Godox iM30
Score: 68/100
Neewer Z120 SE
Score: 41/100Rankings
The Godox iM30 is an ultra-compact manual speedlight powered by two AAA cells, offering basic flash functionality and optical slave modes. Its portability is offset by low power, no TTL/HSS, and a fixed head, making it suited for casual or travel use rather than demanding studio work.
The Neewer Z120 SE is a compact, battery-powered mini flash offering GN12 output, fast recycle and optical slave modes, ideal for vloggers and travel shooters. Its lack of TTL, HSS and head movement keep it from professional event or sports work.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
15 mbest | 12 m | |
| ↓ lower better | 3.6 sbest | — |
— | 2,000 mAhbest | |
230 flashes | 500 flashesbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 108 gbest | 142 g |
7 levels | 8 levelsbest | |
6,500 Kbest | 5,600 K | |
— | 12 monthsbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Features(1) | ||
Flash Modes | Manual | Manual,S1,S2 |
Battery & Power(2) | ||
Battery Type | AAA | Li-ion |
Battery Life (full‑power flashes) (flashes) | 230 flashes | 500 flashes |
Build & Design(1) | ||
Weight (g) | 108 g | 142 g |
Performance(4) | ||
Guide Number (m) | 15 m | 12 m |
Recycle Time (s) | 3.6 s | 0.1-1.8 s |
Power Output Levels (levels) | 7 levels | 8 levels |
Color Temperature (K) | 6500 K | 5600 K |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the iM30 for its nostalgic retro styling, ultra-compact form factor, and intuitive tactile dial, but stress its low guide number, lack of bounce/swivel, and absence of TTL/HSS for demanding work.
Everyday users love the tiny size, vintage look, and AAA convenience, but are frustrated by the missing battery indicator, slower recycle, and harsh light from the fixed head.
Professional reviewers appreciate the Z120 SE's blend of portability, high-capacity battery, and optical slave functionality, noting it exceeds expectations for its price but is limited by the absence of TTL and high-speed sync.
Everyday users rate the flash highly (average 4.4/5 stars), praising its reliability, fast recycle speed, and useful accessories, while repeatedly mentioning the lack of TTL and limited head movement as the main drawbacks.
“perfect reincarnation of 70s and 80s flashes”
“doesn't ruin the camera's profile”
“Extremely compact and lightweight (78 g); Universal hot shoe compatibility across DSLR, mirrorless, and film cameras.”
Select Z120 SE for budget-friendly, high-capacity manual flash; opt for iM30 if you need higher power, TTL, and HSS.
