A detachable camera flash, also known as an external flash or hot shoe flash, is a device that can be attached to a camera to provide additional illumination for photography. It is typically mounted on the camera’s hot shoe, a connection point on the top of the camera that allows for the attachment of various accessories such as a flash, a microphone, or a remote control.
Detachable camera flashes are typically more powerful than the built-in flash on a camera and can be pointed in different directions to better control the lighting in a scene. They can also be used off-camera, either connected to the camera with a cord or wirelessly triggered by the camera. This allows for more creative lighting options and the ability to bounce the flash off walls or ceilings to achieve softer, more natural-looking light.
You may also read- Best Action Camera Protector.
No doubt, detachable camera flashes are an important tool for photographers of all skill levels. They can help to improve the quality of images by providing additional light in low-light situations or by adding fill light to brighten up shadowed areas in a scene. They are also useful for controlling the direction and intensity of light in order to create specific lighting effects. Let’s introduce some of the best items available in the market for professionals.
The Canon Speedlite 600EX II-RT is a powerful external flash unit designed for use with Canon EOS cameras. The flash has a built-in radio transmitter, which allows it to be used wirelessly with other Canon Speedlite flash units or with the Canon ST-E3-RT transmitter. It can also be used as a master flash to control multiple off-camera flash units.
The 600EX II-RT features a built-in diffuser and a wide-angle diffuser panel to help soften the light and reduce harsh shadows. It also has a built-in catchlight card to help add sparkle to the eyes of your subjects. The flash has a GN of 60 at ISO 100 and can be tilted and swiveled to allow for versatile lighting options. It is powered by four AA batteries and has a battery life of approximately 200 full-power flashes.
Overall, the Canon Speedlite 600EX II-RT is a versatile and powerful flash unit that is well-suited for professional photographers and advanced amateurs who need a reliable and powerful flash solution for their Canon camera.
Pros:
Cons:
The Nikon SB-910 is a powerful and versatile camera flash that was released by Nikon in 2011. It is designed for use with Nikon’s digital SLR cameras and can be used in a variety of lighting situations, including as a fill flash for outdoor portraits, as the main light source for indoor shots, or as a background light for creative effects.
One of the standout features of the SB-910 is its built-in diffuser, which helps to evenly distribute the light and reduce harsh shadows. The flash also has a built-in bounce card that can be used to reflect light back onto the subject, helping to create a softer, more natural look.
The SB-910 is also equipped with a range of advanced features, including wireless triggering, which allows you to control multiple flash units remotely, and a range of flash modes, including slow sync and rear curtain sync. It has a guide number of 34.5 at ISO 100, which means it can throw a beam of light up to 34.5 meters in length when used at its maximum power.
Pros:
Cons:
The Profoto B1X is a powerful and versatile camera flash that was released by Profoto in 2017. It is designed for use with a wide range of cameras, including digital SLRs, mirrorless cameras, and medium format cameras.
One of the standout features of the B1X is its high power output, with a guide number of 51 at ISO 100, which means it can throw a beam of light up to 51 meters in length when used at its maximum power. It also has a fast recycling time, allowing you to quickly take multiple shots.
The B1X is also equipped with a range of advanced features, including wireless triggering, which allows you to control multiple flash units remotely, and a range of flash modes, including slow sync and rear curtain sync. It has a built-in diffuser and can be used with a variety of light-shaping tools, including softboxes, umbrellas, and beauty dishes.
Pros:
Cons:
The Godox V1 is a high-power, round-head camera flash that is designed for professional photographers. It’s a built-in 2.4G wireless radio system that allows it to be triggered wirelessly using Godox’s X system. The V1 has a fast recycling time of just 0.01-1.8 seconds, depending on the power output, which makes it suitable for capturing fast-moving subjects.
The V1 is also equipped with a built-in LCD screen that allows you to adjust the flash power and other settings easily. It has a range of power levels, from 1/1 to 1/256, which allows you to fine-tune the exposure of your shots. The V1 is also compatible with a range of modifiers, including softboxes, umbrellas, and snoots, which allows you to shape the light to suit your needs.
Overall, the Godox V1 is a powerful and versatile camera flash that is well-suited for professional photographers. It offers a high level of performance and versatility, and it is generally more affordable than some other high-end flash options on the market.
Pros:
Cons:
The Neewer TT560 Flash is a budget-friendly external flash unit that can be used with various camera systems. It is designed to provide additional light for photography in low-light situations or to add creative lighting effects to your photos.
The TT560 has a guide number of 38 at ISO 100 and a better zoom range, which allows you to adjust the coverage of the flash to suit the focal length of your lens. It also has a built-in diffuser and reflection board to help soften the light and reduce harsh shadows.
The flash can be triggered manually or remotely using the included sync cord or a compatible wireless trigger. It is powered by four AA batteries and has a recycling time of approximately 3 seconds.
Pros:
Cons:
The Sony HVL-F20M flash is a compact and lightweight external flash unit designed for use with Sony cameras that have a multi-interface shoe. It is a manual flash, which means that you will need to adjust the flash settings manually rather than relying on the camera’s automatic flash settings.
This model has a guide number of 20 at ISO 100, which indicates its power. It also has a built-in diffuser to help evenly distribute the light, and a bounce head that can be tilted and swiveled to allow for more flexible lighting setups. Also, it has a built-in LED light, which can be used as a continuous light source for video or as a fill light for still photography.
The HVL-F20M flash is powered by two AA batteries, which are not included in the unit. It is a relatively basic flash unit that is suitable for photographers who are looking for an affordable and compact lighting solution. It does not have as many features or as much power as more expensive flash units, but it can be a useful tool for adding some extra light to your images.
Pros:
Cons:
The Nissin Di700A is a versatile flash unit that is suitable for a range of photography and videography applications. It is a portable flash unit that can be used on-camera or off-camera, depending on your needs. This item is compatible with a variety of camera systems, including Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Fujifilm.
It features a built-in diffuser and reflection board that help to produce softer, more natural-looking light and a built-in LED light for shooting video or illuminating your subject in low light conditions. It can be controlled remotely using Nissin’s Air system, which allows you to adjust the flash’s power and settings from a distance using a compatible wireless controller.
Overall, the Nissin Di700A is a reliable and convenient tool for photographers and videographers looking to add professional-quality lighting to their work.
Pros:
Cons:
Detachable camera flashes are an essential tool for many photographers and can be a great addition to any camera setup. However, it is important to consider the type and power of the flash, as well as the compatibility with the camera, when selecting it. So, pick the right one as per your requirements and shoot the best moments.
What is a detachable camera flash?
A detachable camera flash is a small, portable flash unit that can be attached to a camera. It is usually powered by batteries and can be used in a variety of different ways.
How do detachable camera flashes work?
Detachable camera flashes work by emitting a burst of light when triggered by the camera’s shutter. The flash is connected to the camera via a hot shoe mount or a sync cord, and the camera’s built-in flash or flash control system determines the intensity and duration of the flash.
What are the benefits of using this type of camera flash?
It offers a number of benefits, including: