What is the difference between a softbox and a shoot-through umbrella?

Question

As far as I can see, using shoot-through umbrellas is slightly cheaper than using softboxes.
Would I give up anything if I went with umbrellas?

Would it make any difference to the images I create?

Answer

You have more control over spill and hot spots with a softbox. The hot spots are much less significant with a softbox.

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