Viltrox has simply launched a brand new contender within the mini-flash market, and I examined the brand new Viltrox Spark Z3 TTL on-Camera Mini Flash forward of its launch. I used to be excited so as to add some enjoyable again into my pictures. What I didn’t anticipate was for this cool cyberpunk-looking mini flash to win me over a lot that I can’t cease speaking about it. In this assessment, I’ll show why, as I put this pocket-sized flash by way of its paces.
In the previous 12 months, there was an enormous resurgence of portraits that includes harsh direct flash to light up all method of topics, in kinds paying homage to the user-friendly point-and-shoot digicam period. This look is usually related to the lo-fi pictures motion, however this fashion might be carried ahead at present with higher high quality and higher outcomes when pairing exterior flash items with the capabilities of recent cameras. Whatever mirrorless or DSLR digicam you shoot with, including an exterior flash can elevate your photographs in a lot of situations.
Small Size, Big Impact
If you’re a photographer who presently shoots with speedlights, you will see that the Viltrox Spark Z3 tiny compared to the rest you could have used earlier than. Measuring 78.4 × 67.2 × 55.9 mm and weighing simply 144 g, this definitely received’t crush your setup—in actual fact, you’ll hardly understand it’s there. It is smaller than my strobe triggers! Don’t let its dimension idiot you; with 26 Ws of energy output (adjustable from 1/1 to 1/64) and a fast-enough 1-second recycle time, this mini flash delivers in a approach that allows you to sustain with the motion and add a punch to your portraits. Whether you’re taking pictures indoors or out, nonetheless or shifting topics, that edgy direct flash provides a vibrant pop of distinction to your photos. It is, in fact, good for portraits, however versatile sufficient to gentle up a variety of topics.
The Tech Specs
- Model: Spark Z3
- Power (1/1 output): 26 Ws
- Recycle time: 1 second
- Flash period: 1/3000 s – 1/30000 s
- Color temperature: 6,500 Okay ±200 Okay
- Flash mode: M guide mode / A (TTL) auto mode
- Battery capability: Built-in rechargeable 1,800 mAh battery
- Flashes rely (1/1 output): 650 occasions on full cost
- Charging: Type-C 5 V/2 A
- Dimensions: 78.4 × 67.2 × 55.9 mm
- Weight: 144 g
- Colors out there: Gunmetal Gray or Green
Solid Performance for Different Types of Shooter
With a coloration temperature of 6,500 Okay ±200 Okay and flash durations from 1/3000 s to 1/30000 s, the flash handles a variety of numerous lighting situations and is able to freezing quick movement. It affords Manual (M) mode for situations the place exact management is required and TTL Auto (A) mode for ease. You can use this flash at the side of different lighting, due to the S1/S2 modes for triggering different items.
My daughter, an off-the-cuff photographer, paired the Spark Z3 along with her Fujifilm X-T10 for a light-weight setup that gave her photographs a high-end polish. The battery takes simply over an hour to completely cost and delivers a whopping 650 flashes at full energy earlier than needing to be recharged once more, which is good for creators on the transfer.
I shot a number of photos of my nephews outside, and whereas TTL mode labored nicely, switching to Manual mode let me fine-tune the steadiness between sky and topic when wanted. In the above picture, I uncovered for the background and used the Spark Z3 to light up my nephew, who was gracious sufficient to spare a couple of minutes of his time earlier than going to play with buddies. It was a lot simpler to persuade my nephews to take a seat for portraits, however now the Spark Z3 permits me to maintain up with them, taking pictures at their tempo in a approach that feels casual and enjoyable, which is ideal for capturing fast snaps with nice high quality that mark that milestone of rising youngsters. Once one nephew agrees, the youthful is robotically on board too, and needed to indicate off a few of his soccer expertise for his pictures, which in flip allowed for a number of posed portraits earlier than he was on the transfer once more.
Cyberpunk Style That Turns Heads
The Spark Z3’s Gunmetal Gray in a matte end (green also available) and cyberpunk-inspired design make it a standout from the rest in its class available on the market proper now. Its sci-fi-styled silhouette, with a window to see the interior workings of the unit, provides to the joy of the product. I photographed a number of fellow photographers who couldn’t consider the standard at a relatively low worth level. My nephews thought it regarded like a spaceship toy. Among inventive communities and past, this little flash is setting as much as be a dialog piece that makes taking pictures really feel recent and enjoyable.
Budget-Friendly and Broadly Compatible
Available worldwide and priced modestly, the Spark Z3 actually is a steal. Its rugged construct, auto-sleep function (after quarter-hour), and compatibility with Nikon Z and Fujifilm X (I examined the Fuji X model) make it a sensible selection for portraits, some occasions, or content material creation. A 5% launch low cost runs from September 25 by way of October 1.
What I Liked
- User-friendly dial interface is nice for creators who’re new to flash management
- Affordable worth level at $54.99 USD / €62.99 / £51.99 / $79.99 CAD / ¥9,800
- Compact and light-weight design
What Could Be Better
- Fixed flash head, with no tilt or swivel choices—at this worth level, although, I wouldn’t anticipate any tilting flash head
- A storage pouch can be an awesome inclusion
Why the Viltrox Spark Z3 Is a Must-Have
Shooting with the Viltrox Spark Z3 Mini Flash has felt like a renewed expertise. This simple-to-use mini flash feels enjoyable and experimental, permitting creators to affix the present direct flash pattern however with polished outcomes due to the standard of the output that you simply’d anticipate from dearer items. Its compact design, easy working controls, and constant efficiency, together with head-turning fashion, make this a success for hobbyists, execs, and everybody in between. Would I purchase it? In a heartbeat. I now have my eye on the Green model for my Nikon digicam. I’m betting this shall be a sizzling vacation present for creators this Christmas too.