The Godox X3 is a premium flash trigger, with a crystal clear OLED touchscreen and minimalist design. But does this trigger have the brains to match the beauty? In this review, I'll test the X3 versus Godox's previous flagship trigger and help you figure out which option is best for your flash kit.
I've been a fan of Godox's X trigger and flash ecosystem for a long time. With a single system, photographers are able to use small and inexpensive flashguns through large, studio style heads capable of 600 w/s. Photographers also benefit from cross-system compatibility, as just switching the inexpensive trigger allows all your existing flashes to work with the features of any brand of camera from a major manufacturer. Triggers are available for Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fuji, and OM, with support for each brand's flavor of TTL metering.
The X wireless system is a 2.4 GHz RF protocol, and it's built into many Godox flashes. All the most popular models from Godox, like the V1, AD200, AD300, AD600, V860, and others, are compatible right out of the box. When using the brand-compatible trigger, like the S model with a Sony camera or N with Nikon, you also get access to each brand's TTL implementation. The RF setup is also easy, with support for 32 channels, 6 groups per channel, and a further 99 wireless ID settings. Godox supports channel scanning to find an empty channel, as well as the upcoming addition of Wireless Sync via flash firmware updates.
Build Quality
I've previously been using Godox's excellent X Pro II trigger, so I was interested to see what has changed with the X3. The biggest difference between these two triggers is the form factor. The X3 is very compact, taking up significantly less space and weight. The X3 saves all this space through a few optimizations: moving from AA batteries to a rechargeable lithium battery, moving many controls into the gorgeous touchscreen OLED, and reducing the size of the screen overall. For reference, the whole X3 trigger weighs as much as just the batteries for the X Pro II.
The OLED display is very clear, with excellent contrast and good brightness. I had no problem using the trigger in full sunlight or in a darkened studio.
While the shift away from physical controls may not be exciting for everyone, after just a few minutes, I found that I was navigating the X3 with ease. Arguably, the interface is better suited for the most common flash tasks. Changing flash compensation, switching between TTL and manual, activating or deactivating groups, and triggering pops manually are all immediately accessible on the X3. Even accessing more niche settings is easy, as they are stored on their own pages within the UI.
For anyone afraid of touchscreens, there are still a few manual buttons for flash trigger, power/menu, and a clickwheel interface that gives iPod interface vibes (in a good way). While this clickwheel could be a good backup for people wearing gloves or dexterity considerations, the very small size (think pencil eraser) will present some challenges regardless.
At the bottom is a USB-C port for firmware updates and charging. Charging shouldn't be a very frequent concern, with Godox listing 40 hours of working time and 6600 flash pops across that 40 hours, or a max of 10,000 flashes in a rapid trigger scenario. Recharging finishes in 2 hours via a 5V/2A input.
Functionality
The X3 has been rock solid in use. The X system is wireless, so unlike infrared or optical slave systems, you'll get consistent triggering within the range (328 feet or 100m). In crowded RF environments, I didn't run into any issues. When working with multiple photographers using the system, make sure to avoid conflicting channels to ensure consistent results. Max range testing in open spaces matched up with the 300+ feet listed, but this range will be reduced in the presence of thick walls or large metal structures, as will any RF system.
In both TTL and M modes, the trigger worked reliably. High Speed Sync and multiflash also worked well, with multiflash in particular being easier to set up via the touchscreen of the X3.
Compared to the X Pro II, the X3 does drop support for a few more niche features. Leica users will find that there is not currently a Leica-specific model, although Godox has said a model is planned. Also, support for the Godox phone app via Bluetooth has been dropped. Support for the Sekonic L-858 light meter appears to have been axed. Lastly, single contact triggering, which was supposed to ensure reliable triggering at high framerates, is no longer visible. Overall, I can understand the rationale behind most of these cuts. These are very niche features and probably weren't worth the development time. Still, users with a particular application will want to consider whether these are important to their workflow.
Usage
The X3 represents a new standard for Godox. I've always enjoyed using their products in the past, as they delivered great features and very strong value for the money. The X3, however, retains that value while elevating the build quality and feel to a premium level. The OLED display, UI, and snappy interface feel like they belong in a product from a far higher price point. Even the included case is well built, with a custom cutout, foam padding, and snazzy contrast zipper pull. I was surprised to find out that this module is at the same retail price as the older X Pro II trigger.
For most photographers, the single biggest consideration around a trigger will be reliable triggering and good compatibility. The X3 nails both points. Like previous X system products, it works reliably in all the scenarios I've tried, and supports a wide range of cameras and strobes.
Coming in at a smaller size, with a better-feeling UI, I'd recommend the X3 to most users over the X Pro II. Studio photographers who'd use the extra wireless functionality or the single-point trigger mode will still want the X Pro II. Some also may prefer the X Pro II's use of AA batteries or clickwheel and button interface.
The X3 trigger is available to order now for Canon, Nikon, and Sony with shipping beginning soon.
What I Liked
- Build quality, materials, and GUI
- Size savings
- Rechargeable battery with USB-C support
What Could Be Improved
- Size of side click wheel
If it had focus assist I would be all over it. Did not see you mention that (lack of) feature. Something I use all the time.
If you are referring to the modeling lamp, yes, it's there. Tap on a group and it'll take you to the next screen where you can turn it on/off.
As was helpfully pointed out, there is the ability to toggle the modeling lamp on a per group basis. If you're referring to that red focus assist light that some flashes or triggers have, it's not present on this trigger. I do know that many newer flashes are dropping that feature as it doesn't work well with mirrorless cameras anyways.
Interesting. I have not read that it has issues with mirrorless cameras. What woul dbe the difference? Any articles on why it has issues with mirrorless?
I've not done an article on it, but if you Google, you can find anecdotal accounts. It's because mirrorless camera's phase detect sensors are sitting behind the IR filter stack, unlike DSLRs.
It works fine with my V1 or X2-T on my a7IV and a7RV. The threshold for activating it is quite low, so there are times when the environment is dark enough that I'd like it to kick in but not dark enough to make it actually do so. Pretty sure this is a function of the camera and not the flash/trigger. This is where the V1's modeling lamp comes in handy.
I'm diggin' how tiny it is.
How do you transfer the last pop from TTL to Manual (TCM). Do you have to menu dive? Or, just by switching to M will transfer whatever was used in the last TTL?
It's toggleable via the swipe down menu. It looks like it stays on once set, and you can swap back and forth between TTL/M.
So that will keep the most recent TTL power setting (like Profoto) and not just swap to manual with whatever power was last set specifically in manual ?
That's how it's described in the manual.
The old caveman interfaces of speedlights needs to die. I donr understand why something so clunky is kept alive +im pooking at you canon speedlights).
Its great to see the modern UIs on monoblocs and other flash gear... So why your speed lights in particular stuck with these old trashy mechanisms of control. On my old 600 RTs with spinach graphics, there was even a button combination to switch it to full manual. Super annoying. Yes it's older but that's my point, these interfaces are generally so old.
Just the difference between the two godox triggers above is insane. Progress is good, and more camera control-based interfaces need to grow up. Even for cameras as a whole, no one is really being brave with user interfaces. I guess the r&d money is something they would not rather spend or don't have the budget for. I guess.
This looks like a very nicely designed system. I wish Paul Buff would have done something like this rather than the ill conceived Hub/Link system.
Yeah, my biggest takeaway was the quality and care in design, UI, and materials. Godox gear has not been bad in the past, but this feels genuinely premium, even compared to OEM flash gear that I've used.
It’s a shame to see that they abandoned Bluetooth support on this model. I’m assuming it was to keep the size down. For me that was the biggest selling feature of the X Pro II. The ability to change the power of my lights via the app is incredibly useful. I shoot a fair amount of still life and when you have to touch the trigger to adjust power settings you risk moving the camera.
Yeah, unfortunately it doesn't have everything. Maybe an X3 Pro could bring that back, but I'd guess for battery life and BOM considerations it was cut in this version.
I want the opposite - a no screen tiny trigger that runs 10x longer, since I manipulate the strobes directly. The X1T will run for a month without needing to change batteries, but could use a leaner refresh.
Sure, if that works for you. In many studio settings it’s an inconvenience to go to every light and adjust settings, especially in certain still life scenarios where it maybe physically difficult to reach the lights without disrupting the set.
I'm aware of the advantage in studio settings. My aim is to point out a market that's underdeveloped.
I highly doubt anyone is going to waste their time and money developing that for the 1%.
Especially:
1. When you have the X1T that can last a month.
2. Then, you have the caveman simple, Neewer RT-16. I had that trigger just laying around in my bag for over a year (maybe 2) and surprisingly it still had enough juice to fire the studio lights via cable for the day.
3. Responsible photographers would charge their devices before each shoot.
What would be really cool is if it were actually in stock and available for purchase. Until then, we can only read articles about it.
They are available for purchase and looks like most places expect delivery mid April.
Man I'm just not a fan of touch screens. Id much rather have physical buttons for this kind of stuff.
I am all for this product. Next step is to kill the hotshoe design and introduce something more robust.
When I broke the Godox 860S when it fell over on the table while mounted in its little foot, I had it.
The hotshoe is to brittle of a construction, especially when you introduce plastic into the mix. It is too much of a legacy design when you can do an Apple and create a new superior standard.
Hard metal, robust and manly. Not a girlie man design. Hear me now and forget about it later.
Something deep and penetrating into the body of the camera.
This is too small for me. I like using the Godox Android App; I can control each lights power from my phone.
I have one of these for the sony. It IS really nicely designed, and feels a lot of tech for the tiny price - but so far I have to be honest that the Xpro ii triggers are probably quicker and easier to use. That may be familiarity to a degree, but this is a bit fiddly in some ways. The reason to want it isn't so much the interface as the tiny size. I am hoping over time I will start to prefer it, but whilst it looks cool it's definitely more fiddly, and you have to press a lot more buttons (virtual or otherwise) to achieve the same as on the series ii