ZHIYUN FIVERAY M40 Video Light - Compact 40W Portable Panel

Our review of the ZHIYUN FIVERAY M40 finds it best suited to content creators who need a genuinely portable yet powerful fill light. The M40 packs a surprising 40W peak output and up to 14000 lux into a palm-size 320g body, so its single biggest selling point is raw, usable brightness in a pocketable package that will replace larger on-camera lights for run-and-gun shooting or desktop streaming.

Key Features

• Compact but powerful: The 320g, palm-size body delivers a 40W peak output that provides strong 360 fill light without bulk.
• Very bright output: Embedded with 176 LED chips, the panel reaches up to 14000 lux, rivaling larger key lights for many close-up and mid-range shots.
• Accurate color control: Dual wheels let you independently set color temperature and brightness across 2700 to 6200K for consistent results.
• Flexible mounting: The adjustable fold-out stand and two 1/4' screw holes make tripod or stand mounting straightforward for varied setups.
• Fast recharging: Support for 15W PD fast charge means you can use the light while topping up the battery for continuous shooting.

Who It's For

The M40 is aimed at vloggers, mobile filmmakers, and desktop streamers who need a bright, portable LED that fits in a camera bag or pocket yet performs like a studio light. Its dual-wheel controls and wide color range make it useful for creators who change scenes and want consistent skin tones.

It is less well suited to full studio mains-replacement lighting where long continuous battery run time is critical; some users report mixed battery life experience, so those needing all-day untethered operation should consider a mains-powered panel or larger battery solution.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Exceptionally bright for its size, delivering strong fill light that can act as a key light in many setups.
• Lightweight and pocketable at 320g, making it genuinely portable for location work.
• Precise dual-wheel controls let you dial in both brightness and 2700-6200K color temperature cleanly.
• Good build quality and mounting options with an adjustable stand and 1/4' screw holes.

Cons

• Battery life is mixed in user reports, so endurance for long shoots may require frequent charging or external power.
• As a compact panel, it may not replace larger softboxes for broad, diffused key light on big sets.

Specifications

Output	40W peak
Brightness	Up to 14000 lux
Color temperature	2700 - 6200K
Color accuracy	CRI / TLCI 96+
Weight	320g
Mounting	Adjustable stand + two 1/4' screw holes
Charging	15W PD fast charge

Our Verdict

The ZHIYUN FIVERAY M40 is a smart buy for creators who value portability without sacrificing brightness; its 40W output and 14000 lux performance make it an excellent pocket-sized key or fill light. For typical vlogging, TikTok, or streaming setups it represents good value, though those needing long untethered runtimes should plan for external power or extra charging.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does it get bright enough to act as a key light?
The M40 reaches 14000 lux and a 40W peak, so for close-up and mid-range shots it can serve as a key light in many setups.

Can it be mounted on a tripod or light stand?
Yes. It has an adjustable stand and two 1/4' screw holes for tripod or light-stand mounting.

How fast does it recharge?
It supports 15W PD fast charge, which allows real-time charging and quicker top-ups between shoots.