Strobe Nation

PocketWizard has release two new controller for wireless flash system. The FlexTT5 and MiniTT1 support the full function of Canon’s ETTLII flash system. Nikon TTL flash system will be supported later during Q2, 2009. The price for the MiniTT1 will be $199 and the FlexTT5 will be $219.

Features from the new Pocketwizard Flex TT5 and MiniTT1 are TTL compatible with Canon E-TTL II. The maximum range will be 800 feet (240 meters). You can mount both Flex TT5 and MiniTT1 directly onto any camera hot shoe. You will be able to shoot at a maximum of 8 fps for E-TTL II & normal triggering. You can configure and upgrade firmware through a USB interface.

The MiniTT1 and Flex TT5 are compatible using E-TTLII Canon flash system for the following cameras. Canon 1Ds MKIII, MKII, 1D MKIII, MKII, 1DMKII N, 5D, 5D MKII, 20D, 30D, 40D, 50D, Rebel XT/350D, XTI/400D, XS/1000D, XSi/450D. The following Canon flash the MiniTT1 and Flex TT5 are compatible is 580EX, 580EXII, 430EX and 430EX II.

No with the new PocketWizard’s you can use the 430EX and 430EX II to act as a master flash. Back when you can only do this with the 580EX flash now you can set as master and trigger other Canon flash using the PocketWizard and 430EX unit.

The new design offers a low profile. The design is wider and does not spread upwards like the older design. This is the most compact design for PocketWizard to date. In addition the new Pocketwizard has 52 wireless channels and 20 ControlTL channels for the new protocol. The MiniTT1 measures at 2.8in,length x 1.9in,width and 1.3in, height and weights 2.3oz with a battery installed.

With the new PocketWizard, MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 you can still use your old PocketWizard but just not in TTL mode. Wireless remote TTL, for example, is possible only with the MiniTT1 and FlexTT5. That said, HyperSync works with a MiniTT1 or FlexTT5 at the camera and any PocketWizard connected to a studio strobe or similar flash. While the list of reasons to purchase an older PocketWizard just got a lot shorter with the introduction of the MiniTT1 and FlexTT5, the overall interoperability of the new units with existing ones means your Plus IIs, MultiMAXes and even Pluses, MAXes and Classics are still useful. In fact, we’re betting the MiniTT1 transmitter will be bought up in large numbers by photographers solely because of its compactness, even if they intend to operate it exclusively with existing PocketWizard receivers.

One of the new features from the new PocketWizard’s is the HyperSync. It can increase the shutter sync speed while simultaneously not sacrificing strobe brightness or have the black band at the lower part of the frame. The HyperSync mode is used best when you want to minimize ambient light and increase strobe efficiency.

The PocketWizard MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 are available in stores now. Release date for this new product was March 1, 2009.