Elinchrom has just launched a new range of studio monolights. The new ELD Pro HD Compacts 500 and the 1000 model, are claimed by Elinchrom, to be the most complete and feature rich compact flash studio units. That I’m sure is debatable, but what they have on tap is certainly impressive.

The Elinchrom ELC 500 (500J) and ELC 1000 (1000J) each have an 8 stop range of power and operate with advanced triggering functions such as stroboscopic, sequential firing, and delay modes. All of this is easy to control and see from the nice and bright OLED screen on the back of each unit.

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Sequence Mode – Allows for sequential triggering of up to 20 ELCs in either a continuous, or burst cycle modes. This allows you to make the most of your camera’s high speed, high frame rate options.

Delay Mode – This is the option you would choose to provide first or second curtain sync. It allows for customization in this area and also for predictive synchronization.

Stroboscopic Mode – This is quite cool as it would allow you to shoot using a stroboscopic effect in a single photo.

The new units report fast recycling times. Surprisingly fast. At full power, it’s 0.6s for the ELC 500J and 1.2s for the ELC 1000J. Add to that that each of them are equipped to offer fast flash durations with values standing at 1/5000s for the 500J model, and 1/5260s for the 1000J. You’ll be able to freeze subjects easily.

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The President of Elinchrom, Chris Whittle, was quoted as saying,

We set out to make a unit that would not only change the way a photographer works but also the way that they think. We believe the ELC combines everything a photographer needs with everything a photographer wants, plus the consistency and reliability that you expect from Elinchrom.

Thoughts

Combing all a photographer wants and needs is an enormous claim. I’m sure many reading this really would’ve wanted a cordless power capability, especially at the price point. You’re looking to be out around $960 for the 500J, and $1,235 for the 1000J. If that’s just chicken feed for you then perhaps dropping $2,060 for the 500J dual head kit, and $2,610 for the 1000J dual head kit is more to your taste. Within the kits, you are provided with 2 reflectors, Skyport Transmitters, and a Pro Tec bag to carry these in addition to the dual heads.

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That’s a nice sounding kit, though I really do find it surprising that the company didn’t opt for a cordless power function to compete with Profoto’s B1. Given the popularity of the B1 and LED panels now being used on pro shoots (recent Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition photographers used them extensively on location), you would think it ripe time. Sure the argument could be made that the B1s don’t connect to a main. I guess that’s why there exists  Profoto D1.

It’s harder to swallow this considering their other monolights and kits. Their BRX kits such as the BRX 500/500 2-Light To Go are so appealing with similar recycle times etc. I have a friend who has used them to great effect. At a significantly lesser cost, It seems you would really have to have a specific need for the 500J or 1000J.  What are you thoughts on the matter? Worth the extra coin?