DigiBee DB800 by Paul C. Buff - The MOST Underrated Flash Unit on the Market for studio lighting
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 22 มิ.ย. 2017
- The DigiBee DB800 by Paul C. Buff is potentially the most underrated flash unit on the market today for studio lighting and location lighting. The Digibee DB800 has a 7 stop power range from 5ws to 320ws at full power. Recycle time is 1 second at full power and just half a second at half power. The Digi Bee is the digital upgrade of the AlienBee series by Paul C Buff.
This is a bare bones flash unit - no TTL - no HSS - it won't do the thinking for you. It is well built - extremely small for a studio strobe which makes it very portable and it doubles as a video light which makes it multi-purposed with it's bright 75watt LED modeling light. For portrait lighting this modeling lamp is a great tool to get small pupils and more color in your portrait subjects eyes.
The Digibee DB800 measures just 5.25 inches from front to back and is 4.75 inches square. It weighs just 2.9lbs.
The t.1 flash duration for the DB800 is 1/975s at full power.
The DigiBee can be triggered remotely using the CyberSync triggers or the Cyber Commander Unit also by Paul C. Buff.
With a two year warranty, I sincerely feel that given its balance of features, quality and price-point, this is the most underrated studio strobe on the market today. It's also worth noting that Paul C Buff is known for their outstanding customer service. All of this makes this the best studio strobe for me.
GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO
Paul C. Buff Digibee DB800 - paulcbuff.com/db800.php
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Joe your videos are the best! Thank you for keeping it short and to the point.
Great review. I have been using Paul Buff products since they first came out and love them. Now that we are getting into video I was curious about this product. Thanks for the clear and concise explanations.
Glad you got some Joe. I told you about these awhile ago. I have two DB800's and an Einstein
Thank you Joe. Awesome product video.
You're very welcome Mark Thomas! Be sure to subscribe so that you don't miss any videos!
its about TIME man!!! Been TELLING U !!! BUFF STUFF IS BEST
I'm with ya Ken! Been using Buff since the early 80's. I was just a late to the game with the DigiBees - but indeed they are awesome! Congrats on the 100,000 mark!
Just ordered several flash units from Paul C Buff, thanks for the review Joe.
Love this guy--such great reviews, all well prepared and without all the yakety yakety!
Glad you enjoyed it Bill Morley! Be sure to follow me on Instagram - instagram.com/joeedelman - I post a lot of behind the scenes images and clips!
Very helpful review. I have 2 Alien Bees. This very well could be my next light.
I bought two of these and I'm extremely happy with them. They are more than powerful enough for work outdoors in bright daylight while using ND filters. I especially like that they auto dump power when stopping down the strobe. I highly recommend these.
Very good, straight to the point review. I owned 2 Alien Bees B1600 (5 years+) and one Einstein unit for 2-3 years now, no complaints there. They have solid products without going bankrupt. I also strongly recommend their products.
Thank you Joe for a great review. ;-)
Thanks for this great video, very well done
You're very welcome James Marriott! I am glad you enjoyed it!
Great intro to the Digibees, Joe! I am researching studio strobes, and was considering these units, until I read one TH-cam poster saying that he's had the same unit replaced 4 times, and considers Digibees "toys". Hopefully that's not hte "norm" for this model, as the features/functionality you describe sound awesome! As I have a small studio space, I am thinking/hoping that the 320ws maximum power would be more than sufficient for my product photography. Thanks again!
Awesome video! thanks for being such an aawesome guru...love your videos. i havent stoppend watching then since I decovered your chanel.
Glad to have you as a subscriber Denny Daniel! I appreciate the kind words. Keep watching - do be sure to take breaks and go shoot something!
I really like your review of this light. I have 6 Paul Buff lights including two different ring flashes, one of them with a 2500WS power pack. I have used these lights for 17-18 years now and I love them. I agree on their great customer service.
Awesome Lawrence Keeney! Thanks for commenting!
Lawrence Keeney fantastic
From your newest subscriber - Joe, thank you, so much for posting such an informative video! I am entering my 3rd yearr of photography and am interested in moving from continuous CFL (5500K), to strobes and really like the idea of "portability". My mentor had mentioned Digibees and battery to me, so, I happened upon this very informative video. EVERYTHING you mention in this video, about these little powerhouses, is amazing! I especially like that the accessories, including the remote, are affordable. I am wondering if I could spend a little more and get an HSS option. I'll have to do some research on that. I was originally looking at the Interfit Honey Badgers. I really think you have just "sold" me on getting a set of these and one of the batter options (or 2, if they each need one).
I absolutely love using their units. In the last week I took a video using the modeling lamps as the light source, shot two weddings and all this with very very few misfires (those were because we were two photographers shooting at the same time so sometimes the units simply could not keep up with our happy trigger fingers) Love Paul C Buff and honestly I do not plan on switching any time soon ;-)
Awesome Vesko Ruychev! Thanks for commenting!
Great job Joe! One of my favorite things about Paul C Buff gear is that they have the BEST customer service in the industry! Also when you are out of warranty, $50 to fix it!
I still love the Einsteins though :-)
Thanks so much for the kind words Cory! We couldn't be more proud of our excellent Customer Service Team!
Alien Bee's are work horse machines. I have been using them for the last 8 years without fail. I even used them on two of my sets on a photo shoot that lasted 24 straight hours (7 lamps with zero fails). If I did not already have 8 of the original Alien Bees I would be all over the Digi Bees with those cool modeling lamps helping keep the set nice and cool.
Nice, concise review. I own 4 Digibees and use the Cyber Commander with them most of the time. What a nice setup with very good Buff modifiers. I've been using Paul C. Buff lights since the early '80s and have high regard for them! Joe, I'd love to see you do a review of the Cyber Commander since it's not the most intuitive controller to learn (but works great once you do).
Thanks for the video tip about the Cyber Commander!
Had these been availible easily in the UK I would have invested in these strobes. Seems they receive excellent reviews from everybody who uses them 😃
This is such an amazingly informative and well put together review, please someone from Paul C Buff send him some free lights and modifiers! He deserves them! :)
For us living outside of the US and still want products like the digibee there are great mail forwarding options. It is especially useful for when you order in bulk as they can help repackaging and save on shipping. Keep in mind that you may get into insurance issues since most of these products won't comply to import regulations like the CE regulation.
Great product for sure. I own one.
It is indeed Daniel Cabral. Thanks for commenting.
Thank you for doing this I just purchased and don't know how to use yet
Michael, please contact our customer service team at 1-800-443-5542, between 9am CT and 5pm CT, and they will be happy to chat with you about your DigiBee.
I would love to buy a couple of these newer models, but my PCB units from the early '80s won't go down. Change the modeling lights when they wear out, no issues. Great units.
Indeed they are Steven Muncy!
I purchased my first Paul C Bluff white lightning unit in 1989 and they are still working my only problem with their products today is that it looks toylike except for the Einstein unit and most flashes are moving to the self-contained power supply units which really helps in the field
I too had the early White Lightnings in the early 80's Gregory Sargeant - when they looked like coffee cans and never stayed round! I don't mind the look of the current strobes at all and for my needs - I actually prefer them not to have self contained power sources. Certainly if you do a lot of location strobe work - that is a buying consideration.
I love my Digibees! I shoot mostly in a small Studio in Hawaii the LED modeling lamp alone made me almost stop using my Einsteins. They still get hot, but so much less so. The only two gripes i have are:
1) the tabs on top are not that easy to manipulate compared to the side tabs of the einstein
2) The slot for the cyber sync is sometimes hard to slide the receiver in and i sometime worry the pins will bend.
Beyond those two little gripes, i love my digibees
That's interesting Zarli Win - I have never had a need to use an Einstein so I am only used to the top tabs - AlienBees have the same. I will admit that the prongs on the transceivers are a constant concern but so far - I have had no issues.
Great video Joe. No doubt PCB makes the best strobes. I have 10 of them from AB400 to DB to Einstein. One thing i hate about them is their mounting system. Getting rid of them all since i moved to all Godox setup.
Another amazingly helpful video....I’ve heard various people say that Alien Bees aren’t very reliable. What troubles have you had with the Digibees?
Dude. Best review by far. Extremely detailed, well paced, amazing close up shots, very engaging, and just well put together. You conveyed everything I needed to know.
Now what are you using to adapt other 3rd party modifiers like the 60" one you mentioned?
Glad you enjoyed it Keenan Reed! Thanks for the kind words! I just spent a half an hour watching your videos man- AWESOME!!!!! As for the modifier - I just use the Paul C. Buff™ Rotating Speedring - Part Number: LGSR $29.95 and it handles most brands of softboxes and otcoboxes.
Joe Edelman oh wow thanks for looking at my videos and for the kind feedback! Good to know about the speed ring and it's usability. Thanks!
Thanks a lot for sharing ,I really appreciate your informative video Mr.Joel but for us outside united states there is no purchase option and for my country specifically can't used it because the power is 220V where as for the unit is 110V so I need transformer and more complicated solution, but I really like the PCF its durable as used in past but now ,I prefer wireless system from other brands
I shoot with the Alien Bees strobe's currently, and with the use of TTL trigger, receiver and AC9 im able to use HSS. Do you know if that's possible with Digibee's?
I have many old zip flash over 10 years, it is still go strong. Never fail to me. All is made in USA, great customer service. I don't need more light. But I am interesting digibee. They don't sell to overseas. Because cannot make good customer service. They made 220V before. It is sad for some one is not in USA. Paul, the founder, pass away year or two ago. I don't know it will effect company future. But I know they 5 years warranty change to 2 years. But I don't care this point. They are honest to their product. Most time they give me free to fix or small fee.
Great advert for them Joe just a pity they are not available in the UK, or Europe for that matter. They look great and inexpensive so a great deal all round.
FOLLOW-UP for NON USA PHOTOGRAPHERS .... Let me first say that I honestly had no idea that the Paul C. Buff company didn't ship overseas. That said... the company does have a page explaining the overseas situation and some options paulcbuff.com/international.php Admittedly the overseas options aren't great. I would encourage you to continue to leave your comments here regarding your desire to use their strobes and what company you are from. You can also email their marketing people at info@paulcbuff.com - let them know that they are missing out.
Very interesting devices! Thank you for information! Now I use very simple flashlight with changing power (bowens mounts), but I start thinking about some new flashlights. But new flashlights is new mounts, than i'm must forget about my octaboxes, snoots, beautydish ets.?
Wondering if you or anyone else has found the fan motor sound a problem in video? Thanks.
Nice review Joe. I own two DB800's (and 3 AB1600's) and love them. However, I cannot recommend the carrying bag. I own it and it is not a good bag. The material is very thin with not much padding. The sides of the bag gap open when carrying it. It needs two more fasteners on the sides to keep it securely closed.
Joe, i have 3 Allien B's 400, and agree with you about the PB strobes, they are awesome.... the DB800 might be my next upgrade... in a near future.... FYI the Angry Photographer loves these strobes LOL.... the only think i dont like is the design of the cyber-command, poor design and location... those pins can break easily..
Nice video - If I could get more models to my studio, I'd really want one of these. I'm kinda in the middle of nowhere, so I don't get to do much. Of course, I have to get healthy enough to afford one.
I bought some foam board at Wal-Mart tonight. I'll be making reflectors sometime.
My next shot isn't likely to be a human model, but maybe I can get some wildlife around here to pose.
Thank you! VTPSTTU Glad you enjoyed it! At least you have some cool wildlife in Wyoming!
This flash speed is 1/975 ... always??? it´s already a great speed... don´t need do fast sync or something for most of cases... is that
right?
can you plug in a trigger to go wireless via any transmitter on a hotshoe of camera
Be careful of the word "any" mixxinmel! The sync port on the bottom of the unit accepts a 1/8" mini plug which works with MOST receivers like Pocket Wizards.
I travel a fair bit and would of loved these units for their compactness etc. I ended up getting an elinchrom elb400 series which cost a lot more because it is just too hard to do business with this company if you are outside the US. Don't know why they don't simply sell the units without warranty to O/S customers.
Agreed Trevor Pay - see my comment pinned at the top.
Are they still USA made?
So how loud is the fan? I was thinking of knocking out two birds with one stone and use them for video as well, but it won't make sense if the fan is loud enough to be picked up on boom mics.
I do discuss that in the video Sarate Edens. The fan is too loud to have it near the mics. They are great for b-roll with no audio but if you are using them to shoot an interview - you need a fair amount of distance from the light to the mic.
Joe Edelman thanks for the reply! I know you said they were loud but I don't do interviews. I help with short films so they would be a tad bit farther in most scenarios that's why I wanted to know exactly how loud they were to see if they are tolerable for audio work.
Unfortunately Sarate Edens - I don't know the exact decibels but I will say that Paul C Buff has excellent customer service - I would give them a call - I am sure they have been asked that question before and have an answer.
Is the primary reason to go for the DB800 over the AB800 the LED modeling light that can be used for video and/or pupil dilation? Well, and I guess the new controls layout.
Additionally, I'm pretty sure you could shoot water drops with this flash. The t.1 duration is ~1/1000s at full power, but if 1/10th power works, then I bet you can get there, wouldn't you say?
That's why I bought mine. The LED lights are VERY bright. Also the 1/10 stop control. Very small and light too.
How much coverage can you get of a person with just the LED light on this? Full body? Half body?
Bryan, it depends on where you place the light when lighting your subject, and if you have any modifiers on it. If you have any additional questions about the DigiBee, please don't hesitate to contact our customer service team at 1-800-443-5542 between 9AM CT and 5PM CT.
I have both original AB800's and DB800's. The fact is that the DigiBees
have proven to be less reliable and I avoid using them and in fact I had
to buy 2 other AB800's. Both DigiBees have been replaced by Buff but I
still avoid them. One just started firing on its own and the other just
took a longer time to recycle. The LED light is nice but it turns out
that there is a thermal problem where the digibee can shut down due to
heat buildup from the LED. Also the triggering of the DigiBee is flaky
as I doesn't always trigger or requires longer recycle time that the AB
models. This is my experience. I have 4 AB800 and 2DB800 and I avoid
using the DB's unless I have too.
Thanks for commenting Peter Gordon!
The problem with Paul C Buff is that he's not prepared to ship outside of the US, so those of us in Europe and other parts of the world simply can't get his excellent gear.
It is unfortunate Greg Wallis - see my comment pinned at the top.
Joe Edelman
Michael Miller
That's actually a rather ignorant American centric response David. The fact is it is a pain in the ass to set up and ridiculously expensive - hence the Honey Badge is a better solution for someone outside the US and in my opinion - a better solution for anyone in the US who doesn't already own Buff. The only people who have an issue with my video - are Buff owners. I never said they had to switch
They are pretty true to color, but can't really be used as video as the fans on them are pretty loud and if you get more than one, well... I have 5 of these and love them, but I still use my LED panels for video. Granted, my studio is also a full blown video and recording studio as well, so we can remove noise in post, but I am a "less post the better" kind of guy. Just throwing that out there for others thinking about using these a lot for video where crisp (interview) sound is needed. I like these better than some of the big boy brands. I still even use my regular B800 and B1600's. Great company. These ROCK for remote shoots with no power, the Vagabond is awesome. These are very underrated lights. The ring light is sweet too, though I don't use it much.
Thanks for commenting youjustgottadrum! I did discuss the fan noise and point out that I have Digibees running while shooting that video. No filtering needed - just careful placement in relationship to my lavalier mic.
I'm not sure if I should db or alienbee. I hear nothing but good things about alienbees. Input from some professionals would be much appreciated
What you have asked for is opinions Lizy Bareno not input. How can anyone give you quality input when we don't know ANYTHING about what you are shooting - where you are shooting - how you are shooting - what your level of experience is - what kind of camera gear you are working with - etc. All I know is you can't decide between two strobes and that leaves no room for any response other than an opinion. Provide more information and we can help you.
Cool stuff, unfortunately not available in Germany / Europe
Frustrating, they don't ship oversea and I was so hyped ... Any alternative easily available in Europe ?
It is unfortunate thomas palmer - see my comment pinned at the top.
Thank you for your interest in our product, Thomas! While we don't currently ship internationally, we do have customers that utilize a freight forwarder. The link (paulcbuff.com/international.php) that Joe had provided in his previous comment provides more information on our international shipping process. For any additional questions, please contact our customer service team at info@paulcbuff.com!
I hate Hate HATE TTL/HSS! Not their functionality per se, just the fact that they will charge you an extra 100 EURO in my neck of the woods just for that functionality that I *never* use. Now if only Paul C Buff could bring their gear to Europe :)
totally agree, i ended up buying two bowens 500 watt used for £600 which included the case one soft box and one umbrella as they like a DSLR Camera drop so much in price once you walk out of the shop.
The DB800 is a bargain for only $40 more!!!! As I am not a big fan of TTL or HSS this is definitely going on my wishlist!!
Agreed William Southwick! You will love this strobe!
the problem with these flashes is that they are not available anywhere except Paul C. Buff Site so if i'm outside USA i can't purchase them and if i did and ship them outside USA then i will lose the Warranty :(
Depending where you are you do NOT loose the warranty. But you do have to go through the troubles of all the cross border stuff. Plus recently, no matter where you shipped from warranty stuff would only be shipped back to the original shipping point. So if you bought while on a trip to LA, no matter where you live they will only ship back to LA. Hopefully this has changed. And since they only use UPS, any cross border stuff gets prohibitively expensive.
Hussain Khalaf - see my comment pinned at the top.
I was able to sync Paul c buff ultra 1200 WL to my Nikon D610 through phottix Odin system at a speed of 1/4000: th-cam.com/video/nSVlZ7NmAQY/w-d-xo.html
Cool PhotoZen! Not sure ow many people have that combination of gear - but if you are able to use it effectively - that's awesome. Thanks for commenting
Nope gotta have HSS.
We bought some thinking this would be good to shoot some of our vehicles, big mistake, no where near enough power. When stopping down to f/16 these things are like candle light. We went and got some used broncolor 1200w strobes, world of difference, if you shooting close to the subject these digi might be good, but not for higher end studio work
LOL PREMIER RAC - you can't blame the DigiBee - YOU were at fault for not understanding what you were buying. The power of the strobes is clearly advertised and the simple fact is - I am a portrait photographer and thats what I teach and for people photography - the DigiBees are awesome! To make a statement that the DigiBee's are not adequate for high-end studio work is simply ridiculous and uninformed.