What photographers want in future speedlights
Earlier this year we asked our readers what they think future flashguns should be like. Eight months and 264 votes later, the results are in.
The most popular feature by a clear margin is remote control of the flashgun’s power levels from the camera. However, wireless TTL, or compatibility with Nikon and Canon’s existing infrared wireless systems, is not as desirable. The implication, then, is that photographers want to see some sort of new wireless system without the same limitations as Nikon AWL. But only 6 voters specifically demanded a built-in radio trigger.
The second most sought-after feature is a high maximum flash intensity, with some respondents even specifying exact numbers such as “150Ws”. For comparison, today’s conventional system flashes store only around 50-60Ws of energy. The recently-released Falcon Eyes SG-100 has 100Ws.
In line with David Hobby’s criticism of the Prontor/Compur (PC) connector, a large number of readers want 3.5mm jacks to replace PC ports.
Other popular features include a bare-bulb design, support for an external power supply and fine adjustment of manual power levels. Interestingly, not one person voted for TTL as a feature in our survey.
Source: Selby D. A./Lighting Rumours,”What features do you most want to see in the next generation of off-camera speedlights?“, Facebook Questions, 2011
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also radio controlled power levels!
usefull when lights are high up on a tripod
How about ….
A wireless trigger system that lets you set on individual RXs:
Power Level
AF Assist (On/Off)
FP or single flash
Using TTL comms through the hotshoe of a cheap n cheerful TTL flash (like the YN565).
And on the TX, the TX will send the shutter speed to the RXs, and allow adjustment (tweak) of the flash fire signal.
Control via bluetooth phone and/or pad app, that also allow lighting diagrams (you can use the diagram to select the RX you want to set as well?
And to be backwardly compatible with the current manual trigger system?
What else would you want us to add to the prototype?
Oh, and allows shutter speeds up to 1/8000s
Have you heard of the PocketWizard ControlTL system? It does most of what you want already. Check out the MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 radios, their very cool!
Hi Lorenzo!!
How’s it going over at Mac Group (the US disties for PW)?
Hi there,
I haven’t worked for the MAC Group since 2007. I handle international sales & marketing for PocketWizard and Sekonic.
And you might you be?
Cheers,
Lorenzo
Trevor at CotswoldPhoto. A minnow in a sea of big fish.