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Which external flash works best with Panasonic Lumix G series cameras?

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Got a wedding to shoot this coming Saturday in Seattle and my main flash just died on me. Im using a Lumix G9 and I need a replacement fast. I looked at the Godox V860III since the price is right but I keep reading conflicting reports that the TTL is buggy on Panasonic bodies compared to other brands. Like it just misses exposures sometimes. Then there is the official Panasonic DMW-FL360L but it seems way overpriced for how old the tech is.

My budgets around $200 and I need to order this tonight so it gets here in time. Does anyone know which external flash actually works best and stays consistent with the Lumix G series?

7 Answers
12

Gotta be careful with the V860 series for a wedding. Using the Godox V860III-O TTL Camera Flash on my G9 has shown me some TTL consistency issues that can ruin a shot if you arent watching the histogram like a hawk. The communication between Godox and Panasonic just isnt as seamless as it is with other brands, and it tends to struggle in fast-paced environments. You might want to consider the Godox V1-O Flash for Olympus/Panasonic instead. Its slightly pricier, but the recycle time is faster and the light falloff is much more even. If you are strictly sticking to that $200 limit, the Godox TT685II-O Flash for Olympus/Panasonic is actually a safer bet. It uses AA batteries which can be a lifesaver if you forget to charge a proprietary pack. Just make sure to test it thoroughly before Saturday because those exposure skips are real... definitely dont want to find out the hard way during the vows.

11
  • Grab the Nissin i60A Flash for Micro Four Thirds instead
  • Its got GN60 power and way more stable TTL communication
  • Full HSS support and uses the NAS wireless system
  • Fits that $200 budget perfectly




4

Regarding what #5 said about "Saving this thread" - honestly it's a good idea because these G series bodies can be picky with third-party hardware. I definitely agree with the crowd here that TTL consistency is everything for a wedding. I have been extremely satisfied with how the Olympus FL-700WR Electronic Flash performs on my G9. It is fully compatible since they share the MFT system specs, and the weather sealing gives me some extra peace of mind if it starts drizzling in Seattle. If you're trying to keep it under that $200 mark while staying professional, here is a methodical DIY approach that works well for me:

  • Look for a used Panasonic DMW-FL580L External Flash which usually hits that price point on the used market.
  • Always use Panasonic Eneloop Pro Rechargeable Batteries to keep those recycle times snappy during the ceremony.
  • Do a quick DIY bounce test on a grey card before the guests arrive to dial in your compensation. It is a solid, conservative setup and I've had no complaints about the exposure accuracy even in tricky lighting.

3

Just catching up on this and man, weddings are stressful enough without gear anxiety. I learned the hard way at a ceremony last year that you really need a solid backup plan. My main light just quit during the first dance... biggest panic attack ever. Since you're on a tight budget and need it by Saturday, here are a few things I'd consider:

  • I would suggest the Godox TT685II-O Flash for Olympus and Panasonic. I have owned mine for years and it is much more stable than the older versions. It uses AAs, so if your power runs out, you can just swap them fast. It's way cheaper than the V series too.
  • Be careful with the shoe mount on the G9. It can be a bit snug, so make sure to lock it down tight or it might lose connection mid-burst. I've had that happen during a ceremony and it's no fun.
  • You might want to consider picking up a Godox TT350O Mini Flash for Olympus and Panasonic too. It is super cheap and works as a perfect backup in case your main one acts up. Having two cheaper flashes is often safer than one expensive one for wedding work.
  • Always keep an eye on your recycle times. I usually carry Powerex PRO AA Rechargeable NiMH Batteries because they handle the heat better during long receptions than standard alkalines.

2

Honestly if you're shooting a wedding you need gear that wont fail when things get hectic. Ive used a ton of flashes over the years and for Panasonic bodies the TTL can be a real headache with some third-party brands. The Godox appeal is obvious but if accuracy is the goal I usually suggest these:

  • Nissin i60A for Micro Four Thirds is basically the gold standard for MFT TTL reliability outside of the native brand. Its compact but packs plenty of power for a reception.
  • Nissin i40 for Micro Four Thirds is the smaller sibling. Its super simple to use with the dials on the back and the exposure is usually spot on. Ngl, the i60A is probably the best bet for your budget. It plays nicer with the Lumix communication protocol than the Godox stuff does tho... just feels more set it and forget it which is what you need for a Saturday wedding.




1

Jumping in here because I totally agree with the Nissin suggestion! Reliability is everything when youre shooting a high-pressure wedding and that unit is just amazing for consistency. One small point to add is that the physical interface is just so intuitive for making fast adjustments on the fly. Before I share more thoughts on the reliability side, I have a couple quick questions about your setup:

  • Are you mostly bouncing light off the ceiling or using a dedicated softbox?
  • Which lenses are you planning to use for the ceremony? I love my G9 but the balance can get tricky with larger units, so knowing your glass helps me give a better recommendation for those long Seattle wedding hours!

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