Lighting

There are many great companies that offer studio and location lighting. The choice of one of the other will depend on what you want to do, and how much you can spend. However, its important to select one; accessories such as beauty dishes and grid spots are, more often than not, specific to one system.

High-End Solution: The Profoto D4 System

• Retail Price: Approx. $6000 [Power Pack], Approx. $800 [Head], call for current pricing
• Most consistent color and output available
• 1/10th stop control over 8 stop range
• Each head is independently controlled
• Advanced features, including computer control
• Built-In Pocket Wizard receiver (optional)
• Accepts Pro-7 or Acute heads (no mixing)
• Wide range of light shapers

Entry-Level Solution: The Profoto Acute System

• Retail Price: Approx. $3500 [Generator, Two Heads, Case], call for current pricing
• Compact size and weight
• More light per Ws than any other brand
• Symmetrical/Asymmetrical power distribution
• Built-In Pocket Wizard receiver (optional)
• Wide range of light shapers

Portable Solution: The Profoto AcuteB System

• Retail Price: Approx $2700 [1 Battery-Powered Generator, 1 Head], call for current pricing
• Compact size and weight
• Battery Powered
• More light per Ws than any other brand
• Symmetrical/Asymmetrical power distribution
• Built-In Pocket Wizard receiver (optional)
• Wide range of light shapers

What’s the Difference?

Flash Duration

Flash seems instantaneous, but of course it is not. Flash is simply very brief, with different models and power settings producing longer or shorter flash durations. Flash duration has become increasingly important as the resolving power of digital has surpassed the resolution of film. Often, photographers will find that flash durations that were sufficient for freezing action when they shot film or digital SLRs are not fast enough when they move to medium format digital backs.

Independent Channels vs. Symmetrical/Asymmetrical Power Distribution

Traditionally, all power packs (a.k.a. generators) had multiple channels which were combined or isolated in order to increase or decrease the power provided to the flash heads. While many power packs (e.g. Acute2) still use this symmetrical/asymmetrical control method, other power packs (e.g. D4) are able to increase or decrease the power to any channel individually.

Light Shaper Compatability

The quality of Profoto Light Shapes is top notch. Just as important, every Light Shaper* is compatible withe the D4, Pro-7, Acute, and portable AcuteB systems. So if you only need portable lighting equipment now, you won’t need to reinvest in new light-boxes, grid spots, and beauty dishes if you buy studio lighting equipment later.

*Ring lights are specific to each system.

Tech Specs

Click on a header to sort by that column.

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Pocket Wizards

There are two reasons why Pocket Wizards are essential for any photographer using a high-end camera or digital back: mobility and safety. Of course having one less cord follow the photographer around increases mobility and inconvenience. More importantly, power packs have the potential to arc, short circuit, or surge, causing damage to anything attached to them. While this is more likely to happen to older model power packs, all power packs are capable of damaging cameras or backs that are directly plugged in. Isolating the digital camera or back from the power pack by using a Pocket Wizard removes this risk.

For most applications: PocketWizard Plus II Transceiver

• Retail Price: Approx. $200, call for current pricing
• Channels: 4
• Maximum Distance: 1600 foot triggering range
• Auto-Relay Mode
• Compatible with all PocketWizard Wireless Systems
• Up to 12 frames/flashes per second
• 1/250 max focal plane sync; 1/500 max leaf shutter sync

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For power users: PocketWizard MultiMax

• Retail Price: Approx. $300, call for current pricing
• Channels: 32
• Maximum Distance: 1600 foot triggering range
• 1/250 max focal plane sync; 1/500 max leaf shutter sync
• Advanced Controls
  • Precision Delay
  • Rear Curtain Sync
  • Intervalometer
  • Multi-Pop
  • SpeedCycler
  • Relay Mode
  • Selective Quad Triggering (4 sets of lights)

For more information on Pocket Wizard download this PDF Brochure.

For a chart showing which Pocket Wizard cables are needed for which cameras and which systems check out this PDF PocketWizard Cable Chart.