Godox iT30 Pro vs iT20 vs iM30: Which Mini Flash is Right for Your Photography?
At Red Dot Photo, Singapore’s premier photography equipment reseller, we’re passionate about helping photographers find the perfect tools to bring their vision to life. Lighting is a critical aspect of photography, and Godox, a leading brand in photographic lighting, offers a range of compact, powerful, and budget-friendly mini flashes. In this blog post, we compare three popular models: the Godox iT30 Pro, Godox iT20, and Godox iM30 Mini Flash. Whether you’re a professional shooting events or an enthusiast capturing travel moments, this detailed comparison will help you choose the right flash for your needs, boosting your photography with professional-grade lighting.
Why Choose a Godox Mini Flash?
Godox has built a reputation for delivering high-quality, affordable lighting solutions that cater to photographers of all levels. The iT30 Pro, iT20, and iM30 are part of Godox’s iFlash range, designed to be compact, lightweight, and easy to use. These flashes are perfect for photographers who need portable lighting without compromising on performance. Available at Red Dot Photo, these flashes are ideal for enhancing portraits, product shots, or on-the-go photography.
Specifications Comparison
To help you understand the differences between these flashes, here’s a detailed comparison of their key specifications:
| Feature | Godox iT30 Pro | Godox iT20 | Godox iM30 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | TTL | TTL | Manual |
| Guide Number (GN) | 15 (ISO 100, meters) | 15 (ISO 100, meters) | 15 (ISO 100, meters) |
| Battery | Built-in Li-ion (7.4V, 900mAh) | Built-in Li-ion (7.4V, 300mAh) | 2 x AAA batteries |
| Flashes per Charge | ~560 at full power | ~700 at full power | ~230 at full power |
| Recycle Time | ~1.5s at full power | ~1.5s at full power | ~3.6s at full power |
| Dimensions (mm) | 65 x 46 x 47 | 41.5 x 41 x 32 | ~61 x 52 x 45 |
| Weight (g) | 120 | 45 | 78 (without batteries) |
| Wireless Capability | Yes (Sender/Receiver) | Likely Yes | Optical slave modes (S1/S2) |
| High-Speed Sync | Up to 1/8000s | Likely Yes | No |
| Flash Duration | 1/1000s~1/30000s | Not specified | Not specified |
| Color Temperature | Not specified | Not specified | 6500K ± 200K |
Sources: Godox Official Website, B&H Photo Video
Feature Comparison
TTL vs Manual Control
- Godox iT30 Pro and iT20: Both flashes support TTL (Through The Lens) metering, which automatically adjusts the flash output based on your camera’s metering system. This is ideal for fast-paced shooting environments, such as events or outdoor sessions, where lighting conditions change rapidly. TTL is especially helpful for beginners or photographers who want consistent results without manual adjustments.
- Godox iM30: This is a manual-only flash, requiring you to set the power output yourself. Manual control is preferred by photographers who want precise control over their lighting, such as in studio settings or for creative effects. It’s also simpler and more budget-friendly, making it a great choice for those new to flash photography.
Size and Weight
- Godox iT20: At just 45g and measuring 41.5 x 41 x 32mm, the IT20 is the smallest and lightest of the three, making it the ultimate choice for portability. It’s perfect for travel or street photographers who want a flash that’s barely noticeable on their camera.
- Godox iM30: Weighing 78g (without batteries) and measuring approximately 61 x 52 x 45mm, the iM30 is still highly portable, fitting easily into a pocket or small camera bag.
- Godox iT30 Pro: At 120g and 65 x 46 x 47mm, the IT30 Pro is the largest of the trio but remains significantly smaller than traditional speedlights, offering a balance between features and portability.
Battery Life and Type
- Godox iT30 Pro: Features a built-in 7.4V, 900mAh lithium-ion battery, delivering approximately 560 flashes at full power. The larger battery capacity ensures longer shooting sessions without needing a recharge.
- Godox iT20: Also uses a built-in lithium-ion battery (7.4V, 300mAh), claiming up to 700 flashes at full power. This higher flash count, despite a smaller battery, may be due to differences in power efficiency or testing conditions.
- Godox iM30: Powered by two AAA batteries, offering around 230 flashes per set. The use of replaceable AAA batteries is convenient for extended shoots, as spares are widely available and easy to swap out.
Wireless Capabilities
- Godox iT30 Pro: Equipped with built-in wireless sender and receiver functions via Godox’s 2.4GHz X system, allowing it to control or be controlled by other Godox flashes. This is ideal for complex multi-light setups in studio or event photography, with a transmission range of approximately 100 meters.
- Godox iT20: Likely supports similar wireless capabilities, though specific details are not fully provided in the available data. It’s part of Godox’s iFlash range, suggesting compatibility with the 2.4GHz system.
- Godox iM30: Features optical slave modes (S1 and S2), allowing it to be triggered by another flash’s light burst. However, it lacks radio wireless control, limiting its use in advanced multi-light setups.
Sync Speed
- Godox iT30 Pro and iT20: Both support high-speed sync (HSS) up to 1/8000s (and up to 1/80000s for the IT30 Pro with Sony cameras equipped with global shutter). HSS is crucial for shooting in bright daylight or freezing fast-moving subjects, making these flashes versatile for outdoor and action photography.
- Godox iM30: Does not support high-speed sync, limiting its sync speed to the camera’s standard sync speed (typically 1/200s or 1/250s). This makes it less suitable for scenarios requiring fast shutter speeds.
Additional Features
- Godox iT30 Pro: Includes a built-in diffuser for softer, more flattering light and supports advanced features like first-curtain and second-curtain sync, multi-flash mode, and flash exposure compensation (±3 stops).
- Godox iT20: Comes with magnetic snap-on accessories like diffusers and color filters, enhancing creative lighting options.
- Godox iM30: Offers simple, intuitive controls and a universal hot shoe, making it compatible with most cameras, including mirrorless and film models.
Use Cases
Each Godox mini flash is designed for specific photography needs. Here’s how they stack up:
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Godox iT30 Pro: This flash is ideal for professional photographers or advanced enthusiasts who need a versatile, feature-rich flash. Its TTL metering, high-speed sync, and wireless capabilities make it perfect for studio photography, event shooting, or complex multi-light setups. For example, wedding photographers can use the IT30 Pro to control off-camera flashes for beautifully lit portraits. Its built-in diffuser ensures soft, flattering light, and the 560 flashes per charge support long shooting sessions.
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Godox iT20: The IT20 is the go-to choice for travel and street photographers who prioritize portability without sacrificing TTL functionality. Weighing just 45g, it’s barely noticeable on your camera, making it ideal for spontaneous shooting or everyday carry. Its magnetic accessories allow for creative lighting effects on the go, and the claimed 700 flashes per charge ensure reliability during extended outings.
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Godox iM30: Perfect for beginners or photographers who prefer manual control, the iM30 is a budget-friendly option for casual shooting, product photography, or small-scale portraits. Its use of AAA batteries makes it convenient for extended shoots where recharging isn’t an option, and its universal hot shoe ensures compatibility with a wide range of cameras, including retro film cameras or compact mirrorless models like the Fujifilm X100 series.
User Feedback and Considerations
User discussions on platforms like Reddit highlight the appeal of these flashes:
- The iT30 Pro is praised for its advanced features, such as acting as a trigger for other Godox flashes, making it a cost-effective addition to existing setups. However, some users note that its larger size compared to the iT20 or iM30 may cause lens barrel shadow issues in certain setups.
- The iT20 is appreciated for its ultra-compact design, but specific user feedback is limited, suggesting it’s a newer or less-discussed model.
- The iM30 is seen as a modern alternative to discontinued flashes like the Fuji EF-X20, particularly for compact cameras like the Ricoh GR or Fuji X100. Users value its simplicity but note the lack of TTL and HSS as limitations for dynamic shooting scenarios.
When choosing, consider your camera system and shooting style. For example, cameras with leaf shutters (like some Fujifilm models) may not require HSS, making the iM30 a practical choice. Conversely, for fast-paced or outdoor shoots, the iT30 Pro or iT20’s HSS capabilities are invaluable.
Why Buy from Red Dot Photo?
At Red Dot Photo, we’re committed to providing photographers in Singapore and beyond with top-quality gear at competitive prices. The Godox iT30 Pro, iT20, and iM30 Mini Flash are available through our online store, along with a wide range of photography accessories. Our expert team is here to help you find the perfect lighting solution for your needs. Visit www.reddotphoto.com.sg to explore our full catalog and take advantage of our fast shipping and excellent customer service.
You can find us on Lazada, Shopee & Tiktok shop as well.
Conclusion
Choosing the right Godox mini flash depends on your photography goals:
- Godox iT30 Pro: Opt for this if you need advanced features like TTL, wireless control, and high-speed sync for professional or complex setups.
- Godox iT20: Choose this for its ultra-compact size and TTL capabilities, ideal for travel or street photography.
- Godox iM30: Go for this if you’re a beginner or prefer manual control and the convenience of AAA batteries for simple, budget-friendly lighting.
Each of these flashes offers unique advantages, and at Red Dot Photo, we’re proud to offer these Godox products to help you capture stunning images. Visit our website today to find the perfect flash for your photography journey!
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