Profoto A1: The “World’s Smallest Studio Light” We’ve Been Waiting For

The Profoto A1 is a super-compact, lightweight and portable on or off camera flash that not only looks gorgeous, but produces the same high quality of light that Profoto products have become so well known for.

Easy to read display

Right off the bat, you’ll notice that the A1 looks quite different from other on-camera flash systems. For one, the flash-head is round instead of the more traditional rectangle shape.

Another difference is the user interface on the back of the unit, which features a large high-contrast display as well as larger buttons & control ring.

The rim of the flash-head also features a magnetic mount that allows for quick mounting of the various modifiers that are available.

Another feature of note is the A1’s zoom function, which allows for fine adjustments to the spread of light simply by twisting the zoom ring located on the head itself.

You can then use the built-in modelling light to see where the light is going to fall before you take the shot.

Sign up for the exclusive Profoto A1 Canadian Launch Event featuring Miguel Jacob and Raph Nogal – September 28th at the Daniels Spectrum in Toronto

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Magnetic Modifier – Image Credit Michael Anthony

Battery

The A1 features it’s own built-in Li-ion high capacity battery which Profoto says “lasts up to four times longer than AA batteries with no performance fade.”

Profoto also says that the A1’s recycle time is four times faster than other comparable on-camera flash systems, with a time of 1.2 seconds at full power.

Integrate with multiple Profoto lights – Image Credit Michael Anthony

The A1 is more than just an on-camera flash solution. It works equally as well as part of a larger, integrated system of lights thanks to the built-in Air Remote with AirTTL.

The benefit of this is that it will work seamlessly with other Profoto lights such as the larger B1X system.

Modifiers

As mentioned, the magnetic ring makes it incredibly easy to add a variety of light-shaping modifiers to the A1.

These modifiers include:

Soft Bounce

Features

• Creates a soft and flattering light, perfect for portraits.
• Easily folds out and in again.
• Easily clicks on and off the A1’s magnetic mount.
• Can be stacked with other A1 modifiers.
• Stored in a protective bag.

Four Colour Correction Gels

Features

• Balances color temperature of flash to match ambient light.
• High quality and rigid premium gels.
• Easily clicks on and off the A1’s magnetic mount.
• Can be stacked with other A1 modifiers.
• Gels and gel holder stored in a compact hard case.

Dome Diffuser

Features

• Diffuses the light for a soft and crisp light.
• Easily clicks on and off the A1’s magnetic mount.
• Can be stacked with other A1 modifiers.
• Lightweight and portable.

Bounce Card

Features

• Create a more directional look when using A1 for bouncing.
• Easily clicks on and off the A1’s magnetic mount.
• Can be stacked with other A1 modifiers.
• Lightweight and portable.
• Stored in a microfiber pouch.

Wide Lens

Features

• Creates a wide light, perfect for group portraits.
• Easily clicks on and off the A1’s magnetic mount.
• Can be stacked with other A1 modifiers.
• Lightweight and portable.

Buy the Profoto A1 Light in Canada at Vistek

The Profoto A1 is designed with light shaping capabilities; it has a unique round head with a soft, smooth fall-off that makes it easy to create a natural and beautiful light. It also includes a smart magnetic mount and three dedicated A1 Light Shaping Tools that click on and off quickly and easily – a Dome Diffuser, Wide Lens and Bounce Card.

Sample Image Gallery – Images © Sal Cincotta

Also published on Medium.