Table of Contents
Introduction:
In the realm of photography, the mastery of light is a fundamental skill that can elevate an image from ordinary to extraordinary. The Bower SFD728O Dedicated AF TTL Flash enters the scene as a lighting solution specifically tailored for Olympus cameras. In this comprehensive review, we will delve into the design, features, performance, compatibility, and overall user experience of the Bower SFD728O, exploring its potential to meet the diverse needs of photographers using Olympus camera systems.
Design and Build Quality:
The Bower SFD728O greets photographers with a design that balances functionality and aesthetics. Crafted with precision, the flash showcases a professional appearance that complements the design ethos of Olympus cameras. The build quality is noteworthy, featuring a robust construction that suggests durability and reliability in various shooting conditions.
The controls on the SFD728O are thoughtfully placed, ensuring easy access and quick adjustments during a photo session. The flash’s compact and lightweight design adds to its appeal, making it a practical addition to a photographer’s kit, whether shooting in a studio, on location, or at events.
Compatibility and Mounting:
Designed specifically for Olympus cameras, the SFD728O ensures seamless integration with a wide range of Olympus DSLRs and mirrorless cameras. The flash features a dedicated hot shoe mount for Olympus cameras, providing a secure and stable connection. The compatibility extends to the TTL (Through-The-Lens) metering system, allowing for automatic exposure adjustments based on the camera’s metering system.
The inclusion of a swivel and tilt head enhances the flash’s adaptability, allowing users to control the direction of the light and bounce it off surfaces for more natural and flattering illumination. This versatility in mounting and adjusting the flash contributes to the SFD728O’s appeal for photographers seeking creative control over their lighting setups.
Power and Performance:
Guide Number:
At the heart of the SFD728O’s performance is its guide number, indicating the flash’s ability to provide ample illumination. The SFD728O boasts a competitive guide number, ensuring that photographers have sufficient power to illuminate subjects, even in challenging lighting conditions. The high guide number is particularly beneficial for photographers working in larger spaces or under bright ambient light.
Recycle Time:
The SFD728O features an efficient recycle time, allowing for rapid shooting without significant delays between shots. This quick recycling capability is crucial in fast-paced environments or when capturing spontaneous moments that demand a rapid succession of frames. The flash’s efficient recycle time contributes to its usability in dynamic shooting scenarios.
High-Speed Sync (HSS):
The SFD728O supports High-Speed Sync (HSS), providing photographers with the flexibility to use faster shutter speeds while still benefiting from the flash’s illumination. This feature is valuable in bright conditions or when aiming for a shallow depth of field. HSS expands creative possibilities, allowing photographers to control ambient light and achieve desired effects.
TTL Metering and Manual Mode:
The SFD728O supports TTL metering, providing photographers with a convenient automatic exposure control option. This mode allows the flash to communicate with the Olympus camera and adjust its output based on the camera’s metering system. Additionally, the flash offers a manual mode, granting users precise control over the flash output when creative adjustments are desired.
Wireless Flash Capability:
Adding to its versatility, the SFD728O supports wireless flash functionality. This feature enables photographers to use the flash off-camera, providing flexibility in lighting arrangements. The ability to position the flash at different angles and distances enhances the photographer’s control over lighting, particularly in portrait and studio photography.
LCD Display and User Interface:
The SFD728O incorporates a clear and intuitive LCD display, providing essential information about flash settings and status. The user interface is designed for efficiency, allowing photographers to navigate through various modes and settings with ease. A well-designed user interface contributes to the overall user-friendliness of the flash.
Built-in Diffuser and Bounce Card:
The inclusion of a built-in diffuser and bounce card enhances the SFD728O’s versatility. The diffuser softens the light, reducing harsh shadows and creating a more natural and flattering look, especially in portrait photography. The bounce card directs and maximizes the light output, contributing to even illumination and minimizing shadows.
Zoom Range:
The SFD728O features a variable zoom range, allowing photographers to adjust the spread of light to match different focal lengths. This versatility is particularly useful when capturing scenes at varying distances. Whether shooting wide-angle landscapes or zooming in for telephoto shots, the flash adapts to different shooting scenarios.
Battery Life:
The SFD728O operates on standard batteries, and its efficient power management contributes to commendable battery life. The flash’s low power consumption ensures that photographers can rely on it for extended photo sessions without the need for frequent battery changes. This is especially practical for photographers working in situations where changing batteries may be inconvenient.
Build Quality and Durability:
The SFD728O’s build quality reflects a commitment to durability and reliability. The sturdy construction ensures that the flash can withstand the demands of regular use, making it a dependable tool for photographers working in various environments and shooting conditions. The flash’s durability is particularly crucial for photographers who require equipment that can withstand the rigors of active photography.
Auto-Focus Assist Beam:
The SFD728O is equipped with an auto-focus assist beam, providing additional support for focusing in low-light conditions. This feature is valuable when using the flash in darker environments or when capturing subjects with low contrast. The auto-focus assist beam enhances the overall functionality of the flash, ensuring that photographers can achieve sharp and accurate focus even in challenging lighting situations.
Compact and Portable Design:
The compact and lightweight design of the SFD728O enhances its portability, making it a practical and convenient lighting solution for photographers on the move. Whether shooting on location, at events, or in a studio, the flash’s compact form factor ensures that it seamlessly integrates into different setups without adding significant weight or bulk to the photographer’s gear.
Portrait Lighting and Creative Effects:
The SFD728O excels in portrait lighting, providing photographers with the tools needed to achieve soft and flattering illumination. The combination of the built-in diffuser, bounce card, and swivel/tilt head allows photographers to experiment with various lighting angles and techniques for capturing captivating portraits. The flash’s ability to adapt to different shooting scenarios, combined with its high-speed sync capability, opens up creative possibilities for achieving unique and aesthetically pleasing portrait effects.
Moreover, the SFD728O supports creative lighting effects such as second curtain sync, stroboscopic mode, and multi-flash mode. These advanced features provide photographers with the tools to experiment with different lighting styles and effects, adding a layer of creativity to their photographic endeavors. Whether freezing motion with stroboscopic mode or capturing dynamic scenes with second curtain sync, the SFD728O demonstrates its versatility in accommodating diverse creative visions.
Bower SFD728O Dedicated AF TTL Flash for Olympus/Panasonic E-620/E-520/ E-PL5/E-PM2, Panasonic DMC-G5/G6/G10/GH2/GF6/GX1 and Similar DSLRs (Black): Buy it now
Firmware Updates:
The SFD728O’s compatibility with firmware updates ensures that photographers can benefit from the latest advancements and improvements. Firmware updates are essential for maintaining compatibility with new Olympus camera models and addressing any potential issues or bugs. The ability to update the flash’s firmware keeps it current and aligns it with evolving camera technologies, showcasing Bower’s commitment to supporting their products over time.
Value for Money:
The Bower SFD728O Dedicated AF TTL Flash offers an impressive array of features and capabilities at a competitive price point. Considering its high guide number, wireless flash capability, compatibility with TTL metering, and advanced creative modes, the SFD728O provides excellent value for photographers seeking a reliable and versatile external flash for their Olympus cameras. Its affordability without compromising on performance makes it an attractive option for both amateur enthusiasts and budget-conscious professionals.
Limitations:
While the Bower SFD728O excels in many aspects, it’s essential to consider certain limitations that may influence purchasing decisions. The flash’s zoom range, while versatile, may not cover extremely wide-angle or telephoto scenarios to the extent that specialized flashes might. Photographers with specific needs in these focal lengths may need to supplement the SFD728O with additional equipment.
Additionally, the SFD728O may not include some of the advanced features found in higher-end flashes from other manufacturers. For professionals with specific requirements for extremely fast recycle times or complex wireless flash setups, exploring more advanced models may be necessary. However, for the majority of photographers, the SFD728O provides a well-rounded set of features that meet the demands of various shooting situations.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Bower SFD728O Dedicated AF TTL Flash for Olympus cameras stands out as a reliable and versatile external flash that caters to the diverse needs of Olympus photographers. With its sleek design, compatibility with Olympus systems, advanced features like high-speed sync, and a compact form factor, the SFD728O offers an excellent balance of functionality and affordability.
The flash’s ease of use, including its intuitive controls, wireless flash capability, and support for TTL metering, makes it suitable for photographers of all levels of expertise. Whether you’re a beginner looking to enhance your on-camera lighting or a seasoned professional seeking a portable and reliable external flash, the SFD728O presents itself as a valuable addition to your photographic toolkit.
The inclusion of practical features such as a built-in diffuser, bounce card, and auto-focus assist beam enhances the SFD728O’s adaptability to various shooting scenarios. Its performance in portrait lighting, combined with the ability to produce creative lighting effects, showcases its versatility in addressing a wide range of photographic styles.
The flash’s competitive guide number and efficient power management contribute to its usability in different environments, from studio setups to on-location shoots. Its compact and lightweight design further adds to its appeal, ensuring that it remains a convenient and portable lighting solution for photographers on the move.
While the SFD728O may have certain limitations, its overall performance, reliability, and affordability make it a compelling choice for Olympus photographers seeking a capable external flash. Whether you’re capturing portraits, events, or experimenting with creative lighting effects, the Bower SFD728O Dedicated AF TTL Flash proves to be a valuable tool in mastering the art of light in your photographic journey.