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Suggestions for external flash and Android ?

Started May 21, 2021 | Discussions
Kumsa
Kumsa Contributing Member • Posts: 878
Suggestions for external flash and Android ?
1

Looking to mix it up a bit with smartphone street portrait photography by adding an external flash.

Some of the big problems:

  • there is a lot of sync speed variance between devices
  • for-whatever-reason the optical flash triggers that are built in to every speedlite do not trigger from a smartphone (I could be wrong, but I haven't found an exception).
  • apparently there is not a significant need for a tech-Frankenstein camera/phone hybrid, as even the Godox A1 died an ignominious death.
  • There needs to be an Android photo app w/sufficient capabilities to restrict ambient light while triggering a flash. I'm sure there is something to be found, but I haven't come across it, yet.

There are a few smartphone available options:

  • Tricflash, but it's only for Apple iOS
  • Innovatronix CPFLASH 550W is available for Android, and would likely be sufficient, but it comes in at $250. A very strong maybe. I wish they would sell the trigger as a stand-alone device.
  • Lumecube might work, but I haven't found any examples of it being used as a remote flash. That may be something I'll have to do myself, if the Lumecube turns out to be the most likely candidate, as a larger diffuser would need to be used.

Thanks for any insights

 Kumsa's gear list:Kumsa's gear list
Canon EOS 6D Canon EOS R Tamron AF 28-75mm F/2.8 XR Di LD Aspherical (IF) Sigma 2x EX DG Tele Converter Canon EF 35mm F2 IS USM +9 more
Sony a1
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kierenlon
kierenlon Senior Member • Posts: 1,028
Re: Suggestions for external flash and Android ?
1

You are limited but terrible sync speed.   A constant light would probably be a better bet for posed photographs - a strong torch and pop-up softbox thing.  
Goddox do a phone flash but no idea how it is in use at what ever sync speed is 1/30 etc
I thought about it - decided to just get a cheap old point & shoot and a USC- SD card reader to import to phone & edit in snapseed.

 kierenlon's gear list:kierenlon's gear list
Fujifilm X-T30 Fujifilm XF 35mm F1.4 R Fujifilm XF 23mm F1.4 R Fujifilm 15-45mm F3.5-5.6 OIS PZ Samsung Galaxy S9+ +2 more
John Fantastic Regular Member • Posts: 237
Re: Suggestions for external flash and Android ?
2

saw this thread. I am using the cpflash and i found it perfect for my needs specially since i no longer use my trusty old dslr because of my scoliosis. doctors no longer allow me to carry more than 20 lbs.
Its power is approximately the same as my Canon 580EX speedlite. Just like a speedlight it will struggle under direct bright sun not unless you bring your fill in flash much closer. But under shadow or indoors you would barely need more than 20% flash power.
here is a sample shot I did with a model almost a year back. If you have questions or need more photos I will be very happy to oblige.
BTW the CPFLASH because it is a short burst (500MS) of intense LED light with allow your Smartphone to synch at any shutter speed. I have tested it at shutter speeds of 1/1200 or a second or faster. It works with my DSLR too but that is not important to me as I no longer use my DSLR. I am purely a smartphone guy now.

Kumsa
OP Kumsa Contributing Member • Posts: 878
Re: Suggestions for external flash and Android ?
1

John,

Thanks ! CPFlash is definitely an option, and you've showcased it's value. Also, congrats on keeping on the good fight and adopting to changes. Nice shots.

 Kumsa's gear list:Kumsa's gear list
Canon EOS 6D Canon EOS R Tamron AF 28-75mm F/2.8 XR Di LD Aspherical (IF) Sigma 2x EX DG Tele Converter Canon EF 35mm F2 IS USM +9 more
John Fantastic Regular Member • Posts: 237
Re: Suggestions for external flash and Android ?
2

Kumsa wrote:

John,

Thanks ! CPFlash is definitely an option, and you've showcased it's value. Also, congrats on keeping on the good fight and adopting to changes. Nice shots.

You are welcome Kumsa, 
I haven't had the time to shoot for the last 8 months, unlike last year when we had nothing to do in the office, now its very different we have been so busy.
I love photography , for the last 40 years it has been my hobby and I love Off Camera Flash photography, Now that I can only use my smartphone because of my medical problem , I don't want to sacrifice my shooting output. And honestly the CPFlash fit my needs perfectly. I am achieving excellent photos (my personal opinion)  just like my DSLR Days and I have printed them A3+ (13"X19") and smartphones do deliver. 
Here are some more shots just to show the capability of the CPFlash 550W. BTW all the shots were only very slightly edited.

Taken with 4 CPFLASH. 1 Master and 3 slaves.

Taken with a 2 CPFLASH . One CPFlash to light up the face, the second CPFlash as a slave with a blue filter to light up the background.

Taken in a Bazaar with a single CPFlash use as a hair light.

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