Profoto Sync Cables: Which Cable for Your Flash Setup?
By Borge's Imaging — Shop Photography, Printing and Studio Gear in Melbourne Borge's Imaging | Published: 2026-10-29
Category: Buying Guides
Choose the right Profoto sync cable based on your camera's port and flash setup. Compare the 5m PC to 6.3mm, 3.5mm to PC, and Canon N3 cables.
Quick answer
Match your sync cable to your camera's sync port and your flash's input. For a standard PC socket, use the 5m PC to 6.3mm cable. For a 3.5mm miniphone jack, use the 3.5mm to PC cable. For Canon cameras with an N3 remote port, use the dedicated Canon N3 cable.
Sync port types matter more than cable length
The biggest mistake is buying a cable that fits neither your camera nor your flash trigger. Profoto offers three distinct sync cables, each designed for a different camera-side connection. The flash side is always a PC (Prontor-Compur) connector, but the camera end changes.
If your camera lacks a hotshoe or you're using a trigger without one, the 3.5mm miniphone to PC cable is your go-to. For longer distances, the 5m PC to 6.3mm cable gives you reach. Canon shooters with an N3 remote port get a dedicated pre-release cable.
Length and flexibility considerations
The 5m cable offers plenty of slack for studio setups where the camera is on a stand and the flash is off to the side. The shorter 30cm 3.5mm to PC cable is ideal for on-camera use or when the trigger is mounted directly on the camera's hotshoe. The Canon N3 cable is also relatively short, designed to keep the trigger close to the camera body.
Compatibility with non-Profoto triggers
These cables use standard PC and 3.5mm connectors, so they'll work with most third-party triggers that accept those inputs. The Canon N3 cable is specific to Profoto's Air Remote Transceiver and Canon cameras with an N3 port, but the connector itself is a standard N3 type. Always verify your trigger's input before buying.
Decision rules
- Check your camera's sync port: Look for a standard PC socket, a 3.5mm miniphone jack, or a Canon N3 remote port. This determines which cable end you need.
- Match cable length to your shooting distance: For on-camera or close trigger use, the 30cm 3.5mm to PC cable is sufficient. For off-camera flash with the camera on a stand, choose the 5m PC to 6.3mm cable. If you need more than 5m, use a wireless trigger instead.
- Confirm trigger input type: Most triggers accept PC or 3.5mm. The 6.3mm plug is less common on modern triggers; ensure your trigger has a 6.3mm input before choosing the 5m cable.
- Canon N3 users: use the dedicated cable: If you have a Canon body with an N3 remote port and a Profoto Air Remote Transceiver, the pre-release cable is your only wired option for reliable sync and pre-release timing. This cable does not work with non-Canon cameras or other trigger brands.
Product facts
- Profoto ¼’ Sync Cable 5m: 5 m sync cable (PC to 6.3 mm) The 6.3mm plug is larger and more secure for studio flash packs, and the 5m length gives you freedom to position your camera away from the light.
Profoto ¼’ Sync Cable 5m - Profoto Male 3.5mm miniphone to PC: For sync of Air Sync/Remote from Cameras without hotshoe 3,5mm miniphone male to PC 30cm Cable length If your camera or trigger lacks a hotshoe, this short cable bridges the gap without adding bulk, ideal for compact setups.
Profoto Male 3.5mm miniphone to PC - Profoto Air Camera Pre-Release Cable for Canon (N3): Connects Air Remote Transceiver to Canon Cameras with N3 Remote Port This is the only cable that lets you fire Profoto lights from a Canon camera using the dedicated N3 port, enabling pre-release timing and reliable sync.
Who should buy which cable?
Best for
- Studio photographers using a camera with a PC socket and a flash with a 6.3mm input: choose the 5m PC to 6.3mm cable.
- On-camera users or shooters with a trigger lacking a hotshoe: choose the 3.5mm to PC cable.
- Canon shooters with an N3 remote port and a Profoto Air Remote: choose the Canon N3 pre-release cable.
Not for
- Wireless-only setups where you don't need a physical cable.
- Cameras with a proprietary sync port (e.g., Fujifilm, Nikon) that don't accept PC or 3.5mm connectors.
