Quick Review: Photoolex G01 Mini Flash – Can a $35 Flash Really Deliver?
The Struggle Every Photographer Knows
If you’ve ever tried to shoot portraits in less-than-perfect lighting, you know the frustration. Shadows hide the details you worked so hard to capture, and your subject just doesn’t “pop” the way you imagined. Professional flashes can solve this problem—but they usually come with a hefty price tag, bulk, and a steep learning curve.
That’s where curiosity creeps in: What if a small, affordable flash could get the job done? Enter the Photoolex G01 Mini Speedlight, a $35 compact flash that promises to add that extra punch of light without breaking your back—or your bank account. But is it really worth it? Let’s break it down.
First Impressions: Small But Mighty
At first glance, the G01 Mini Flash is refreshingly simple. Unlike my professional Godox V1 Pro, it doesn’t swivel, tilt, or come loaded with advanced features. You’re locked into a direct flash style, which may sound limiting—but in the right hands, it can still deliver.
What stood out to me right away was the size. It’s light, compact, and fits neatly on your camera without weighing you down. Perfect for those casual settings where lugging around a bigger flash just isn’t practical—like hiking, street photography, or travel portraits.
Key Differences From a Professional Flash
Here’s where the G01 differs from something like the Godox V1 Pro:
Angle Adjustability: The Godox can bounce and redirect light. The G01? Direct only. Creative flexibility is limited, but simplicity is its strength.
Manual Only: There’s no ETTL auto mode. You’ll need to adjust intensity by hand and rely on a little trial and error. Think of it as training wheels for learning real flash control.
Power Output: With a guide number of 16, it’s not the strongest flash on the market—but it’s strong enough for portraits, even in daylight, when set to max power.
Size & Portability: The Godox shines at weddings and pro shoots. The G01 shines when you just want to throw a flash in your bag without a second thought.
Using the G01 Mini Flash: A Quick Guide
Set It Up
Slide it onto your camera’s hot shoe, lock it in, and you’re ready to go.
It works with most modern cameras regardless of brand.
Adjust Your Settings
Stick to 1/200th shutter speed or slower. Anything faster and the flash won’t cover the full frame.
Start with higher flash power in daylight (80–100%) and lower settings in evening or indoor shoots.
Diffuse and Modify
Use the included diffuser to soften harsh direct flash.
Play with the magnetic color filters if you want creative tones (orange, blue, etc.).
Experiment with Light Placement
Use the sun or another light source as a backlight, then let the flash act as your fill or key light.
In darker settings, expose for the ambient light first, then use the flash to add just enough “pop” to your subject.
Recharge Easily
No batteries required—just plug into USB-C. At full power, you’ll get around 700 flashes per charge, more than enough for a day’s shoot.
Real-World Test Results
I tested this flash in two scenarios:
Sunset Portraits – With soft ambient light, the G01 worked beautifully as a subtle fill light to keep subjects from fading into the shadows.
Daylight Portraits – At max power, the flash still gave my subjects that much-needed separation from the background.
Is it perfect? No. I still prefer bouncing or off-camera flash for more depth and dimension. But for casual portraits, the results surprised me. Clean, simple, and effective.
Who Is This Flash For?
The Photoolex G01 Mini Speedlight isn’t for pros shooting weddings or commercial campaigns. It’s for:
Beginners curious about flash photography.
Casual shooters who want to experiment without committing $300+.
Travelers and hobbyists who value portability over complexity.
For just $35, it’s a smart entry-level tool that can get you 80% of the job done without the intimidation of a full-blown professional system.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been hesitant about trying flash because of the cost or complexity, the G01 Mini Flash is a low-risk, high-reward way to start. It won’t replace a pro-level Godox or Canon Speedlite, but it will give you the confidence to experiment with light—and discover just how much it can transform your photography.
Action Step: Next time you shoot, don’t just rely on natural light. Add the G01 Mini Flash to your setup, try exposing for the background, then use the flash to bring your subject to life. That one adjustment could be the difference between a flat snapshot and a professional-looking portrait.
👉 What do you think? Would you use a budget-friendly flash like this, or do you prefer investing in higher-end gear? Let’s talk in the comments!
