Comparison battery-powered monolights THREE VS B10X: What are the differences?

When it comes to battery-powered monolights, the Elinchrom THREE and the Profoto B10X are two standout options for photographers and content creators seeking portability without compromising on power or performance.

While both monolights are designed for on-the-go shooting and versatile studio setups, they differ in several key areas, including power, features, design, and compatibility.

In this article we will compare the Elinchrom THREE and the Profoto B10X to help you decide which one best fits your workflows and creative needs.

Battery capacity

One of the key similarities between the Elinchrom THREE and the Profoto B10X is that both are powered by integrated batteries, offering enhanced portability for photographers on the go. The Elinchrom THREE is equipped with a 41.04 Wh Li-Ion battery, capable of delivering up to 525 full-power flashes (261 Ws) on a single charge.

In comparison, the Profoto B10X provides about 400 flashes at full power (250 Ws) per charge.

In terms of charging time, the Elinchrom THREE takes approximately 100 minutes to reach a full charge, while the Profoto B10X is slightly faster, requiring around 90 minutes.

The Elinchrom THREE can be charged via a standard USB-C cable, offering added flexibility for photographers who use various charging devices. On the other hand, the Profoto B10X requires its proprietary 3A charger, which may limit charging options in certain situations.

Recycling time

The Elinchrom THREE features an impressive recycling time of 1.2 seconds at full power, which allows photographers to quickly capture consecutive shots without long delays between flashes. This makes it an excellent choice for dynamic shooting situations, where speed is essential.

In comparison, the Profoto B10X has a slightly slower recycling time of 1.3 seconds at full power, which is still fairly fast but marginally slower than the Elinchrom THREE.

Modeling light

Both the Elinchrom THREE and the Profoto B10X are equipped with continuous LED modeling lights, providing illumination for both photography and videography.

The Elinchrom THREE features a 20W bi-color LED lamp that emits 3,000 lumens, with a color temperature adjustable between 2,700K and 6,500K. In comparison, the Profoto B10X is equipped with a 24W LED lamp producing 3,200 lumens, with an adjustable color temperature range of 3,000K to 6,500K.

Both modeling lights offer similar functionalities, including adjustable brightness and color temperature, making them versatile tools for various lighting scenarios.

The slight differences in power and lumen output may influence preference based on specific lighting requirements or shooting conditions. However, in practical applications, these variations are minimal, and both lights deliver high-quality continuous illumination suitable for diverse photographic and videographic needs.

Light shapers compatibility

The Profoto B10X boasts compatibility with a wide array of Profoto’s light modifiers, including softboxes, reflectors, parabolic umbrellas, and more. This extensive selection allows photographers to tailor their lighting setups to various shooting scenarios.​

Similarly, the Elinchrom THREE offers versatile compatibility. It can accommodate most Profoto light shapers, significantly expanding the range of available lighting tools. Moreover, it comes equipped with an adapter that enables the use of standard Elinchrom light modifiers.

This adaptability ensures that photographers can seamlessly integrate both the Elinchrom THREE and Profoto B10X into their existing lighting ecosystems, leveraging a diverse selection of modifiers to achieve desired lighting effects.

Flash duration

Flash duration is a crucial factor when selecting a flash, as it plays a key role in how well you can freeze motion in your shots. Generally, a shorter flash duration helps capture fast-moving subjects with greater clarity and sharpness.

When comparing the Elinchrom THREE and the Profoto B10X in “action” or “freeze” mode (prioritizing speed), both lights offer similar flash durations. However, the Profoto B10X is typically faster.

It’s important to note that when using these speed-oriented modes, the color temperature can become more variable. In normal or standard mode, the white balance remains more stable, but in “action” or “freeze” mode, it can fluctuate, which may result in slight color variation between flashes.

In summary, the choice between these two models depends on your specific needs for speed and precision. If you need fast lighting to capture rapid motion, the Profoto B10X offers a slight edge. However, both systems provide excellent performance for most photographic applications.

Dimensions and design

The Profoto B10X measures 17.5cm x 10cm x 11cm , with a weight of 1.5 kg. In comparison, the Elinchrom THREE is slightly larger, measuring 24.5cm x 10cm x 10 cm, and weighs 1.65 kg with the tilt head attached.

Despite the Elinchrom THREE’s slightly larger size, both flashes are compact and lightweight, making them highly portable for on-location shoots.

Their manageable dimensions and weight ensure ease of transport and setup, catering to photographers who require mobility without compromising on performance.

Elinchrom THREE vs Profoto B10X: Which one to choose?

Both the Elinchrom THREE and the Profoto B10X are excellent choices for photographers seeking portable, high-performance monolights. While the Profoto B10X offers slightly faster recycling times and marginally higher performance, the Elinchrom THREE presents a compelling alternative, especially considering its more affordable price point.​

For many photographers, the Elinchrom THREE‘s features, such as its compact design, ease of use, and compatibility with a wide range of light modifiers, make it a suitable choice for both studio and on-location shoots. Its ability to work seamlessly with various modifiers, including those from Profoto, adds to its versatility.

Beyond the choice of flash unit, it’s important to consider the broader ecosystem of lighting modifiers and accessories offered by each brand.

Elinchrom and Profoto provide different ranges of light shapers and modifiers, each with unique characteristics. Assessing which brand’s ecosystem aligns better with your photographic needs and workflow can significantly impact your overall shooting experience.​

In conclusion, both the Elinchrom THREE and the Profoto B10X are capable monolights that cater to different priorities and budgets.

Evaluating your specific requirements, preferred lighting modifiers, and budget will guide you toward the flash unit that best complements your photographic endeavors.