Westcott FJ800: Hands On First Look

[@krishknyc]

This demo was visually engaging, with stunning images, a touch of drama, and a great balance of information and entertainment.

[@MattHernandez]

Thank you that means a lot! We worked hard on it.

[@MiguelQuilesJr]

Badass shots with some badass lights! Excited to put these FJ800s to work soon

[@MattHernandez]

Thanks Miguel! Yeah these lights are nice you’re going to love them.

[@derrick072]

Wow, it is one of the best shoots I have ever seen

[@MattHernandez]

Thank you!

[@EliInfante]

Badass photos Matt!

[@MattHernandez]

Thanks brother!

[@jmarshallky]

Excited they finally released new versions. My 400s and 200s have been absolute workhorses for several years but looking forward to the FJ800 to add to my kit. Great work as always sir!

[@MattHernandez]

Me too thank you! You’re very welcome

[@TooGood79]

Loving the beanie. 🫡🔥

[@MattHernandez]

Hahaha thanks

[@aysolar]

red gel was sweet - love those red reflections on the railings

[@MattHernandez]

Yeah I thought those turned out nice as well!

[@bquinn722]

Your stuff is always good, but dang, that shot when you were laying on the ground and he was running with the snow in the background was incredible! I just found a great deal on a used A9iii and can’t wait to try it out (old FJ400’s).

[@MattHernandez]

Thank you! You’re going to love it let me know once you’ve shot with it a few times.

[@tonyw3250]

Love your work Matt, I was going to ask if the lights were waterproof, but then I saw to plastic bags on them so I'm guessing not?

[@MattHernandez]

Yeah I don’t believe they are. Those did the trick though!

[@davidericksonmedia]

You're a pro's pro for laying down in that snow!! lol! Great video and super excited for the FJ800!!

[@QuantzPhoto]

Great work Matt!!

[@MattHernandez]

Thanks James!

[@erikharvey2498]

Those photos are incredible! Great job

[@MattHernandez]

Thank you!

[@JgrahamPhoto]

Awesome images but I was concerned about the air temperature being so cold and the flash bulbs going off hot. Is there a point when the bulbs could explode from temperature changes?

[@MattHernandez]

I’ve not ever heard of that happening and I’ve shot in colder weather than this! Thank you

[@brandonmcmullen1553]

The lights are cool and all, but that set was 🔥📷😎

[@MattHernandez]

Well thank you!

[@Abogabir_Photography]

These photos are sick Matt. Thanks for the info.

[@MattHernandez]

Thanks! You bet

[@jayboatwright1719]

Great video, thank you! Question, global shutter. Do your lights have to be set at the same power or can they operate on different power levels using the global shutter?

[@MattHernandez]

They ideally need to be the same because of the flash sync setting. That value will be optimal will be different for different power settings. But sometimes they can be different and still work. It just depends

[@daviddyforever]

Dang!!!! That’s a monster!!!!! 📸📸

[@MattHernandez]

Indeed it is! It performs like one too!

[@thenikonjones]

Super cool Matt!

[@MattHernandez]

Thank you!

[@KatieF307]

Hello, I have to ask, are these units weather-sealed? A little snow thrown on top with some melting would worry me. Just curious. Also, in your video it shows a shutter speed of 1/80,000 of a second? I know the A9III has some insane shutter speeds, but can you get that kind of high speed synch?

[@MattHernandez]

I don’t think so no. That’s why I used my think tank cover to put over them both to be safe. Yes that’s right, 1/80,000 s! You can go up to 1/8000 s with HSS. I shot with the FJ800 today and was at that most of the time with my a7RV.

[@3-piece129]

Awesome shots as always, especially the one from when you’re lying on the snow! How do you pick the athletes you’re shooting for the videos? If it’s random, they are so lucky because you make them look so good! In Texas, unfortunately it doesn’t snow, would an investment on the FJ800 be necessary? You’ve shown how versatile the FJ 400’s are. Would the 800’s be more useful in group shots instead of the 400’s? Thanks for your content! I only know of McCracken because of you! 😂

[@MattHernandez]

Yes it would be even MORE beautiful for you to get an 800 because of the sunny conditions. It just depends. I try to use different kids and typically use the ones who I already know or who hired me for senior pictures. Thank you!

[@mikebartow9415]

The new products seem very interesting . I have two FJ 400’s and was wondering how much better the interface was? Touchscreen seems like a good idea but the 580 shots per charge is exceptional. Are the new batteries compatible with the old 400’s ? Thanks Matt.

[@MattHernandez]

Unfortunately no they aren’t…but they are really nice!

[@RunNGunNation]

Another awesome shoot, Matt. Couple of Questions since you were using the A9III at 1/80000: 1. Did you match the power setting on the FJ800 and the FJ400 (just run them both up to full power)? 2. What Flash timing setting/adjustments did you need to make in the A9III? Thanks again for the awesome content and all you work.

[@MattHernandez]

Good questions! I was at 660 because that’s what it was set at, and it happened to work. There might be a better setting but I just went with it. I’m sure they will have a chart for the new lights soon! I had both lights at full power and that setting seems to work for both.

[@RunNGunNation]

TY Matt.

[@toburton15]

Matt, what would the results be for those of us who can't afford a $5k-6k camera body?

[@MattHernandez]

Well I guess it depends on what you’re shooting with, but I would say the outcome would depend on your skill level. The light will perform with any camera that it’s compatible with.

[@DerrelHoShingPhotography]

SICK

[@MattHernandez]

Thank you!

[@billchiles7734]

Images look awesome as usual Matt. Did you have to push your flash power as much with the A9III?

[@MattHernandez]

Yeah I used my a9iii and I had the light at full power because of the diffusion.

[@ClarkSandersPhotography]

Awesome images man! I bet he was getting pretty cold!

[@MattHernandez]

You’d never have know it he didn’t complain once!

[@andrewship2410]

What were your flash settings?

[@MattHernandez]

Full power baby!

[@828studios]

So the old batteries work on the new units? Will the new batteries work on the original FJ400?

[@scotthamlyn5873]

No, the original FJ400 batteries will not work on the new FJ400II or the FJ800. The FJ400 batteries are a slightly different design than the FJ400II.

[@MattHernandez]

Yeah what Scott said. Unfortunately no but they DO work with all the new lights!

[@SuperVokan]

800 for sale yet? Can’t find it.

[@mikebartow9415]

It’s on the west dot website- $999.

[@MattHernandez]

Yes sir! The link should be in the description now. Here it is: shorturl.at/fPSge

[@BfainProductions]

Just saw on B&H, how'd I know to come here first 🤣

[@sidney_tuma]

Shutter speed 1/80.000????

[@MattHernandez]

That’s right! Thanks to the a9iii, the best camera I’ve ever used.

[@kifley19]

Damn I bought a FJ400 about a month ago. 😢

[@Yomac1017]

LOL, I bought 2 - FJ400s.

[@barbaraminkler4673]

Me too

[@MattHernandez]

Keep them and add to your set!

[@jbbarron80]

Me too! Haha, life story.

[@joelferguson-a7r5]

Return it and get the 800

[@LMoProVisualComm]

the 800 model should've came as unit with an EXTENSION HEAD and base on the floor. also it's better to but (2) FJ 400's as 2 lights are better than one

[@MattHernandez]

I think the point is to be compact and portable. I don’t agree with that necessarily. Sometimes it’s better to have one when you need the power. But also there are situations 2 are needed. So it really just depends on what you need the light for. 800 as one single unit will DEFINITELY come in handy. Thanks for the feedback!

[@LMoProVisualComm]

@@MattHernandez I think they moved past compact when they shot pass 600watts.. this is just my opinion. it seem they wanted to make this (tweener light) above 600/below 1200. but it's twice the 400. a smart buyer will buy (2) 400's. happy shooting pro..