Strobes v. Flashes - DPChallenge Forums

08/01/2008 05:39:25 PM · #1

What is the difference? I hear the two words used in the same context, and my research is kind of showing me the difference, but I'd like to know the specifics more. Anyone willing to shed some, light on this? (sorry, I couldn't resist :P)

08/01/2008 05:41:34 PM · #2

A strobe is a flash, but a flash isn't necessarily a strobe. :-D

They're somewhat interchangable. The hotshoe mounted units go by either name. Seperate, more powerful stand-mounted units are generally just called strobes. The little pop-up flash built into most SLRs is just called a flash.

At least, that's how I understand it.

08/01/2008 05:42:50 PM · #3

I often see things listed as strobes that are small light-bulb-like objects. Do these just go into a larger strobe unit? If so, what are the relative pros/cons?

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

08/01/2008 05:46:12 PM · #4

Originally posted by zackdezon:

I often see things listed as strobes that are small light-bulb-like objects. Do these just go into a larger strobe unit? If so, what are the relative pros/cons?

I got nothing. Can you post a link to one?

FocusPoint

XIAOMI Redmi Note 8 Pro

08/01/2008 05:49:18 PM · #5

I heard that from NYIP class: Strobe described for flashes use power outlets and big batteries. Flashes are smaller ones, use only with batteries and usualy goes top of the cameras :)

Techo

Canon EOS-7D

08/01/2008 05:49:52 PM · #6

Howdy!

I'm also doing/done research on Strobes vs. Speed Lights(ala the small flash units).

Depending on what kind of work you'll be doing you'll like one more than the other.
Some pros for Speed Lights, the flash duration is shorter so if you want to do stop motion type photography, splashes and such. You'd prefer strobes to freeze that drop.
There are strobes that are capable of this but they are a select few and have a very hefty price tag. For group photos or shooting outside you'd prefer higher powered Strobes. And when it comes to speed lights you'll quickly see how much a 2nd unit will come in handy. For the occasional portrait or a small group photo shoot you could get away with speed lights too though. As with both , softboxes and umbrellas are available though I think more light modifiers are available for strobe systems. Once you go strobe you'll also have to decide if you want battery powered or wall socket powered ones.

Message edited by author 2008-08-01 17:50:56.

08/01/2008 05:50:12 PM · #7

//www.digitalfotoclub.com/sc/from-froogle.asp?id=964719356&rf=froogle&dfdate=7_31_2008

Message edited by author 2008-08-01 17:52:03.

08/01/2008 05:51:22 PM · #8

Fixed Link

Message edited by author 2008-08-01 17:51:43.

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

08/01/2008 05:53:51 PM · #9

Originally posted by OdysseyF22:

Fixed Link

I think that you plug this into a standard light socket for power, and it fires when triggered by another flash. So in theory, you could turn all your house lamps into strobes with some of these.

I've never used one so I can't tell you what the pros and cons are, although I'd suspect they're not quite as good as a dedicated strobe.

Message edited by author 2008-08-01 17:55:02.

Mick

Canon EOS-5D

08/01/2008 07:04:28 PM · #10

Originally posted by OdysseyF22:

They work fine. It's just difficult to connect a softbox to a table lamp. :D

Google Glass Google Glass

08/01/2008 07:15:29 PM · #11

So it would work with that DIY Spiderlite I'm considering making?

Message edited by author 2008-08-01 19:16:19.

Prof_Fate

08/01/2008 10:17:36 PM · #12

Those little strobe bulb things are usually very low power, so not good for much. And you usually have no control over them - the only way to trigger them is if / when they see another flash go off. Rather limitiing, won't work in a softbox, etc.

ambaker

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM

08/02/2008 12:15:42 AM · #13

Back in the prehistoric days, before digital cameras, computers, and 500 channels of TV all with nothing worth watching, there were these things called flash bulbs. Flashes used flash bulbs and the new fangled strobe lights used a gas filled tube at high voltage.

Call 'em what you will these days, but 40 years ago, all of what we used today would be called strobes, or electronic flashes. One of the first strobes was called Strobe-o-light by it's maker. Sports and news photographers loved them.

Message edited by author 2008-08-02 18:20:33.

Prof_Fate

08/02/2008 12:59:13 AM · #14

Nah, to it the OLD fashioned way!
//www.instructables.com/id/Flash-Powder/