I agree with you on the change of the screen outlay. On all points. It makes sense and to me would be very intuitive. I use my flash in a studio setting for mainly portrait and product. So I think this device would work well for me after they make the changes you suggest.
I mean anyone that is remotely a professional will understand that these changes are for the better and nowadays money talks 😂 make the change and you get my money. Don’t make the change and I start looking at competitors.🤷🏽♂️
I would also go as far as to say I think the screen should be a little bit bigger. not too much bigger but at least a little bigger but I know it’s probably too late in development for that maybe the x3 version two
Every review I am reminded that this is a photographer's channel for photographers, and not just another market segment review 😁💪. Any gear disrupting the space is always a benefit to the consumer, so this is very cool. I love my lil Q20 for street & candids, but I've always wished for a AD100Pro + smaller trigger. And here we are! Thank you!
You have no idea how much that comment means, I’ve been in the slow lane for growth for 7 years just to try and maintain that perspective! So I appreciate when people see that difference.
@@robhallphoto just reiterating it. Every time I see one of your videos I know it's a "working pro" dropping real advice, not a "sponsored review after 1 hour of using the product i was sent for free". I have learned so much from you, even going back to the blue gels when shooting outdoors 🔥🔥 Thanks so much for your content, it is very appreciated from Gold Coast, Australia!
You are my GOTO person for anything flash related. I especially love your testing and comparisons between different models. Your channel is invaluable. Melbourne Australia, here.
I've eshewed using a flash unit with the photography I do, because I found the triggers and flash units fidgety. But this trigger and a AD 100 pro looks a nice simple combo to use.
I love that suggestion Rob! I still shoot weddings, but this trigger would likely stay in my travel bag as the smallest trigger. The size is the most appealing aspect to me. One other suggestion I’d love to see is single pin mode, then I can really replace my Flashpoint Single pin tx/rx to eke out some extra flash FPS from my cameras. Sad that they didn’t include Wi-Fi or Bluetooth for an app connection. Great review overall! Can’t wait to get my hands on the flashpoint version from Adorama.
I have a feeling that we'll see some additions considering mine is firmware version .72. I can't imagine they'll go backwards on any options so hopefully we'll see both of those.
Your interface idea would definitely be better! I really wanted to upgrade my XPro1 trigger for a bluetooth app controllable version for so long. I was super happy when I saw this little new trigger because I really like the new more simple and easy to read interface, but it's so sad they didn't put the app support in it. I really really hope the bluetooth app function will be in the final production unit, that would make it an instant buy for me :)
Wow! I'm super-impressed with this new trigger from Godox! I've been envious of Profoto's trigger display which Godox looked to have gotten inspiration from. And the Godox is so superior with its touch/dynamic screen. They did a super job with the interface. It looks so intuitive. I love that they give you the knob functionality. Super smart thinking. I do think your ideas for the interface would be good ones. Not too big deal for me because I always use modifiers and use the same setting for all of them. But it would be nice to have that control. Personally, I would like to see the unit 50% bigger. It would still be tiny but just have more space so you don't accidentally touch another button while making adjustments. Especially in a hurry. I only use a dedicated trigger when I'm in the studio. So this would totally work for me. I was A LITTLE concerned about battery life... But after your testimony... Should not be a problem. I charge everything before a shoot so that issue is out of the way. And that little guy should take less than an hour to charge I bet. I've been using Flashpoint products (AWESOME Godox rebrand) for years and equipment has been absolutely fantastic. ZERO issues whatsoever. Six years and everything still working perfectly. Well done Godox! Thanks for the news and video!
I like your suggestions and feel they need to be added. I have two of these preorderd and if I had known these features weren’t available I probably would have held off on buying them.
Wish they came with a universal hot shoe mount like the wescott fj-x3. I have a few godox flashes and both Sony and Panasonic cameras having a universal trigger would have been the selling point for me
and for people who shoot portrait on a tripod, if they could make a square version that automatically orientates itself between landscape and portrait, that would be great!
We often work with expensive models and locations. Being fast is very important, as is "staying in the moment". As such, I prefer actual buttons. After a while, you just know where they are by touch, without looking.
Miss the "App"-Mode the most, always using it together with a Seconic L858D with Godox Transmitter. Plus One (+1) to your suggested menu changes, though I would miss the Pause-Button there. Found one problem with my X3: When using it with my Sony A1, and activating HSS-Mode, this setting reverts automatically back to "front curtain" after a while, meaning I get an over exposed shot and have to re-enable HSS. Did not find out yet what triggers the reset, perhaps toggling the camera off and on, or the X3 going to sleep and waking up, don't know yet
I agree with you on all the changes you suggested for the screen interface. Also, including the APP Mode is important to me becuase I use the Sekonic L-858D-U with Godox transmitter. Controlling the flashes through the large screen of the meter and having a very small trigger on the camera would be a great conbination.
Hello first I want to say thank you for all of your information that you have given us over the years regarding Lighting. What I would like from you if you would please do a tutorial on the flashpoint 600 pro II or the godox 600 pro II . Especially regarding the high-speed sink scenario that they have for this light I am completely lost when you enter the realm of the 512 set up that they have and then the freeze mode that they have in the system unfortunately I have not seen any videos whatsoever at all regarding this or explaining how it actually works. There are a few other issues inside the menu that's a little elusive as well can you go over each one of those especially the odd ones you have your normal settings that are self-explanatory and then there's a couple settings in there that are confusing and I'm not sure exactly what there for. Once again thank you and I hope to see some information on this light in the future
Another question: does this do single pin mode? It might be called Legacy mode or something similar. Looking for a trigger that works for my (film) Leica MP
Thanks for the review. I've the X2T and, for me, it's enought. Just a question about this trigger. Can you enable/disable groups from the main window? It seems you have to enter to a group sub menu, then hit the pause button. This is a feature that I really use a lot. On the X2T, you just double-click the group button to enable/disable a group. Thanks.
I like the concept of the X3. This has me anticipating a mobile phone flash trigger in the near future. Godox can be the first player in on a huge market. If they allowed the usb-c to activate the trigger with our phone cameras, this would be a game changer. I know Profoto triggers a flash with bluetooth, but it is overpriced and the sync seems off to me. If I had a legit flash trigger to use with my iPhone, I would probably drop $2500 on lighting.
If you're using two cameras and you want the settings to update between the two lights (presumably for TTL or because the settings are different). I used to shoot two cameras two triggers, but didn't use multi shooter because I would keep the flash power settings the same on both cameras.
I love the nano for studio where I don’t change settings often. For other work do you recommend R2 PRO MK2 or R2 XPRO 2? I read the descriptions carefully and they were no help. Thank you.
Great presentation! It often takes a minute for the rough edges to be smooth, and you hit all the major points. I think the more Godox listens, the better!
I like your ideas to change the screen icons for more real estate. We pre-ordered a unit which will work of our finger size and type of shooting we do. Seeing the screen info outdoors is a big plus for us.
Im mainly video these days, so using my leds to light my on location food shots, but could do with a small flash set up. The AD100 pro and this trigger maybe a good start.
Too minuscule for me. I would love a rudimentary flash trigger where all complex functions are controlled by a phone app. AND most important, that Godox finally resolves the issue with Canon RF TTL and HSS.
How do you transfer the last pop from TTL to Manual (TCM). Do you have to menu dive? Or, just by switching to M will transfer the whatever was used in the last TTL?
Got mine today. Activate TCM in settings menu and choose your flashdevice (oncam-flash, 100j, 200j and so on). Go back to the group and set it to TTL. Trigger the camera and set the flash to M. Now u got the TTL-Settings in M-Mode🖖
I think your points on the zoom function on the layout is super valid and would be nice to see that implemented, one thing I’d like to know what is the hot shoe connection is like on the Sony does it still have the pins on the front to connect to the camera? As I’ve bent the pins on my xpro2 somehow so would be nice to have the standard pin on the base for connection
im a wedding photographer and i have pre-ordered two of these. Thanks for the info about battery life, you have reassured me that it will last long enough for my needs - It's incredibly rare I would use it the entirety of a 10 hour day, and with a big break in the middle to charge from a power bank or swap out I think it will be great. I also have like 10 legacy triggers now as super backups. Your ideas about the touch screen interface are great tell godox I agree - in particular the zoom function does need to be more prominent in the menu (and with similar ALL or SINGLE group adjustment like the pro trigger has) as it's a great feature that had me move over to godox from neewer back in the day.
I was dead against this but for my work I don't think the internal battery would really be an issue. Tend to run my X Pro triggers on 1.2V rechargeable which I know folk say don't do but they work, would remove that potential issue using this trigger. May reach out to Godoix / Pixapro here in the UK to get hands on one.
No Bluetooth like xpro11, why.?Its so useful adjusting lights mounted high in a studio on the app , when camera is also not easily accessible to get too.
Update v1.13 brings back connecting the X3s to the Sekonic L-858. Updates on a Mac (M3 Max used) need to go through Godox G3 and a intermediate hub, but after connection simple and seamless. Use the unit for studio and mobile use. Battery is no factor. Even if battery was an issue, plugging in a power source - continues to operate/fire while on charging/outside power! (Yes, I've run it that way...continuing to check lighting on the Sekonic and shooting!)
Did they make the changes ? Adorama is including this trigger free if you pre order the new 600Pro but I am concerned if the x3 does not yet have firmware update via Mac or Bluetooth capabilities then this “free’ item is not a good fit for me. Great review by the way.
I used one of these for the first time yesterday and even though I have HSS enabled on the remote and HHS enabled on my camera, I couldn't increase the shutter speed past 1/250. I checked multiple times that HSS was enabled on both, but no matter what I did, I could not get the shutter speed to increase. This was using a Nikon btw.
Haven't tried the X3 yet, but something that I'm sorely missing from the XPro and the XPro II I'm using is a way to quickly toggle whole sets of groups. I'm a concert photographer and very often I have a setup of two flashes (A and B) pointed at the stage and a third flash (C) pointed at the crowd; so 95% of the time I'm looking at the stage, but from time to time something interesting happens in the crowd and I wish there was a quick way to turn off A and B and turn on C; with the current implementation on the XPro II - say I have A and B enabled and I want to switch to C only - I have to double tap A, double tap B, double tap C - and for that time the moment might be gone. If I have group C enabled all the time, it might be annoying to the crowd. If there was something like user banks through which I could switch quickly, it would address the problem. I know there is a preset menu, but going through it is even slower than what I described. On the XPro II I can see this doable by sacrificing one of the soft buttons - I very rarely use modelling lights; the HSS toggle can probably also sit in the menu.
I would've rather had the touchscreen upgrade and the enhanced UI on the Xpro II rather than on this smaller form factor trigger. I have owned most of the earlier generations of Godox triggers, (yeah I buy and sell to upgrade) and the XPro II is still their best version IMHO (it connects with your phone, a 6.8" screen). Though I'm not locked into any particular genre of photography, but shooting weddings, in studios or otherwise the X3 would be that little pain of a gadget that is unavoidably necessary yet.
You have almost the same functions with the Flashpoint X2 Pro or any other Godox trigger that has Bluetooth capability when connected to a phone using the Godox app for iPhone and Android. The difference is an extremely tiny screen vs a phone's much larger screen 🙂
Equating those two things is ridiculous. One is on the camera which you already have your hands on. The other is in your pocket, screen real estate doesn’t matter much when you have to dig in your pocket and use Face ID to go +.3 on a group.
@@robhallphoto True but irl it is a lot easier to use the R2 Pro and X2"s buttons than to fiddle with a tiny screen and if you want touch controls just point you phone to your face and you can choose and modify ant light without having to scroll from light to light because of the phone apps real estate, in the tiny screen you have to change one, then scroll to another and change that one, and so on unless you are modifying all at once, in most cases is one mainly adjusts only one light because it might be over under exposing
That TCM function is too buried for my liking. I use it all the time on my X-Pro1 trigger, it largely negates the need for a flash meter. What would be awesome is an app (both for computer and mobile phone) where you can customise the layout to taste and also do the firmware updates.
I do like my x3 but have noticed an issue in using it. I am a high school senior photog and I am on location shooter and noticed that HSS just magically turns off on my unit. Have you ever noticed this? do you know why this happens?
I have a sony A7c for photography with the transmitter. I want to use a Sony A7i for photos and use the A7c for videos Can the transmitter work with the a7i??
Just a thought; maybe it is good to combine the very small trigger with an ipad or so using the Bluetooth interface of the godox devices? Maybe an idea in the studio? On an ipad each group could be a vertical slider for power. Easy interface, fast; provide possibility to save a setup and name it in the App. Going crazy would be to have a file that can be used in Set.a.light.3D.
No app is a bummer, I’m a product photographer and very often the camera is out of range and I need to change the lights power and it would have been great to do it with an app. Lots os cons for this device, it just looks good but doesn’t solve to many problems from the previous generation
awesome video. just got mine. love it so far. like your screen edit. the screen brightness is great for outdoors. had horrible time with the other trigger outside -- could not see a thing in full sun. even went to profoto for outdoor shoots -- which China has once again copied. oh well... saves me $$
i thought godox has learned their lesson in the x2t to move all buttons and wheels to the left side. apparently not. its very awkward to reach over to the right side to turn the wheel.
It would be pretty sweet if they would add the ability to adjust things on a smart watch. Specific use case scenario, but still a pretty sweet idea IMO
I received two of these and have an issue I cannot resolve. The nano will fire the flash when attached to my A7IV, but I cannot adjust the exposure on the camera's screen. If I change modes on the camera dial say to M1....I can now control exposure, but the flash does not fire. It does fire with the test button, but not when I take a shot. I need help figuring out what I am doing wrong. When I put one of my older triggers on the camera no problem, the flash fires nomrally and I can control the exposure in the viewfinder.
This is the default behavior of Sony Cameras when using a flash/trigger that connects via the multi-interface shoe (has the pins on the front of the trigger / will do TTL and HSS). The idea is that if you are in a studio shooting at F11 with a flash setup, your ambient settings would likely show a black frame and therefore your screen should instead show a balanced exposure based on your metering mode for visibility purposes. Your older triggers must be a "dumb" trigger, connected via the center pin only, and therefore did not trigger this behavior. You can override this behavior via mapping a custom function button to a specific setting. I've never owned an A7IV so I'm not positive what options it has, on older cameras like the A7III / A7RIII it was called "Shot Result Preview", which can be mapped as a hold function but only available on certain buttons (I myself used the AE-L button since it's useless when shooting in manual). But on newer cameras like the A1, you can use "shot result preview" as a hold function, or "Exposure Effect Select" as a toggle function to override this behavior and see the effects that your camera settings have on the ambient light with a flash attached.
Robert I need help any suggestions in how to connect the r2 nano trans with my ad400 pro strobe ?? I’m able to use it and it flashes only but can’t pass my native camera 1/250 shutter speed . Do you think I need to adjust some of my camera settings on my Sony a7rv ??
I agree with your changes to the interface! I'll admit I saw this and got 😍. I love small and sleek equipment, but I'll stick to the X-Pro for now. Thank you for preventing me from making a GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome) purchase. However, based on your previous review, I purchased the BFP gobo projector, and it is a substantial upgrade from the S-AP. The S-AP isn't bad, per se, but the lack of built-in cutters, the sagging, and the terrible Gobo holder did not always make it a joy to work with. It was way better than the MagBeam or using a cookie/cucoloris.
YES! to the screen layout change. For the “hold” function to turn a group on/off, I would also love to see them include in deeper settings an option for the user to choose how long to hold, such as ¼ sec, ½ sec, 1 sec, and even 2 seconds, as just a simple tap really is a very short length of time, and some of us would love to have a very short hold time for that function. Even better (for MY “needs,” at least): One day in a future hardware iteration, implement some kind of 3D touch, such as light touches and hard presses/mashes to perform different functions, like we’ve seen on iPhone, which could be great for group on/off (hard mash could allow for quicker on/off, without accidentally doing so), but also for multiple functions that could use a pop-up submenu/list, etc. I’d be more than happy for the unit/screen to grow 1-3” larger (plus larger battery size to support larger screen) and to pay a reasonable premium, if necessary, in order to make accurate hard presses easy, if 3D touch allowed them to implement a more streamlined interface, overall. Quibble: Why put the crown/jog dial/button on the right side, when the right hand is already busy holding the camera!? Yeah, I get that most people are right-handed, so they might be more comfortable navigating quickly with it using the right hand. But they’d get used to it on the left side, and wouldn’t it allow for easier uninterrupted right-handed operation of the camera while making occasional adjustments with the crown? Maybe one day they can add a “Hey Godox” function (like Siri/Alexa) with optional whisper mode, so I can work in the dark without looking OR touching the trigger, simply by saying, “Hey, Godox: Group A ½, Group B ¼, Group C off” (while still having touch options, in case I’m in a quiet wedding ceremony or loud reception/concert). Come on, Godox, spoil me! 😂 For winter outdoor shoots here in MN, I’ll stick with the tactile buttons (but would love to have a beefy, oversized version of the new crown/dial) when wearing gloves. But for everything indoor, or at least above 15°F, or when traveling and condensing my gear as much as possible, I’d love to have this touch screen one with your layout changes! -Mostly commercial, + some trad portraits, lifestyle, events
Strongly agree that the APP/L-858 is a significant omission. However you can't use the App because the trigger doesn't have Bluetooth. I'd also very much like the XProII's LEGACY setting to turn it into a single pin device. Looks to me to be a trigger aimed at hipsters rather than photographers. PS will it charge with a USB C to USB C cable?
I just got my Godox X3 and here are my UI comments. 1. The reason I got in your YT channel is because I am looking for a way to set individual group Zoom. 2. I got curious what the hamburger is for. I tried pressing it but nothing happens. Turns out, that's the settings "instruction" for me to swipe down to go to settings. 3.1 I can agree to your design for the modeling lamp being full width. 3.2 The modeling lamp you made is a good spot. 4. The pause icon can be combined with the M mode and TTL mode. Consider it as options M, TTL, or || modes. This way, you can use the knob to turn it on/off. I can't agree to make the pause a 1 sec touch-hold from the home since no one would know it unless they read the manual, and that will conflict with the knob's long press. The changes need to accommodate both touch screen and physical buttons. In home screen, between the parameters - and +, there is a square icon (at the very beginning). Then when you press the parameter, it then changes to a value. I don't understand what the square is for. I thought I could press it. As of version 1.16, the arrow down icon beside the hamburger is now gone.
Here is another firmware idea. When you press the test fire button, nothing on the screen indicates that the button was pressed. It would be nice to lightning bolt symbol flash on the screen to indicate a signal was sent.
I prefer the design of the old YongNuo560 transmitter buttons. I can change the power level by 1/3 or 1 stop increment precisely even while using the EVF. Just buttons, no wheels. I wish Godox could copy that.
Thanks for sharing. I'm excited to see that Godox has finally moved beyond 90s LCD displays, but I'm turned off by the size and the touch screen. I was hoping for something that looked more like the Westcott FJ80 II but with some physical buttons. Maybe next time.
I love it but it has issues. Never has that many missfires, X2 worked flawlessly. The new one has missfires every 10 shots it feels. Also if you dont shoot for a moment, several minutes, the first shot never fires. Hope they can fix it with firmware. Mine is a canon version.
Godox, I hope you will be reading these comments for improvements. I have two X2 triggers and I have just pre-ordered two of these X3. With a small screen, you should optimize your icon size, layout and placement. Thanks :)
We had talked about this exact style years ago. Around the time Profoto came out with their Connect. I had said I'd love a tiny transmitter and control from the app. You were adamant about being able to adjust flashes on the transmitter for weddings and didn't see a use for the Connect. Which I saw a benefit too of the larger transmitter for weddings. Being 2 different style photographers showed the differences and for good reasons. I'm wondering if app control will be available. Or if I can adjust on a Sekonic light meter. Both are a benefit. Also, as I already tether most of the time, having a second window with light control while having capture one up for large pics for the shoot would be wonderful. Look at large shot, adjust lighting at the tripod. Re shoot. I mount a Surface Pro to my tripod. I can still walk away from the tripod to shoot freestyle but it's there to hold the surface pro and camera for slow stills. We shall see what the future holds. I now try to use the smaller transmitters. I don't have a direct line to Godox anymore. But have 2 of these on order. Next wish. An AD2400pro battery flash with 2 outputs. And fix the Godox Focusable Parabolic by using a more reflective inner liner instead of the dispersion liner. I love the Broncolor Para's. Godox got the shape right, and the liner wrong. Down the line step. A great wireless transfer option from camera to Surface Pro built in. The camera then stays as small as can be. I hate the large transmitters hanging off it. I would love great wireless transfer. Canon are you listening? Build it in. It's 2024 for christ sake. P.S. tried this with my M6II that they are no longer making. It works. A tiny pro level camera with tiny transmitter and a couple Ad100 pros. When I don't want to haul out the R5.
I agree with you on the change of the screen outlay. On all points. It makes sense and to me would be very intuitive.
I use my flash in a studio setting for mainly portrait and product. So I think this device would work well for me after they make the changes you suggest.
lol, thank you for the support on changes, and especially doubling down that you’ll get it once they’ve been made 😂
I mean anyone that is remotely a professional will understand that these changes are for the better and nowadays money talks 😂 make the change and you get my money. Don’t make the change and I start looking at competitors.🤷🏽♂️
I would also go as far as to say I think the screen should be a little bit bigger. not too much bigger but at least a little bigger but I know it’s probably too late in development for that maybe the x3 version two
Every review I am reminded that this is a photographer's channel for photographers, and not just another market segment review 😁💪. Any gear disrupting the space is always a benefit to the consumer, so this is very cool. I love my lil Q20 for street & candids, but I've always wished for a AD100Pro + smaller trigger. And here we are! Thank you!
You have no idea how much that comment means, I’ve been in the slow lane for growth for 7 years just to try and maintain that perspective! So I appreciate when people see that difference.
@@robhallphoto just reiterating it. Every time I see one of your videos I know it's a "working pro" dropping real advice, not a "sponsored review after 1 hour of using the product i was sent for free". I have learned so much from you, even going back to the blue gels when shooting outdoors 🔥🔥
Thanks so much for your content, it is very appreciated from Gold Coast, Australia!
You are my GOTO person for anything flash related. I especially love your testing and comparisons between different models.
Your channel is invaluable. Melbourne Australia, here.
I've eshewed using a flash unit with the photography I do, because I found the triggers and flash units fidgety. But this trigger and a AD 100 pro looks a nice simple combo to use.
@@robhallphoto
Can you put this in App mode to do meter readings
Totally agree with your suggested adjustment to the user interface by adding individual zoom control.
you have just confirmed my thoughts about size, monitor and interface. I will stick with the large one, works perfect !
I love that suggestion Rob! I still shoot weddings, but this trigger would likely stay in my travel bag as the smallest trigger. The size is the most appealing aspect to me. One other suggestion I’d love to see is single pin mode, then I can really replace my Flashpoint Single pin tx/rx to eke out some extra flash FPS from my cameras. Sad that they didn’t include Wi-Fi or Bluetooth for an app connection.
Great review overall! Can’t wait to get my hands on the flashpoint version from Adorama.
I have a feeling that we'll see some additions considering mine is firmware version .72. I can't imagine they'll go backwards on any options so hopefully we'll see both of those.
Your interface idea would definitely be better! I really wanted to upgrade my XPro1 trigger for a bluetooth app controllable version for so long. I was super happy when I saw this little new trigger because I really like the new more simple and easy to read interface, but it's so sad they didn't put the app support in it. I really really hope the bluetooth app function will be in the final production unit, that would make it an instant buy for me :)
I use flash in studio settings and also like to zoom AD100pro so agree totally on layout and zoom function suggestions
Wow! I'm super-impressed with this new trigger from Godox! I've been envious of Profoto's trigger display which Godox looked to have gotten inspiration from. And the Godox is so superior with its touch/dynamic screen. They did a super job with the interface. It looks so intuitive. I love that they give you the knob functionality. Super smart thinking.
I do think your ideas for the interface would be good ones. Not too big deal for me because I always use modifiers and use the same setting for all of them. But it would be nice to have that control. Personally, I would like to see the unit 50% bigger. It would still be tiny but just have more space so you don't accidentally touch another button while making adjustments. Especially in a hurry.
I only use a dedicated trigger when I'm in the studio. So this would totally work for me. I was A LITTLE concerned about battery life... But after your testimony... Should not be a problem. I charge everything before a shoot so that issue is out of the way. And that little guy should take less than an hour to charge I bet.
I've been using Flashpoint products (AWESOME Godox rebrand) for years and equipment has been absolutely fantastic. ZERO issues whatsoever. Six years and everything still working perfectly.
Well done Godox! Thanks for the news and video!
I like your suggestions and feel they need to be added. I have two of these preorderd and if I had known these features weren’t available I probably would have held off on buying them.
Agree with you all, one thing unfortunately cannot be refined by firmware: Move the chrome dial to the left side!
I like your suggestions for changes. I could definitely see myself getting a pair of these. Would save a lot of space in my bag.
Wish they came with a universal hot shoe mount like the wescott fj-x3. I have a few godox flashes and both Sony and Panasonic cameras having a universal trigger would have been the selling point for me
Agree with your “button” layout!
Great suggestion on the interface alteration. Was thinking of buying several of these but will wait and see if they make that improvement
and for people who shoot portrait on a tripod, if they could make a square version that automatically orientates itself between landscape and portrait, that would be great!
I definitely like your suggested change to the display. I really like the concept of the trigger. Just holding my breath before purchasing.
The small size is great - now if you could use the phone app while turning off the tiny screen to save battery it would be even better.
Good sugestions!
One of the good product review.....thank you SHARPEN 🤞
8:53 YES!!!❤
We often work with expensive models and locations. Being fast is very important, as is "staying in the moment". As such, I prefer actual buttons. After a while, you just know where they are by touch, without looking.
Nice! I personally, however, hate it when a button operates differently when held down vs. tapped. I'd do anything to avoid that.
What about the screen durability - the plastic screens on Godox typically scratch like f**k.
MAKE THOSE CHANGES!!!
Miss the "App"-Mode the most, always using it together with a Seconic L858D with Godox Transmitter.
Plus One (+1) to your suggested menu changes, though I would miss the Pause-Button there.
Found one problem with my X3: When using it with my Sony A1, and activating HSS-Mode, this setting reverts automatically back to "front curtain" after a while, meaning I get an over exposed shot and have to re-enable HSS. Did not find out yet what triggers the reset, perhaps toggling the camera off and on, or the X3 going to sleep and waking up, don't know yet
Hope they throw that bright screen on the ad200 pro’s too
I agree with you on all the changes you suggested for the screen interface. Also, including the APP Mode is important to me becuase I use the Sekonic L-858D-U with Godox transmitter. Controlling the flashes through the large screen of the meter and having a very small trigger on the camera would be a great conbination.
Yes your idea is better!!!
Hello first I want to say thank you for all of your information that you have given us over the years regarding Lighting. What I would like from you if you would please do a tutorial on the flashpoint 600 pro II or the godox 600 pro II . Especially regarding the high-speed sink scenario that they have for this light I am completely lost when you enter the realm of the 512 set up that they have and then the freeze mode that they have in the system unfortunately I have not seen any videos whatsoever at all regarding this or explaining how it actually works. There are a few other issues inside the menu that's a little elusive as well can you go over each one of those especially the odd ones you have your normal settings that are self-explanatory and then there's a couple settings in there that are confusing and I'm not sure exactly what there for. Once again thank you and I hope to see some information on this light in the future
Another question: does this do single pin mode? It might be called Legacy mode or something similar. Looking for a trigger that works for my (film) Leica MP
Thanks for the review. I've the X2T and, for me, it's enought. Just a question about this trigger. Can you enable/disable groups from the main window? It seems you have to enter to a group sub menu, then hit the pause button. This is a feature that I really use a lot. On the X2T, you just double-click the group button to enable/disable a group. Thanks.
I like the concept of the X3. This has me anticipating a mobile phone flash trigger in the near future. Godox can be the first player in on a huge market. If they allowed the usb-c to activate the trigger with our phone cameras, this would be a game changer. I know Profoto triggers a flash with bluetooth, but it is overpriced and the sync seems off to me. If I had a legit flash trigger to use with my iPhone, I would probably drop $2500 on lighting.
You have to choose multi shooter though right if you are using two cameras to control the same lights?
If you're using two cameras and you want the settings to update between the two lights (presumably for TTL or because the settings are different). I used to shoot two cameras two triggers, but didn't use multi shooter because I would keep the flash power settings the same on both cameras.
I love the nano for studio where I don’t change settings often. For other work do you recommend R2 PRO MK2 or R2 XPRO 2?
I read the descriptions carefully and they were no help. Thank you.
i have one on order, I will carry my XPro II as a backup. Or visa versa.
Great presentation! It often takes a minute for the rough edges to be smooth, and you hit all the major points. I think the more Godox listens, the better!
I like your ideas to change the screen icons for more real estate. We pre-ordered a unit which will work of our finger size and type of shooting we do. Seeing the screen info outdoors is a big plus for us.
Im mainly video these days, so using my leds to light my on location food shots, but could do with a small flash set up. The AD100 pro and this trigger maybe a good start.
Too minuscule for me. I would love a rudimentary flash trigger where all complex functions are controlled by a phone app. AND most important, that Godox finally resolves the issue with Canon RF TTL and HSS.
I pre ordered mine, do you know when it will start shipping out? I like the suggestion you gave.
How do you transfer the last pop from TTL to Manual (TCM). Do you have to menu dive? Or, just by switching to M will transfer the whatever was used in the last TTL?
Got mine today. Activate TCM in settings menu and choose your flashdevice (oncam-flash, 100j, 200j and so on). Go back to the group and set it to TTL.
Trigger the camera and set the flash to M. Now u got the TTL-Settings in M-Mode🖖
@@AlSo-Fotografie Cool. Thanks! 👍
I preordered one a few weeks back. I guess I have no need to cancel my order from that impulse purchase.
I think your points on the zoom function on the layout is super valid and would be nice to see that implemented, one thing I’d like to know what is the hot shoe connection is like on the Sony does it still have the pins on the front to connect to the camera? As I’ve bent the pins on my xpro2 somehow so would be nice to have the standard pin on the base for connection
eh,, i'm fine with my xpro and x2t. will spend the 89 bucks on some other ,,, thing.
Yes the ideea of zoom button is realy good, and also the +- buttons they need to be much bigger, i do studio photography and also weddings.
I pre-ordered a few of these. Would love a tempered glass screen protector though.
im a wedding photographer and i have pre-ordered two of these. Thanks for the info about battery life, you have reassured me that it will last long enough for my needs - It's incredibly rare I would use it the entirety of a 10 hour day, and with a big break in the middle to charge from a power bank or swap out I think it will be great. I also have like 10 legacy triggers now as super backups. Your ideas about the touch screen interface are great tell godox I agree - in particular the zoom function does need to be more prominent in the menu (and with similar ALL or SINGLE group adjustment like the pro trigger has) as it's a great feature that had me move over to godox from neewer back in the day.
I agree with the UI suggestions. Hope they consider it and make it happen.
Seems great, question does it have a pc sync port? Also love the changes in the menus send it out to Godox.
No PC sync port.
I was dead against this but for my work I don't think the internal battery would really be an issue.
Tend to run my X Pro triggers on 1.2V rechargeable which I know folk say don't do but they work, would remove that potential issue using this trigger.
May reach out to Godoix / Pixapro here in the UK to get hands on one.
Great idea for the UI changes
No Bluetooth like xpro11, why.?Its so useful adjusting lights mounted high in a studio on the app , when camera is also not easily accessible to get too.
Update v1.13 brings back connecting the X3s to the Sekonic L-858. Updates on a Mac (M3 Max used) need to go through Godox G3 and a intermediate hub, but after connection simple and seamless.
Use the unit for studio and mobile use. Battery is no factor. Even if battery was an issue, plugging in a power source - continues to operate/fire while on charging/outside power! (Yes, I've run it that way...continuing to check lighting on the Sekonic and shooting!)
Did they make the changes ? Adorama is including this trigger free if you pre order the new 600Pro but I am concerned if the x3 does not yet have firmware update via Mac or Bluetooth capabilities then this “free’ item is not a good fit for me. Great review by the way.
I used one of these for the first time yesterday and even though I have HSS enabled on the remote and HHS enabled on my camera, I couldn't increase the shutter speed past 1/250. I checked multiple times that HSS was enabled on both, but no matter what I did, I could not get the shutter speed to increase. This was using a Nikon btw.
Haven't tried the X3 yet, but something that I'm sorely missing from the XPro and the XPro II I'm using is a way to quickly toggle whole sets of groups. I'm a concert photographer and very often I have a setup of two flashes (A and B) pointed at the stage and a third flash (C) pointed at the crowd; so 95% of the time I'm looking at the stage, but from time to time something interesting happens in the crowd and I wish there was a quick way to turn off A and B and turn on C; with the current implementation on the XPro II - say I have A and B enabled and I want to switch to C only - I have to double tap A, double tap B, double tap C - and for that time the moment might be gone. If I have group C enabled all the time, it might be annoying to the crowd. If there was something like user banks through which I could switch quickly, it would address the problem. I know there is a preset menu, but going through it is even slower than what I described. On the XPro II I can see this doable by sacrificing one of the soft buttons - I very rarely use modelling lights; the HSS toggle can probably also sit in the menu.
I would've rather had the touchscreen upgrade and the enhanced UI on the Xpro II rather than on this smaller form factor trigger. I have owned most of the earlier generations of Godox triggers, (yeah I buy and sell to upgrade) and the XPro II is still their best version IMHO (it connects with your phone, a 6.8" screen). Though I'm not locked into any particular genre of photography, but shooting weddings, in studios or otherwise the X3 would be that little pain of a gadget that is unavoidably necessary yet.
You have almost the same functions with the Flashpoint X2 Pro or any other Godox trigger that has Bluetooth capability when connected to a phone using the Godox app for iPhone and Android. The difference is an extremely tiny screen vs a phone's much larger screen 🙂
Equating those two things is ridiculous. One is on the camera which you already have your hands on. The other is in your pocket, screen real estate doesn’t matter much when you have to dig in your pocket and use Face ID to go +.3 on a group.
@@robhallphoto True but irl it is a lot easier to use the R2 Pro and X2"s buttons than to fiddle with a tiny screen and if you want touch controls just point you phone to your face and you can choose and modify ant light without having to scroll from light to light because of the phone apps real estate, in the tiny screen you have to change one, then scroll to another and change that one, and so on unless you are modifying all at once, in most cases is one mainly adjusts only one light because it might be over under exposing
That TCM function is too buried for my liking. I use it all the time on my X-Pro1 trigger, it largely negates the need for a flash meter.
What would be awesome is an app (both for computer and mobile phone) where you can customise the layout to taste and also do the firmware updates.
I do like my x3 but have noticed an issue in using it. I am a high school senior photog and I am on location shooter and noticed that HSS just magically turns off on my unit. Have you ever noticed this? do you know why this happens?
I currently use the XT2 as I can turn groups on/off in seconds. Not convinced I can do that with this quite as easily!
I have a sony A7c for photography with the transmitter. I want to use a Sony A7i for photos and use the A7c for videos
Can the transmitter work with the a7i??
Just a thought; maybe it is good to combine the very small trigger with an ipad or so using the Bluetooth interface of the godox devices? Maybe an idea in the studio?
On an ipad each group could be a vertical slider for power. Easy interface, fast; provide possibility to save a setup and name it in the App. Going crazy would be to have a file that can be used in Set.a.light.3D.
It doesn't support Bluetooth
@@tugwilson o_O OK! Lets hope changes quickly.
@@PhotoArtBrussels I think that's unlikely as it requires a hardware change not a firmware one
No app is a bummer, I’m a product photographer and very often the camera is out of range and I need to change the lights power and it would have been great to do it with an app. Lots os cons for this device, it just looks good but doesn’t solve to many problems from the previous generation
awesome video. just got mine. love it so far. like your screen edit. the screen brightness is great for outdoors. had horrible time with the other trigger outside -- could not see a thing in full sun. even went to profoto for outdoor shoots -- which China has once again copied. oh well... saves me $$
Выглядит здорово! НО! Что будет если села батарея в режиме длительной съёмки? Какое время быстрой зарядки?
Honestly, it's just cool. However, I'm not seeing a huge advantage over my XPro II N
You showed how to change group power levels, but how do you change levels of individual lights within a group?
First 15 seconds were enough
Thanks for the detailed review!
How did you change the size of the buttons and their position on the screen?
What will they think of next ? A voice control controller ! You talk to it , and it talks back to you with its A I recommendations ?
Awesome UI Suggestion imho
Is it a tight fit on the Sony a7iv By that, does it feel like something will break on the camera or receiver when put it on or take it off?
i thought godox has learned their lesson in the x2t to move all buttons and wheels to the left side. apparently not. its very awkward to reach over to the right side to turn the wheel.
Yes to your suggestions. Thanks for the great content.
Would gladly buy if it had Bluetooth and could tilt backward so it would be usable when high on a tripod.
The God of Godox channel!
Wish they put this interface on the v1pro
totally agree with your suggestions on the UI !!
It would be pretty sweet if they would add the ability to adjust things on a smart watch. Specific use case scenario, but still a pretty sweet idea IMO
I received two of these and have an issue I cannot resolve. The nano will fire the flash when attached to my A7IV, but I cannot adjust the exposure on the camera's screen. If I change modes on the camera dial say to M1....I can now control exposure, but the flash does not fire. It does fire with the test button, but not when I take a shot. I need help figuring out what I am doing wrong. When I put one of my older triggers on the camera no problem, the flash fires nomrally and I can control the exposure in the viewfinder.
This is the default behavior of Sony Cameras when using a flash/trigger that connects via the multi-interface shoe (has the pins on the front of the trigger / will do TTL and HSS). The idea is that if you are in a studio shooting at F11 with a flash setup, your ambient settings would likely show a black frame and therefore your screen should instead show a balanced exposure based on your metering mode for visibility purposes. Your older triggers must be a "dumb" trigger, connected via the center pin only, and therefore did not trigger this behavior.
You can override this behavior via mapping a custom function button to a specific setting. I've never owned an A7IV so I'm not positive what options it has, on older cameras like the A7III / A7RIII it was called "Shot Result Preview", which can be mapped as a hold function but only available on certain buttons (I myself used the AE-L button since it's useless when shooting in manual). But on newer cameras like the A1, you can use "shot result preview" as a hold function, or "Exposure Effect Select" as a toggle function to override this behavior and see the effects that your camera settings have on the ambient light with a flash attached.
I think it’s great, but too small for my fat fingers 😢😁🤣
I'll wait for X3 Touch "Pro"! :D
absolutely agrre with your suggestions!!!
Let's go.
You buy this now did they make changes?
The x3 ttl conversion tcm is off by almost an entire stop
Robert I need help any suggestions in how to connect the r2 nano trans with my ad400 pro strobe ?? I’m able to use it and it flashes only but can’t pass my native camera 1/250 shutter speed . Do you think I need to adjust some of my camera settings on my Sony a7rv ??
you just have to turn HSS on.
I agree with your changes to the interface! I'll admit I saw this and got 😍. I love small and sleek equipment, but I'll stick to the X-Pro for now. Thank you for preventing me from making a GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome) purchase. However, based on your previous review, I purchased the BFP gobo projector, and it is a substantial upgrade from the S-AP. The S-AP isn't bad, per se, but the lack of built-in cutters, the sagging, and the terrible Gobo holder did not always make it a joy to work with. It was way better than the MagBeam or using a cookie/cucoloris.
YES! to the screen layout change.
For the “hold” function to turn a group on/off, I would also love to see them include in deeper settings an option for the user to choose how long to hold, such as ¼ sec, ½ sec, 1 sec, and even 2 seconds, as just a simple tap really is a very short length of time, and some of us would love to have a very short hold time for that function.
Even better (for MY “needs,” at least): One day in a future hardware iteration, implement some kind of 3D touch, such as light touches and hard presses/mashes to perform different functions, like we’ve seen on iPhone, which could be great for group on/off (hard mash could allow for quicker on/off, without accidentally doing so), but also for multiple functions that could use a pop-up submenu/list, etc. I’d be more than happy for the unit/screen to grow 1-3” larger (plus larger battery size to support larger screen) and to pay a reasonable premium, if necessary, in order to make accurate hard presses easy, if 3D touch allowed them to implement a more streamlined interface, overall.
Quibble: Why put the crown/jog dial/button on the right side, when the right hand is already busy holding the camera!? Yeah, I get that most people are right-handed, so they might be more comfortable navigating quickly with it using the right hand. But they’d get used to it on the left side, and wouldn’t it allow for easier uninterrupted right-handed operation of the camera while making occasional adjustments with the crown?
Maybe one day they can add a “Hey Godox” function (like Siri/Alexa) with optional whisper mode, so I can work in the dark without looking OR touching the trigger, simply by saying, “Hey, Godox: Group A ½, Group B ¼, Group C off” (while still having touch options, in case I’m in a quiet wedding ceremony or loud reception/concert). Come on, Godox, spoil me! 😂
For winter outdoor shoots here in MN, I’ll stick with the tactile buttons (but would love to have a beefy, oversized version of the new crown/dial) when wearing gloves. But for everything indoor, or at least above 15°F, or when traveling and condensing my gear as much as possible, I’d love to have this touch screen one with your layout changes!
-Mostly commercial, + some trad portraits, lifestyle, events
Strongly agree that the APP/L-858 is a significant omission. However you can't use the App because the trigger doesn't have Bluetooth. I'd also very much like the XProII's LEGACY setting to turn it into a single pin device. Looks to me to be a trigger aimed at hipsters rather than photographers. PS will it charge with a USB C to USB C cable?
I just got my Godox X3 and here are my UI comments.
1. The reason I got in your YT channel is because I am looking for a way to set individual group Zoom.
2. I got curious what the hamburger is for. I tried pressing it but nothing happens. Turns out, that's the settings "instruction" for me to swipe down to go to settings.
3.1 I can agree to your design for the modeling lamp being full width.
3.2 The modeling lamp you made is a good spot.
4. The pause icon can be combined with the M mode and TTL mode. Consider it as options M, TTL, or || modes. This way, you can use the knob to turn it on/off.
I can't agree to make the pause a 1 sec touch-hold from the home since no one would know it unless they read the manual, and that will conflict with the knob's long press. The changes need to accommodate both touch screen and physical buttons.
In home screen, between the parameters - and +, there is a square icon (at the very beginning). Then when you press the parameter, it then changes to a value. I don't understand what the square is for. I thought I could press it.
As of version 1.16, the arrow down icon beside the hamburger is now gone.
Here is another firmware idea. When you press the test fire button, nothing on the screen indicates that the button was pressed. It would be nice to lightning bolt symbol flash on the screen to indicate a signal was sent.
wow u also use the g600. Good decision😉
I prefer the design of the old YongNuo560 transmitter buttons. I can change the power level by 1/3 or 1 stop increment precisely even while using the EVF. Just buttons, no wheels. I wish Godox could copy that.
Thanks for sharing. I'm excited to see that Godox has finally moved beyond 90s LCD displays, but I'm turned off by the size and the touch screen. I was hoping for something that looked more like the Westcott FJ80 II but with some physical buttons. Maybe next time.
I love it but it has issues. Never has that many missfires, X2 worked flawlessly. The new one has missfires every 10 shots it feels. Also if you dont shoot for a moment, several minutes, the first shot never fires. Hope they can fix it with firmware. Mine is a canon version.
Godox, I hope you will be reading these comments for improvements. I have two X2 triggers and I have just pre-ordered two of these X3. With a small screen, you should optimize your icon size, layout and placement. Thanks :)
Will this work with the 860iii on a sony a7iv
We had talked about this exact style years ago. Around the time Profoto came out with their Connect. I had said I'd love a tiny transmitter and control from the app. You were adamant about being able to adjust flashes on the transmitter for weddings and didn't see a use for the Connect. Which I saw a benefit too of the larger transmitter for weddings. Being 2 different style photographers showed the differences and for good reasons. I'm wondering if app control will be available. Or if I can adjust on a Sekonic light meter. Both are a benefit. Also, as I already tether most of the time, having a second window with light control while having capture one up for large pics for the shoot would be wonderful. Look at large shot, adjust lighting at the tripod. Re shoot. I mount a Surface Pro to my tripod. I can still walk away from the tripod to shoot freestyle but it's there to hold the surface pro and camera for slow stills. We shall see what the future holds. I now try to use the smaller transmitters. I don't have a direct line to Godox anymore. But have 2 of these on order.
Next wish. An AD2400pro battery flash with 2 outputs. And fix the Godox Focusable Parabolic by using a more reflective inner liner instead of the dispersion liner. I love the Broncolor Para's. Godox got the shape right, and the liner wrong.
Down the line step. A great wireless transfer option from camera to Surface Pro built in. The camera then stays as small as can be. I hate the large transmitters hanging off it. I would love great wireless transfer. Canon are you listening? Build it in. It's 2024 for christ sake.
P.S. tried this with my M6II that they are no longer making. It works. A tiny pro level camera with tiny transmitter and a couple Ad100 pros. When I don't want to haul out the R5.