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Viltrox Vintage Z1 On-Camera Mini Flash: Much to be desired
PhotofocusHaving tested several mini on-camera flashes recently, I’ll admit I’ve been spoiled for choice. There are some excellent compact flashes on the market right now—unfortunately, the Viltrox Vintage Z1 On-Camera Mini Flash just isn’t one of them. The Viltrox Vintage Z1 boasts a retro aesthetic that initially caught my attention. Its compact size and vintage design make it an attractive accessory for classic-styled cameras. However, my experience with its performance was disappointing. Please note: While Viltrox sent me this product to review, all thoughts are my own. Viltrox Vintage Z1 — Key features Pros Cons Viltrox Vintage Z1 — Technical specifications Viltrox Vintage Z1 — Sample images While it handles outdoor garden shoots fairly well, I found in the studio it just did not compare to other mini flashes or studio lights. I could not say that this IS a professional flash for a studio at all. While the price is drastically cheaper than pro grade studio lights, the quality is even further distanced, as seen in the comparison below. The images on the left are with the Z1, and the images on the right (same camera, same lens, same settings) are with Godox speed Lights and a softbox. Also, check out my video review over on YouTube: Conclusion While the Viltrox Vintage Z1 is aesthetically pleasing and budget-friendly, its performance leaves much to be desired. The combination of harsh lighting, limited power, and lack of flexibility makes it unsuitable for serious photography needs. It’s more of a decorative piece than a functional tool.
