V3 comes with a massive library of gear for nearly any photography or film setup. While we regularly add new gear assets, you can also create your own.

If you're missing a specific piece of equipment, you can easily derive custom lights, modifiers, or cameras from existing objects in the app. Here's how to build your custom gear.

Step 01: New Camera Body

App Manager — create a custom camera body

If you are working with specific gear, such as a Nikon Z7 II, you don't have to rely on the generic preset. You can build your exact camera-and-lens combination for maximum accuracy.

  • 1: Go to Settings > Settings to open the App Manager.
  • 2: In the Cameras section, select Cameras.
  • 3: Click New Camera.
  • 4: Name your camera (e.g., Nikon Z7 II).
  • 5: Select the base type you want to derive it from (e.g., Photo Camera).
  • 6: Choose the sensor size (e.g., Full Frame).
  • 7: Select the Aspect Ratio (e.g., 3:2 for a standard 24×36 mm sensor).
  • 8: Click Add to create the new camera body.
  • 9: Your custom camera is now available in the Equipment > Cameras tab.

Step 02: New Lens

App Manager — create a custom lens

The same logic applies to creating a custom lens (e.g., Nikon Nikkor Z 24-120 mm F/4). Here is how you can set it up.

  • 1: Go to Settings > Settings to open the App Manager.
  • 2: In the Cameras section, select Lenses.
  • 3: Click New Lens.
  • 4: Name your custom lens (e.g., Nikkor Z 24-120 mm).
  • 5: Select the base type for your lens (e.g., Zoom Medium).
  • 6: Set the Focal Length range (e.g., 24 mm to 120 mm).
  • 7: Select the smallest possible aperture. For a fixed-aperture lens like the Nikkor Zoom, choose f/4.0; for a variable-aperture lens like f/3.5–5.6, choose the fastest value (f/3.5).
  • 8: Click Apply to create your new lens.
  • Default Lens: Now for the best part: Select Defaults (under Cameras) and under Default Lens choose your custom lens. Et voilà! From now on, your custom lens will automatically be attached whenever you place your custom camera on the set.

Step 03: New Light

App Manager — create a custom speedlight

Just like your camera gear, you can customize various lighting types, including Flashes (Studio Strobes), Speedlights, and Continuous Lights. While the app already includes a wide array of studio strobes and a standard speedlight, you can easily create a personalized speedlight. Before starting, ensure you have the core technical data for your specific device ready.

  • 1: Open Settings > Settings to access the App Manager.
  • 2: Locate the Lights section and select Speedlights.
  • 3: Click Add Speedlight.
  • 4: Name your new device (e.g., Godox V1).
  • 5: Set the Control Range: Select the power scale for your speedlight (e.g., 1/256 to 1/1 for the Godox V1).
  • 6: Set the Focal Length: This defines the head's zoom range (28–105 mm for the V1). If your exact range isn't listed, choose the closest available option from the extensive list provided.
  • 7: Select the Guide Number (GN): Choose the appropriate GN range from the list. For the V1, the one available option matches the specific GN perfectly.
  • 8: Click Apply to create your custom speedlight.
  • 9: Your new speedlight is now ready in the Lights > Flash tab and is compatible with all light modifiers available in the app.

Step 04: New Modifier (aka Light Shapers)

App Manager — create a custom light shaper

Last but not least, you can create your own light modifiers if the standard in-app sizes don't quite match your real-world gear.

A quick note on accuracy: SAL3D uses high-precision lighting simulation based on real-world physics and materials. To ensure these precise results, you don't create free-form modifiers; instead, you derive custom modifiers from existing base categories. Within these categories, you have full freedom to customize.

  • 1: Open Settings > Settings to access the App Manager.
  • 2: Locate the Light Shapers section and select Light Shapers.
  • 3: Click New Light Shaper.
  • 4: Name your modifier (e.g., Beauty Dish, 70 cm, white (custom)).
  • 5: Select a Template to serve as the physical base for your modifier.
  • 6: Adjust the Size: The options vary by type.
  • 7: Click Apply to create your custom modifier.
  • 8: Your new tool is now available in your light head's dropdown menu or under the Lights > Light Shapers tab.

Step 05: Portrait Shoot with Custom Gear

Portrait shoot — result with fully custom gear setup

Check out the result. This portrait was created using the exact custom setup built above: the Nikon Z7 II combo, Godox V1 speedlights, and the custom Beauty Dish.

That's it — you have now built a completely customized core kit, all grounded in accurate, real-world physical parameters.

Have fun trying it out,
Dan from elixxier

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Published in General · 14. March 2026