Powerextra DF-400
Score: 59/100
Godox iM30
Score: 68/100Rankings
The Godox iM30 is an ultra-compact, pocket-sized manual flash offering GN 15 and seven power levels with optical wireless S1/S2. Its fixed head and lack of TTL limit creative control and convenience. Best suited for travel and street photographers who prioritize size over power.
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 mbest | 15 m | |
| ↓ lower better | 3 secondsbest | 3.6 seconds |
| ↓ lower better | 315 g | 78 gbest |
8best | 7 | |
5,800 K | 6,500 Kbest | |
3best | 1 |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Performance(1) | ||
Recycle Time (seconds) | 3 seconds | 3.6 seconds |
General(1) | ||
Compatible Mount Types | Canon, Nikon, Sony, Pentax, Olympus, Panasonic, etc. | Hot shoe |
Features(1) | ||
Number of Flash Modes | 3 | 1 |
Battery & Power(2) | ||
Battery Type | 4× AA alkaline | AAA |
Power Levels (steps) | 8 | 7 |
Design(2) | ||
Weight (with batteries) (g) | 315 g | 78 g |
Dimensions (L×W×H) (mm) | 190×75×55 mm mm | 75.96x71.5x205.99 mm mm |
Lighting(2) | ||
Guide Number (m) | 33 m | 15 m |
Color Temperature (K) | 5800 K | 6500 K |
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.
Professional editors praise the iM30 for its unprecedented compactness, solid build, and surprisingly bright output (GN 15) that handles most direct-flash scenarios. They also value its retro styling and the inclusion of optical wireless S1/S2 modes, which bring remote capability to a pocket-size unit. The main criticisms focus on the fixed head and limited power, which constrain creative lighting and performance in bright conditions.
Everyday photographers love how the iM30 slips into pockets and adds just enough light for street, travel and small-studio work. Reviewers repeatedly mention its excellent price-to-performance ratio and practical brightness, while no major complaints appear in the available user data beyond the expected limitation of a non-tilting head.
“Cheap entry ($26) and great battery life up to 1500 flashes”
