Profoto launches flagship Pro-D3 monolight

Profoto has launched a new flagship monolight, the Pro-D3, which the company describes as a 'relentless workhorse' and available in two versions, with 750Ws or 1250Ws of power.

The Pro-D3 has 11 f-stop flash power adjustment range and 0.1 f-stop precision, making it well suited to the power-intensive and durability needs of high-volume shooting.

Profoto says the Pro-D3 introduces three distinct flash modes to ensure lifetime economy as well as providing options for specific use cases. In default ECO mode, flash parameters are optimized for color consistency and maximised equipment lifetime.

Boost adds an extra boost of power, while Freeze delivers the shortest flash duration for sharp splashing liquid and fast action shots. With the Pro-D3 750, when using Freeze mode, the shortest possible flash duration is a snappy 1/7,000s and 1/75,000s at t0.1 and t0.5 power levels, respectively.

The Pro-D3 also features a power efficient LED-modeling light that shines brighter than a 400-Watt halogen lamp with only 15% of the power consumption.

Beyond saving energy costs, Profoto says this also keeps light shapers cool and extends their lifetime. The modeling light also has a fixed daylight balanced color temperature and light spread like the flash, so it gives a good representation of the light in the final shot.

The Pro-D3 750 recycles as fast as 0.01 to 0.5 seconds when using 230V power and 0.01 to 0.8 seconds with 100V power. The Pro-D3 1250 recycles marginally slower, from 0.01 to 0.8 seconds at 230V to 0.01 to 1.5 seconds at 100V. 

The Pro-D3 features built-in Profoto AirX wireless connectivity, which communicates over the 2.4GHz frequency and there is also Bluetooth which works alongside the Profoto Camera and Profoto Control apps for mobile devices. You'll get up to 100m range over 2.4GHz, and Bluetooth range is up to 30 metres.

All in, neither of the new lights are cheap, and while we don't have local pricing or availability yet, the Pro-D3 750 is $2,995 USD ($4,539 AUD), while the Profoto Pro-D3 1250 is $3,995 USD ($6,055 AUD). 

You can find out more about the new lights at Profoto's website.