If you're looking for a powerful and versatile speedlight, the Godox V100 is a recent release that's bound to grab your attention. This 100-watt round-head flash is packed with impressive features, making it a strong contender for photographers and videographers looking for more power in their lighting setups. In this blog, we’ll explore the Godox V100 in depth, discussing its key features, accessories, setup process, and overall performance.
Unboxing the Godox V100
The Godox V100 is a new addition to the company's range of speedlights. It follows the success of the Godox V1 and V1 Pro, both of which have become popular for their ease of use and reliable performance. The V100 steps things up by offering a 100-watt second output, which is on par with the Godox AD100 Pro, making it a powerful option in a compact form.
Upon opening the box, you'll find several important items, including:
User Guide: A standard inclusion, helping you get familiar with the flash's functions.
Camera Compatibility Guide: A new addition to help users ensure that their cameras are compatible with Godox's range of flashes.
Cold Shoe Stand: Essential for mounting your flash on a tripod or light stand.
Battery: The V100 uses a high-performance VB30 battery, which features a USB Type-C charging port for convenient charging.
Accessories: Included are the SU-1 detachable sub flash, a USB Type-A to Type-C charger, and a power brick.
The Flash Unit: The main event, the V100 itself, is housed in a practical carrying pouch with additional compartments for your accessories.
Key Features of the Godox V100
The V100 retains much of the design and functionality of its predecessors, the V1 and V1 Pro, but with added power and refinement. Let’s go over the key features that set this flash apart.
100Ws Power Output: The V100 offers an impressive 100Ws of power, with adjustable steps from 1/1 to 1/256 or from 2.0 to 10, catering to various lighting needs from subtle fill light to robust illumination.
Round Head Design: Produces a natural, even light spread, making it ideal for portraits and product photography with softer shadows.
Intuitive Touchscreen: The 2.3-inch full-colour LCD touchscreen provides easy control over settings, with a responsive and user-friendly interface.
TTL and Manual Modes: The V100 supports both TTL and manual modes, ensuring flexibility for different shooting styles.
Global Shutter Sync: Compatible with cameras like the Sony a9 III, supporting shutter speeds up to 1/80,000s for high-speed continuous shooting.
Wireless Capabilities: With the built-in Godox 2.4G Wireless X System, the V100 can function as both a master and slave flash, seamlessly integrating into multi-flash setups.
Detachable Sub Flash: The included SU-1 detachable sub flash allows for dual-light setups, enhancing lighting options for portrait and event photography.
Enhanced Cooling System: Enables up to 70-100 full-power consecutive flashes without performance drops.
Powerful Battery Performance: The VB30 lithium battery ensures uninterrupted shooting and is compatible with the VC26T Multi-Battery Charger.
External Power Support: Compatible with the PB960 power pack, reducing recycling time to as fast as 0.8 seconds.
Built-In LED Modelling Lamp: The 2W LED modelling lamp with 10 adjustable levels aids in previewing light effects and provides fill light options.
Magnetic Accessory Compatibility: Works with the AK-R1 accessory kit, projection attachments, and diffusion domes to expand creative possibilities.
Quick Lock Hot Shoe: Provides secure and reliable mounting on camera bodies.
Recycle Time: Fast recycle times ranging from 0.01 to 1.5 seconds, ensuring quick and efficient shooting.
How to Set Up the Godox V100
Setting up the Godox V100 is straightforward. Insert the VB30 battery into the compartment at the back of the flash, ensuring a secure fit. Powering on the flash is as simple as holding the power button, and the intuitive touchscreen interface makes adjusting settings quick and easy.
The flash offers several shooting modes, including:
TTL Mode: Automatically adjusts the flash output based on camera settings and ambient lighting.
Manual Mode: Allows fine-tuned adjustments from full power down to 1/256.
Zoom Control: Ranges from 28mm to 105mm to adjust light spread.
Wireless Mode: Functions as a master or slave flash within multi-flash setups.
Modelling Lamp: Useful for previewing lighting effects with adjustable brightness levels.
High-Speed Sync (HSS): Enables flash synchronisation at shutter speeds up to 1/8000s.
Performance and Use Cases
With 100Ws of power, the V100 provides robust lighting performance suitable for various photography styles, including:
Portrait Photography: The round head design ensures even and flattering lighting.
Event Coverage: Its portability and wireless capabilities make it ideal for fast-paced environments.
Product Photography: Adjustable power settings allow precise lighting control.
Outdoor Shoots: The global shutter sync and high-speed capabilities are perfect for bright outdoor conditions.
Wedding Photography: Provides consistent lighting for capturing special moments on the go.
The V100 excels as both an on-camera flash and an off-camera lighting solution, offering versatility for different shooting conditions.
Conclusion
The Godox V100 is a remarkable speedlight that stands out due to its power, versatility, and user-friendly features. It offers everything you need in a compact and portable flash, including excellent light quality, compatibility with magnetic accessories, and intuitive controls. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned professional, the V100 is a solid addition to any photographer's toolkit.
For those who need a powerful flash with a round head design, the V100 offers an excellent balance of power and portability. Whether you're shooting indoors or outdoors, on-camera or in a studio setup, the Godox V100 is sure to meet your needs.
