Powerextra DF-400
Score: 59/100
Altura Photo Camera Flash
Score: 80/100Rankings
The Altura AP-UNV2 is an affordable speedlite with a strong 68 m guide number and a feature-rich LCD interface. Its main trade-offs are slower recycle with alkaline batteries and limited high-speed sync capability. Best suited for beginner to intermediate Nikon shooters who need portable power without the cost of OEM units.
The Powerextra DF-400 is a budget manual speedlite offering a GN33 output, full head swivel and a 18-180 mm zoom range. Its trade-offs include the absence of TTL, high-speed sync and a relatively slow full-power recycle. It is best for beginners and hobbyists needing an affordable, versatile flash for indoor and off-camera use.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
33 m | 68 mbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 3 secondsbest | 4 seconds |
| ↓ lower better | 315 g | 280 gbest |
8best | — | |
5,800 Kbest | — | |
3 | 5best |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Performance(1) | ||
Recycle Time (seconds) | 3 seconds | 4 seconds |
General(1) | ||
Compatible Mount Types | Canon, Nikon, Sony, Pentax, Olympus, Panasonic, etc. | Hot Shoe |
Features(3) | ||
High‑Speed Sync | false | true |
Number of Flash Modes | 3 | 5 |
TTL Support | false | true |
Battery & Power(1) | ||
Battery Type | 4× AA alkaline | AA |
Design(2) | ||
Weight (with batteries) (g) | 315 g | 280 g |
Dimensions (L×W×H) (mm) | 190×75×55 mm mm | 5 in × 3.2 in × 2.9 in mm |
Lighting(1) | ||
Guide Number (m) | 33 m | 68 m |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers consider the Powerextra DF-400 a solid entry-level flash that offers good value for its price, thanks to its GN 33, full head swivel, and wireless slave capabilities. However, they note significant drawbacks such as the lack of TTL/HSS, a relatively slow full-power recycle, and a plastic build that feels less robust than competing models.
Everyday users praise the flash for its low price, long battery life, and ease of use across many camera brands, while repeatedly criticizing the cheap plastic construction, slow full-power recycle, and inconsistent performance at very high shutter speeds.
“Cheap entry ($26) and great battery life up to 1500 flashes”
“reliable, user-friendly”
“bright with no delays”
Professional reviewers consider the Altura AP-N1001 a solid entry-level option that delivers impressive output and intuitive controls at a low price. They commend its reliable i-TTL performance, useful LCD interface, and wireless slave capability, while noting that it falls short of OEM flashes in terms of full HSS support and advanced features.
Everyday users consistently praise the flash's bright power, easy TTL synchronization via the LCD, and sturdy construction, seeing it as great value for beginners. Recurring complaints focus on slower recycle times with alkaline batteries, the need for manual adjustments on mirrorless bodies, and limited high-speed sync functionality.
