Godox v1 vs Nikon SB5000 - Which One is the Best for You?

The Godox V1 and Nikon SB5000 are both promising camera flashes, but how do they compare to each other? Godox released the high-quality Godox V1 camera flash in 2022, and it's worth checking how this model stacks up against Nikon's first-party offering, the SB5000.

The Godox V1 speedlight, announced as a high-quality and affordable option, boast numerous excellent features that set them apart from other camera flashes in their class. These features include a portable and compact design, a quick lock hotshoe, and a long battery life (rated for 480 full-power flashes per charge). Additionally, like other Godox round head camera flash, the Godox V1 is compatible with Sony, Canon, Fujifilm, and Olympus systems.

In terms of price, the Godox V1 is quite reasonable, priced at $199, which is almost $300 cheaper than the Nikon SB5000, which goes for $596.95. This significant price difference makes the Godox V1 an attractive option for photographers looking for a cost-effective solution without compromising on quality.

Let's take a closer look at the specifications and details of the Godox V1 and Nikon SB5000 camera flashes.

Price and Size

At first glance, it may be difficult to tell differences between the Godox V1 and the Nikon SB5000 based on their appearances. However, there are some notable distinctions to consider. The Godox V1 is priced at $199 on Amazon, offering a more affordable option compared to the Nikon SB5000, which is priced at $596.95.

Both the Godox V1 and Nikon SB5000 have a portable and compact design, making them easy to carry and use in various shooting scenarios. In terms of size, the dimensions of the Godox V1 are approximately 3 x 7.8 x 3.7 inches, with a weight of 530g. The Nikon SB5000 measures approximately 2.9 x 5.4 x 4.1 inches and weighs 420g.

If you already own a high-quality camera flash and are looking to add a second one, the Godox V1 would be the ideal choice. It offers excellent performance at an affordable price. Additionally, if you are a beginner in flash photography or simply want to capture outstanding photos, the Godox V1 is also a suitable option that delivers excellent results.

Recycle Time and Battery Life

When it comes to recycle time, it refers to the duration it takes for the flash to recharge after firing at full power. A fast recycle time is beneficial for photographers who need to capture multiple images in quick succession, such as in sports or event photography. The Godox V1 boasts a recycle time of approximately 1.5 seconds, while the Nikon SB5000 has a recycle time of about 1.8 to 2.6 seconds. Therefore, the Godox V1 offers a faster recycle time than the Nikon SB5000, allowing for capturing multiple images more rapidly.

Battery life is an important consideration for many photographers when choosing a camera flash. According to official specifications, the Godox V1 offers approximately 480 full-power shots per charge, while the Nikon SB5000 is rated for around 150 shots. This means that the Godox V1 provides a higher number of full-power shots per charge compared to the Nikon SB5000.

However, it's important to note that the actual number of shots per charge can vary depending on factors such as flash power settings, battery condition, and ambient temperature.

Ultimately, determining which flash is the best for your needs would require testing and evaluating their real-world performance. Both the Godox V1 and Nikon SB5000 have their strengths and considerations. It's recommended to try out the flash units and check out other photographer’s review video to assess their functionality, features, and compatibility with your specific shooting requirements.

Flash Duration and Flexibility

Flash duration is indeed a notable difference between the Godox V1 and Nikon SB5000 camera flashes. The Godox V1 has a flash duration range of 1/300 to 1/20000 second, while the Nikon SB5000 offers a flash duration range of 1/980 to 1/30820 second. In this aspect, the Nikon SB5000 excels by allowing for shorter flash duration, which can be excellent for freezing fast-moving subjects or capturing crisp images in high-speed scenarios.

In terms of flexibility and control, both flashes offer user-friendly interfaces. The Godox V1, in particular, provides a wider bounce head range compared to the Nikon SB5000. The Godox V1 allows for -7 to +120 degrees of vertical tilt, while the Nikon SB5000 offers -7 to +90 degrees of tilt. This extended range of vertical tilt on the Godox V1 can provide photographers with more options for bouncing and directing light, adding to the overall flexibility of the flash unit.

Accessories

When it comes to accessories, they play a crucial role in creating striking and innovative images. Having affordable accessories at your disposal can greatly enhance your ability to produce outstanding results. Fortunately, Godox offers a wide range of accessories for the Godox V1 at reasonable prices, including the Godox AK-R1, Godox AK-R22 Collapsible Diffusion Dome, and the Godox Hot Shoe. 

When it comes to the Nikon SB5000, it offers a range of accessories, including the Nikon SW-15H Diffusion Dome. However, it is worth noting that purchasing the Nikon SB5000 and additional accessories can be quite expensive. In fact, the same amount of money could be used to buy two Godox V1 units along with accessories.

Reasons to Buy Godox v1 over Nikon SB5000

Reasons to Buy Nikon SB5000 over Godox v1

Which Flash is Right for Your Photography Needs