18.2.2016

This review relates to my second purchase of this model, this one is for the Sony A7; my first review covers the Fuji X version. The units are identical in performance and facilities, and the Sony version differs only in one minor respect: for some reason does not display the ISO value set by the A7, whereas the Fuji unit will mirror the ISO setting as it is adjusted in the camera menu.From a range of test exposures, though, I can happily confirm that this does not affect the exposures which were accurate in TTL mode over the range of ISO values I tested. I'm not convinced that this is a fault, per se, but probably arises from the fact that this flash unit is modified for several different camera brands and unlike the camera manufacturer's own units,these third party units may not be 100% compatible and provide all the original features. I've experience of this with high quality Metz flash units which differ in facilities depending upon which flash adapter and camera they are used with. Metz themselves acknowledge this.As reviews of this unit appear in different ads in Amazon, I will simply re-state my findings with the Fuji version, as in all respects, barr the non-display of ISO, the units are identical and perform the same.In terms of facilities, it has a reasonable complement of features including TTL flash, Manual flash (with both of which the user can override the exposure using EV settings at 1/3 of a stop) and in manual mode this override is used to set the flash output at fixed powers, from full down to 1/128th.The unit has an unusual feature that one doesn't normally see in on-camera mounted flash guns, but is common an large studio strobes, and this is a modelling lamp via LED illumination that can be switched on to help in viewing the subject for composition and lighting effect, at up to 2m. It is thus very useful in close up photography and where the levels of ambient light can be low and which can lead to difficulties in getting the positioning of the subject spot on.In TTL mode, it will generally give the most accurate exposure in a wide range of shooting conditions within the bounds of the flash gun's power. This is likely to be the best mode to set if the photographer or subject are constantly changing distance in relation to each other, shooting at parties or such other social events for example, or the photographer is not experienced in using a flash in the manual mode and where getting the correct exposure can be more tricky. TTL mode is definitely to be preferred when using bounce flash and which produces a softer light than the rather harsh light of direct flash, as using bounce also reduces the intensity of the flash and is affected by the proximity of ceilings and walls. It is in this scenario that the power of this unit will be stretched and more powerful flash units are better suited to this purpose.In many ways, with a TTL flash capability, the Manual (M) mode setting is often not necessary, but it really comes into its own with closeup photography.The two remaining settings are not that clearly explained in the little user manual, and which may be double Dutch to many. Firstly, it is not pointed out that both S1 and S2 settings are for use with the unit NOT mounted on the camera, but where it is providing auxiliary lighting to a main TTL flash gun and which is connected to the camera. With both S1 and S2 settings, the Neewar will be triggered by the flash firing on the main unit, and thus the Neewar can be positioned almost anywhere but within range and sight of the main flash. Neewar provides a little foot to which the gun can be attached so it can be positioned on most horizontal surfaces.In the S1 setting the Neewar will flash immediately that the main gun is fired. In other words it is triggered by the first flash it detects. However, it will be fooled into firing by some flash units that first emit a test pre flash, followed by the second main flash. With these flash units, the Neewar needs to be set to the S2 mode, where it will ignore the pre-flash and only fire on the second flash. My unit worked in S1 mode, but I couldn't test it in S2 mode as I don't have a flash gun with a pre-flash mode.The flash head can be set from a 90 degree vertical to 45 degree angles, then to horizontal and then -7degrees of angle, very useful in closeup work with the supplied diffuser. The whole unit will also swivel around its base to allow some quite sophisticated lighting in conjunction with the bounce facility.A somewhat unusual feature is the unit has a built-in battery charging capability and any smartphone or other charger providing 5V at 1 Amp can be used to charge the batteries in situ in between 4 to 6 hours. I've not tried extended charging times, but it certainly worked with half depleted batteries. The batteries became slightly warm, but only to the extent that they do in my main multi-charger. I'd certainly leave the battery compartment door open when charging, though, just to be on the safeside. I did leave the the unit on charge overnight to see what would happen and am able to report that the full charging circuitry did what it was supposed to do and the unit and batteries were cold to the touch next morning.All in all, this is a decent little performer for its price and with significant savings over the Sony's own models, and offers several modes to suit most applications within its power rating. A lack of attention to detail robs it of a full 5 stars; the buttons are not easy to read their functions in low light, and two aren't even marked with what they do. This probably won't be an issue for those who regularly use flash a lot and learn by heart what the buttons do, but for an intermittent user, like me, it is. But given its price, perhaps a 4.5 star rating would be in order.

6.7.2020

This review has been written by my better 3/4 who is turning into quite an accomplished amateur photographer - certainly well beyond my standards and this set was used by her for some smoke type photos.I am a keen amatuer photographer and during lockdown 2020 have attempted a few challenges set by a photography group and it soon became apparent that certain tasks are almost impossible without a flash.I still have a lot to learn in the subject and lack the technical knowledge of what goes with what which, is why when it came to choosing a flash I wanted a 'package' so I could be confident that they would work together.I have other Neewer products and have found them to be very reliable and just as good as branded so felt sure this system would prove a worthwhile purchase,

5.6.2019

I bought this speedlite as a very compact, Sony mirrorless lighting option for my a6300. I've found that it's much higher quality and much more useful than I expected. I use several speedlites from another high quality manufacturer and this Neewer triggers them perfectly, acting as the master light. It has a guide number of 36 I believe yet puts out easily enough light for portraits. I shoot weddings and fashion and I'd have no hesitation in using this with a Sony a7ii that I also have. I think for portraits over 7 feet away it can struggle a little, but then it.depends on the size of the room you're using and how your reflecting,

4.11.2018

This is my first flash unit, having delayed getting one as I was unsure if I would need or use it.Works perfectly with my Sony A6000...I should have got one long ago.The settings are easy to use and understand. Having not used the pop-up flash much, I've had to research into the different flash settings (fill, slow & rear mainly) however this unit does a good job of communicating with the camera to work perfectly. It's added a new dimension to my self-taught photography skills. The size is perfect for the A6000's CSC form. Many others would look too big mounted on top. Despite the size, performance isn't compromised.As an added bonus,

10.1.2016

I've only just received this flash unit so I'm still getting used to it. It's a great size for my Sony a7.A basic Sony flash was twice the price of this unit but not as sophisticated. The Neewer unit offers TTL, manual and other settings. Used it outside today on a murky day in Edinburgh as fill-in flash. I was impressed with its ability but as I said I need get to know all it's settings properly to get the most out of it. It can also be angled for bounce flash and comes equipped with a diffuser which simply clips on the front. It also has 3 LEDs which can be turned on to use as a modelling light and possibly for recording. A brilliant little flash unit with a guide number of 32 and it comes with its own little draw-string 'velvet'

7.4.2016

It's ok... great price. The first time I attached it to my camera I couldn't take it off. Given the plastic hot shoe mount I was really afraid it would snap. It resisted the first attempt... Well I guess the first time always hurts, and it's been much better ever since. No problems getting it on and off.What I don't like is that you can't adjust the speed manually (unless I just don't know how to do it). You can adjust the power and that's pretty much it. You can use it in slave mode but not master. Pretty basic, but ideal if someone is just learning flash photography (like myself). Very compact, which is great if one is after a portable flashgun for travel (especially that a7 does not have a built in flash),

24.12.2019

I have had a look at a few external flashes for my son who has taken a real interest in photography after taking part in a workshop in the local Scouts group. He has been given a Sony A7 as an early present and I wanted to complement this with a flash within a budget of £50. Compared with other flashes within a similar price category, this seemed to be quite good in terms of features such as TTL. Received really quickly, it is a nice compact flash unit, which isn’t fixed into one position which I think our boy will really like. Soon find out with Christmas just around the corner!

16.1.2019

Loving the quality and value for the price. Never had a flashgun before but wanted to try a cheap basic one for my Sony RX10 IV. The battery cover was a bit of an odd design to get into, it pushes away from the unit on a latch, so be careful when opening as it could easily get snapped. I love that is has a video light as an option as I mainly do video and this is really useful. Can't wait to get plenty of use out of it. IT also has a usb charging port which is handy if you have to charge it without a separate battery charger.

21.9.2017

Superb value.4 Speedlite's for the price of 2!Needed 2 new Speedlite's and you get 4 for the price of 2Build quality very good for the price, Easy to set up and use, changing power settings is easy and quick, instant charge on low power, 3-second delay on full power. 1/2 power it will fire 7 times before it stops to recharge.4 x AAA batteries needed per unitRecommend the Neewer 16 channel wireless remote if you wish to use this off camera.Neewer 16 Channel Wireless Remote FM Flash Speedlite Radio Trigger for Camera

5.8.2017

I bought this speedlite because I needed has to do daylight flash and blur the background. I tested it and it works great.I've used it to fire my manual yongnuo flash as a slave. The TTL element works great. Manual is a breeze. It does everything I want and at this price it's brilliant value.I can from my experience totally recommend it.. I'd certainly buy it again.

29.6.2018

This flash is so fun to play with! I love the filter set it came with, it has a lot of different colors to play with which is exactly what I was looking for to make the lighting in my photos purple/blue. The softbox was also a sweet add on. Thanks!

25.6.2018

This flash is so fun to play with! I love the filter set it came with, it has a lot of different colors to play with which is exactly what I was looking for to make the lighting in my photos purple/blue. The softbox was also a sweet add on. Thanks!

15.8.2019

Perfect for my Sony A7 mark ii, I honestly had to stretch my budget when buying the camera so finding these affordable accessories is great, I’d have to be a millionaire to afford only original Sony accessories!

24.3.2020

Got this flashgun for a Sony A7ii. It is great value - TTL works seamlessly. Not as highly powered as some but works perfectly well - full swivel and comes with diffuser. Recommend.

3.3.2020

Absolutely cracking little flash. Perfect as a first stepping stone as a beginner who wants to start using an external flash. Performs really well with some ingenious results.

Neewer NW320 - Reviews

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