The Flashpoint XPLOR 600 SE (Special Edition) R2 Manual HSS Battery-Powered All-In-One Outdoor Flash takes one of the most popular Flashpoint lights, the XPLOR 600, and updates it with the newest technology. This monolight is the perfect entry point for photographers seeking reliable and affordable professional-level lighting. While priced to meet the budget of any serious photographer, “entry-level” might be the wrong way to categorize this workhorse. Photographers of all levels will find the XPLOR 600 SE a perfect companion for studio and location work. Since this is an R2 flash, the 600 SE will continue to work alongside any other R2 strobes you add to your kit.
Key Specs of the Flashpoint XPLOR 600 SE
- Real 600Ws of Real Monolight Power
- Professional GN of 285ft/87m (ISO 100) with Standard Reflector
- Built-in 2.4GHz Wireless R2 Remote System
- Manual and Multi Flash Modes at your Command
- 262’ Distance Remote Range
- Group Light Indicator Color-coded LED panels on the body
- Blazing Fast 0.01-0.9s Recycling
- 500 Full Power Flashes from a Single Charge
- Rechargeable Lithium Battery Pack in Only 2 Hours
- 9 Stop Control from 1/256 to 1/1 in 25 steps
- Multiple Light Rotation Masking for Layers in Image Processing Software
- Stable Color Mode Guarantees 5600˚K±75˚K
- 40W LED modeling lamp / 400w tungsten equivalent
- Sun-stopping HSS with up to 1/8000s high-speed sync flash
- Color LCD Info Panel with all Features, including Flash Duration
- Optical Slave with Preflash or Single Burst Sensitivity
- Fan Cooled for Stable Performance in Rapid Fire
Features of the Flashpoint XPLOR 600 SE
Color LCD Info Panel with all Features, including Flash Duration
By updating the Dot-matrix LCD panel to a Color LCD, the Flashpoint XPLOR 600 SE has created a user interface that is a pleasure to behold. The bright color screen can be read easily at a distance and shows vital information such as power and flash duration. These quality-of-life upgrades make the 600 SE feel like a luxury item, even though the pricing is very affordable. Along with the new LCD screen, the 600 SE has simplified the buttons and control wheel layout, making all the flash functions easily and intuitively accessible.
Group Light Indicator Color-coded LED panels on the body
When working with multiple lights, whether on location or in the studio, it’s easy to forget what group each light is set to. The Flashpoint XPLOR 600 SE has a simple yet innovative solution to this problem. By placing color LED indicators on both the left and right sides of the unit, the 600 SE lets photographers know which group a particular flash is in. Five distinct colors allow easy visual confirmation of the group at a distance. This is also helpful when the flash is in a position preventing the photographer from seeing the LCD screen.
New 10.8V/8940mAh Lithium Battery Pack
The updated 10.8V Lithium battery pack allows the Flashpoint XPLOR 600 SE to fire 500 full-powered flashes per charge, about 10% more than the previous model. This new battery goes from empty to fully charged in two hours. In an industry where working with battery power is becoming standard, it’s always nice to see a company upgrade its batteries as it improves its units.
Professional Guide Number of 285ft/87m (ISO 100) with Standard Reflector
Watt seconds can tell us a bit about the power of a flash, but the more accurate way to measure power is with a Guide Number. The simple equation is to divide the guide number by the distance, and this will give you your F-Stop. Comparing the Flashpoint XPLOR 600 SE to the previous model, we have a leap of about 100 points (in feet). So, if we place the flashes at an equal distance, say 10 feet from our subject, the 600 SE will give us F28.5, while the 600 will provide us with F18.3. This additional power results from the newer technology, making the 600 SE more efficient.
Who Should Use the Flashpoint XPLOR 600 SE
Loaded with some of the most desirable features and an affordable price, the Flashpoint XPLOR 600 SE is the perfect monolight for fashion, portrait, and product photographers looking to break into “big flash.” With its reliability, R2 compatibility, and quality-of-life features, the 600 SE is also a great fit for more advanced users looking to add more power or units to their current flash set-up. Wedding and fashion photographers wanting to work without wires will find the 600 SE a great tool with enough power to balance out ambient light in most situations. With layer masking, I could also see the SE shining in eCommerce studios.
Flashpoint XPLOR 600 SE vs Flashpoint XPLOR 600
The original XPLOR 600 is one of the most popular units in the Flashpoint line, providing power and reliability at great value. With some quality-of-life features added and some specifications upgraded, the Flashpoint XPLOR 600 SE is a worthy successor.
| Flashpoint XPLOR 600 SE | Flashpoint XPLOR 600 | |
| Recycle | Blazing Fast 0.01-0.9s Recycling | Dependable 0.01-2.5s recycling times |
| Guide Number | Professional GN of 285ft/87m (ISO 100) with Standard Reflector | Guide Number 183 (ft) / 61 (m) ISO 100, with standard reflector |
| Interface | Color LCD Panel | Dot-matrix LCD panel |
| Stable Color | 5600˚K ± 75˚K | 5600˚K ± 200˚K |
| Model Light | 40W LED Modeling Light | 10W LED Modeling Light |
Conclusion
Studio lighting is a long-term investment. We likely own and use our lights much longer than a camera body. The Flashpoint XPLOR 600 SE is a versatile flash that fits nicely into an entry-level budget but is packed with features that make it an excellent long-term investment. Whether you shoot portraits, products, or weddings, the 600 SE might be the perfect addition to your kit.
