 
Choosing An
Electronic Flash System
A Decision Of Necessity Blended With
Convenience
There are dozens of strobe
manufacturers, hundreds of light units and thousands of
accessories. What can you really base your purchase decision on
other than personal experience, a sales pitch, a seminar
demonstration or a friend's recommendation? While these inputs
can be helpful, they may not necessarily be accurate nor always
guide you to the best value - equipment that satisfies
your current needs and what you will need in the future, at a
price you can afford.
A search for an electronic flash system
generally blends the primary elements of necessity with specific
features for convenience. Each manufacturer's equipment should be
carefully compared by the specific features, quality, performance
and reliability. Having the right equipment will give you the
ability and confidence to do most any assignment.
Since lighting has no foolproof formulas
or steadfast rules, it is important to carefully examine your
business, creative style and lighting needs before going into the
dealer's store. All systems will create light from a stored
energy source, but it is up to you, and only you, to select the
proper tools that are suited to the way you work. A long list of
features in a flash system does not necessarily mean that it is
the best in your specific situation. You don't need a lot of
features if what you select has the right ones for you.
The following three steps may be helpful
in gathering the information that you need to evaluate flash
equipment for your studio.
1) Analyze your work.
a) What could be done better or faster
with additional equipment or accessories? Keeping a diary over a
period of time could reveal common needs or wants.
b) Know what you are shooting and what
you would like to shoot more of in the future. If it's people,
location, fashion, industrial or still life work, determine what
percentage of each you do and what equipment features would
apply to that specialty.
2) Determine your basic
needs.
a) Number of lampheads required and the
function of each.
b) Total amount of power in
watts-seconds for each lamphead and total power needed.
c) Type of reflectors for each
lamphead.
3) Establish your
budget.
a) What unit fall into your price
range? Look for the best overall value.
b) Can rental of incidental needs
enable you to upgrade to major elements?
c) Should you buy, lease or rent?
Look for the system that you can grow
with. Buy or lease the pieces of equipment that will work best
with the majority (70-80%) of your work. Rent accessories and
extra pieces that would only be needed occasionally.
If all of the equipment seems to look
alike and the difference between the models is vague, it may be a
sign that you are not getting sufficient information or that you
may need to take a more serious look into your business and
equipment needs. When you begin to see the uniqueness of the
products on the market clearly, you will find the decision on
what will be best for you is much easier to make.
Courtesy of Norman
Enterprises, Inc.
Basic
Principal In Complex Lighting Problems.
   
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