Comparison Godox Ving V860 II vs Yongnuo YN860 LI

Camera models that the flash can work with. Note that this parameter is usually indicated in the characteristics very approximately — only camera manufacturers are named, but there is no talk of models as such. Therefore, before purchasing a flash, it makes sense to separately clarify whether it will work normally with your camera — for example, on the manufacturer's website or thematic forums. This is especially true for devices from third-party manufacturers — for such models, the likelihood of problems is somewhat higher than for “native” flash cameras. At the same time, devices from the same company usually have the same requirements for connecting flashes, and therefore this parameter is with a fairly high degree of accuracy allows you to evaluate compatibility.

If the specifications of the flash indicate compatibility with several brands of cameras, this usually means that this model is available in several variations, each of which is designed for a different manufacturer.

It is worth noting that the "non-native" camera and flash may be quite compatible and work fine in most shooting modes. Nevertheless, support for TTL (see below) and a number of other specific functions in this case is usually out of the question, and in general, the reliability and efficiency of this combination is lower than that of a camera with a "native" flash. Therefore, it is better to choose all the same accessories with directly claimed compatibility.

Of t...he compatible cameras currently in use: Canon, Fuji, Leica, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic, Pentax, Samsung, Sigma, Sony.

The time it takes the flash or generator (for studio flashes) to prepare for the next flash. The smaller it is, the better. This parameter is especially important for continuous shooting, when the interval between frames is small: if you often shoot in this mode, you should look for a flash with the shortest possible recycle time. Also note that the characteristics usually indicate the shortest recharge time; in some operating modes, it may be significantly more than stated.

The number of flashes that the flash can fire without recharging the battery or changing batteries (see "Power"). This parameter is very approximate, because. in fact, it strongly depends on a number of factors: pulse duration, use of the display and its backlight (if any, see below), autofocus backlight (see "Features"), etc., and with replaceable batteries — even and on their quality. Often, manufacturers indicate in the characteristics the “perfect”, the maximum possible number of pulses — i.e. with their minimum duration, non-use of additional functions and even the optimal temperature regime for the battery. In reality, this figure may be lower. Nevertheless, the data indicated in the characteristics makes it quite possible to evaluate the battery life of the flash and even compare different models with each other.

The duration of the pulse of light provided by the flash. This indicator can range from thousandths to hundred thousandths of a second; it is usually expressed as a fractional number with a unit in the numerator, such as 1/880 s. The human eye does not notice the difference, but in some shooting modes it can become critical. For example, to capture fast-moving scenes (such as splashing water, the flight of an insect, or the movement of machine parts) you need to choose a flash with the shortest flash duration possible — otherwise the image may be blurry.

The longest pulse duration in modern photoflashes is about 1/800 s; the minimum value can reach 1/30,000 s or even less.

Flash units with TTL support. TTL is an abbreviation for "through the lens", i.e. "through the lens"; this is the name of the method of measuring exposure by the amount of light that passes directly through the camera lens.

In digital photography, TTL works like a pre-flash: before the main exposure, the flash fires one or more test flashes. The amount of light coming from the object being filmed is measured by special sensors, based on these data, the control electronics sets the necessary shooting parameters, after which the actual exposure takes place. This allows you to fine-tune the camera and get an image of optimal quality. The interval between the test and operating pulses is so small that it may not be visible to the naked eye at all (especially when the flash is synchronized with the front curtain or with a slow shutter speed).

Many modern camera manufacturers have their own developments and varieties of TTL technology, respectively, differing in name: for example, Canon has E-TTL and E-TTL II, Nikon has D-TTL (in early models) and i-TTL (in later ones) , Pentax has P-TTL, etc. Support for one or another variety is directly related to the compatibility of the flash with cameras (see above), and different formats are usually not compatible with each other.

— Autofocus assist light. The presence of an auxiliary illumination function in the flash for the camera's autofocus system. Modern cameras in the vast majority use the so-called passive autofocus systems, which have one serious drawback: very low efficiency in low light and/or low contrast of the subject being photographed. Autofocus assist light is designed to solve this problem: before focusing, the scene is illuminated by a separate lamp, located, in this case, directly in the flash body. This ensures a sufficient amount of light for normal autofocus operation. Most often, the backlight lamps give off light of a characteristic reddish hue, but some advanced models use infrared illumination - invisible to the eye, but perceived by the camera. In addition, backlight systems can use a special light pattern instead of a solid beam, which further simplifies the task of autofocus systems. In any case, the presence of this function is especially important given that the flash is often used as a light source in low light.

— On-camera control. The ability to change the flash settings using the controls of the camera to which it is connected. In some cases (for example, with a wireless connection), this is much more convenient than switching attention from the camera to the flash.

— Automatic zoom. The ability to automatically change the flash light scattering angle. For the scattering angle..., see the corresponding point above, but here we note that this function provides synchronization between the flash and the lens: when the focal length of the lens changes, the scattering angle automatically changes. This ensures the most effective illumination of the scene and at the same time saves you from having to manually readjust the flash each time to the changed viewing angle.

— Manual zoom. The ability to change the flash spread angle (see "Light spread angle") manually. This function expands the possibilities for "fine" adjustment of operating parameters and allows you to set parameters that are not available with automatic zoom (see above). In addition, it will be useful if you have to use several fixed lenses with different focal lengths - the flash can be easily adjusted for each of them.

— Operation in master mode. The ability to operate the flash as a master for a system of several flashes. The entire system is controlled via the master flash, the parameters of the slave flashes are set, and the command to fire is given (note that the master flash itself may not give a pulse at all). If you plan to shoot using a system of several flashes, you will definitely need a model with this function — without it, creating a system is impossible. Of course, the master and slave flashes must be mutually compatible; this point should be clarified separately.

— Slave mode. The ability to operate the flash as a slave in a system of several flashes. In this mode, the device is connected to the master flash and is triggered by a command from it. For more information on flash systems, see "Master mode operation" above.

— Radio synchronizer. A device designed for wireless control of a flash or a set of flashes (if each of them has its own receiver). Usually it is a separate module installed in a hot shoe; upon a command to trigger, this module sends a radio signal to all receivers tuned to it, ensuring synchronous triggering of the flashes. At the same time, some models of lamps with this function are capable of receiving via radio not only the trigger signal, but also the operating parameters (primarily the duration and power of the pulse).

The ability to wirelessly connect the flash to the camera or to another flash as a master/slave (if such functions are available, see below). The format and specific features of such a connection may vary: wired connection, IR channel, radio, etc. Wireless control is indispensable if the flash needs to be placed away from the camera; it also facilitates the creation of systems from several flashes for organizing optimal lighting. These capabilities are especially useful for studio shooting (although this is not the only thing).

Battery capacity for battery-powered models (see Power Source).

Theoretically, a higher capacity allows for greater autonomy, but in practice, things are not so clear. At a minimum, the actual operating time on a charge will depend on the power of the light source, its energy consumption, the set brightness mode, etc. To assess the actual autonomy, it is better to focus on the directly declared maximum operating time (see the corresponding help section).

Additional items included with your flash or on-camera light.

— 1/4" mount. A special adapter with a standard 1/4" thread. Such mounts ensure compatibility of lighting equipment with universal accessories (for example, tripods), providing greater freedom in setting up the filming process.

— Diffuser. A diffuser, or in other words a softbox, is an accessory that diffuses and softens the light emitted by an on-camera lighting device. Its use allows you to achieve a uniform nature of scene lighting, avoiding harsh shadows, glare and "overexposure". In the video light category, a diffuser can play a visual effect - change the color temperature or the color of the glow. Note that several different colored diffusers are often supplied in the kit.

— Curtains. Adjustable plates in the form of characteristic petals that are attached to the on-camera light source and allow for flexible adjustment of light accents. Curtains are used to change the direction and distribution of the light flow — wide-open plates provide full coverage of the scene, while closed petals narrow the light flow and direct it “in the right direction” (i.e. to a specific part of the scene). Most often, curtains are used to adjust backlighting and background lighting.

— Battery. The presence of a battery in the delivery set of battery-powered lighting equipment. Eliminates th...e need to purchase a battery separately. This item refers to a removable battery (see "Power source"), but may also indicate the absence of a battery in the standard package - in this case, you will need to purchase it additionally.

— Power supply. A device for connecting a lighting device to the mains. This connection can be used for two main purposes — operating the light source from a socket (see "Power supply from the mains") and charging the battery directly in the device itself. Modern models of on-camera lighting can support either one of these functions or both at once — the details should be clarified additionally. It should also be noted that not all devices with the ability to operate from the mains are initially equipped with power supplies — in some cases, such an accessory must be purchased separately.

— Charger. A device for charging the standard battery of a lighting device. Chargers are supplied with models that operate from specialized batteries of a removable design (see "Power source"). And if such a model allows charging the battery directly in the device, and the set includes an adapter for connecting to a socket, it is no longer considered a charger, but a power supply (see above).

— Remote control. As a rule, individual on-camera lights and lightsabers (see "Type") are equipped with a remote control. It allows remote control of the lighting device settings: turning it on and off, adjusting the brightness, changing the color temperature, activating various lighting effects, controlling several light sources combined into a group, etc. The actual set of remote control functions may differ depending on the specific implementation.

— Case/bag. The presence of a bag or case in the standard configuration of the lighting device. Bags are often equipped with handles or a strap for easy carrying, a case is somewhat simpler - it does not have handles and is designed to be carried in a bag for photographic equipment, a backpack, etc. A bag or case covers the device from dust and other contaminants, to some extent protects the contents from damage from impacts and falls.