AOI Q1i Ultra Compact Strobe

Powerful and Compact

The UCS-Q1i is a powerful and compact strobe that redefines underwater lighting technology. Building on the success of the UCS-Q1 and UCS-Q1RC, AOI Ltd continues to push the boundaries of underwater imaging innovation.

A Legacy of Excellence

The award-winning UCS-Q1 became a favorite among beginners thanks to its advanced features typically found in more premium models. The UCS-Q1RC introduced TTL integration for OM System cameras, delivering a seamless experience in both performance and design.

Innovation Through AOI InTeLi™ Mode

AOI Ltd further strengthened its reputation with the launch of the UIS-P1, which introduced AOI InTeLi™ Mode — a next-generation system specifically optimized for underwater photography.

Introducing the UCS-Q1i

The new UCS-Q1i combines the best features of the UCS-Q1 and UIS-P1. It inherits AOI InTeLi™ Mode, offering precise and consistent TTL exposure across a wide range of camera systems, surpassing traditional S-TTL and TTL performance. This intelligent mode automatically adjusts to camera settings, ensuring exceptional accuracy in exposure control.

Refined Macro Capabilities

Included in AOI InTeLi™ Mode is i-Macro Mode, designed to optimize light output for close-up shooting. Underwater photographers can capture intricate details with exceptional clarity, making beautifully lit macro shots easier than ever. AOI InTeLi™ Mode supports Sony TTL and i-Macro, OM System RC TTL and i-Macro, as well as TTL HSS and M-HSS modes.

Unmatched Performance

Most notably, the UCS-Q1i remains the brightest strobe in its class, with an impressive Guide Number 22 (GN22) at ISO100 — delivering powerful underwater illumination. Like the UIS-P1, it also supports High Speed Shutter (HSS) compatibility with Sony cameras, enabling photographers to freeze fast-moving underwater scenes with precision and clarity.

Other Features

Also, this strobe model is kept easy to use with two push buttons and one dial switch. One button for on-off / modelling light and one test button. The central knob is to choose the mode.

Keeping the strobe to only manual function means that when used with an automatic compact camera, it is easy to obtain the desired the brightness. Just adjust the brightness of the strobe to match the exposure of the camera. The strobe has a very useable beam angle of 85 degrees with the diffuser on.

With the RC function you can use Olympus cameras to use the strobe remote controlled. The i-M mode is for macro photography. You also have to use this mode while using a snoot.

The left button activates the continuous light function, which has 3 power setting. The different power settings can be obtained by cycling through the button. The highest setting is at 700 lumens which is bright enough for macro shots or even as an underwater torchlight. The continuous light also works as a focus light, allowing for quicker focusing and determining the desired strobe position. The buttons and knobs are clearly labelled – making it easy to control, even with gloves on.

The battery compartment is secured with a screw-on cap that is sealed with two O-rings to prevent accidental flooding. Should the battery compartment flood, it does not affect the electronic compartment as the two are kept separate. The strobe is powered by two 18650 lithium batteries (not included), which offers a up to 1500 flashes on a single charge and provides consistent power delivery, even at low levels. The strobe is equipped with stand-by (after 15 minutes) and auto power-off (after 2 hours) features to conserve power and increase the lifespan of the strobe.