Profoto A10: Operational Analysis and Light Integration

Profoto A10

In a rapidly changing professional world, lighting management has become a key factor and must adapt to new needs. In this regard, Profoto has demonstrated its forward-thinking approach for several years now. The key words are: ease of use, speed, and reliability. The latter refers to both consistent results and reliability in the field.

The brand-new Profoto A10 fits perfectly into this context. In addition, a highly valuable new addition has just been added to the Profoto catalog: the OCF Adapter, which allows you to mount the ultra-lightweight and compact OCF accessories (umbrellas, reflectors, softboxes, beauty dishes, etc.).

I haven’t had the pleasure or the chance to test this latest model yet. It’s a shame, but I’m sure I’ll get the chance eventually. However, I think it’s important to have tested the A10 without any additional accessories, precisely to demonstrate the enormous potential the flash offers even under basic conditions, without any other accessories. This gives us an idea of what’s possible with a flash that weighs just a few grams (560 grams).

The conditions under which it was tested are fairly typical: two portrait sessions that lasted only a few minutes due to the storm that hit Rome. Wind and rain weren’t the slightest problem for the little A10. The build quality is truly excellent, and the construction is very solid. The included stand is very convenient, allowing you to place the flash close to the subject without necessarily needing an assistant.

The wireless operation via radio waves is extremely convenient, allowing you to position the flashes even at great distances (300 meters) or behind an obstacle without any problem

In this first shot, taken with the Sony A7R4 and the magnificent Voigtländer 50mm f/2 Apo Lanthar, I used my Profoto A1X (for Sony) from the front and the B10 as a backlight for the subject. I didn’t need to consult any manuals. Group and channel control is handled beautifully by Profoto’s single-page menu. A truly simple interface.

Sony A7R4, Profoto A1X + Profoto A10, Voigtlander 50mm f/2 Apo Lanthar

The other two photos below, on the other hand, were taken from a great distance (the trigger signal on the camera remained rock-solid compared to the B10—not a single issue).

A single light source, Profoto A10

Sony A7R4, Profoto A10, Sony 135mm f/1.8 GM

Sony A7R4, Profoto A10, Sony 135mm f/1.8 GM

It all happened in a matter of minutes, even though it was already raining. This kind of ease, simplicity, and speed—not to mention consistent results—is exactly what’s needed today in terms of usability and speed in a professional setting.

Next up was another lightning-fast portrait session with Luca. The weather was even less forgiving this time, and we had very little time to work with. But the job has to get done, and that’s what makes all the difference in the world, in my opinion, for a professional: streamlining your workflow through simple, practical techniques, straightforward and intuitive controls, speed, and quality.

Fujifilm X100V Profoto A10

Fujifilm X100V Profoto A10

My approach to photography is centered on capturing the subject as naturally as possible and achieving the perfect balance between artificial and natural light. I love this aspect of shaping and controlling light.

All the photos taken in EUR, the historic district. The Palazzo della Civiltà or the Palazzo Fendi—Luca’s set. It’s always a challenge to make such an iconic place, one that’s been photographed thousands of times, feel personal and meaningful. In this regard, lighting plays a huge role.

Fujifilm X100V Profoto A10

Here, the light had to be soft enough not to obscure the shadows cast by the statues. The Fujifilm’s excellent responsiveness and extremely low minimum power setting made this possible. When evaluating a flash, there are many factors to consider: from maximum to minimum power, from flash speed to the consistency of the light in terms of both power and color temperature… In all these respects, the Profoto A10 truly stands out.

Fujifilm X100V Profoto A10

Fujifilm X100V Profoto A10

In conclusion, in this brief preview, the Profoto A10 was simply superb. Its ease of use, speed, and reliability consistently live up to the high Swedish standards.

If I had to point out a flaw, it would be the cost of the adapter for OCF accessories, which is really high. However, given the quality they deliver, along with the kit’s compactness and lightness, this can be a very appealing option for shaping light without significant weight or bulk. Lightness, reliability, and speed, indeed. On the other hand, even the A10 alone, without any modifiers, is capable of producing stunning shots and surprising lighting quality.

Federico Zaza