Table of Contents
Introduction:
In the ever-evolving landscape of photography, the importance of versatile and reliable lighting equipment cannot be overstated. The Bell & Howell Z680AF-P Camera Flash emerges as a promising contender, offering photographers a powerful tool to illuminate their subjects and enhance the overall quality of their images. This comprehensive review delves into the design, features, performance, compatibility, and overall user experience of the Bell & Howell Z680AF-P, exploring its potential to become an indispensable accessory for photographers across different genres.
Design and Build Quality:
The Bell & Howell Z680AF-P Camera Flash boasts a sleek and ergonomic design that aligns with the modern aesthetics of contemporary camera systems. The exterior casing is crafted from durable materials, reflecting Bell & Howell’s commitment to delivering equipment that can withstand the rigors of regular use. The flash unit features a well-organized control panel, with buttons and dials intuitively placed for ease of use.
The build quality of the Z680AF-P is commendable, with robust construction that inspires confidence in its durability. The flash head is designed to tilt and swivel, providing photographers with flexibility in directing the light for more creative control over their compositions. The overall design reflects a balance between functionality, durability, and user-friendly operation.
Compatibility:
The Bell & Howell Z680AF-P is designed to be compatible with a wide range of camera systems, making it a versatile choice for photographers using various brands. The flash unit features a standard hot shoe mount that ensures seamless integration with popular camera models from Canon, Nikon, Sony, and other manufacturers.
The compatibility of the Z680AF-P with various camera systems enhances its appeal, allowing photographers to use the flash across different setups without the need for additional adapters or accessories. This flexibility makes the flash a practical investment for users who may own multiple camera bodies or collaborate with other photographers.
Power and Performance:
Guide Number:
At the core of the Z680AF-P’s performance is its impressive guide number, a measure of its light output capability. The high guide number signifies the flash’s ability to provide ample illumination, even in challenging lighting conditions or for distant subjects. This feature is crucial for photographers who demand consistent and powerful lighting across a variety of shooting scenarios.
Recycling Time:
The Z680AF-P features a rapid recycling time, ensuring minimal delay between flashes and allowing photographers to capture successive frames without missing critical moments. The quick recycling time is advantageous in dynamic shooting situations, such as events or fast-paced photo sessions, where the ability to fire off multiple shots in quick succession is essential.
Zoom Range:
The flash’s zoom range is a noteworthy aspect, allowing photographers to adjust the coverage angle of the flash based on their lens focal length. The Z680AF-P accommodates different shooting scenarios by providing a variable zoom range, ensuring that the spread of light matches the field of view of the lens. This flexibility enhances the flash’s adaptability to various photographic situations.
TTL (Through-The-Lens) Metering:
One of the standout features of the Z680AF-P is its support for TTL metering. TTL metering enables automatic flash exposure control through communication between the camera and the flash. This feature simplifies the exposure process, making it more accessible for photographers who prefer the convenience of automated settings.
TTL metering is particularly advantageous in dynamic shooting scenarios where lighting conditions may change rapidly. The Z680AF-P’s ability to support TTL metering ensures that photographers can achieve accurate and consistent flash exposures without the need for manual adjustments.
Wireless Flash Capability:
The Bell & Howell Z680AF-P excels in its wireless flash capability, providing photographers with the freedom to explore off-camera lighting setups. The flash can function as either a master or slave unit in a wireless flash system, enabling users to position the flash off-camera and experiment with different lighting angles and configurations.
The ability to integrate seamlessly into a wireless flash system enhances the Z680AF-P’s versatility, allowing photographers to unleash their creativity and achieve more complex lighting setups. This feature is particularly valuable for portrait photographers, studio photographers, or those looking to add dimension to their images through creative lighting.
LCD Display and User Interface:
The Z680AF-P features an LCD display that serves as the central hub for flash settings and information. The user-friendly interface allows photographers to navigate through various modes and settings with ease. The illuminated LCD adds a modern touch, ensuring clarity in dimly lit environments and enhancing the overall user experience.
The display provides essential information, including flash mode, power level, zoom setting, and battery status. The intuitive design of the user interface empowers photographers to make quick adjustments during a shoot, facilitating a seamless and efficient workflow.
Bounce and Swivel Capability:
The Z680AF-P’s bounce and swivel capability add a layer of versatility, allowing photographers to bounce light off ceilings, walls, or reflective surfaces. The flash head can be tilted and rotated, providing flexibility in directing the light for more flattering and natural-looking portraits. This feature is particularly valuable in on-location shooting or situations where controlling the direction of light is crucial.
The bounce and swivel functionality contribute to the Z680AF-P’s appeal as a versatile external flash, making it suitable for a range of photographic styles. Portrait photographers, in particular, will appreciate the ability to achieve soft and diffused lighting by bouncing the flash, reducing harsh shadows and enhancing the overall quality of illumination.
Built-in Diffuser and Reflector:
The Z680AF-P comes equipped with a built-in diffuser and reflector, further enhancing its adaptability to different shooting conditions. The built-in diffuser softens the light, providing a more even and flattering illumination of the subject. This feature is beneficial for achieving natural-looking portraits and minimizing harsh shadows.
The built-in reflector can be utilized to enhance the catchlight in the subject’s eyes, adding a sparkle and dimension to portraits. These built-in features contribute to the flash’s versatility, making it well-suited for portrait, event, and studio photography.
Color Temperature Adjustment:
Accurate color reproduction is crucial in photography, and the Z680AF-P addresses this by providing color temperature adjustment capabilities. Photographers can fine-tune the color temperature of the flash output to match the ambient lighting conditions or achieve specific creative effects. This feature is particularly valuable when working in mixed lighting environments, helping photographers maintain color consistency throughout their images.
The ability to adjust the color temperature adds a layer of control for photographers who prioritize achieving accurate and true-to-life colors in their work. It is a feature that aligns with the Z680AF-P’s commitment to providing photographers with the tools they need to realize their creative vision.
External Power Source Compatibility:
For photographers engaged in extended photo sessions or those who require rapid recycling times, the Z680AF-P offers compatibility with external power sources. By connecting the flash to an external power pack, photographers can extend the flash’s battery life and reduce the downtime between shots. This is particularly advantageous for event photographers or those working in fast-paced environments where capturing consecutive frames is essential.
The external power source compatibility enhances the Z680AF-P’s appeal for professionals and enthusiasts alike, providing a solution for photographers who demand extended shooting capabilities without compromising on performance.
Value for Money:
In evaluating the Bell & Howell Z680AF-P Camera Flash’s value for money, it’s essential to consider its extensive feature set, compatibility with various camera systems, and its competitive price point. The Z680AF-P positions itself as a cost-effective external flash solution without compromising on essential functionalities. Its wireless flash capability, bounce and swivel functionality, and compatibility with external power sources contribute to its overall value proposition.
For photographers seeking an external flash that balances performance, versatility, and affordability, the Z680AF-P offers a compelling option. Its competitive pricing makes it accessible to a broad audience, from entry-level photographers looking to enhance their on-camera lighting to advanced users seeking a reliable and feature-rich external flash.
Bell & Howell Z680AF-P Camera Flash with LCD for Pentax (Black): Buy it now
Limitations:
While the Bell & Howell Z680AF-P Camera Flash excels in various aspects, it’s crucial to acknowledge certain limitations that users should consider:
Build Materials: While the Z680AF-P features a durable build, its external casing may not match the premium build quality of some higher-end flashes. Photographers who prioritize a more rugged and weather-sealed construction may need to explore options with advanced durability features.
Advanced Features: The Z680AF-P, while feature-rich, may lack some of the advanced capabilities found in flagship models from other manufacturers. Photographers with specific requirements for the most sophisticated wireless systems, advanced TTL capabilities, or specialized lighting effects may need to explore higher-end alternatives.
Master/Slave System: While the Z680AF-P supports wireless flash functionality, it’s essential to note that it may not have the same level of sophistication as dedicated master/slave systems found in some high-end flashes. This consideration is particularly relevant for photographers who require intricate multi-flash setups.
TTL Consistency: While TTL metering is a valuable feature, some users may find variations in TTL consistency across different camera models. It’s advisable for photographers to test and familiarize themselves with the Z680AF-P’s TTL performance with their specific camera to achieve optimal results.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Bell & Howell Z680AF-P Camera Flash stands out as a versatile and reliable external flash, catering to the diverse needs of photographers across different skill levels and shooting scenarios. Its thoughtful design, extensive feature set, and competitive pricing contribute to its appeal as a practical lighting solution for a wide range of users.
The Z680AF-P’s compatibility with various camera systems ensures accessibility for photographers using different brands, fostering inclusivity in its user base. The wireless flash capability and bounce/swivel functionality add a layer of creativity, allowing users to explore off-camera lighting setups and achieve nuanced lighting effects.
For portrait photographers, event shooters, and enthusiasts looking to elevate their on-camera lighting, the Z680AF-P offers a compelling balance of performance and affordability. Its rapid recycling time, high guide number, and color temperature adjustment capabilities make it a valuable tool for achieving consistent and high-quality lighting in diverse shooting conditions.
While it may not possess the same level of advanced features as some flagship models, the Z680AF-P’s focus on essential functionalities positions it as a reliable workhorse for everyday photography. Its user-friendly interface, built-in diffuser and reflector, and external power source compatibility contribute to a user-friendly experience, allowing photographers to focus on their creativity rather than grappling with complex settings.
In the ever-evolving landscape of photographic equipment, the Bell & Howell Z680AF-P Camera Flash stands as a testament to the brand’s commitment to delivering reliable and feature-rich solutions at an accessible price point. Whether used by beginners seeking to expand their capabilities or seasoned photographers looking for a dependable on-camera flash, the Z680AF-P shines as a versatile companion in the pursuit of capturing moments with precision and creativity.