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AOI Announces UIS-P1 Strobe
By DPG Editorial Staff, February 19, 2025 @ 09:00 PM (EST)

AOI is now shipping its latest strobe—the UIS-P1. Boasting a guide number (GN) of 22, the new “midrange” flash features an aluminum, polycarbonate and fiberglass build, a ring-shaped flash tube, and fiber-optic connectivity. The strobe is powered by two 21700 rechargeable lithium-ion batteries and comes with a 1-inch ball adapter. There’s manual control on offer via a 10-step power knob with intermediate stops, while a self-orienting LCD display shows either remaining shots based on power selection in manual mode or power output in InTeLi mode—AOI’s proprietary TTL mode found on their UCS-Q1RC model.

InTeLi mode offers OM System RC TTL, Sony TTL, i-Macro, TTL HSS and M-HSS functionalities. The i-Macro (Intelligent Macro) function is designed to offer precise exposure for macro shooting; it was initially available for OM System cameras only, but now Sony cameras are also supported. Wide-angle photographers shooting TTL will also appreciate the InTeLi mode’s new “out of range” warning feature.

A diffuser comes as a standard accessory, while a reflector ring (“reduces beam angle and improves light output by +1 f-stop”) and a reducer ring (“narrows beam angle, limits light leaks, and reduces backscatter”) are offered as optional accessories. The strobe also features a 3,000-lumen LED continuous light with three power levels, offering a 90-degree beam angle and a color rendering index (CRI) of 90.

Available now from retailers such as Backscatter, the AOI UIS-P1 is priced at $900.
 



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PRESS RELEASE

Amazing Intelligence in the New AOI UIS-P1

AOI has unveiled its latest underwater strobe, the UIS-P1, targeting the mid-range market. Building on the success of the AOI UCS-Q1RC, which introduced RC Flash compatibility and broke conventions in underwater photography, AOI continues to set new standards. Managing Director Victor Tsui stated, “Despite competitors introducing products with similar form factors, designs, or capabilities, the UCS-Q1RC and UCS-Q1 remain best-sellers in AOI’s lineup.”

An “Intelligent Advantage”

The new AOI UIS-P1 leverages a beloved feature of the UCS-Q1RC: the AOI InTeLi™ mode. Widely recognized as one of the most consistent and accurate TTL modes in the underwater strobe market, it revolutionized underwater macro photography. Its standout feature, the Intelligent Macro (i-Macro™) function, offers precise exposure for macro shots and has become a game-changer, particularly when paired with the best-selling OM System Tough TG series.

What is the AOI InTeLi™ Mode?

The AOI InTeLi™ Mode represents the next generation of TTL flash compatibility, optimized specifically for underwater use. Calibrated to manufacturer’s specifications, it ensures consistently accurate exposures, surpassing previous generation of TTL. Underwater macro photography is further enhanced by i-Macro™, which was initially available for OM System cameras. Now, the AOI InTeLi™ Mode also supports Sony cameras, offering Sony TTL, i-Macro, TTL HSS, and M-HSS functionalities.

Bridging Technology and Creativity

Contrary to popular belief, research shows that underwater photographers readily embrace technological advancements to enhance their art. With the UIS-P1, AOI integrates the full suite of AOI InTeLi™ features, a bright ring-shaped flash tube, an intuitive user interface, and innovative functions, making it a standout performer in the mid-range segment. One new feature specifically benefiting wide-angle fans is the “out of range” warning when in TTL mode.
 


Keeping in mind that underwater photographers are multidimensional, AOI has designed three additional product add-ons that will allow the strobe to be more utilitarian:

  1. Diffuser – Softens light output and evens out light coverage (Offered as standard accessory).

  2. Reflector Ring – Reduced beam angle and improves light output by +1 F-stop (Offered as optional accessory).

  3. Reducer Ring – Narrows beam angle, limit light leaks, and reduces backscatter (Offered as optional accessory).

Specifications & Features

AOI InTeLi™ Mode:

  • Sony TTL and i-Macro

  • TTL HSS and M-HSS Modes

  • OM System RC TTL and i-Macro

Full Manual Mode:

  • 10-step manual control with intermediate stops using standard exposure settings

High Performance:

  • Energy: 150Ws from a ring-shaped flash tube

  • Beam angle: 150 degrees

  • 3000 Lumens COB Continuous Light

    • Color Rendering Index (CRI): 90

    • Adjustable power levels: 100%, 50%, 25%

    • Focus light capability

    • Beam angle: 90 degrees

User-Friendly Features:

  • Self-orienting TFT LCD display screen

    • Displays remaining frames based on power selection

    • Displays power output in InTeLi™ Mode

    • Provides access to settings menu

  • Colored indicator for strobe operation status

  • Tactile and Intuitive Knob and Button Controls

Durable Build:

  • Materials: Marine Grade Aluminum alloy, Polycarbonate with Fiberglass

  • Depth-rated to 100m

  • Sealed battery chamber to isolate electrical components from water damage should flooding occur.

Battery and Performance:

  • Powered by a standard-size 21700 rechargeable Li-Ion battery (minimum 15A and 5000mAh recommended)

  • Flash recycle time: Under 2 seconds (full power)

The new AOI UIS-P1 is set to light up the underwater photography scene for the mid-range segment with its InTeLi™ mode—offering ‘intelligent’ performance, user-centric design, and an affordable price point.

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