What to Know About the New Profoto Pro D3 Monolight

Written by Adorama
|
Published on May 7, 2024
profoto pro d3
profoto pro d3
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The Profoto Pro D3 monolight is tailored for high performance, ready to adapt to any need in a demanding environment. It’s to stun with its flash capacity of 750Ws and 1250Ws having lightning-flash recycling times of as short as 0.01 seconds. Industrial-scale photography and large studio setups are no match for this lighting wonder. It delivers consistent and rapid-fire output no matter the size of its environment. 

Three flash modes are the Pro D3’s primary feature:

  • ECO mode: Energy efficiency is the biggest priority in this flash mode. Further extending its lifespan, ready to work with professionals all day.
  • Boost mode: In Boost mode, the Pro D3 monolight exhibits its strongest power output.
  • Freeze mode: Want to capture fast-moving subjects without any blur? This mode is perfect!
Photo by Adorama

The Profoto Pro D3 Monolight’s Key Features

  • Energy-Efficient LED Modeling Light: Brighter than a 400-watt halogen lamp but with only 15% of the power consumption, reducing energy costs and extending light-shaper lifespans.
  • Daylight-Balanced Color Temperature: The modeling light has a fixed daylight-balanced color temperature. Providing an authentic representation of lighting in the final shot.
  • Wide Power Range with Fine Control: An 11 f-stop range, adjustable in 0.1 f-stop increments, offering nuanced control over light intensity.

Size and Weight

ProductPro D3 750Pro D3 1250
Width13 centimeters, 5.12 inches13 centimeters, 5.12 inches
Length34.5 centimeters, 13.58 inches34.5 centimeters, 13.58 inches
Height20 centimeters, 7.87 inches20 centimeters, 7.87 inches
Weight3.6 kilograms, 7.94 pounds4.1 kilograms, 9.04 pounds

Ease of Use

Enjoy a smooth workflow with Profoto’s newest monolight.

One of the first things you’ll notice about the Profoto Pro D3 is its clear controls and display, making adjusting settings and monitoring flash parameters as easy as pie. Quick setup, check!

Additionally, the Pro D3’s design is industrial grade, but it is still relatively easy to transport thanks to its height and weight. It’s able to provide a smooth transition between different sets and locations without needing much effort from the crew.

profoto pro d3
Photo by Adorama

Does the Profoto Pro D3 Sync Easily?

Profoto’s AirX technology provides wireless connectivity within this monolight, paired with its remote control for optimum synchronization. Besides a remote control, the Profoto Pro D3 monolight can be controlled from the Profoto Control app, compatible with both smartphones and tablets. 

When it comes to wiring, the Pro D3 offers a standard sync port, allowing for traditional sync cables. Just by this feature alone, Profoto’s latest product for monolight photography is compatible with a wide range of cameras and external control devices.

Finally, the Profoto Pro D3 has a USB port to accept firmware updates, extending its longevity and ensuring compatibility with future technology.

Photo by Adorama

What does it come with?

If you’re wondering what components and accessories come with the new Profoto Pro D3, we’ve got the answers:

  1. The Pro D3 monolight
  2. Power cable
  3. Protective cap/dome
  4. User’s manual
  5. Reflector
  6. Sync cable

Comparison Chart Between Profoto D2 and Pro D3

Specifications & FeaturesProfoto D2Profoto Pro D3
Flash Capacity500Ws and 1000Ws models750Ws and 1250Ws models
Recycling TimeAs fast as 0.03 seconds in Profoto D2 500As fast as 0.01 seconds in Profoto Pro D3 1250
Flash DurationUp to 0.00001 secondsUp to 0.01 seconds
Modeling Light300W HalogenEnergy-efficient LED that’s equivalent to 400W Halogen
Power Settings10 f-stops (in 0.1 f-stop increments)11 f-stops (in 0.1 f-stop increments)
Flash ModesNormal and FreezeECO, Boost, Freeze
PortabilityCompact and portableLarger and designed for industrial-grade usage
Best Case UsesStudio and on-location photographyHigh-volume production environments

A Step Forward for Industry-Level Lighting

Did somebody ask for unparalleled power, versatility, and ability to cater to high-volume production demands? That’s the new Profoto Pro D3 monolight!

This monolight is powerful enough to go against last month’s best studio flash in the photography industry. It features an energy-efficient LED modeling light, going hand-in-hand with a growing demand for sustainable equipment in professional photography. To top it all off, it has quite an intuitive user interface paired with Profoto’s signature AirX technology designed to streamline every user’s workflow.

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