In this article, we will talk about a flash for Sony A7III - an accessory, largely incomprehensible and even mysterious for a novice photographer. On the example of the current model range of flash Sony, step by step, from simple to complex, we will understand the situations when they need to be applied. Separately, we will note what functions and properties of flash are important in certain conditions: when you can save and buy the cheapest model, and when you have to fork for professional.
Most recently, almost all cameras, including the most affordable ones, had a built-in flash. If the purpose of shooting is to fix the moment, then such a simple device will help out almost in any situation, even in absolute darkness. The only drawback of this solution is an extremely ugly cut-off pattern with an overlit front and a backplane failed in the shadow. Professionals are seldom content with this result, so from the cameras of the top and then the middle price segment built-in flashes gradually disappeared. Instead, external ones are used.
Godox V860II for SONY
Working with the flash Godox Ving V860II TTL for Sony A7III I really liked! It is a professional tool with excellent functionality and accuracy. Separately, I want to note the power of the battery; for all the shooting (about 500 pictures), I did not manage to plant it completely, and the indicator of the remaining charge on the screen showed 1/2 charge. The recharging speed, even at high power, did not exceed 1.5 seconds (even for 1/1 setting), which allows shooting with high intensity. Sound confirmation of full recharge also simplifies the work.
I used the flash both on the camera and via radio transmitters (both the advanced GODOX Xpro-S TTL and the most usual radio transmitters). In all variants, the flash behaved perfectly. All-flash control functions are available both through its menu and through the camera menu, which is also very convenient. At the power at which I was shooting, the difference in lighting between the studio flash I did not see (but it certainly is, because the studio device gives a little faster recharge speed and a little more short pulse), but the compact size of the device gives great advantages. And the maximum power will allow you to use it even outdoors in sunny weather.
I would like to mention the work with GODOX Xpro-S TTL. This transmitter has all possible settings to work with the flash, there is a feeling that you are not working with the transmitter, but with the flash. Besides, there is a built-in IR backlight autofocus, which greatly simplifies shooting.
Definitely, this is one of the best flashes for the Sony A7III
Sony HVL-F45RM
Sony HVL-F45RM differs from the previous two models even externally — it is slightly larger due to the power of four AA batteries. But it can not be called giant: designers were able to make it compact enough to work with mirrorless Alpha cameras. The head of this model rotates both right and left 180 degrees, back 150 degrees. That is, at any time, it can be directed to the desired reflective surface.
Power is enough to work in medium and relatively spacious rooms. With the speed of recharging also does not occur: at small distances and when the aperture is open, the flash allows you to shoot in series up to 40 triggers of 8-10 per second! If you "let go" ISO and put it on "auto," then with aperture f/2,8 the flash is quite capable of providing such a series even when shooting with reflected light from the ceiling.
For control, there is a monochrome graphic display with a full menu, as the primary control is navigation with a control ring. The fact is that Sony HVL-F45RM is much more focused on creative work than the previous two models. It is designed not so much to be guaranteed to capture the moment but to create beautiful frames. With its help, the photographer can quickly adjust the power in both automatic and manual mode, accurately dose the amount of light.
Conclusion
Sony HVL-F45RM is an "above average" model. If you want, a flash on growth or a tool for an enthusiastic photographer. Its characteristics are enough for family and household shooting; in some cases, it will cope with commercial events (wedding or corporate party); Sony HVL-F45RM is able to become the basis of the system from multiple flashes, as it fully supports wireless synchronization over the radio channel. It's a pity that such an advanced flash does not have a set of conversion filters to equalize the color temperature when shooting with artificial light.
Sony HVL-F60RM
The uncompromising version of the external flash in the Sony system is the HVL-F60RM. If you look at the price, it is not much more than the “average” model - their proximity to opportunities affects. However, the Sony HVL-F60RM has more power, which means that in most cases, it will recharge faster. It has a larger and more convenient display; manual power adjustment is made to individual buttons.
Compared to the HVL-F45RM, there are additional connectors: for connecting standard synchronous contact and external power supply FA-EBA1. With the latest full recharge time is reduced from 1.7 seconds to 0.6 seconds. And the LED light source is also available here.
The main feature of this model is a reportage shooting, where you can not miss a single frame. The manufacturer declares that the maximum length of the continuous series can reach 220 frames. In our test, when directing the flash to the ceiling in a small room (moderate light from the window), using aperture f/2.8 and serial shooting of 8 frames per second, we obtained the length of a continuous series of about 50 frames. , then the flash began to skip individual shots without having time to recharge. A solid result!
Also interesting is the design of the head of this flash - Quick Shift Bounce. When shooting with reflected light, when turning the camera from horizontal to the vertical position, only one hand movement is required to turn the head, not two. The design, although it looks unusual, is very convenient for reportage shooting. The HVL-F60RM also includes conversion filters to align color temperature when shooting with mixed light.
Of course, Sony HVL-F60RM has a function of wireless synchronization both over the radio and over optical channels. She can act as a master or slave.
