into the modifier itself. At the core of the OrBrella FM 60B is a primary light path supplemented by secondary, detachable LED panels embedded directly along the eight folding arms that constitute the structural skeleton of the umbrella. Rather than firing forward directly at a subject—which typically results in harsh shadows and requires secondary diffusion layers—eight specialized LED strips are mounted facing inward toward the reflective white fabric lining the interior of the umbrella.
When powered on, the light bounces backward off this specialized fabric surface before finally projecting outward toward the subject. This indirect bounce method is precisely what grants the OrBrella its signature quality of light: a remarkably soft, flattering, and wraparound illumination that mimics natural window light and gracefully embraces the facial features of an interviewee. For creators seeking even higher levels of diffusion to soften the shadows further, SmallRig supplies a dedicated diffusion cap designed to fit securely over the front of the fixture. Conversely, when shooting environments demand higher output rather than extreme softness, operators can easily press a dedicated mechanical knob located at the end of each individual LED arm, allowing the panel to be flipped over so that it points directly forward into the scene.
Delivering an output of 60 watts, the OrBrella FM 60B has been calibrated to provide sufficient illumination for the vast majority of standard sit-down indoor interviews and localized B-roll setups. Recognizing the critical importance of color accuracy in professional video production, the fixture has been engineered as a bi-color light equipped with comprehensive green and magenta tint control. This added level of precision allows camera operators and gaffers to correct skin tones on the spot, seamlessly matching ambient indoor lighting or offsetting unpredictable color casts from mixed-source room environments without wasting valuable production time in post-production.
Portability and rapid deployment were central tenets of the development process. When fully folded down for transit, the OrBrella measures a compact 13.4 inches, or 34 centimeters, in length, making it remarkably easy to slide into a standard gear bag or strap onto the side of a backpack. Furthermore, the entire fixture weighs just under 2.9 pounds, translating to approximately 1.3 kilograms, which ensures that it will not add significant strain to a documentary crew’s mobile kit. The most compelling metric for working professionals, however, is the setup time. SmallRig and CineD promise that the umbrella light can be unpacked, unfolded, and fully deployed and mounted in approximately fifteen seconds.
Behiri points out that while documentary crews often spend the majority of their working hours conducting interviews, the traditional lighting process still consumes frustrating minutes of precious production schedule time. By collapsing the setup phase down to a matter of seconds, the OrBrella seeks to preserve the spontaneous energy of documentary shoots and reduce fatigue for solo operators or small crews who must constantly move between locations.
To accommodate modern professional workflows, the OrBrella FM 60B offers flexible control options. Operators can make manual adjustments directly on the physical hardware using onboard controls, or they can manage the light remotely via the SmallGoGo smartphone application. In terms of color fidelity, the fixture performs admirably, boasting a Television Lighting Consistency Index rating above 98 and a Color Rendering Index score of 97, ensuring faithful and accurate color reproduction across skin tones and wardrobe elements. The color temperature of both the standard ring configuration and the individual panel lights can be adjusted smoothly across a versatile range from 2700K to 6500K.
Power versatility is another key feature designed to accommodate field production. The OrBrella features a built-in V-mount battery plate for compatibility with professional cinema batteries, and it can also support alternative power solutions through an optional Sony NP-F adapter. Additionally, the fixture is capable of running directly via USB-C power, allowing creators to power the light using compatible portable power banks or standard USB chargers when traveling light without heavy production batteries.
Rather than utilizing traditional crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter or Indiegogo, SmallRig has chosen to launch the OrBrella FM 60B directly through its own corporate website. The light is currently available for backers to pre-order at a promotional price of $169.99 during an introductory crowdfunding window, representing a $30 savings compared to the anticipated retail manufacturer’s suggested retail price.
In a departure from traditional all-or-nothing crowdfunding models, SmallRig has confirmed that the OrBrella will officially enter production and begin shipping to customers in January, regardless of whether the campaign reaches its financial target. This policy ensures that early supporters face no risk of losing their backing or experiencing indefinite project delays. The company has established an initial milestone to secure 500 orders during the introductory campaign phase, as the manufacturer evaluates long-term market demand and plans future iterations of this unusual umbrella-style lighting concept.
