Gossen DIGISKY Flash and Ambient Light Meter
The Gossen DIGISKY Flash and Ambient Light Meter is a lightweight and ambient light exposure with a large graphic TFT LCD display which allows easy one-handed flash and ambient readings, as well as a multitude of convenience functions.
Among the many capabilities of the DIGISKY are luminance, illuminance readings and contrast analysis. Not only does the meter read flash, but it will indicate the percentage of flash versus ambient light making it ideal for fill-flash use.
The DIGISKY is also the perfect cine meter for DPs and cinematographers. Provision is made for ISO, EV steps, cine speeds, sector angles and photometry as well as filter values. A quick turn of the diffuser ring allows you to change between reflected light and incident light measurement. And you can customize the functions is for individual or multiple users. One movie and up to three user selectable profiles are possible.
Obsolescence is simply not an option with the DIGISKY. A USB interface is built in for future meter updates. The meter features multiple triggering options for photographers. Besides cord and cordless readings, the RF mode can trigger up to 4 flash groups on 8 different radio frequencies allowing multiple flash setups in the same studio.
The DIGISKY comes with a built-in rechargeable battery, charger, carrying bag, strap Software CD and instructions.
- Ultra-compact and Lightweight
- The DIGISKY is ultra-compact. Although it weighs just 3.5 oz (100) including the Lithium-ion rechargeable battery, the DIGISKY is no lightweight when it comes to features and specifications.
- TFT Color Graphic Display
- The clear, bright 2.2" screen provides an instant, easy-to-read display in any mode, whatever the ambient conditions. The display standby time is user variable via the quick and easy menu.
- Software Download
- Gossen offers free software upgrades on their website, ready for quick and easy download, ensuring that your DIGISKY constantly benefits from the latest developments. What's more, the DIGISKY's built-in battery will continue to charge while the meter is connected to your computer.
- Re-designed Control Interface
- The large controller ring and selector button make for simple, quick one-handed operation. State-of-the-art microprocessor technology in the DIGISKY allows easy navigation of all functions, providing a highly intuitive operating system.
- Individually Configurable
- The DIGISKY can be easily adapted to each user's requirements using one of the built-in profiles (one for movie and three for camera use) which can be individually selected and programmed with ISO, EV-steps (meter value resolution), RF triggers and filter values.
- The Perfect Cine Meter for Movie Makers and Cinematographers
- The DIGISKY offers a movie function for the setting of ISO, EV steps, cine speeds, sector angles, photometry and filter values. These measured values appear in both analog and digital display formats, meaning even the smallest deviations can easily be identified.
- Trigger Your Studio Lighting Effortlessly
- In addition to manually capturing flash exposure data, the DIGISKY can also trigger your flash equipment/studio lighting either by cable or by radio frequency. In the RF mode, up to 4 flash groups can be selected and triggered on 8 different radio frequencies, allowing the simultaneous use of different lighting sets in the same location.
- Easily Switches Between Light Measurement Methods
- A simple turn of the diffuser ring changes between reflected light and incident light measurement. The flat diffuser has been designed for photometric measurements.
- Measures and Evaluates Subject Contrast
- The DIGISKY measures the contrast of a subject as well as the illuminance. The average value can be constantly shown in the display and, by key data. Minimum, average and maximum values can be accessed, making the meter ideal for HDR photography.
| Measuring System | 2 SBC photodiodes, digital processing |
| Measuring Modes |
|
| Receptor Head | Fixed head |
| Measuring Range | Shortest: 39.4" (100 cm) |
| Range |
Ambient light reading (at ISO 100/21°): Flash (at ISO 100/21°): |
| Display |
|
| Accuracy | + 1 digit (= 0.1 EV/EV) |
| Radio Frequency |
Module: OFF, Elinchrom SkyPort and Skyspeed, more manufacturers of flash lights to follow Radio groups: 1 to 4 - ALL, A, B, C, D Channels: |
| Display Readout | 2.2" (56 mm) Color TFT |
| Shutter Speed - Flash | 1 to 1/1000s, also 1/90 sec; |
| Cine Speeds | Frames per second: 8 to 64, also 25 and 30 for TV |
| Exposure Memory | Yes |
| Flash to Ambient Ratio | Yes |
| Multiple Flash | Yes |
| Power Source | Meter-specific rechargeable Lithium-ion battery |
| Operating Temperature | 50 to 122°F (10 to +50°C) |
| Dimensions | 5.5 x 5.9 x 0.6" (139 x 2.4 x 16 mm) |
| Weight | 3.52 oz (100g) including battery |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 7 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
86%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Compact (7)
- Lightweight (5)
- Accurate (4)
- Consistent (4)
Cons
Best Uses
- Photography (4)
- Portraits (3)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Pro photographer (3), Semi-pro photographer (3)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (7)
Reviewed by 7 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-7
Pros
- Compact
- Durable
- Easy to Use
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Gossen DIGISKY Flash and Ambient Light Meter:
This meter has software defect which I reported to Gossen in April 2011. Gossen confirmed the defect but no software update available since 2011.
The defect is: go to ISO setting and set ISO higher then 10000.
Return to measurement screen. The last digit is truncated. For example ISO 10000 is displayed as 1000, so do not know if the reading is taken under 10000 or 1000 ISO.
Because company does not care to release update to fix this defect I would not recommend this meter to friend and I would not buy it again.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Colour screen
- Compact
- Wireless Sync - Elinchrom
Cons
- No user guide
- Quite expensive
Best Uses
- Strobe work
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Gossen DIGISKY Flash and Ambient Light Meter:
I purchased this meter to sync with the Elinchrom Flash system. The Digisky has a very slim and light feel to it. It did not come with any user manual so a search on the Gossen site located the guide.
The user guide requires going through a few times to understand the correct procedures for the best use.
There is a rotating device at the top which turns the unit on and also selects which metering function it will use, it is a little fiddly to use.
So far it has been excellent to use and worked perfectly with the Elinchrom system. The colour display gives a very professional look and feel.
It very easily slips into your pocket in between uses.
It does have a cine function but I have not used this yet.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
- Recommended:
- Elinchrom Flash System
Pros
- Compact
- Easy to Use
- Lightweight
Cons
- Expensive
Best Uses
- Professional Photography
Comments about Gossen DIGISKY Flash and Ambient Light Meter:
I needed something that would work with my Elinchrom lights and trigger the Skyport remotely - if that is what you need, this is perfect, although a bit pricy.
Very handy and simple to use.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Accurate
- Compact
- Consistent
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Film
- Photography
Comments about Gossen DIGISKY Flash and Ambient Light Meter:
I use this meter for motion picture Cinematography.
It's light and quick to use especially for documentaries when you don't have much time to calculate exposure. The feel of the meter is like using an I-pod, and even though it feels light it is quite an accurate instrument. It fits in the palm of the hand and looks quite elegant
I also use it for fun with my 4x5 film camera and it's right on every time. The price is something everyone notices but once it becomes yours you forget the cost and appreciate its beauty.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Accurate
- Compact
- Consistent
Cons
- Too lightweight
Best Uses
- Film
- Photography
- Portraits
Comments about Gossen DIGISKY Flash and Ambient Light Meter:
My main reason for purchasing this meter was to fire my Elinchroms, a job it does very well in unison with my 'Skyport' radios. My review is tempered for my love of my Sekonic L-758DR, sadly the Sekonic doesn't fire Skyports, for that pleasure you need Pocket Wizard's ST-4's, another expense.
The DigiSky is a very good meter with a very clean and simple interface, the learning curve for this meter is very short. Sadly the meter is let down by a very lightweight construction with a lack of professional feel to it. There is a point where the advertised lightness gives way to a lack of professional heft, this is a delicate meter compared to a Seconic. The reality is that they are all delicate, however my Sekonic bears battle scars that should render it terminal however it still works extremely well.
Gossen need to increase the size just a little to give the feel of a professional tool. Some weight needs to bee added, this meter feels flimsy, however it still feels very good in the hand
Interface and menus on the DigiSky are a pleasure to use. It is very fast to move between aperture and shutter speed adjustment and taking flash readings. Personally I prefer a side button, however the front button works well for me, though occasionally my hand is not clear of the front and spurious measurements have resulted. The menu offers three camera setups plus a cine setup. The camera setups can be called up quickly and become the default, in this aspect it has it all over the Sekonic.
The color screen is a very nice touch, to the nay sayers get over it, yes it does look a little amateur, however future incarnations I'm sure will be outstanding. I have come to really like this feature. The active function is clearly visible as it's color is obvious to the eye.
The on dial, mmmm, the jury is out on this one. The dial combines, reflected (non diffuser), incident diffuser disk up and down and obviously off. To me it seems all a bit too busy, my concern is a switch combined with other physical components, maybe a good place for things to go wrong .... I don't like it but have come to accept it. A switch is the way to go, I'm sure the boffins can wax lyrical as to why their system is best, well it's not, get some side buttons
The battery compartment .... I would say is appalling, perhaps a work in progress, it is held on with a screw and look amateur, it detracts from the meter.
I work with flash, I work with Elinchrom and this meter is a dream, it just works. My previous method was to use my Sekonic in flash ready mode then fire my strobes with a Skyport transmitter, very clumsy. I have too much money invested in Elinchrom to change and DigiSky has come to the rescue. Gossen literature indicates that other radios will become incorporated within the meter via USB upgrade, an interesting future for all.
The charger, well the American plug doesn't fit the Australian outlets, thank god it charges by USB. Charges off my laptop or iPhone charger, very neat.
In summation, I would thoroughly recommend this meter to any prospective purchaser, it is a top line product in every aspect, sadly it's in a toy body. Give me a Sekonic with the DigiSky features, plus DigiSky ease of use and I would be in heaven. Better still, Sekonic, please fit a SkyPort transmitter.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Accurate
- Compact
- Consistent
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Photography
- Portraits
Comments about Gossen DIGISKY Flash and Ambient Light Meter:
This light meter is such a leap forward from the Sekonic units I've been using. It's super slim, light weight and can just slip in your back pocket. The display is simple to read, has a great layout and it's in colour. The menu system is so good that you don't need to refer to the instruction book.
Best of all .... it wirelessly triggers all my Elinchrom lights.
Well done Gossen, you've done to light meters what Apple did to the phone market.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Accurate
- Compact
- Consistent
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Photography
- Portraits
Comments about Gossen DIGISKY Flash and Ambient Light Meter:
Use with the Quadra's and just so smooth. The screen is the best I have ever had.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Displaying reviews 1-7
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- Price: $24.95
What's in the Box
- V070A Rechargeable Battery
- Power Supply
- USB Connector Cable
- Carrying Strap
- Software CD
- Quick-start Guide
- 1 Year Manufacturer's Warranty
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