Are mini flashes worth it?

[FowlersFreeTime]

I was reading about the introduction of the very budget-friendly Godox IM20, a "mini" flash:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1865063-REG/godox_im20_mini_flash.html/qa

Godox seems to have a few small units like this: IM20/IM22/IM30 and the Lux Junior. I carry a small camera and have limited backpack space, so I like my gear travel-friendly. This got me curious about the entire category of small flashes.

I mentioned in another thread that I often wish I had a fill-in flash for part-shade or back-lit scenarios. The other use-case scenario would be typical family gatherings indoors or evening time when available light ranges from inconsistent to mediocre. Would one of these compact flashes be useful, or do I make space in my travel pack for a TT350S instead?

EDIT: I actually just looked at the Godox TT350S and its not as big as I thought, so maybe I won't bother with a mini flash. I guess I got swept up by the idea of a more compact and rechargeable flash option.

 

[iain clyne]

They will be limited by their power output but will be ok for fill flash if the subject is not to far away. In some ways they are an extension of the pop up flash.

 

[FowlersFreeTime]

They will be limited by their power output but will be ok for fill flash if the subject is not to far away. In some ways they are an extension of the pop up flash.

Thanks Iain. The A6600 and A6700 don't have the pop up flash, perhaps because they needed the space in the camera body for something else, or maybe because less and less people were using it. I found on the a6400 the pop up flash cast a shadow with many lenses/lens-hoods I was using, so I know that is definitely one caveat with low profile flashes.

 

[Richard A]

I actually ended up buying one of the little Sony F20M flashes a while ago. I guess it's a bit more powerful than a built in flash would be but it has a bounce capability as well as a zoom. It's pretty compact. I was looking for one second hand but all I found were pretty trashed & they wanted top dollar. Ended up getting one from an online retailer for not much more plus you get the 2 years warranty. I've used it a few times & it works well within it's limitations.

 

[FowlersFreeTime]

I actually ended up buying one of the little Sony F20M flashes a while ago. I guess it's a bit more powerful than a built in flash would be but it has a bounce capability as well as a zoom. It's pretty compact. I was looking for one second hand but all I found were pretty trashed & they wanted top dollar. Ended up getting one from an online retailer for not much more plus you get the 2 years warranty. I've used it a few times & it works well within it's limitations.

That's an interesting one, Sony's website even shows it on an APSC body. I also see it has TTL mode. I guess this shows my ignorance, but should I ignore any flashes that don't have TTL mode?

 

[Richard A]

I also see it has TTL mode. I guess this shows my ignorance, but should I ignore any flashes that don't have TTL mode?

Personally, I would...