ABetterBounceCard Review (my first time reviewing an experiment... =) )

[glennyong]

Hi.

Recently have been away for quite some time due to extensive workload.

A fellow Cser introed me this short clip on ABetterBounceCard.

So today i decided to try it out.

For those who are curious. You can check it out here.
http://www.abetterbouncecard.com/

I've tested it out and did a few shots in my room.

My Brief Observations

ABetterBounceCard is very light compared to boucecards like JusBounce and other bounce cards which is made of PVC cards or any other similar material. However the good point of the ABetterBounceCard is that its bendable, and you can just bend it away when you wish to do a fill flash on your subject. And not forgetting, its very easy to make, cheap to replace and also light. Being light also relieves much weightage stress that you put on top of your flash.

On several occations and lighting situations. ABetterBounceCard performs better than the replica bounce card which i've made using JusBounce's dimensions.

ABetterBounceCard gives better exposure. Considering the amount of burnout surfaces and etc etc. While the replica card simply flashed too much light in the front, and there was a significant difference in the amount of burntout surfaces.

There is however, occasions where the DIY bounce card performed better where it gave better colour saturation than the ABetterBounceCard.

I did another experiment in a controlled environment with florescent lighting on top. with Yellow and Blue walls and a Red Pillow on the side.

Test01 was done using a White ABetterBounceCard
Test02 was done using a GREY ABetterBounceCard
Test03 was done using a Replica of JusBounce

My Personal Conculsions

On the results shown, it seems like the ABetterBounceCard performs as well or shall i say on par together with the Replica JusBounce. And under controlled environment. i cannot see much of a difference from all 3 bounce mediums.

So if you have bought or owned a JusBounce or any other similar Bouncecards, please do keep them, and do NOT throw them like Jay Leno do !! keep them. As for those who do not have a bouncecard or a ABetterBounceCard, my recommendations is to DIY one ABetterBounceCard. Reason being, its cheaper and easier to make then that Replica JusBounce.

Those who have results that conflicts my experiments, please feel free to show them here to prove that either one is similar.

For those who wish to have one set from me, i am currently offering different set of colours if you wish to buy from me since you are lazy to get one done.

02X Pieces of ABetterBounceCard (White + Grey)
01X Piece of NIKE bands (for you to secure) (White/Black/Pink/Green/Yellow)
01X Local Registered Post

For all at $15

(BTW, i am not brainwashing anyone of u to buy from me. i am advising all of you to DIY one your own, which is much cheaper and u will feel satisfied after knowing that you have made you own bouncecard !!) :devil:

Ba Chor Mee Mai Hum ~~~~ Mee Siam don't want te gua liver !!!

 

[unseen]

Hope you don't mind me pointing out 3 small flaws in your test:
1) You're doing it in an enclosed room with low ceiling. There won't be much difference between the results.
2) The wooden thing is too far away, such that the flash is closer to the ceiling than the object, and the bounce/reflectance device makes no difference if it's curved or not. It simply just becomes a larger light source.
3) (Tied to #2 and #1) You're using auto mode on the flash. Because of #1 and #2, this flaw is somewhat negated. However, if you were to use it outdoors, I believe the different reflectance of the devices would cause a different power drain.

 

[alechim]

Hope you don't mind me pointing out 3 small flaws in your test:
1) You're doing it in an enclosed room with low ceiling. There won't be much difference between the results.
2) The wooden thing is too far away, such that the flash is closer to the ceiling than the object, and the bounce/reflectance device makes no difference if it's curved or not. It simply just becomes a larger light source.
3) (Tied to #2 and #1) You're using auto mode on the flash. Because of #1 and #2, this flaw is somewhat negated. However, if you were to use it outdoors, I believe the different reflectance of the devices would cause a different power drain.

same sentiments..
but thanks for sharing glennyong

 

[Isaiahfortythirtyone]

yeap thanks for the effort put in!

 

[NMSS_2]

errhhh? what is a bounce card use for?

 

[glennyong]

hi all.

thanks for your comments.

i've did some on the field testing in a environment other then the room. in fact i tried using it in a ballroom itself...

results wise, it was able to perform better than the normal replica bounce card that i had.
i will post some images tonight.

and yah. the results that i posted earlier was not significant enought thou because of the low wall. but remember. even if u shoot ADs, low walls is common sight in the morning thou. so low wall ornot. bouncing off from low wall ornot isnt much of a issue.

to unseen. flash isnt on auto.

but anyway i will post some pictures on real-life applications.

 

[cpkoh]

Hi.

02X Pieces of ABetterBounceCard (White + Grey)
01X Piece of NIKE bands (for you to secure) (White/Black/Pink/Green/Yellow)
01X Local Registered Post

For all at $15

Are the bounce card made by you and if it is, what type of material you use.

 

[unseen]

hi all.

thanks for your comments.

i've did some on the field testing in a environment other then the room. in fact i tried using it in a ballroom itself...

results wise, it was able to perform better than the normal replica bounce card that i had.
i will post some images tonight.

and yah. the results that i posted earlier was not significant enought thou because of the low wall. but remember. even if u shoot ADs, low walls is common sight in the morning thou. so low wall ornot. bouncing off from low wall ornot isnt much of a issue.

to unseen. flash isnt on auto.

but anyway i will post some pictures on real-life applications.

ok Thanks. Anyway I really appreciate your effort in this. :bsmilie: Just realised my previous post made me sound like an ingrate.

 

[muvouser]

very interesting gadget. must try it out myself. anyone else please give more feedbacks on your findings. ThankQ

 

[unseen]

Well.. the foam piece is available from art friend at $1 each for an A4 size.. Another 5 min to measure and cut.. why don't you go buy 1 and test it yourself.. it's not as if it's super expensive ya..

AD or not, if you're in an area with low ceiling, whichever bounce device you use won't make a difference. The main difference is when you're shooting outdoors. The curved surface of the foam bounce/abetterbouncecard would definitely remove shadows better as it'll disperse the light in more direction than a simple bounce card.

However... I shoot alot of people/portraiture.. I've come to realise sometimes, lighting that's too soft/no shadow isn't good for most faces. However, that's just me.

 

[eow]

my version of abetterbouncecard using the translucent plastic sheet
it does indeed work much better than a simple bounce card