Profoto releases the D30 500Ws Monolight, a high-precision, high-speed studio light

Profoto has released the D30 500Ws Monolight, a 500-watt second (Ws) professional studio light. Profoto promises that this light brings a powerful combination of versatility, speed, and precision for photographers in need of reliable, studio-quality lighting.

The D30 monolight is designed for use in small to medium-sized studio spaces. It addresses professional lighting needs with a suite of new features and the dependable build quality that Profoto is known for. It has a bi-colour LED modeling light, rapid recycling, and high-speed sync (HSS) compatibility.

Key features

High-Speed Recycle and Flash Durations
The light has a recycling time between 0.01 and 0.6 seconds. The flash can freeze motion with a duration of up to 1/21,100 seconds in Freeze Mode. This ultra-short duration means that it’s possible to capture crisp, freeze-frame images, making it ideal for high-energy subjects such as sports, fashion, and dance photography.

Eco, Boost, and Freeze Flash Modes
The D30 features three distinct operating modes for various lighting needs. Eco Mode is optimized for colour accuracy and extended flash tube life, while Boost Mode allows for enhanced light output in situations requiring more intensity. For the sharpest capture of motion, Freeze Mode offers extremely short flash durations to freeze fast-moving subjects, including liquid splashes and dynamic motion, with precision.

11-Stop Power Range
The monolight provides an 11-stop power range, from 0.5 Ws to 500 Ws, adjustable in 0.1 f-stop increments. This level of control allows photographers to fine-tune the light output with exceptional accuracy, adapting to diverse lighting conditions and creative requirements.

Advanced connectivity

Bi-Color LED Modeling Light
The D30 includes a 35-watt bi-colour LED modeling light with adjustable colour temperature ranging from 2800K to 7000K. This adjustable modeling light reaches a brightness of up to 3800 lumens with high colour accuracy, rated at 94 CRI, providing a realistic preview of how the flash will interact with the subject and other elements in the frame.

Profoto AirX Connectivity and Remote Control
Incorporating Profoto’s AirX connectivity, the D30 supports wireless control through Profoto’s Air 1 and Air 2 remotes, allowing photographers to sync, trigger TTL (Through-the-Lens) metering, and employ HSS settings from a distance. The D30 can also be managed via Bluetooth using the Profoto Camera and Profoto Control apps, which provide a streamlined way to adjust settings directly from mobile devices.

Compatibility with Profoto Light Shaping Tools
The D30’s 100mm front mount makes it compatible with over 120 Profoto light-shaping tools, opening up numerous possibilities for creative lighting effects. The light includes a stand adapter with an integrated umbrella slot, ensuring easy setup with various Profoto modifiers to shape, diffuse, or intensify light precisely as needed.

User-friendly design

Onboard Controls with Intuitive Display
The D30 offers an intuitive control interface featuring a large, easy-to-read display. Adjusting settings is straightforward and can be done directly on the light, allowing users to adapt their lighting setup on the fly. With clear visibility and streamlined control, photographers can maintain focus on the subject without interruptions.

Global AC Power Support
Equipped with AC power capabilities and a 100-240 VAC multi-voltage range, the D30 is designed for worldwide use. Its compatibility with international power standards means photographers can rely on the D30 across various studio setups and geographical locations.

Additional Features

• Wide Beam and Field Angles: The D30 offers a 66° beam angle and a 111° field angle, ensuring wide light coverage for larger subjects or backgrounds.
• 3.5mm Sync Socket: For external flash triggering, a 3.5mm sync socket is included, allowing further customization and control in complex lighting setups.
• USB-C Service Port: A USB-C service port facilitates firmware updates, ensuring the light remains compatible with future Profoto features and updates.
• User-Replaceable Flash Tube: The replaceable flash tube design ensures that the D30 remains a durable, long-term investment, ideal for high-frequency studio use.

Price and availability

The Profoto D30 is available to pre-order now for $1,995.00.

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