An additional source of light can do wonders for photographers. It can allow them to experiment with the image, use a slow shutter, photograph in the dark, shoot against the sun, or bring out the details in a portrait. Specifically, this can be done so much better with a flash or strobe than with an LED. While some street photographs use a flash to highlight certain elements in the image, flash, and portrait photographers stick to strobes to get quick but explosive light for that high-quality effect. And now, Westcott has launched two new professional strobes with touchscreen features. Here’s what it’s about.
The strobes, FJ800 and FJ400 II are designed for photographers who shoot in various environments; they offer varied features, making them a perfect companion for the studio and outdoor location photographer. They look curiously a lot like Flashpoint’s lights such as their Xplore 400. The brands are probably using the same company to manufacture them in China, but then make their own unique modifications. It’s not the first time this has happened — Broncolor famously charged nearly four times the price of a Godox transmitter that they rebranded. Here’s a look at their features:
Performance and Speed
The FJ800 can deliver 800 watts of powerful flash, between 0.01 to 1.8-second recycle times. On the other hand, the FJ400 II offers 400 watts of power and a much faster recycle time of 0.01 to 0.9 seconds. The FJ800 weighs 7.5 lbs, while the weight of the FJ400 II hasn’t been revealed in the press release. Both strobes, however, are designed for portability and efficiency.
The FJ800, therefore, promises more power output than the Profoto B3 — and it’s 1/4 of the price.
Power
Both strobes run on AC/DC battery systems. This means the FJ800 will offer 250+ full-power flashes, while the FJ400 II will offer 550+ power flashes. The FJ800, therefore, promises more power output than the Profoto B3 — and it’s 1/4 of the price. If users want to extend their shoots, then with the FJ ProMax Battery, the FJ800 will offer 500+ full-power flashes, whereas the FJ400 II can shoot up to 1,000+ flashes. This is great for those who work on commercial assignments or portrait shoots.
Color Accuracy and Light Quality
Both strobes also feature a color accuracy of 5500K color temperature through their 9-stop energy range. Furthermore, the company also includes adjustable 30W bi-color LED modeling lights (ranging from 2700K to 6500K) that provide what Westcott claims to be an accurate preview of lighting for better framing and composition.
Interface
The FJ800 and FJ400 II models feature full-color OLED touchscreens. These screens also include built-in guides that will allow users to easily navigate and set the strobes to its desired requirement.
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User Interface
The FJ800 and FJ400 II are equipped with full-color OLED touchscreens. These screens include built-in help guides, allowing users to adjust settings quickly and navigate functions with minimal effort.
Mask Mode
The strobes also feature Creative Mask Mode, a setting that allows users to create 6 unique lighting sequences without moving the light or the subject. This means users can define a sequence for each strobe and capture multiple looks or composites in one photograph.
Modifiers
These models also come with an extended flash tube for even light distribution. They include a Bowens S-Type mount and Rapid Box Switch Insert, which will enable users to easily use the FJ800 and FJ400 II with a range of light modifiers from Westcott.
More Features
The FJ800 and FJ400 II also include multiple features:
- Manual and TTL Flash Modes
- High-Speed Sync (HSS) up to 1/8000s
- Freeze Sync and Front/Rear Curtain Sync
- Short Flash Durations for capturing fast motion
- Continuous Capture up to 50 fps
- Wireless Control with a range of 328 feet and support for 16 wireless groups and 31 channels
- Firmware updates via USB-C
- They can be integrated wireless through the Westcott StudioLink app
The Wescott strobes look efficient and seem to be very capable of helping you make great photos. And they are not too expensive. The FJ800 is worth $999 while the FJ 400 II is worth $599, which includes batteries too. If you are keen to have a look, visit Westcott’s official website. Perhaps you will find what you need.
For more information, visit Wescott’s website.