Flash triggers are normally not the sexiest little bit of images gear to speak about, typically taking the type of a chunky plastic field with clunky buttons and perhaps a TFT display screen. However Godox has by some means managed to design a brand new flash set off that truly has me excited.
The Godox X3, beforehand often called the Xnano earlier than a advertising and marketing switcheroo, is a compact wi-fi flash set off designed to supply the identical dependable efficiency that Godox’s earlier triggers are identified for in a a lot smaller bundle. The X3 is appropriate with the big selection of Godox flash models that use Godox’s long-established wi-fi protocols and comes within the normal vary of camera-compatible variations for Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm, and OM/Panasonic. The set off can also be discovered bought underneath Adorama’s Flashpoint vary within the US, because the Flashpoint R2 Nano.
One of many standout facets of the Godox X3 is its 2.4GHz wi-fi transmission system with long-range efficiency, supporting communication as much as 100 meters, making it perfect for each inside and out of doors environments. Moreover, the X3 supplies flexibility with its TTL (Via-The-Lens) automated publicity, handbook settings for precision management, and multi-flash mode for artistic strobe results.
Excessive-Velocity Sync (HSS) as much as 1/8000s permits for quick shutter speeds, that is notably helpful for freezing motion photographs or capturing in brilliant circumstances whereas sustaining a shallow depth of discipline.
On paper, its specs sound like a winner, however with a model new design and interface, what’s the Godox X3 truly like to make use of?
(Picture credit score: Gareth Bevan / Digital Digicam World)
Godox X3: Specs
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Suitable cameras
Canon EOS cameras(E-TTLII autoflash) Nikon cameras (i-TTL autoflash) Sony cameras (TTL autoflash) Fujifilm cameras (TTL autoflash) OM SYSTEM cameras (TTL autoflash)
Energy
Constructed-in Lithium Battery, 850mAh
Charging Time
2h
Standby Time
7 days
Flash modes supported
TTL Auto Flash, Handbook Flash, Multi Flash, Excessive Velocity Sync, Entrance Curtain Sync, Rear Curtain Sync
Flash Publicity Compensation
+3EV (publicity worth) , adjustable in 1/3 EV increment
Transmission Vary (approx.)
0-100m
Constructed-in Wi-fi
2.4GHz
Channels / Teams
32 / A-F, 0-9
Wi-fi ID
0FF/01-99
Measurement
1.61 x 1.85 x 1.54 in
Weight
48g
Godox X3: Value
When trying on the extra inexpensive finish of the flash market the place Godox sits, the Godox X3 is priced competitively towards rival flash triggers, nevertheless, its design, construct, and interface are a lot nearer to high-end flash techniques, so I might argue it provides distinctive worth for cash when in comparison with something related from Profoto or Elinchrom.
There are some slight variations in value relying on completely different sellers and which digicam system you utilize, however the X3 prices round $89 / £82 / AU$145 on the time of writing. Nonetheless, this does make it the joint most costly flash set off Godox makes. The Godox XPro II set off is a barely extra feature-rich set off, and on the time of writing prices $89 / £90 / AU$142, however with a stark distinction in dimension in comparison with the X3. The X1 is nearly one-third of the value, though with far much less management, and a primary design.
Godox X3: Design & Dealing with
I had seen pictures of the X3 earlier than I acquired it, so had some expectations of its dimension, however I used to be nonetheless instantly stunned by how remarkably small the Godox X3 was. I’ve by no means used a flash set off this small earlier than with out having to make large sacrifices to handbook flash management. Subsequent to the Godox X2T (my present flash set off) the X3 is simply an enormous step ahead. Atop my digicam’s sizzling shoe, the X3 was barely noticeable when carrying my digicam round. I used to be capturing with the Fujifilm X-T5, which is normally dwarfed by large Godox flash triggers, however the X3 checked out dwelling.
When not on the digicam the X3 additionally has the good thing about taking over much less area in my package bag, though after slipping the X3 into its included protecting case, this saving was solely marginal. I don’t are inclined to put my X2 set off in any protecting case because it feels sturdy sufficient to take a beating, however this isn’t one thing I can say for the X3, as the massive contact display screen makes me extra cautious about its robustness long-term.
(Picture credit score: Gareth Bevan / Digital Digicam World)
(Picture credit score: Gareth Bevan / Digital Digicam World)
I can’t discover any fault with the design of the X3 although, it has a very nice minimal look to it, the supplies used are top-notch, and the display screen itself is de facto gorgeous to have a look at with deep blacks and glorious readability. The X3 feels way more premium than its price ticket would counsel. If it didn’t have Godox printed on the aspect then I would assume this had come from Profoto’s design crew.
The interface is user-friendly and really intuitive, with a transparent OLED touchscreen displaying the settings and easy-to-navigate controls. For those who choose there’s additionally a dial on the aspect to navigate menus, akin to the crown on an Apple Watch. There are a couple of swipe gestures that it’s a must to memorize to get deeper into the settings menu, though nothing is greater than two or three menus deep, though some bigger triggers do have buttons which are sooner to make use of.
The dimensions of the X3 does have a slight downside for these with massive or clumsy fingers, and I did discover it tough now and again to exactly drag the ability settings, as an alternative opting to make use of the dial or faucet the +/- buttons on the display screen as an alternative. I did additionally discover that I registered the occasional undesirable faucet on the display screen, however the display screen may be locked to stop this in case your settings should not going to vary recurrently.
(Picture credit score: Gareth Bevan / Digital Digicam World)
Godox X3: Efficiency
By way of efficiency, the X3 delivers constant and dependable outcomes. The wi-fi communication is steady, the X3 is extremely straightforward to arrange with completely different teams, in addition to locking in IDs, and the set off responds shortly to instructions. I attempted the X3 with as many alternative flash setups as I might consider (with the three flash heads I had out there), and for particular person or group controls the X3 stored every little thing completely in sync.
I’m a little bit of a lighting perfectionist and I normally shoot in handbook mode, however the X3’s TTL mode offered correct exposures in my testing in my studio when mixed with the TTL in my Fujifilm digicam.
The X3 has a built-in battery and costs through USB-C, which has saved me from the tyranny of getting to hold spare AA batteries and a cumbersome AA battery charger. The battery is phenomenal, I’ve shot for hours and hours and the battery continues to be going, I might not be involved in any respect concerning the battery lasting by a full day even in an intensive studio shoot.
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(Picture credit score: Gareth Bevan / Digital Digicam World)
(Picture credit score: Gareth Bevan / Digital Digicam World)
(Picture credit score: Gareth Bevan / Digital Digicam World)
(Picture credit score: Gareth Bevan / Digital Digicam World)
Godox X3: Verdict
Photographers who’ve invested in Godox’s intensive flash gear will discover the Godox X3 (previously often called Xnano) to be a wonderful alternative. This machine provides highly effective flash administration in an easy-to-use, extremely compact type issue. Its dimension is a fraction of the Godox XPro set off, permitting photographers to slim down their package luggage and keep away from pointless bulk on their sizzling footwear. A standout characteristic is the touchscreen, which facilitates fast adjustments to flash energy, though it may be a bit fiddly for micro-adjustments. Regardless of this minor downside, the X3 will definitely turn out to be a everlasting fixture in my flash setup.
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Options
All of the options of Godox’s bigger triggers, however extra compact with a straightforward to navigate interface. Helps TTL, HSS, teams and extra.
★★★★★
Design
Wonderful design and construct high quality past its price ticket. Display screen is gorgeous and the interface is clear and really straightforward to navigate.
★★★★★
Efficiency
Stable wi-fi reference to fast sync to all flashes, inbuilt battery additionally retains going all day.
★★★★★
Worth
There are cheaper Godox wi-fi triggers, however none as small or properly designed as this, the X3 is value each penny.
★★★★★
(Picture credit score: Gareth Bevan / Digital Digicam World)
✅ Purchase it…
If you would like a set off with all the ability of Godox’s wi-fi system however in a really compact type.
In case you are new to wi-fi flash, then the X3 has a really user-friendly interface that’s straightforward to observe and study with.
🚫 Do not buy it…
For those who choose tactile handbook controls over a touchscreen interface
If you wish to use the set off in excessive circumstances I’ve some reservations over its robustness
