Smartphones are the most used tools of all for creating images and some are capable of achieving high-level results. And if there is no doubt about this aspect, we must still have some reservations for the low light conditions. But what if I told you that there are professional tools that could help us? I'm talking about the lighting systems profoto, which thanks to the integrated bluetooth connectivity can communicate with both iOS and Android smartphones.
You know, the light is essential in photography and it is precisely the amount of light available that is the biggest limit for smartphones. While they are all equipped with small LED lights by now, they are not enough to provide the right help we need in low light conditions. Yes, that's right, there are night modes, multiple exposures or apps that can help us improve our low-light shots. But nothing will have the same impact that a professional lighting source can have when combined with these devices.
Profoto A10, B10 and C1 are some of the systems that in recent months I have had the opportunity to test in different situations and conditions. I tried them connected to a smartphone but not only.
C1 and C1 Plus: the small but powerful Profoto bluetooh
Let's go in order and start with the smallest of the family, the Profoto C1, the only system that is actually born for exclusive use with smartphones. C1 is the first Profoto device of this kind, compact and light, it is able to offer a very natural and soft light.
In particular I tested the version C1Plus, which differs from the C1 for greater power and some convenient integrated buttons that make its use more practical. Furthermore, the C1 Plus it is compatible with other AirTTL Remote flashes by Profoto. This means that if we have an AirTTL system we can add the C1 Plus to our light points. It is also equipped with a threaded fastening for mounting on a tripod or other support.
After this quick roundup of features, let's see how he behaved in practice, that is to say in the streets of Milan, in the evening. THE 4300 lumens of power, with the possibility to choose between warm and cold light are not many, but sufficient to better illuminate a person's face even in difficult conditions. During this test I got the help of two friends, two great portrait professionals: obviously I'm talking about max&douglas. Who else?
In practice, C1 Plus connects to a smartphone, both iOS and Android, through theProfoto dedicated app, thanks to which the flash synchronizes with the shutter of the smartphone. All very simple, thanks also to a system that works very well and that can count on a solid structure, as expected from a Profoto branded product. If not mounted on a support such as a tripod, the back of the device ensures excellent grip thanks to a rubber coating. It can therefore be held with the hand to make everything even more agile. The weight, you can rest assured, is not a problem, we are talking about 200 grams and not even 8cm in diameter.
Thanks to the small and practical Profoto bluetooth system C1 Plus max & douglas have managed to get high quality shots with a smartphone. This small portable flash allowed him to illuminate the faces of the subjects portrayed with precision, thus managing to bring home excellent results, which otherwise would not have been achievable with a smartphone. However, it is always necessary to keep in mind that this Profoto bluetooth flash cannot be compared to a classic sled flash, but as a companion to a smartphone it can certainly be the valuable help we need in adverse conditions.
How much does this little tool cost? Soon said: C1 costs € 149, while the Plus version € 299.
Profoto A10: the new top of the range among hot shoe flashes
In the Profoto range there are lights for every situation, all made of high quality materials and obviously with a high level of performance. The hotshoe flash is no exception Profoto A10, also compatible with AirTTL Remote technology and also with Profoto's most modern AirX connectivity for a more stable connection to smartphones. In fact, this Profoto bluetooth flash is not only a classic hotshoe flash, but it can also be used to its full power with a smartphone. Basically, we definitely go up a level compared to the C1 Plus.
It comes in a very elegant finish, even the smallest finishes are treated in detail. The large head tilts and rotates easily and smoothly, while a feature I really appreciated about the Profoto A1, which is actually also available on the C1 Plus, is the magnetic attachment for the dedicated shaping tools. Optional accessories, such as i Clic Creative Gel Kit or the various speakers available are mounted very easily and this makes working with this Profoto bluetooth flash really practical.
Profoto A10 is not only aesthetically beautiful, it is also very robust. All these features make it a flash suitable for everyone despite being considered a highly professional tool. The use of this Profoto bluetooth flash is in fact simple, especially for those who are already familiar with the company's products. Convenient for example the control on the side of the body to select the TTL or manual mode. Even if it is precisely on this lever that I would have worked more, perhaps with a system that blocks it in the chosen position. I had no problems during my test, but the impression is that it is easy to accidentally move it. In general, however, the interface is very clear and it is difficult to find defects, both from a structural and use point of view.
In practice, synchronization even with the fastest times is very efficient. I used it in its Nikon version to use it with the D850. I also had the opportunity to try the Air Remote TTL, to wirelessly control the flash without mounting it on the hot shoe of the camera.
The results in TTL mode were very good and above all useful to get started with this flash. I obviously also experimented with the manual mode to manage the light at my pleasure and once again I appreciated the sharpness and precision of the flash. Thanks to the small and very comfortable Clic Dome diffuser the results then take on a truly natural connotation, a very important aspect when using a flash. Sometimes it's almost easier to spoil a photo using a flash than to enhance it for too direct light.
Furthermore, the speed of recharging the lightning allows you to take many photos in a few moments, all with the same balance and the same precision. And also for a long time, because the lithium-ion battery is capable of delivering with only one charge up to 450 flashes at full power.
This Profoto A10 is probably one of my favorite hotshoes. Its ease of use coupled with quality make it a fantastic accessory for any photographer. But there is a but. Is it really worth spending so much money on this flash? The retail price starts from € 1075, to go up if we also add accessories. That's a lot of money for a flash, which I don't know if it's really justifiable despite the high quality.
As I anticipated A10 can be used together with other illuminators thanks to Profoto's AirTTL technology. In the case of the photograph above I used it next to a B10 Plus. The right side of the image (illuminated by A10) is slightly underexposed compared to the left side, but overall with a pass in an editing software we could balance the result perfectly. Or maybe you can take advantage of the difference in power for more creative lighting.
Profoto B10 Plus: the Bluetooth torque
The latest product in the Profoto bluetooth flash series that I tested is the B10 Plus. It is a torch that offers excellent power but in a compact and equipped body rechargeable battery. The B10 Plus differs from its brother B10 for its slightly larger dimensions and for the maximum power of 500Ws against 250Ws. In terms of Lumen, however, this torch reaches 2500 lm. The battery supplied, however, is the same.
For anyone who works outside a studio, being able to count on these Profoto bluetooth flashes is a huge advantage. First of all obviously for the quality, but also for the ease of transporting a pair of B10 Plus without weight and space problems. To try it out and fully understand what the real potential of this tool is, I once again asked for help from home, namely that of max & douglas. Having them photographed with a camera would have been a definite success, so once again I had them put to the test with a smartphone.
The occasion was the test of the iPhone 12 Pro Max, a device compatible with the Profoto app. We organized a shooting and ...
The above are examples of what can also be achieved with a smartphone using the right light. And yes, I took the opportunity to have me portrayed too! While the following is max & douglas' comment on the experience with the B10 Plus:
“When we were called to test the photographic qualities of the iPhone 12 Pro Max we were immediately assailed by a doubt: how do we take studio portraits by synchronizing the flashes with a smartphone? The "Mc Gyver mode" came into operation immediately. "We could start the phone flash but by placing some tinfoil in front of the led so that it flashes but in another direction and put the studio flashes in servo mode!" Of course, one possibility, but who tells us that the micro flash of a smartphone is enough to start the big brothers with softboxes? Hypothesis rejected.
After a little research we discover that some small gadget already exists on the market but the user reviews are too little benevolent to risk finding ourselves taking a job without the certainty of bringing home the result. This is also not good.
We were already desperate when the good Luca shows up with what would later turn out to be the solution: Profoto has in its catalog exactly what it does for us, the B10 Plus. A flash torch with a power of 500W (not exaggerated but in the studio and outdoors not in full sun is perfect) which, listen hear, through the specific app (both for iOS and Android) synchronizes perfectly!
Moreover, with a superlative recharge speed and an autonomy (did we already mention that they are on battery?) Of more than 200 flashes at full power.
Once the flashlight is turned on, the app detects it immediately and, through a very simple menu, we can establish the power and be sure that every time we click the BT connection it will take care of triggering the lightning. A dream.
After setting up the set, also helped by the 2500 lumen pilot light, we immediately got off to a flying start to take the shots we needed and, satisfied, we concluded the shoot and avoided what is the nightmare of every photographer: not to be able to create the images you have in mind. "
This testimony tells of how the main problem in photography is light. And so I return to the speech made at the beginning of this article: even with a smartphone today we can achieve great results. And these Profoto bluetooth help us to achieve excellent results even using the small sensor of a smartphone.
Which of these Profoto bluetooth to choose?
Good question. If your only tool for taking pictures is your smartphone I would suggest you opt for the smaller and cheaper C1 Plus. considering. But if you are looking for a flash that can ALSO be used with a smartphone then things change. The prices of these Profoto flashes certainly come into play. I haven't told you that yet the B10 Plus costs € 2090. And once again we are faced with a high price, but always remember that you pay for quality!
With both the small Profoto A10 and the larger B10 Plus flashlight you can be on the safe side and beyond being the best flash solutions that I have tried in recent times, can also be exploited as continuous lights, aspect do not neglect.
Read also the iPhone 12 Pro Max camera review
Profoto - C1 Plus
- The profoto c1 plus is a studio flash for smartphones that allows professional images with a simple click
- Pocket-sized and designed for your palm
- The round shape with a soft fall gives a beautiful light
