Godox iT30 Pro Mini Flash — A Love-Hate Affair?

Godox iT30 Pro Mini Flash — A Love-Hate Affair?

I’ve been testing a lot of these little mini flashes lately, and each new one gets a little better. The Godox iT30 Pro Mini Flash (S version for Sony, tested on my Sony A7RV) is no exception — but my experience with it was very much a love-hate relationship.

Godox iT30 and box

Godox iT30 on Sony camera

This ultra-compact flash promises a surprising amount of control for its size, including TTL, and HSS. But how does it actually perform in real-world use?

Tech Specs (from Godox iT30 Pro official specs)

  • Guide Number (GN): 15 (ISO100, in meters)

  • Flash Coverage: 100m (fixed)

  • Power Output: 1/1 - 1/128 (with 1/3 incremntal steps

  • TTL Exposure Compensation: +/- 3 with 1/3 increements each step

  • Flash Modes: TTL, Manual, Multi (stroboscopic)

  • High-Speed Sync (HSS): Supported up to 1/8000s

  • Recycle Time: ~ approx 1.5s (depending on power)

  • Battery: Internal Li-ion, USB-C charging

  • Full Power Flashes per Charge: Approx. 560

  • Channels: 30

  • ID: OFF/01-99

  • Weight: ~120g

  • Head Movement: Fixed head — no tilt or swivel

  • Dimensions: 65 x 46 x 47mm

  • Colour: Silver or Black

  • Optional extra: TTL Hot Shoe Riser

  • Compatible: Canon, Sony, Nikon, Fuji, Olympus

Pros

  • Tiny and ultra-lightweight — barely noticeable on-camera.

  • TTL & HSS work beautifully outdoors — reliable exposure even in changing light.

  • Rechargeable via USB-C — quick and convenient.

  • Fast recycle times — no waiting around between shots.

  • Bi-colour modelling light — helpful for seeing what you’re lighting, especially outdoors or in dim conditions.

  • Good build quality — solid feel despite the small size.

Cons

  • Low power (GN16) — fine for close-ups or fill, but insufficient for larger scenes.

  • Fixed head (no tilt or swivel) — you’re stuck with harsh, direct light.

  • Not flattering for portraits or creative lighting — direct flash rarely looks good on people.

  • Disappointing for still life/studio work — light felt flat and uninspiring in the studio.

My Verdict

The iT30 Pro and I had a rather complicated relationship.

In the studio, trying to light still life scenes, I quickly grew frustrated. The fixed head and low output just couldn’t compete with my larger strobes, even a mid-sized speedlight natural light (like in the sample images). The results felt dull and lacked the sparkle I expected.

But then I took it outside on a dark, dreary winter afternoon — and suddenly it shone. Outdoors, it provided just the right amount of fill, lifting shadows and adding a bit of life to my garden shots without overpowering the natural light. The TTL worked flawlessly, even with tricky changing light, and the bi-colour modelling light helped me see where the light was falling before I fired.

I haven’t yet tested the Multi or High-Speed Sync modes, but for what I used it for — quick, subtle fill light outdoors — it exceeded my expectations.

Box contents

In the Box

  • iT30 Mini Flash

  • USB-C Charging cable

  • Storage Bag

Final Thoughts

Apparently, you can also pair it with your Godox X3 trigger and any other Godox 2.4GHz flashes and off-camera. Now I must be 100% honest, I tried with the X3 trigger and I just couldn’t get it to work. I did not try with the Ad200Pro, as I figured, what's the point? They would completely overpower this little flash.

If you’re looking for a portable, intelligent little light for outdoor fill or casual snapshots, the Godox iT30 Pro (S version for Sony) is a charming companion. But if you need power, control, or beautiful light quality — especially indoors or in a studio — you’ll likely be disappointed.

For me? It’s has earned a spot in my bag for gloomy garden shoots… but it won’t be replacing my studio lights any time soon.

For full specifications, please visit the Godox Website

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