Pixel Kings: the new E-TTL trigger on the block?
Introduction
OK, just to lay things out, I’m Rick Bradbury, a portrait and event photographer based in Stockport. Generally I shoot with manual triggers and am not a fan of TTL. That said, I have been evaluating if TTL triggers that were HSS capable would be of interest or use to me.
Pixel Kings
Just a quick overview of the features: the Pixel Kings are a wireless trigger with full E-TTL capabilities, High Speed Sync (HSS), groups, ratios and wireless control of speedlites (only EX II speedlites benefit from all features). They work with both EX and EXII generation of speedlites but with varying amounts of control from the camera.
- 7 Channels (2.4GHz Radio)
- Manual, E-TTL/TTL Modes
- 100m + range
- 3 Groups
- HSS/Hyper Sync up to 1/8000 sec
- Crap battery door (more on this later)
- Inputs
- TX Mini-USB, PC Sync, hot shoe in and out
- RX Mini-USB, PC Sync, hot shoe out
- AA Batteries (a nice common power supply)
- Menu Control of speedlites via Camera Menus – with E-TTL II cameras
- Full Control of EX II Speedlites, limited control of EX Speedlites
Pixel King transmitter and receivers
Gear on Hand
Gear I had on hand during the testing of the triggers was: Canon EOS 500D (a.k.a. Digital Rebel T1i, Kiss X3), Canon EOS 7D, Cactus V4 manual triggers, Canon 430EX, Canon 430EX II, Yongnuo YN460. Sadly I could neither get hold of nor afford (who can?) a 580EX II.
The Review and My Thoughts
(Video Review at top of page)
I have to admit I usually run with manual only triggers (Cactus V4), and have never been a big fan of TTL. Now I recognise it has its place but I’m not a fan of its inconsistency during preset studio or location work that’s not a dynamic, changing environment.
On first opening the box I was surprised about how large these units were, particularly in comparison to my Cactus V4s. You have a power switch on the right hand side (a feature needed on the V4s) and two other buttons to change channels and groups. Overall this give the triggers a simplistic look, but we all know there is more going on inside.
One thing to note is that I could not find a test button nor a combination of buttons that would test fire the triggers. Now this could be the fact they were pre-production versions or they don’t have one, which to be honest I find a little strange.
At this stage in the review I also want to mention that I had to position the transmitter in a certain way for it to work on my Canon EOS 500D and I’m not sure if it’s a fault with the transmitter or my hot shoe. The transmitter did however work on a Canon EOS 7D, no problem. Also I noticed that the hot shoe connection plate on the transmitter seems to be considerably shorter than my Canon 430EX II – which works fine every time. It will be interesting to hear other people’s experiences with this.
OK, back to the Kings…
Build Quality
Seem fairly solid and like they would sort of take an impact if dropped, the cold shoes on the Kings look like they can be replaced if damaged due to a seemingly modular design (don’t worry David / Pixel: I didn’t take them apart!). The weakest point in the design is the battery compartment door which is frankly absolutely crap; it’s far too easy to accidentally knock it open or for the door to fall off. I don’t have any pocket wizards to compare build to but the Kings do seem more substantial than the Cactus V4s.
Pixel Kings, front view
Pixel Kings, rear view
Pixel Kings, left side: channel button, LEDs, PC port, mini USB
Pixel Kings, right side: power switch, group button, LEDs
Features
The Pixel Kings are full of features, including HSS and remote control of the EXII generation of speedlites. I must admit I found the latter useful when my 430EX II was inside a Westcott 28” Apollo.
- HSS (High Speed Sync) – Worked great with either EX or EX II speedlites, no problems. It’s nice to be able to go beyond sync, but its not for me because it robs power and limits you when using modifiers unless you have multiple speedlites. I can confirm it works fine with no problems, but personally will stick to my 600Ws Lencarta Safari.
- Control of flash power and modes – This is a nice feature when you have remote speedlites or nearby speedlites in modifiers. With an EX II generation speedlite it works great: full control of modes and flash power from camera. Downside? It only works with EXII speedlites. Older EX speedlites are not supported, meaning you lose that benefit. So if you a user of a bunch of older EX lights it may be a deal killer, as upgrading those lights to EX II spec would need a remortgage!
- PC Sync port – OK, they have a sync port, but I am left wondering: why not use a better standard? After all, PocketWizards use a 3.5mm jack, as do Cactus V4s, V5s and a whole host of other triggers.
- Mini USB – This will allow for firmware updates. I am also wondering if it will allow computer based programming of the trigger to change the default start up mode.
- Power Button – OK, what you mentioning that for, I hear you ask? Well, I am missing this rather simple feature on my Cactus V4s, and I want a power switch so I don’t have to break away from my subject/composition to remove the transmitter when switching to ambient-light-only shooting.
Range
The Pixel Kings claim to have a 100m+ range, and I am happy to say I can confirm this. As seen in the video I had a friend walk to various points on a field to see if the triggers would falter on range: nope, fired every time. A very impressive range, and to be honest way beyond what I will need in the bulk of my work. In fact I have never needed to use my Cactus V4s beyond their stated 30m range yet.
Lets not forget the Kings also eliminate the line-of-sight restriction associated with using a Canon 60D, 7D ST-E2 or 580EX II as an infrared or optical master. The Kings were able to trigger the lights anywhere while the infrared system of the 7D failed.
Problems
- Fiddly connection of transmitter on my 500D’s hot shoe. I will be really interested to hear if anyone else has a similar issue.
- Crap battery door: what more can I say?
- My main peeve was that the triggers always defaulted to TTL HSS mode when fired up. I hope this can be changed in the final release, as frankly I found it annoying, being a manual-only guy.
Pros
- Expected to be cheaper than PocketWizards or RadioPoppers, though price is TBA.
- E-TTL and E-TTL II compatible
- Remote flash control with Canon EX II Speedlites
- Good range of over 100 metres without the line-of-sight restrictions found in the 60D, 7D and ST-E2
- Off camera high speed sync (HSS)
- Ability to use them as manual triggers as well
- Simple operation
Cons
- Build quality not what I expected
- Poor battery door fit
- Bulky
- Requires Canon EX II generation flashes for benefit of all features
- No test button
- Defaults to E-TTL HSS when powered off and on again (might not happen in production versions)
- Traditional Prontor/Compur socket rather than a more reliable 3.5mm miniphone jack
- No second/rear curtain synchronisation (SCS)
- Plastic cold shoe mount on receivers
My Final Impression
OK, I’m impressed. Great range, HSS works, and TTL works… but build quality is not quite up to par, in particular the battery door. Will they be worth the investment? Well, that depends on how and what you shoot, whether you shoot TTL (I don’t) and what gear you have. If you have an older camera body, say a 30D, forget it. All old EX speedlites? Yes, it will work, but you lose out on some of the features that you paid for.
For me, running with a 430EX II and two YN460s, the Kings don’t offer anything. HSS is limited with the power of one 430EX II being run in modifiers, and with how close I am generally to my lights it’s no issue walking over to them to change power.
I will more than likely be going for the Cactus V5s for that power button. 
I look forward to reading other people reviews/thoughts on the Kings and am curious about the price when compared to a PocketWizard or RadioPopper setup.
Where to buy
No price or release date has yet been announced for the Pixel Kings. Keep an eye on official Pixel store and other retailers. More information on Pixel products may be found on the manufacturer’s web site.
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No Test button is a pretty major downfall if you’re using them on manual (ie. no TTL) as they become a real pain to try and meter (with an external meter).
Sounds like a fairly good product that could be made perfect with just some minor tweaks.
Ciao!
I have trouble understanding the english spoken.
What are the differences between TX and RX?
thank you very much
..Lu
There are very few differences between the transmitter and receiver.
These will be fine for event photographers. You stated that you prefer studio work. ETTL and HSS are for mobile photograpers who are shooting photojournalistic style. Wedding photographers will also benefit. The million dollar question is when are they going to be released.
I was waiting to see how these compared before making a final decision. Think I’m going to go with the Phottix Stratos Multi System.
This King rocks! Can you tell when it will be available in stock? Really great sync for canon even much less expensive than Pocket Wizard.
hmm, King for Canon is in stock now…retail price is similar to the Pixel Knight
I have have bought the first generation of pixels ( 1 transmiter + 2 receveirs) and after 3 weeks they have stop to work, maybe this can work 4 weeks, no replacement no repair. Forget this and buy a realy good Pocket wizard.
Are you sure the hot shoe on the transmitter is pass through? Have you tried it?
Every ebay store I’ve seen that sells them says otherwise (that the hot shoe is NOT TTL Pass Through)
Also the transmitter has something in front that looks like an AF assist light. Is it an AF assist light?
These pre-production versions had TTL pass-through but the retail versions do not.
Would you please note this in the page above where you mention “The Pixel Kings are full of features: E-TTL pass-through on the transmitter (handy for on-axis fill) EDIT: This was only in preproduction models, retail models do not have ”
Do the retail models have any flash basic flash pass through – else why have the pinouts?
(e.g. for a Cybersync Commander – http://www.paulcbuff.com/cc.php)
I just got them delivered. No E-TTL pass through on the transmitter. That’s one of the reasons I bought them. So disappointing. Does anyone know any workarounds?
I bought 1 Tx and 2 Rx:
They DO NOT work with 550EX flashes nor with Metz 54mz with foot firmware M3 or M4. This may change once Pixel release updated firmware to enable 550ex compatibility.
580exII is difficult to mount on Rx because the rubber collar around the flash shoe gets in the way.
works with Sigma 500 super (eo) don’t know what the (eo) stands for but it was on the flash
I recently purchased these but there is a bug in them, you cant change the flash manually by directly going to the flash unless you turn the receiver off. The receiver LOCKS the flash, even in manual mode.
I have gone back and forth to their tech support and they have been very unhelpful.
I have gone back to using my cheap manual triggers for now.
BIG DISAPPOINTMENT!
I purchased these triggers 2-3 weeks ago. I used them for an outdoor shoot this past weekend and they worked flawlessly. I used them with a 580 EX and a 430 EX II. Triggered every time, even when I was going to burst shots. Some of my shots were at 1/4000 and they were superb. These are intended for HSS and ETTL shooting on the go. They work fine for that.
I’m thinking of getting some of these but would like a query answering.
I’d like to use multiple off camera flashes without a flash on camera but with ability to focus in very low light.
I’ve heard the AF assist light on the Kings is a bit rubbish so wondered if you could stick a canon ST-E2 on top of the on camera King transmitter to act purely as a focus assist light (not bothered about using it to control zones).
I know that this is possible with pocket wizards but they are about three times the price.
Can anyone with some Kings and a Canon ST-E2 see if the focus assist light on the st-e2 fires on top of the transmitter and let me know?
Thanks
Tom
No, it won’t work. The top hotshoe is for unreleased Pixel accessories and does not work as a TTL pass-through. This is a change made since the writing of this review.
Many thanks David – a clear unambiguous answer.
I better get saving then!!!
Tom
I’ve just bought my first set of Pixel Kings this week; I have 1 Tx and 4 Rx’s; my main body is a 7D and I have various flashes, both flashguns and studio strobes
Here’s my initial findings:
- The extra menu entries for controlling external flash power extra don’t always show up, but when they do they stay there and work correctly; so far I’ve not worked out how to reliably reproduce! This could prove to be a major issue
- Using > 1/250th with my studio lights gives approx a 30% success rate, the timing appears to be very inconsistent and is unfortunately not tuneable with the Kings; very disappointing
- Sigma DG Super flashes do NOT work for anything other than basic triggering
- Canon 580 EX II & Nissin Di866 Mk II both work with eTTL, HSS, zoom & remote manual
- The AF assist light on Tx is useless, it always misses centre-point and usually misses whole frame, also it doesn’t improve contrast and annoys people in it’s line of sight!
- The AF assist light on Tx does not respect the camera’s AF assist light settings and doesn’t have it’s own switch so looks like I’ll have to put tape over it
- Occasionally choosing a menu option on camera will give an error saying my flash doesn’t support it, but when I go back into menu it has correctly changed (odd, but tolerable)
- They really need to fix the Tx to allow it’s hotshoe to be used as if it were a remote receiver (no need for “pass-thru” nonsense)
- They do NOT work with high capacity rechargeable batteries e.g. >= 2800 mAh, but worked with all other AA battery types I’ve tried
- The battery fit can be excessively tight with some batteries and I had to use a screwdriver to remove some of the ones on the side which goes in +ve first = scary!
- Packaging and carry cases are great and the included sync cables are very good
- Lanyard on Tx is pointless, but they are useful on the Rx’s
- Plastic feet on Rx’s are disappointing, otherwise build quality appears to be very good
- Manual has some poor (but decipherable) English and is rather unclear and confusing in several places
- Including mini flash stands seems pointless as all flashguns seem to come with them anyway
- You cannot physically change manual power on any flash for which the full feature set is supported; however you can (& must) do so for flashes which are not fully supported … i.e. all “supported” flashes in same group must fire at same power and that power must be set on camera menu.
I’m shooting a wedding this weekend indoors in a rather dark venue so they will get a proper test then and I’ll write up a full review a week later.
I bought a set on Ebay, i have to say i am very disappointed, although the ettl feature works well, the manual over-ride is useless, you literally have to switch the receiver off in order to tweek the flash manually, i have contacted Pixel HK and their support was useless, I received no support.
I’ve had to go back to my £20 manual triggers
hemos comprado un receptor y un emisor, funciona bastante bien, con eos5dmark ii i un flash 580 exii, pero mi sorpresa fue cuando queriamos poner un flash conectado en ttl al emisor en la camara , no se dispara, hemos contactado con pixel y nos indican que de momento no tiene funcion, no termino de comprenderlo.
salu2
I had the same problem with mine. The TTL pass through does not seem to work.
I bought a set (1 trans. 3 rec.) last Sept. and have been very pleased with their operation. I have no problems controlling three groups from the back of my 40D and really like the HHS capability. I am going to get two more rec..
Re the test button, if you press the Group and Channel button on the TX at the same time it fires your RXs
I thought it has E-TTL pass-through on transmitter when I read this post..! Once I bought only found out it can’t..
I think you should remove it from your post or put some remark next to it to avoid misleading.. sigh..
Apologies for the error. The article has been corrected.
Anyone update the firmware ? Any improvements ?
Please clarify compatibility issues with the Canon 1st gen flashes, particularly the 550EX. Your initial review lists the 550EX as being fully compatible. However, Richard writes in response to your second review:
“richard 15 October 2011 at 1:47 pm #
I bought 1 Tx and 2 Rx:
They DO NOT work with 550EX flashes nor with Metz 54mz with foot firmware M3 or M4. This may change once Pixel release updated firmware to enable 550ex compatibility…”
This is a critical issue for me. Please provide a definitive answer. Thanx.
Howard
We don’t have all these different flash units to test. Have you tried contacting the manufacturer directly?
I have 2 transmitters and 3 receivers from pixel king, on Canon 7D everything was fine, but now, with Canon 5D MKIII I have allot of problem. Randomly, the transmitter it look off, no blink, no signal and the only way to wake it up is to turn off an on from the button. After that it work fine for a while and then it freeze again. Lately, when it freeze I noticed the blue led stay on, without blinked. Did anyone experienced something like that? I mentioned that I made the firmware upgrade to 1020 but no change.
Regarding hot shoe from transmitter, I understand that on he first products, with first firmware, the hot shoe was working and let the signal to passthrough flash. Maybe if we made a downgrade at the firmware it will work.
Regards,
Alin