This morning, Profoto has released its newest AirTTL trigger: the Profoto Connect. This new buttonless trigger is simple and designed for the photographer who wants the creative power of flash photography without the added complexity. Your shooting experience, simplified.
In the last few years, Profoto has created products that incorporate ease of use as well as the clean consistent light and build quality they have been known for. From its larger off-camera flash units like the B1X all the way down to the smallest flash like the A1, Profoto has made the world of flash photography accessible to all photographers, not just advanced studio shooters.
“Profoto Connect came from a steadfast belief that flash can be every bit as beautiful as ambient light,” says Martina Nillenstedt, Profoto Head of Content and Brand, “What we needed to do was make it more accessible to more image creators — Profoto Connect does that — from today forward, working with flash couldn’t be easier.”
With the Profoto Connect, there are no settings, menus, or even buttons to worry about. I see the Profoto Connect as an ideal tool for the location photographer working with a single off-camera flash (such as the Profoto A1), who wants to simply place the flash on a stand or have an assistant hold it, and start making beautiful images.
With the Profoto Connect, you have two basic settings: Auto (AirTTL) and Manual (as well as Off). When using a flash with the Auto mode, the photographer can simply use their camera’s flash exposure compensation to get the exact exposure they want. For Multi-Flash set-ups, the Profoto Connect works with the Profoto App, allowing precise control over three connected devices with your smartphone.
The Profoto App, used in conjunction with Profoto Connect, allows for control over Air (Flash Sync, Remote Control) and AirTTL Lights (Flash Sync, Remote Control, Auto TTL, and HSS) — see complete list at the end of this article.
With Flash Sync and remote function out to 300 meters and Auto (TTL) and HSS at a range of 100 meters, the Connect closely matches the range of other AirTTL remotes. The eight channels mean you will have no trouble avoiding issues with other photographers working in the same location. Currently, one group is active and more will be added through firmware upgrades.The Profoto App not only gives you a ton of control, it also allows for simple and fast Firmware updates to the Profoto Connect, via Bluetooth, so you will always be up to date.
When Profoto launched the app with the B10, many people were curious how they could get some of those great features in their existing lights, and the Profoto Connect is the answer to that question. I know I’m anxious to try it out with my B1X kit.
The Profoto Connect can also be set in Manual mode, which will allow you to change power on the flash with the controls on the flash itself, or with the Profoto App. Being part of the AirTTL system, I can see myself setting the Connect to Auto, making a shot to get great exposure, and then switching to manual to lock it in just as I do now with my Profoto AirTTL Remote.
Like other Profoto AirTTL remotes, you want the version that is designed for your camera. Available at launch will be: Canon, Sony, Nikon, Fuji, and Olympus. No matter which you pick up, the Profoto Connect has an x-sync center pin, so it can be used manually on almost any camera, if need be. The unit has an internal Li-Polymer rechargeable battery that runs more than 30 hours per charge, which is accomplished with the included USB-C cable.
For someone like me, a more advanced flash user, I can see the value of the Profoto Connect in two main areas. First, using the Profoto App with my current lights, and secondly, as a back-up to my AirTTL remote. Being smaller and less expensive, this is a great option to keep in your bag. The fact that it has x-sync and can work (in Manual) on just about any camera is just icing on the cake.
AirTTL compatibility:
- A1 AirTTL
- B10 250 AirTTL
- B1X 500 AirTTL
- B2 250 AirTTL
- D2 500 AirTTL
- D2 1000 AirTTL
- Pro-10 2400 AirTTL
- B1 500 AirTTL (discontinued)
Air compatibility (without TTL or HSS):
- D1 Air 250
- D1 Air 500
- D1 Air 1000
- D4 1200 Air
- D4 2400 Air
- D4 4800 Air
- Pro-B4 1000 Air
- Pro-8a 1200 (discontinued) Pro-8a 2400 (discontinued)
The Profoto Connect is available now for at Adorama.
