Powerextra DF-400
Score: 59/100
Meike FC-100
Score: 55/100Rankings
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.
The Meike FC-100 is a manual LED macro ring flash that offers versatile continuous and flash lighting with a lightweight design and affordable price. Its low 15 GN output and lack of TTL automation limit its usefulness for demanding macro work. Best suited for beginners and video shooters needing basic close-up illumination.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
33 mbest | 15 m | |
| ↓ lower better | 3 secondsbest | — |
| ↓ lower better | 315 g | 230 gbest |
8best | 7 | |
5,800 Kbest | 5,500 K | |
3 | 4best |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
General(1) | ||
Compatible Mount Types | Canon, Nikon, Sony, Pentax, Olympus, Panasonic, etc. | Universal hot shoe |
Features(1) | ||
Number of Flash Modes | 3 | 4 |
Battery & Power(2) | ||
Battery Type | 4× AA alkaline | AA |
Power Levels (steps) | 8 | 7 |
Design(2) | ||
Weight (with batteries) (g) | 315 g | 230 g |
Dimensions (L×W×H) (mm) | 190×75×55 mm mm | 80 x 60 x 120 mm mm |
Lighting(2) | ||
Guide Number (m) | 33 m | 15 m |
Color Temperature (K) | 5800 K | 5500 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 reviewers commend the FC-100 for its low price, portability, and versatile lighting modes, especially the flash capability that sets it apart from pure continuous rings. However, they consistently note that its 15 GN output is too weak for true 1:1 macro work and that the manual-only operation can be challenging for users expecting automatic exposure.
Everyday users praise the ring's affordability, easy adapter system, and usefulness for video or basic close-up photography, but they frequently complain about insufficient power for high-magnification subjects, manual exposure difficulties, and limited effective range.
“Cheap entry ($26) and great battery life up to 1500 flashes”
“decent, cheap for portable setups”
