The heavily anticipated Paul C. Buff Celestial Light has given photographers who shoot on location and on the move a compact, reliable, and affordable lighting solution for their work.

Most photographers who have been in the industry for a while are familiar with the Paul C. Buff line of lights. For years, they have been a staple for budget-friendly beginners and professionals alike with the Alien Bee and Einstein systems being found in the gear closet of almost any creative you meet.

While the company has made portable power packs (Vagabond Mini), and even the Link with optional battery usage to help users take their kits on the road, it wasn’t until the launch of the Celestial that the brand offered something fully battery-powered that is truly competitive in both the power, portability, and price.

What Does The Celestial Bring To The Table?
Paul C. Buff has been steadily adding to its light offerings with Digi-Bee and optionally-battery-powered Link systems, but now with the 500-watt second Celestial strobe the company has added its first fully battery-powered light that can put out more light than a Godox AD600Pro while coming in about two pounds lighter than both the aforementioned AD600Pro and the Elinchrom FIVE. This may not sound like much, but when you start adding multiple lights to your kits, every single ounce saved can make a huge difference.

The Celestial is an incredibly diverse entry to the Paul C. Buff lineup currently available for creatives looking for powerful tools with a very consumer-friendly budget. The light can be used on location with about 200 full power flashes (this quantity will vary with modeling lamp use), available from a fully charged battery, (additional batteries are available for just $119.95) or in the studio on the same battery power and even plugged in to charge while in use. The portable light also offers 12-stops of power variability giving users an extreme amount of flexibility when adjusting their settings to blend well with the ambient and low-lit situations.

While Buff lists the Celestial’s full power recycle at 1.5 seconds for the sake of consistency, in my testing it proved to be much faster on a full battery and can even hit around 0.8 seconds. Regardless of the location the light is being used, the Celestial offers users access to high-speed sync, TTL, action, or color mode that offers incredible color consistency between shots. What’s even more interesting is the action mode available on the Celestial which gives users the ability to compress the flash into a shorter duration, making it easier to stop/freeze motion without experiencing motion blurs that can happen when capturing action using strobes.

The Celestial is also significantly more affordable than many of its competitors, making it an ideal solution for photographers who are frequently on the move. Especially if you need multiple lights for your setups. Creatives can get up to four Celestial lights for about the cost of a single Profoto B10X Plus, freeing up their wallets to capture much more dynamic lighting scenarios.

In addition to all the above features, Paul C. Buff offers its customers a level of support that many other manufacturers can only dream of, even going so far as inviting locals to quite literally pop by and visit their showroom and see them in person.

The Paul C. Buff Celestial: Compact & Durable

The Celestial may feel like it has a familiar body design to some of the other lights in its family when looking at it from the front. As you’ll notice, the new system uses an LED modeling lamp system to keep it from getting too hot while in use (should you leave the modeling lights on), and to make it easier to get creative by adding or removing the magnetic creative color control gels and diffusion domes.

Something else noticeable on this light is the addition of a large handle located on the back side of the device. This grip/handle will make it much easier for users to make precise adjustments to their light positioning. Users may also notice that the celestial still supports every one of the triggers previously used by Paul C. Buff (including some Pocket Wizards) and also has the sensor along the top to operate as a slave unit without any issues.

Both sides of the light have a latch for quick release of the speed ring for light modifier attachments like softboxes and optical snoots, and users will also find an LED screen with a large dial with several buttons for system setting changes, navigation, and power control.

While users can control and adjust everything they’d need from this interface, taking advantage of the new HUB and Buff Mobile App for iPhone and Android devices will give them much faster, easier, and frankly, more creative control over the system.

Creative Colors Made Easy
Paul C. Buff has taken the quick gel application game a step further with its magnetic color gel dome system. The Gel Domes, designed to work on both the Link and Celestial lights, give creatives the ability to very quickly and easily add a touch of color (or even color correction) to their lighting setups. In only seconds, users can quickly add or swap out the rubber color gel domes thanks to the tiny magnetic pins that snap right onto the face plates of the Link and Celestial lights. They are designed in such a way that they can be used with any Paul C Buff reflector, softbox, PLM umbrella, stripbox, beauty dish, or octabox without being in the way or obstructed by the modifier.

The $64.95 Color Gel Dome kit comes with a one-year warranty and eight gels including Yellow, Orange, Magenta, Blue, Teal, Green, Purple, and Red. The $24.95 Color Correcting Gel Domes come with the same one-year warranty and includes a Full CTO gel as well as a Full Plus Green gel.

The Buff HUB And Mobile App Brings It All Together
There is no shortage of triggers available to work with Paul C. Buff lighting solutions, however, the HUB gives users something a little different that allows for a little more creative freedom. The hub features a hot-shoe mount on top of the remote that gives users the ability to connect their speed lights to be used in tandem with the Celestial light system, also giving full TTL high-speed sync functionality.

The Hub itself gives users access to some limited settings it can change including enabling/disabling of Bluetooth for Smartphone connectivity, Center Pin Triggering, the screen brightness of the hub (lower to save battery life), enabling TTL or Manual flash modes, and setting the frequency and channel for the Hub from 1 to 16 respectively. Why so many of each? It might be a tad bit of overkill, but through the Paul C. Buff Celestial system, you could theoretically have 16 photographers, each with up to 16 lights, all shooting simultaneously with HUB’s and apps without interfering with any other photographers setup.

Currently, the HUB system natively supports Canon and Nikon, with Sony and Fujifilm support anticipated to arrive this coming fall 2023.

To access the full range of settings and details available through the Celestial light, you’ll need to take advantage of the Buff mobile app (Available on Android and iPhone devices) where users can access every single detail of the light ranging from the settings and intensity of the modeling lamp, shoot modes (Action/TTL/HSS), enabling/disabling the slave cell, setting up light configurations, and even accessing the full library of support videos and product details through the Paul C. Buff website direct links built into the app.

Diving into the “Setups” a little further, using this mode within the Buff app, creatives can label and pre-program their light setups for fast and easy changes. For instance, as a headshot photographer, once you’ve positioned your lights and got the right power levels for each one, through the Setups section of the app you can save the lights power settings so that the next time you use them you can easily just re-load that setup and be ready to go in an instant. Basically, if you have a collection of lights, you can have them clearly labeled physically and within the app so you can easily load pre-set levels for each light based on your goto looks, making it an incredibly steam-lined workflow, saving you a ton of time on set.

Why Is This A Big Deal?

As mentioned above, the Celestial system from Paul C. Buff offers users a fully portable and incredibly powerful 500W light system at a significantly lower cost and lower weight than its competition. For about the price of a single Profoto B10x Plus, Paul C. Buff users can get four battery-powered lights to create some incredible and complex images. Throw in the added bonus of an incredibly fast color correction and creative color gel system and you’ve got yourself something incredibly special for beginners and working pros alike.

For photographers who like to add creative colors to their work, the new magnetic color domes from Paul C. Buff just make things incredibly fast and easy to deal with both on set, and especially on location. Using traditional gel sheets with gaff tape or adapters which get in the way of additional modifiers can get very very messy and even frustratingly slow sometimes to deal with, especially when the other lights get too hot and makes the tape fall off, or even worse, melts the gels directly.

Not only would this ruin the pace of your shoot, it could even bring it to a crashing halt if you happen to actually destroy the color gels you needed to get the right look and vibe of the project. Plus you’d be left with a ton of sticky residue over all of your modifiers and light.

Leveraging the magnetic gel system will allow users to quickly change the colors on the lights as well as changing or adjusting the modifiers without having to completely untape and retape up the gels to a new setup.

During our usage of these lights, we were able to swap out the colors (and modifiers) in just a few seconds as we didn’t have to struggle with physical light domes that some other light brands have.

Below are a few other photos I shot using the Celestial:

Where Can You Find Them?
The $649 Celestial Light and Accessories are available now from the official Paul C. Buff store as well as Amazon, Pixel Connection stores, and other third-party retail spaces coming soon. The Light includes a magnetic diffusion dome, the shipping cover, the battery, charger, and flash tube/light itself. In addition to each unit coming with a 2-year factory warranty and a 30-day Absolute Satisfaction Guarantee, the company says that thanks to the growing success of the Celestial and substantial customer feedback, it will provide free shipping on orders of $200 or more.

Choosing between a new entry level camera or an old high end one can be a valid question for both beginner and amateur photographers.

In this article, we delve into factors such as sensor size, image quality, modern features, build quality among others that come into play when making this critical decision.

Understanding the Options

Deciding between a new entry-level camera and an old high-end one can be challenging in this ever-changing tech landscape. This decision isn’t black and white—it depends on your needs as a photographer.

The Allure of New Entry-Level Cameras

Newer entry-level cameras like the Canon EOS M50 Mark II come packed with modern tech features that are hard to resist. Advanced autofocus systems, superior image stabilization and Wi-Fi/Bluetooth connectivity for easy sharing make the Canon EOS M50 Mark II a desirable choice for new photographers.

For beginners in photography, these user-friendly interfaces coupled with automatic modes offer an easier learning curve.

The Charm of Old High-End Cameras

Conversely, classic high-end cameras such as the Canon 5D Mark II have a timeless appeal to experienced photographers. Despite its launch in 2008, this model continues to amaze mid-level photographers with its sturdy build and full-frame sensor which offers superior image quality than the majority of crop-sensor cameras today.

Their sturdy construction makes them perfect companions for outdoor shoots or travel photography.

Making Your Choice: What Matters Most?

Your choice should be guided by what you need from your gear. If cutting-edge features at a lower cost point are important, then consider going for something newer like an entry-level camera.

Exploring the Features of Entry-Level Cameras

When it comes to entry-level cameras, newer models like the Canon EOS M50 Mark II are making waves in the photography world. They are packed with features that were once reserved for high-end professional gear.

The appeal of these beginner-friendly devices lies not only in their affordability but also in their advanced functionalities. Let’s delve deeper into what sets them apart.

The Power and Ease of Modern Camera Technology

First up is the touchscreen interface, a game-changer for camera navigation. This intuitive feature allows you to navigate settings swiftly and efficiently – perfect for those who are still getting the hang of DSLR cameras.

Moreover, these interfaces are not just about navigating menus; they also allow you to focus on your subject by simply tapping where you want your lens to point. It doesn’t get more user-friendly than this.

Moving on to autofocus systems: they have become seriously speedy. The likes of the Canon EOS series offer the Dual Pixel CMOS AF system, which has been widely praised for its focusing speed and accuracy during live view mode – great news if capturing action shots is your thing.

Digital Connectivity: Wi-Fi Capability & More

In today’s digital age, connectivity matters too. Many entry-level mirrorless cameras now come equipped with Wi-Fi capability, allowing easy sharing or transferring of photos directly from your camera to other devices without any hassle – an excellent addition that caters perfectly to our social media-savvy generation.

Evaluating Image Quality in Newbie-Friendly Devices

Sensor size is another critical factor when it comes to image quality in both DSLRs or mirrorless types, particularly at this level. Bigger sensors can capture more light, leading to better picture quality under different lighting conditions.

Don’t overlook that it’s not simply about sensor size. Newer models usually offer better high ISO performance which cuts down noise levels even in low-light situations. This means you get clearer pictures without breaking the bank. But remember, picking between a fresh-out-the-box beginner camera and an older professional one is still your call.

Decoding the High-End Camera: An In-depth Analysis

If you’re in a dilemma between an old high-end camera and a new entry-level one, you’re not alone. Many photography enthusiasts face this choice.

Let’s explore why an older high-end camera such as the Canon 5D Mark II may be a better choice than newer models.

The Longevity and Superior Build of Old High-End Cameras

You may wonder, what makes these older models outlast even some of the newest on the market? The answer lies in their robust construction.

A common feature among old high-end cameras is that they often come with magnesium alloy bodies. This beats plastic casings typically found in entry-level devices hands down when it comes to durability.

But it’s not just about external toughness. Internally too, these machines are built for endurance. Their shutter mechanisms can withstand hundreds of thousands of actuations before any issues arise – something rarely seen in newer models.

The Edge Older Full-Frame Cameras Have Over New Entry-Level Models

Moving beyond build quality, let’s talk image resolution. Here again, older full-frame models score big time thanks to larger sensors capturing more light per pixel than smaller ones found in most new entry-level alternatives.

This means less noise at higher ISO settings – which is great news if you frequently shoot under low-light conditions. It also translates into better highlight detail, giving photographers greater flexibility during post-processing – crucial for achieving professional-grade results every single time.

1. Durability matters: The longevity and superior build quality make them stand up against frequent use over long periods.
2. Larger Sensors win: With less noise at higher ISOs and improved highlight detail from larger sensors, your images will thank you.
3. No compromise on features: Despite being ‘old’, they offer professional-grade features comparable to those available today.

To sum things up, yes, shiny new gear has its appeal, but don’t overlook an old workhorse either. From the outset, they were crafted to fulfill the demands of specialists, thus verifying their durability over time.

Bridging the Gap Between Newer Technology and Pro Features

When it comes to upgrading your photography gear, you may find yourself faced with a crucial question: should you choose a newer entry-level camera or an older high-end model? This decision requires striking a balance between desired features and low-light performance.

Evaluating Low-Light Performance Across Models

The ability to capture high-quality images in dim light is a crucial factor to consider when comparing different camera models. Even entry-level DSLR cameras nowadays come equipped with technology that enhances their performance in challenging lighting conditions.

One standout feature in recent years has been image stabilization, which helps minimize blur caused by minor hand movements during shooting. This feature is especially useful when capturing photos in poorly lit environments that require longer exposure times.

While older high-end models may lack some of the latest technological advancements, they make up for it with superior build quality and advanced settings control. Pro-grade cameras typically have larger sensors, allowing them to capture more light and produce cleaner images with less noise compared to smaller sensor counterparts found in many newer models. Larger sensors tend to deliver better image quality, particularly under poor lighting conditions.

Weighing Desired Features Against Low-Light Performance

When deciding between a new entry-level camera and an old high-end model, it’s essential to factor in not only low-light performance but also other features that complement your photographic approach.

Newer cameras often offer user-friendly interfaces designed for beginners, along with integrated learning tools. These features make them ideal choices if you’re still getting comfortable behind the lens.

On the flip side, an older pro-model will provide more direct control over settings such as shutter speed and aperture size, offering greater creative freedom. However, it could be daunting if you’re not yet familiar with how these settings affect your shots. Understanding these manual controls can significantly improve photographic outcomes, especially for capturing specific artistic effects.

Lens Investment Considerations: The Smart Choice?

Deciding which photographic gear to purchase can be perplexing. Do you go for a shiny new entry-level camera or an older high-end model? Well, here’s another curveball – what about investing in lenses instead?

Unlike cameras that seem to lose value faster than yesterday’s news due to rapid tech advancements and wear-and-tear, lenses have this knack of holding their worth over time.

The Longevity of Lenses

You see, lens technology doesn’t move at the same breakneck speed as digital sensors found in camera bodies. So while your brand-new DSLR might depreciate quicker than you’d like it to, quality lenses tend not to suffer the same fate.

This isn’t some guarantee that all lenses will appreciate or even maintain their value; rather, it’s pointing out that top-notch ones usually experience less depreciation than camera bodies do. This makes them a smarter investment if retaining value is on your checklist.

Making Wise Lens Investments

A smart way of investing in lenses is by going after versatile ones like the 50 mm lens. A solid “nifty fifty” offers excellent image quality and versatility without making your wallet cry for mercy. It works great for various types of photography from portraits to landscapes thanks to its natural field-of-view which matches human vision quite closely.

Another strategy could involve buying older but still top-quality glass compatible with modern systems via adapters. Many premium brands produce superb images despite being several decades old – they may even offer unique aesthetics not found in contemporary designs.

Prioritizing Long-term Value Over Short-Term Savings

In terms of long-term savings and overall photographic capabilities, opting for better optics might give more bang-for-your-buck than frequently upgrading your camera body would ever do. With this approach towards lens investment, you’re essentially buying into an ecosystem where upgrades are mainly driven by advances in optical design rather than simply chasing every incremental improvement offered through new sensor technologies.

Note: Remember folks, this section does not constitute financial advice – always conduct thorough research before making any major purchases.

The Role Of Autofocus In Your Camera Choice

When selecting a camera, the autofocus system can prove to be an essential factor in your decision-making process. This often overlooked feature is crucial in determining your shooting experience.

If you’re transitioning from smartphone photography or just starting out, advanced autofocus technology might be exactly what you need. It simplifies the process of capturing sharp photos and makes newer models incredibly beginner-friendly.

The Impact Of Autofocus On Your Shooting Experience

In recent years, we’ve witnessed significant advancements in autofocus systems. These advancements have made focusing faster and more accurate than ever before.

An improved autofocus not only enhances image quality but also improves the overall user experience. This is especially advantageous for new photographers just beginning their journey with DSLR or mirrorless cameras, as they no longer need to manually adjust focus points; instead, the camera can intelligently select them based on its understanding of the scene.

Gone are the days of manually adjusting focus points; now, you can let your camera intelligently select them based on its understanding of the subjects within the frame.

However, this doesn’t mean that more aged high-end cameras should be disregarded. While they may lack modern autofocus technologies, they often excel in other areas such as sensor size or dynamic range. Depending on your needs and preferences, these factors could outweigh their less sophisticated autofocus capabilities.

Why Choose Used High-End Cameras from Major Retailers?

The draw of top-notch cameras is unmistakable. They promise exceptional image quality and a wide range of advanced features. However, their high price tags can be daunting.

Second-hand models can provide the same premium experience at a significantly reduced cost, while major retailers often offer warranties to guarantee peace of mind. And guess what? Purchasing these gems from major retailers often comes with warranties – providing a safety net against any potential issues after purchase.

A Penny Saved Is A Penny Earned

Budget-conscious photographers know that buying used doesn’t mean compromising on quality. It’s about smart spending and getting more value for your money.

High-end cameras maintain their stellar performance over time due to their robust build quality and superior technology. So why not get top-tier gear without breaking the bank?

Choose Your Vendor Wisely

Your journey towards owning a pre-loved high-end camera begins with selecting reputable retailers who offer warranty protection on second-hand items.

Major sellers typically have stringent inspection processes before listing products, providing detailed insights into each item’s condition right from the start. Additionally, they often have return policies if things don’t go as expected – adding another layer of buyer assurance along with the warranties they provide.

Risk-Free Purchase Experience

No one likes unpleasant surprises when investing in expensive equipment like cameras. With warranties offered by major retailers, you can rest easy knowing you’re covered should any unexpected issues arise after purchase.

Informed Decision Making

Detailed product descriptions give an honest account of each item’s condition, ensuring there are no hidden surprises waiting for you later on. Knowledge is power; use it to ensure your investment pays off both financially and creatively.

FAQs

Should I buy an expensive camera as a beginner?

An expensive camera isn’t necessary for beginners. Starting with an affordable, entry-level model helps you learn the basics before investing in high-end gear.

Are high-end cameras worth it?

Absolutely, if you’re seeking superior image quality and durability. High-end cameras often feature better sensors, build quality, and more advanced options that justify their cost.

Do newer cameras take better photos?

Newer models usually offer improved features like autofocus speed or low-light performance. However, a good photo also depends on your skills as a photographer.

Are older cameras better?

In some aspects such as build quality or sensor size, they can be. But they might lack modern features like touchscreen interfaces or Wi-Fi connectivity found in newer models.

Conclusion

Choosing between a new entry-level camera or an old high-end one is not as straightforward as it might seem. You’ve learned that each option has its own unique set of advantages and challenges.

The modern features, compact size, and advanced autofocus system make the new entry-level cameras appealing to many. However, the superior image quality, robust build, and larger sensor size in older high-end models cannot be ignored either.

Beyond this comparison lies factors like battery life performance and connectivity options, which also play a crucial role. In light of all these considerations, you’re now better equipped to make your choice. Click the following link to learn how to buy a DLSR for beginners.

Nighttime photography can be a real challenge for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is arriving at a correct exposure. Other problems include specular highlights, color casts caused by streets lamps of varying temperature, and important subjects lurking in the shadows.

As a result of these issues and others, sometimes you just don’t get it right in the camera and post processing is required to get the results you desire. In this tutorial from the North Borders YouTube channel you’ll learn how to use Lightroom to get the job done.

Instructor Hayden Pedersen is an Australian photographer/filmmaker whose imagery conveys a strong sense of visual storytelling. In this 10-minute episode he walks you through a step-by-step process for transforming an image he recently shot on the streets of New York.

Pedersen’s photo is a perfect example for this exercise because it includes everything from deep shadows in the foreground and background to a white automobile illuminated by bright streetlamps that could easily bias the tones of the car. He begins the edit with basic adjustments and then goes back for a few final tweaks.

He first increases exposure “just to see what we’re working with” before determining his strategy—a unique approach that works well for all sorts of dark images. He then removes most of the Vibrance and boosts Saturation, explaining that this helps him better blend colors with the enhancements that follow.

Now he’s ready to color grade the image, concentrating first on the shadows. He then modifies highlights and midtones toward the reds and demonstrates how to use Curves to add a bit of “punch.” The next step involves adding a bit of fade and slightly dropping the blacks.

Pedersen moves on the RGB adjustments in the Tone Curve to blend the colors he added earlier. Here he urges you to take a subtle approach because “very minimal adjustments are needed when using the Tone Curve and you’ll be surprised what a big difference they make.” In fact, like with most editing enhancements, a heavy-handed approach runs the risk of spoiling the photo.

As you’ll see, the car is really easy to edit because its satin matt white finish reveals most of the details. And the soft illumination from the streetlamps bounces nicely off the car. Pedersen notes that It almost looks like it was shot with sophisticated studio lighting.

The edit proceeds with a number of HSL adjustments that are a matter of personal taste, enabling you to modify the look in any way your desire. After several more straightforward enhancements the transformation is complete. The key to what you see here is a very natural looking result.

There’s much more to learn on Pedersen’s instructional YouTube channel so be sure to pay a visit. We also recommend watching the earlier tutorial we posted with another accomplished pro, with a simple editing technique for restoring the beautiful colors you saw through the viewfinder when your outdoor photos look a bit dull.