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Inon Z-330 Strobe Review: Whats Next?
The Inon Z-330 strobe quickly become a favorite among underwater photographers since its release in December 2017. As the successor to the popular Z-240, the Z-330 brought several improvements and new features that make it a worthy upgrade.
It was officially discontinued in Jan 2023 however this strobe will continue to serve many for year to come and is probaley the best option option out on the second hand underwater strobe market right now.
Design and Build Quality
The Z-330 boasts a robust design with a dome lens on the front, which helps achieve a 110-degree beam without the need for a conventional diffuser. This design ensures maximum light output and reduces the risk of ghosting, flare, and backscatter. The built-in light shade rotates 360 degrees, providing flexibility in various shooting conditions
Performance
One of the standout features of the Z-330 is its impressive guide number of 33, a significant increase from the Z-240’s 24. This extra power makes it ideal for wide-angle photography, providing excellent illumination even in challenging underwater environments. The strobe also includes a 220-lumen shutter-linked auto-off focus light, perfect for macro photography
Z-330 Usability
The Z-330 is designed with user-friendly controls, including larger dials for easy adjustment with thick gloves and a phosphorescent back panel for better visibility during night dives. The intuitive control dials and the S-TTL / 13-Step Manual Flash Mode with 1/2 EV increments make it easy to achieve the desired lighting effects.
Heat Management
A notable improvement in the Z-330 is its radiation system, which effectively releases built-up heat inside the strobe, ensuring consistent performance and longevity.
Specifications Summary for the Inon Z-330 Strobe
Model: Z-330
Strobe Control Mode: S-TTL Auto / TTL Auto / Manual
Connection: Wire (Optical D Cable, Wireless) / Electrical Connection (Sync Code)
Guide Number: 33 (Full power), adjustable from 4.1 to 33 in 13 steps (1/2 EV increments)
Beam Angle: 110° x 110° circular beam (flash light), 30° (focus light)
Focus Light Intensity: 220 lumens
Color Temperature: Approx. 5500K (without Strobe Dome Filter SOFT), 5400K (with Strobe Dome Filter SOFT)
Recycle Time: Approx. 1.6 seconds (Eneloop Pro batteries), 1.8 seconds (Eneloop batteries), 2.4 seconds (Alkaline batteries), 3.5 seconds (Lithium batteries)
Flash Capacity: Approx. 280 flashes (Eneloop Pro batteries), 210 flashes (Eneloop batteries), 200 flashes (Alkaline batteries), 330 flashes (Lithium batteries)
Focus Light Operable Duration: Approx. 3 hours 20 min (Eneloop Pro batteries), 2 hours 30 min (Eneloop batteries), 3 hours (Alkaline batteries), 4 hours (Lithium batteries)
Compatible Batteries: AA Eneloop (recommended), Eneloop Pro, NiMH, Alkaline, Lithium (1.5V)
Dimensions: Diameter: 102mm / 4.0in, Height: 131mm / 5.2in, Depth: 125mm / 4.9in (without Strobe Light Shade / Strobe Dome Filter SOFT)
Weight (air): 637g / 22.5oz (without Strobe Light Shade / Strobe Dome Filter SOFT / batteries), 789g / 27.8oz (with Strobe Light Shade / 4 x Eneloop batteries)
Weight (U/W): Approx. 48g / 1.7oz (with Strobe Light Shade / 4 x Eneloop batteries)
Working Temperature: 0°C to 30°C / 32°F to 86°F (water temperature)
Storage Temperature: 0°C to 30°C / 32°F to 86°F (air temperature), 50°C / 122°F (temporary allowable temperature limit)
Depth Rating: 100m / 328ft
Body Material/Color: Polycarbonate resin / gray
Stunning Dive photography by Featured Photographer Adam Leaders using Inon Z-330
Read About Adam & Buy His Work Here
Underwater PhotographersFeedback for INON 330's:
Here’s a more detailed look at what underwater photographers love about the Inon Z-330 strobe, as well as some aspects they haven’t enjoyed:
What Underwater Photographers Love
Powerful Illumination: The Z-330’s guide number of 33 is a significant improvement over its predecessor, making it ideal for wide-angle photography.
Wide Beam Angle: The 110-degree beam, achieved without a conventional diffuser, ensures excellent light coverage and reduces the risk of ghosting, flare, and backscatter.
User-Friendly Design: Larger control dials and a phosphorescent back panel make it easy to use, even with thick gloves or in low-light conditions.
Heat Management: The radiation system effectively releases built-up heat, ensuring consistent performance and longevity.
Versatility: The built-in light shade rotates 360 degrees, providing flexibility in various shooting conditions.
Focus Light: The 220-lumen shutter-linked auto-off focus light is perfect for macro photography
What They Haven't Enjoyed:
Light Dome Fragility: Some users have reported that the light dome is prone to scratches and damage if not handled carefully.
Initial Adjustment: A few photographers mentioned that it took some time to get used to the strength of the new strobes, especially if they were previously using other brands.
Bulkiness: Compared to some other strobes, the Z-330 is considered a bit bulkier, which might be a concern for those looking for a more compact setup.
Overall, the Inon Z-330 strobe is highly regarded for its powerful performance and user-friendly features, though there are a few areas where improvements could be made.
Recommended Cameras and Setups
Digital SLR Cameras: The Z-330 strobe is compatible with a wide range of digital SLR cameras, making it a versatile choice for underwater photography. It supports both optical and electrical connections, ensuring compatibility with various camera systems. Popular models include the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, Nikon D850, and Sony A7R IV.
Single Strobe Setup: For compact camera users or those preferring a single strobe setup, the Z-330 can be attached to an extended arm for flexible lighting and precise angle adjustments. This setup is ideal for wide-angle photography. Compatible cameras include the Olympus TG-6 and Panasonic Lumix TS7.
Dual Strobe Setup: For digital SLR users, a dual strobe setup utilizing the Z-330 on extended arms can provide advanced lighting and even light distribution. This setup supports both wide-angle and macro imaging. Recommended camera models for this setup include the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, Nikon D850, and Sony A7R IV.
Round up, if this strobe still worth getting?
Absolutely, the Inon Z-330 strobe is still worth getting! The previous model to this strobe set the standard in underwater lighting for over 10 years and the Z-330s are continuing to set the standard perhaps even bare a new legacy. The Z-330 strobe excels in performance, versatility, and ease of use, making it a valuable addition to any underwater photographer’s gear.
Whats Coming Next From Inon?
As of now, Inon has discontinued the Z-330 and S-2000 strobes. They have mentioned that they are working on replacements for each strobe, but they haven’t provided any specific release dates or details about the upcoming models1.
It seems like we’ll have to wait a bit longer to see what Inon comes up with next. Do you think they’ll be able to top the Z-330?
