Meike MK430C
Score: 62/100
Godox iM30
Score: 68/100Rankings
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 Meike MK430C is an affordable, Canon-compatible shoe-mount flash offering a strong guide number, TTL, and HSS in a lightweight metal housing. While it provides solid basic functionality, its limited wireless range and slower recycle with AA batteries make it less suited for demanding professional use.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
42 mbest | 15 m | |
| ↓ lower better | 4 s | 3.6 sbest |
— | 230 flashesbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 275 g | 108 gbest |
25 mbest | — | |
— | 7 levelsbest | |
5,600 K | 6,500 Kbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 0 sbest | — |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Features(1) | ||
Flash Modes | TTL, Manual, Multi, Optical Slave, Master/Slave | Manual |
Battery & Power(2) | ||
Battery Type | AA | AAA |
Battery Life (full‑power flashes) (flashes) | 100-1500 flashes | 230 flashes |
Build & Design(1) | ||
Weight (g) | 275 g | 108 g |
Performance(5) | ||
Guide Number (m) | 42 m | 15 m |
Recycle Time (s) | 4 s | 3.6 s |
Flash Duration (s) | 0.00005 s | 1/2000-1/300 s |
High‑Speed Sync | true | false |
Color Temperature (K) | 5600 K | 6500 K |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers note that the MK430C delivers surprisingly consistent TTL performance and premium-feel features like a metal hot shoe at a budget price, but caution that the lack of radio wireless and occasional optical slave hiccups limit its suitability for demanding shoots.
Everyday users rate the flash around 4.4 / 5, praising its ease of use, LCD, and value, while noting occasional unit failures and inconsistent optical slave performance.
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.
“Stopped firing after first use... very disappointed.”
“High guide number (GN 42) for its class; great for travel.”
“Metal hot shoe feels solid compared to other budget flashes.”
