WHY PAUL C BUFF’S DIGIBEE IS THE BEST STROBE LIGHT TO KICKSTART YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY PORTFOLIO
Considering various factors such as portability, price and power, this small, powerful device from PAUL C. BUFF does the job all the time.
If you’re a photographer considering to develop and expand your photography portfolio using flash in-studio or on location, this is a great option for you.
By the way, this is not a sponsored review by the company. I wrote this based from experience, and also to help you find alternative ways to decide which equipment you should buy.
THE BUILT-IN BRIGHT CONTINUOUS LIGHT
One thing I love the most about this flash unit is the very bright continuous light from the built-in modeling lamp. When I say bright, it is really bright. You can use the continuous light itself to do shoot photos and even do videos with it. It is versatile enough that you pretty much do whatever you want with it. With the aid of different light modifiers and shooting techniques, the continuous light by itself is such a huge advantage.
A little caveat though. If you plan on using the built-in continuous light for video, it works. Just make sure that you use a good mic if you are doing an interview. The built-in fan of the unit can get loud once it gets warm. And if you are doing an interview, the noise of the fan is really evident in the audio.
PORTABILITY
The flash unit is this cute little powerful tool that weighs only 2.5lbs (DB400) and 2.9lbs (DB800).
The dimensions are 5.25 in. (length) x 7.25 in. (height) x 4.75 inches (width). It is relatively small, will barely cause any bulk and is very easy for transport. Carry one or two of these depending on what you need on set, and you’re good to shoot.
PRICE
The PAUL C BUFF DigiBee is sold at $279.95 for the DB400 unit and $319.95 for the DB800 unit. This does not include shipping and handling. That’s an incredible deal for a really high functioning, powerful device. It sits somewhere around average and almost below average price point for most flashes in the market. If you compare this price to available speedlites out there, the price is relatively lower. So if you want to learn and play with strobes, this is one really good option.
POWER
When I say that this thing is small but powerful, I am not kidding. I’ve used this light in a simple one light set-up for headshots and portraits to fashion editorials to commercial campaigns. You can overpower the sun when you use it on location outdoors. You can illuminate a huge room. Again, versatility and power is what makes this light a good choice. You can check the full product specs here.
CONSISTENCY IN LIGHTING AND COLOR
With all things considered, and based from my experience shooting wit this little beast for years now, color consistency and lighting output has never been an issue at all. See photo samples below.
IT IS CUTE AND SMALL
The small flash unit is available in black, blue, green and red matte coating.
VERSATILITY
Aside from being a strobe light that you can remotely control with your remote trigger and transceiver, this unit can also be slaved by any flash output. And again, the built-in continuous light does wonders and expands whatever you can do with this little beast of a unit.
DURABILITY
I’ve dropped my unit accidentally 2-3 times but it still works. Either I am lucky or this one is tough. The casing is hard plastic. Comparing it to PAUL C BUFF’s other flash units, I would take more care of it just because the nature of the unit. But so far, from my years of experience using it, it still works and haven’t failed me yet.
THE BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE
In case you encounter any problem with your unit, the device comes with 2-year factory warranty. If you’re unsure about your unit’s problem, or if anything happens to it, just give Paul C Buff a call, and one of their very friendly customer service representative will take care of you. Based from experience working and communicating with PAUL C BUFF, their customer service is easily one of the best one in the game right now.
FEATURES
7 f-stop power variability (2.5 Ws to 160 Ws)
Adjustable in 1/10 f-stop increments from full to 1/64 power
All-digital controls with LCD display
Ultra bright LED modeling lamp (400W equivalent, daylight-balanced)
Internally fan cooled for heavy duty use
Visual and audible recycle indicators
Standard 120 VAC, 50-60 Hz power requirements
ARRIVES WITH
DigiBee Honeycomb-Embossed Shipping Cover
DigiBee Ultra Bright Modeling Lamp
Standard 15-foot sync cord (1/8" to PC)
60-Day Absolute Satisfaction Guarantee
2-Year Factory Warranty
OTHER THINGS NEEDED TO USE THE UNIT
CyberSync™ Trigger Transmitter 2
TIP WHEN BUYING FROM PAUL C BUFF
When buying anything from Paul C Buff, make sure you buy things in bulk. Thing of everything that you may need in your studio and buy them all at the same time to save shipping cost.
**All photos taken by Irvin Rivera / www.graphicsmetropolis.com