EVENT COVERAGE 2024 | LITTLE CAYMAN
GEAR TESTS: BACKSCATTER HYBRID FLASH – HF1 – UNDERWATER STROBE REVIEW
BERKLEY WHITE
OWNER
During the Digital Shootout I had a blast pushing the wide angle limits of the Backscatter Hybrid Flash in remote control mode. Unlike what most people incorrectly assume, the Hybrid Flash not only allows remote slave triggering, but you can also remotely control the power output of the remote strobe. I used one Hybrid Flash mounted to my camera in Manual (M) mode to trigger and control the brightness of a second Hybrid Flash held by a model set to Remote (REM) mode. The Hybrid Flash offers 5000 lumen led output, but in REM mode it uses the flash tubes to deliver 100’s times the power of any video light on the market. This allowed me to shoot darker, more rich images even in the shallow (10-30m) waters and even capture sunballs at high apertures. The remote strobe can be triggered and controlled up to 10m away. The ability to beam over new power levels make working with a model or a remote strobe on a tripod or muck stick so much easier than swimming back and forth silting up the environment.
For full details and pro tips on this wide angle remote control method, please watch our Backscatter Hybrid Flash Remote Wide Angle Techniques video at www.backscatter.com or on the Backscatter You Tube Channel.
JAMES EMERY
Media Marketing Manager
As a hybrid shooter (someone who is both a photographer and videographer), it has always been challenging to find a tool that can handle both jobs well. Thanks to the Backscatter Hybrid Flash, there is finally an option. Switching from photo to video mode on the strobe is super easy, with the video mode being the last option on the mode dial. The 5000 Lumens were perfect for capturing both close focus wide-angle and tighter shots. On the strobe side of things, the maximum power of f40 provided more than enough light for any situation. Not only is the Hybrid super bright, but the quality and even beam made lighting up my scenes easy. While shooting photos in Little Cayman, I primarily used the 5500K Flat and Dome diffusers with the Hybrid, which produced a beautiful warm foreground and a rich blue background.
JENNIFER PENNER
CO-OWNER
I was immediately drawn to wide-angle underwater photography. Sure, the small to teensy-tiny stuff is cool, but the big (ger) animals and scenes appealed to my sense of sharing the experience with those unfamiliar with the coolness of the ocean. I started with Z240s then quickly graduated to YS250s and never looked back. Powerful strobes with FAST recycle time, emitting a pleasing and even quality of light. They were trusty and beloved tools in my underwater photography toolkit. And then the unthinkable happened. Their manufacturer stopped making them. For the last I-don’t-know-how-many-years I’d been babying my YS250s and acquiring more YS250s to serve as replacements and/or parts for the impending repairs on the horizon. Of course there were other strobes available, but I was not going to replace my light canons with something subpar. The fancy-looking silvery strobes that are reportedly equal to or better than YS250s are an option, but require a trust fund distribution to afford a pair. Not in the cards for me.
Earlier this year, I’d heard that Backscatter had released a new product, the Hybrid Flash, a combo strobe and video light. Other industry pro shooters were using them with rave reviews and stunning results. I couldn’t wait to try them for myself. How would they compare to my beloved YS250s? During the two weeks at this year’s Digital Shootout, I had the opportunity to use two Hybrid Flashes for the duration. WOW! WOW! WOW! Very bright, even, pleasing light. FAST recycle time. Long battery life – still green after two dives – and easily swappable. There are 4 different color temperature flat and dome diffusers available. For the whole two weeks in Little Cayman I used the 5500K dome diffusers, which provided warm, vibrant colors in my still images.
If you are a video dabbler like me – I mount a GoPro on top of my camera housing – the Hybrid Flash is for you. No more setting up a Frankenrig with both strobes and video lights. The Hybrid Flash is a strobe AND a video light. With 5000 lumens, it is perfect for close-focus wide angle video subjects. To switch between strobe and video light is as easy as turning a knob. Pure genius!
I’m looking forward to more time underwater with these Hybrid Flash gems. Different underwater environments such as blue water, shallow water, green water and black water are now more exciting than ever with this indispensable underwater photography tool!
RIP YS250s!
JIM DECKER
CEO
This is my first trip with the production version of the Hybrid Flash. I used the ambient filters quite a bit here in Little Cayman as it’s a great way to get even color throughout the scene when there is a high level of ambient light to contend with in the shallows and in highly reflective sand. With the 5500K dome diffusers and the high output from the flash tube, it can really light up massive scenes. While I didn’t shoot much video this trip, I was inspired to see so many others shooting both video and photo with the Hybrid Flash at the Digital Shootout this year with a record number of entries in the video category. It really is a great and competent tool for that true “Hybrid” shooter who wants to do both.
THOMAS ANDERSON
Media Producer
The Backscatter Hybrid Flash is a compelling option for underwater photographers seeking a powerful video light and strobe combination. This versatile lighting tool packs a punch with a 5,000-lumen video light and an impressive flash with a guide number of f/40.
The Hybrid Flash proved perfect for capturing wide scenes and subjects underwater. I particularly appreciated the ability to use various diffusers and color temperatures to tailor my lighting. The 5500K dome and flat diffusers were my go-to choices, creating richer blue backgrounds and enhancing my compositions.
Battery life was impressive, lasting for several days of still image shooting. The TTL system using SC mode with my TG-7 was extremely accurate and dependable, ensuring consistent flash exposure across all my shots.
Overall, the Backscatter Hybrid Flash is a great choice for underwater photographers seeking a powerful and versatile lighting solution. It offers excellent flash capabilities, a wide range of beam angles and color temperatures, and long battery life.
