p.1 #1 · First time flash user. Seeking advice on Godox v480/X3 nano vs IT32/X5
I got my first ever digital camera (Canon R50 with a 50mm 1.8 prime) just a few weeks ago. My main goals are family photos with a toddler in the house. I don't do any post-processing and only keep SOOC shots.
Most of my shots are indoors and the lighting is not sufficient, especially nighttime under white LEDs. Even with a 1.8 prime, I still get a lot of noise. From my little research, I understood that an external flash is the simplest solution. I prioritize size and portability but not at the sacrifice of power.
The IT32 ticks a lot of boxes for me but I'm unsure if its power is enough for indoor photos if I plan to bounce the flash off of my white-ish walls/ceiling instead of straight onto the subject (which I learned gives a harsher look). Our ceilings aren't high. Even if its full power setting would get me good exposure at ISO 100, this flash will not be able to recycle fast enough. Toddlers move around a lot and I need to take shots in quick succession. I'm also unsure about how much a "fixed focal length" (28mm on the IT32) matters when I'm using a lens of a different focal length (80mm with my lens, due to crop). Especially in cases where I bounce the flash or use it off camera.
On the other hand, the v480 seems to have more than enough power for all my needs and it can zoom to match my focal length. But it's much bigger, heavier and costs extra because it also needs the X3 trigger for off-camera use.
There's also news that the X5 trigger is getting a native R50 version, in which case I won't need to buy the additional AD-E1 adapter for my hot shoe (R50 has a non-traditional hot shoe) to work with the flashes. That would decrease both bulk and cost which makes my decision harder.
Would the IT32's power be enough for my needs? I'd appreciate any insights you can offer!
p.1 #2 · First time flash user. Seeking advice on Godox v480/X3 nano vs IT32/X5
I've got all manner of Godox/Flashpoint strobes and speed lights. AD600's I've used at hundreds of weddings, AD200, Zoom Li-ons and minis - with different versions of triggers along the way. I have just picked up the iT32 with X5's in Sony, Olympus and now a preordered Leica. I am either obsessed or impressed and the iT32 is not getting the kudos I think it deserves especially for newer photographers just getting into on and off camera flash. I find the design to be brilliant and I think using this indoors and bounced will be great for you assuming you don't live in a palace. So far I only use it while shooting more casual photos of my family, but I could easily see this being a go to speed light at weddings especially earlier in the day before the larger lights are needed. For the price it's a major value and will last a long time while you grow and works with all of the system if you ever want to add more.
p.1 #3 · First time flash user. Seeking advice on Godox v480/X3 nano vs IT32/X5
For indoor photography, the iT32 is an ideal starter flash, boasting one massive advantage over other Godox models: the ability to switch between on-camera and off-camera setups on the fly. I suspect that it is still a weak speedlight (much like the iT30 I have), about 3-stop less than the AD200. For certain applications, the V480 is only about 0.2-stop weaker than the AD200.
With practice, you’ll learn blending artificial light with ambient sources so effectively that the results won't look harsh, even with a hard light source. In rooms with white ceilings, you can bounce the flash to create a much softer, more 'wrap-around' quality of light. To show you what’s possible, here is a shot I took of my family at night, where I balanced the direct flash with the streetlights.
And this daylight shot was with an off-camera, bare speedlight:
p.1 #4 · First time flash user. Seeking advice on Godox v480/X3 nano vs IT32/X5
mbjackson1979 wrote:
I've got all manner of Godox/Flashpoint strobes and speed lights. AD600's I've used at hundreds of weddings, AD200, Zoom Li-ons and minis - with different versions of triggers along the way. I have just picked up the iT32 with X5's in Sony, Olympus and now a preordered Leica. I am either obsessed or impressed and the iT32 is not getting the kudos I think it deserves especially for newer photographers just getting into on and off camera flash. I find the design to be brilliant and I think using this indoors and bounced will be great for you assuming you don't live in a palace. So far I only use it while shooting more casual photos of my family, but I could easily see this being a go to speed light at weddings especially earlier in the day before the larger lights are needed. For the price it's a major value and will last a long time while you grow and works with all of the system if you ever want to add more....Show more →
After my post, I ended up buying both the flashes. So I'm going to test them out and see what better fits my needs and sell/return the other. I will say the IT32 looks smaller than it appears in videos! Very impressive. And from what I've seen online, I do think a lot of people are raving about it! It's pretty new so I'm sure it'll grow even more in popularity. Especially among R50 users since they're dropping an X5 version native to the R50's hot shoe.
p.1 #5 · First time flash user. Seeking advice on Godox v480/X3 nano vs IT32/X5
hiepphotog wrote:
For indoor photography, the iT32 is an ideal starter flash, boasting one massive advantage over other Godox models: the ability to switch between on-camera and off-camera setups on the fly.
With practice, you’ll learn blending artificial light with ambient sources so effectively that the results won't look harsh, even with a hard light source. In rooms with white ceilings, you can bounce the flash to create a much softer, more 'wrap-around' quality of light. To show you what’s possible, here is a shot I took of my family at night, where I balanced the direct flash with the streetlights.
Wow, thank you for sharing those examples! I’ve since watched a few helpful videos on YouTube that explain how to work with both direct and bounced flash, but it always helps to see real-world results to understand what’s actually achievable, especially with relatively weaker flashes. And these shots are pretty good! I really appreciate you sharing them. Makes me excited to test the flashes out (ended up buying both) once the hot shoe adapter arrives!
On a side note, you build custom Gundams? I see some incredible stuff on your page. Never knew this was a thing but that is so sick!
p.1 #6 · First time flash user. Seeking advice on Godox v480/X3 nano vs IT32/X5
satwikphoto wrote:
Wow, thank you for sharing those examples! I’ve since watched a few helpful videos on YouTube that explain how to work with both direct and bounced flash, but it always helps to see real-world results to understand what’s actually achievable, especially with relatively weaker flashes. And these shots are pretty good! I really appreciate you sharing them. Makes me excited to test the flashes out (ended up buying both) once the hot shoe adapter arrives!
On a side note, you build custom Gundams? I see some incredible stuff on your page. Never knew this was a thing but that is so sick!...Show more →
Somehow I missed your post. I hope you found the flash you like.
And thank you! I do have a painting studio working on various things, including Warhammer 40k and Gundams.
