
Powerextra DF-400
Score: 59/100
Ulanzi SL01 Mini
Score: 62/100Rankings

The Ulanzi SL01 Mini Flash is an ultra-compact, 33 g manual flash with a GN 8 output and USB-C rechargeable battery. It lacks TTL, wireless and bounce capabilities, making it unsuitable for advanced lighting setups. Best for beginners and travel shooters who need a tiny fill light.

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 | 8 m | |
| ↓ lower better | 3 secondsbest | 5 seconds |
| ↓ lower better | 315 g | 33 gbest |
— | 250 mAhbest | |
8best | 4 | |
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 | 5 seconds |
General(1) | ||
Compatible Mount Types | Canon, Nikon, Sony, Pentax, Olympus, Panasonic, etc. | Hot shoe |
Connectivity(1) | ||
Wireless Capability | true | false |
Features(1) | ||
Number of Flash Modes | 3 | 1 |
Battery & Power(2) | ||
Battery Type | 4× AA alkaline | Li-ion |
Power Levels (steps) | 8 | 4 |
Design(2) | ||
Weight (with batteries) (g) | 315 g | 33 g |
Dimensions (L×W×H) (mm) | 190×75×55 mm mm | 43x35x28 mm mm |
Lighting(2) | ||
Guide Number (m) | 33 m | 8 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 reviewers praise the SL01 for its unprecedented miniaturisation, high CRI and convenient USB-C charging, positioning it as a budget-friendly entry-level speedlite for beginners and travel shooters. However, they consistently note the lack of TTL, bounce capability and video lighting, which limits its appeal for more advanced or video-centric workflows.
Everyday users celebrate the flash's pocket-size portability, straightforward operation and reliable battery life, especially for social-media content creation. Recurring complaints centre on the manual-only nature, the relatively slow full-power recycle, and the absence of bounce or video-light functions that competitors provide.
“Cheap entry ($26) and great battery life up to 1500 flashes”

“perfect for everyday carry”

“budget flash for creators”

