K10D and wireless flash
Posted 01/10/2006 - 20:56
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I can't answer all your questions, but will give you what I know...
As to what the K10D will do, I can't say. The original *ist-D could do wireless P-TTL flash from the pop-up, but all the other DSLRs from Pentax could not - you have to have two flashes. Whether Pentax will take the same view on the K10D... I do hope it will do the same as the *ist-D...
When you use wireless flash: the wireless feature is performed by a preflash (so it's not radio, but optical). There is no ability to adjust settings remotely - it is purely triggering. So, yes, you have to go to the remotes and adjust manually.
It does depend on what you're doing... if you're in a studio environment, then I would suggest using fully manual on both camera and flash. It gives you the best level of control. I've been doing setups using the *ist-D, AF360 and AF540 (plus a brolly) and getting really excellent results in this manner.
When using P-TTL I have had pretty good results. The *ist-D exposure was a bit hit-and-miss to begin with, but they improved it drastically with a firmware upgrade. I suspect the K10D will be better still. The Pentax with High speed sync and P-TTL is really superb for fill-in flash (used in two weddings with excellent results).
So, can't say how it compares again Nikon or Canon. They've probably got a lot more experience than Pentax in this regard... but worse backward compatibility AFAIK. Nikon can use distance information to adjust flash - it's not an easy choice to make, but I can't imagine you'll make the choice just on the flash system
Pentax flash leads are sold in three parts: the part that fits to the camera, the cable, and the part that goes on the flash (two types available). Second hand, each go for around £25 - so, yes, that's still £75 for a flash extension. High price - maybe; useful - definitely.
As soon as the K10D specs are known more fully, no doubt someone here can let you know
Matt
As to what the K10D will do, I can't say. The original *ist-D could do wireless P-TTL flash from the pop-up, but all the other DSLRs from Pentax could not - you have to have two flashes. Whether Pentax will take the same view on the K10D... I do hope it will do the same as the *ist-D...
When you use wireless flash: the wireless feature is performed by a preflash (so it's not radio, but optical). There is no ability to adjust settings remotely - it is purely triggering. So, yes, you have to go to the remotes and adjust manually.
It does depend on what you're doing... if you're in a studio environment, then I would suggest using fully manual on both camera and flash. It gives you the best level of control. I've been doing setups using the *ist-D, AF360 and AF540 (plus a brolly) and getting really excellent results in this manner.
When using P-TTL I have had pretty good results. The *ist-D exposure was a bit hit-and-miss to begin with, but they improved it drastically with a firmware upgrade. I suspect the K10D will be better still. The Pentax with High speed sync and P-TTL is really superb for fill-in flash (used in two weddings with excellent results).
So, can't say how it compares again Nikon or Canon. They've probably got a lot more experience than Pentax in this regard... but worse backward compatibility AFAIK. Nikon can use distance information to adjust flash - it's not an easy choice to make, but I can't imagine you'll make the choice just on the flash system
Pentax flash leads are sold in three parts: the part that fits to the camera, the cable, and the part that goes on the flash (two types available). Second hand, each go for around £25 - so, yes, that's still £75 for a flash extension. High price - maybe; useful - definitely.
As soon as the K10D specs are known more fully, no doubt someone here can let you know
Matt
Posted 03/10/2006 - 19:59
Link
No, No, please no!
Wireless - any process whereby messages etc can be transmitted by electro magnetic waves.
Wire-Less - any process whereby messages etc can be transmitted without use of wires
So Wireless is wire-less but wire-less is not wireless
I remember when Wireless really was a wireless - a great wooden box fitted with glowing valves, which whistled and cracled, and got Radio Luxemburg!
Anyway, I suppose the pedantic will point out that the light is part of the electro magnetic spectrum (I think)
Just wanted a minor moan - forgive me - its the age of the beast!
Graham
Wireless - any process whereby messages etc can be transmitted by electro magnetic waves.
Wire-Less - any process whereby messages etc can be transmitted without use of wires
So Wireless is wire-less but wire-less is not wireless
I remember when Wireless really was a wireless - a great wooden box fitted with glowing valves, which whistled and cracled, and got Radio Luxemburg!
Anyway, I suppose the pedantic will point out that the light is part of the electro magnetic spectrum (I think)
Just wanted a minor moan - forgive me - its the age of the beast!
Graham
Keep up the good work
Graham
I'll think of something someday.
Graham
I'll think of something someday.
Posted 05/10/2006 - 22:56
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Quote:
forgive me - its the age of the beast!
Graham, if you are six hundred and sixty six years old, then I am seriously impressed, beast or no beast!
forgive me - its the age of the beast!
Posted 06/10/2006 - 07:09
Link
To answer the original question...
Looking at the K10D manual you require two AF360/AF540 flashes for remote operation.
In fact, you'll also notice from the manual that the K10D only supports the AF360 and AF540 (all the older flashes have popped off the list). Presumably they're using the *ist-DL type connectivity, and not even *ist-DS or *ist-D connectivity.
Manual here: http://www.pentax.co.uk/downloads/photo/uk/K10D/K10D_ENG.pdf
If they release a firmware upgrade for the K10D, or if there's some other way around it, then I'll consider "upgrading", but for now I'm sticking with the *ist-D
(I even have an AF360 and an AF540, but I use both in wireless mode - so I'd need three of them to work with the K10D!!!)
Matt
Looking at the K10D manual you require two AF360/AF540 flashes for remote operation.
In fact, you'll also notice from the manual that the K10D only supports the AF360 and AF540 (all the older flashes have popped off the list). Presumably they're using the *ist-DL type connectivity, and not even *ist-DS or *ist-D connectivity.
Manual here: http://www.pentax.co.uk/downloads/photo/uk/K10D/K10D_ENG.pdf
If they release a firmware upgrade for the K10D, or if there's some other way around it, then I'll consider "upgrading", but for now I'm sticking with the *ist-D
(I even have an AF360 and an AF540, but I use both in wireless mode - so I'd need three of them to work with the K10D!!!)
Matt
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1 posts
19 years
I've been really focused on buying a Nikon D200, their great flash system one of the biggest reasons. The ability to control an external flash with the internal one is great.
Now my eyes have opened for the Pentax K10D which seems like a really good camera at a very good price. The only worry I have is with the flash system.
How good is the pentax flash system (P-TTL). Does it give as good exposures as Nikon's (i-TTL). I have used canon's flash system and I'm not to happy with it. How does Pentax compare?
One thing which I'm really wondering about is the ability for wireless control over external flashes with the K10D. Does anyone know for sure how it works, will I be able to control an external flash with the internal one or do I have to have two flash units?
Also, can I put the flashes in groups and control the strengths from the camera position (either from the camera or a dedicated flash unit mounted on the camera) or do I have to run around to the individual flashes?
Also, how expensive is a P-TTL cable. Canon charges a ridiculous amount of money for this (one of the reasons why I'm not buying a canon).
Thanks!