New speedlites - Am I the only one...

[Viggo]

The Odin supports AF-assist light. It won't work through a soft-box, but who thought it would? You can even control the spread of the zoom on the flash head from camera. Yet another two things the PW's can't do.

I thought I miss the speedcycle feature of the PW's, but batterypacks fixed that issue.

 

[bycostello]

canon should buy pocket wizard.... combine the flashes and triggers...

 

[ramon123]

no you're not the only one! I have been holding back from buying the 580EXII for around 6 months now because I kept on thinking Canon were going to release the new flagship speedlight. So no, you're not alone, I too am very excited!

 

[Maui5150]

canon should buy pocket wizard.... combine the flashes and triggers...

Who says they won't.

By the same regard since someone mentioned that they wondered if the Canon Radio would be compatible with the Odins. Who knows? The 2.4 frequency is more universal, but does have interference issues. Then again, PW is built into light meters and many of strobes already (i.e. no need for extra receivers) as well as PW has a much larger installation base...

So if Canon made these speed lights PW compatible, anyone with a PW could trigger them, the Mini TT1 or Flex can be used for ETTL, and while Canon may lose a little from is SE controller, they would gain HUGE from the savings of most implementers of having what is a PW compatible Speedlight, i.e. no need for Speedlight and Receiver, works with most of the gear that is out there already...

Things like the PW III would be used for studio stobes, and then the Canon Speedlight acts like a 580 AND FLEX5 all in one...

Would not be surprised if the 590 EX came out as PW-Compatible. Would not be surprised if it was proprietary, but could see making the 590 EX PW Compatible would be a big selling point

 

[justsomedude]

I'm excited just to see if Canon fixed the arcing issue in the 580EXII. I've fried both of my 580EXIIs TWICE now, and they are on their 2nd trip back to service due to the dreaded "design flaw" issue called out by LPA Designs.

I hope the 590 is a proper design that allows for ozone venting. Here in Denver, the dry air creates a real ozone problem, and I'm always worried I'm gonna blow my 580's out whenever I used them in HSS mode.

Please, Canon, fix this damn flash!!!!!!!

 

[Chuck Alaimo]

The Odin supports AF-assist light. It won't work through a soft-box, but who thought it would? You can even control the spread of the zoom on the flash head from camera. Yet another two things the PW's can't do.

I thought I miss the speedcycle feature of the PW's, but batterypacks fixed that issue.

hmmmm - its sounding more and more like I should get me the Odin as opposed to waiting on this 590, then having to sell off 2 flashes to buy more. I'm assuming price point of the 590 will launch at at least $500, probably more. So I'm thinking go with the odin...

 

[Chuck Alaimo]

canon should buy pocket wizard.... combine the flashes and triggers...

Who says they won't.

By the same regard since someone mentioned that they wondered if the Canon Radio would be compatible with the Odins. Who knows? The 2.4 frequency is more universal, but does have interference issues. Then again, PW is built into light meters and many of strobes already (i.e. no need for extra receivers) as well as PW has a much larger installation base...

So if Canon made these speed lights PW compatible, anyone with a PW could trigger them, the Mini TT1 or Flex can be used for ETTL, and while Canon may lose a little from is SE controller, they would gain HUGE from the savings of most implementers of having what is a PW compatible Speedlight, i.e. no need for Speedlight and Receiver, works with most of the gear that is out there already...

Things like the PW III would be used for studio stobes, and then the Canon Speedlight acts like a 580 AND FLEX5 all in one...

Would not be surprised if the 590 EX came out as PW-Compatible. Would not be surprised if it was proprietary, but could see making the 590 EX PW Compatible would be a big selling point

Wow if this new flash were to be compatible with both the odin and pw systems. I kind of doubt it, but i guess its time to wait and see!

 

[SPG]

I'd be really surprised if the 590 was compatible with any existing system. Canon isn't exactly known for playing well with others. They still don't release specs of how any of their systems work, or when they change them, so every third party manufacturer has to reverse engineer Canon's system to get their gear to work with it.
That's not to say that Canon won't work with Pocket Wizard, but let's look at recent events...
1. The 580exII radio interference and fried circuit issues with Pocket Wizard. They both saw an issue, yet they wouldn't talk to each other about resolving it.
2. PW just released a new trigger and is really pushing it.
3. PW has to run on different frequencies for sale in the US vs EU.
Those three things would lead one to believe that these two companies aren't working together.

 

[unfocused]

I would be very surprised if Canon did not release optional transmitters and receivers for the 580 EX and for the current DSLRs. Of course, I would expect them to be more expensive than any third party triggers, but I just can't seem them passing up the opportunity.

If the regulatory issues can be resolved, perhaps we'll see a built-in trigger on the next 7D (something to differentiate it from lesser models perhaps?)

 

[kubelik]

I would be very surprised if Canon did not release optional transmitters and receivers for the 580 EX and for the current DSLRs. Of course, I would expect them to be more expensive than any third party triggers, but I just can't seem them passing up the opportunity.

If the regulatory issues can be resolved, perhaps we'll see a built-in trigger on the next 7D (something to differentiate it from lesser models perhaps?)

I feel the same way. I'm sure Canon won't miss out on this opportunity to accessorize and sell more stuff to make their legacy gear compatible. it'd be awesome to have a built-in RF trigger for future cameras, I could see that being a huge selling point for the generation of cameras to come.

 

[SPG]

I would be very surprised if Canon did not release optional transmitters and receivers for the 580 EX and for the current DSLRs. Of course, I would expect them to be more expensive than any third party triggers, but I just can't seem them passing up the opportunity.

From Canon's perspective they would look at this from the opposite position: Why would we kill the sales of our new 590 and 5DIII by letting our customers use their old gear?

As evidenced by Magic Lantern, there is a lot that the old cameras can do that Canon does not bother to enable. Remember that they're in the business of selling new cameras, not making old cameras do new things.

Sorry to be throwing water on this, but it just doesn't seem likely that Canon would do something that far outside it's own interests.

 

[briansquibb]

I'd be really surprised if the 590 was compatible with any existing system. Canon isn't exactly known for playing well with others. They still don't release specs of how any of their systems work, or when they change them, so every third party manufacturer has to reverse engineer Canon's system to get their gear to work with it.
That's not to say that Canon won't work with Pocket Wizard, but let's look at recent events...
1. The 580exII radio interference and fried circuit issues with Pocket Wizard. They both saw an issue, yet they wouldn't talk to each other about resolving it.
2. PW just released a new trigger and is really pushing it.
3. PW has to run on different frequencies for sale in the US vs EU.
Those three things would lead one to believe that these two companies aren't working together.

1. This was only a problem fo a very small number of 580s - a problem which also happened without the use of a PW

2. The new PW trigger is not related to the use of eTTL and so would not be of any interest to Canon

3. ALL radio devices run on different frequencies - this is a requirement by the individual countries.

Another case of attacking PW without checking facts first

-1

 

[Maui5150]

Wow if this new flash were to be compatible with both the odin and pw systems. I kind of doubt it, but i guess its time to wait and see!

Why do anything with the Odin. While some people may like them, the install basis is tiny. PW to Odins out there are what 100 - 1? 200 - 1? (i.e. for every Odin out there, there are 100 to 200 PWs, as well as Strobe, Light Meters, and other equipment with PW BUILT IN.

And for the folks that further don't see the advantage of this... All of the sudden it allows CANON to sell SPEEDLIGHTS to NIKON users.

It also allows CANON to sell Speedlights to PENTAX or who ever else has an EXTERNAL SHOE and can fit the PW. Let PW do the ETTL work and branch out into SONY etc all... Long and short which does Canon make more money, selling a SPEEDLIGHT that can be used with almost any camera, and with many systems, is ETTL, or only sell to Canon Users and try to convince an imbeded base do sell out their own gear.

Will Canon do it? Doubt it. But they would double their sales of the 590 EX if they did. Guaranteed. And frankly I would rather sell twice as many speedlights than half as many triggers

 

[Chuck Alaimo]

Wow if this new flash were to be compatible with both the odin and pw systems. I kind of doubt it, but i guess its time to wait and see!

Why do anything with the Odin. While some people may like them, the install basis is tiny. PW to Odins out there are what 100 - 1? 200 - 1? (i.e. for every Odin out there, there are 100 to 200 PWs, as well as Strobe, Light Meters, and other equipment with PW BUILT IN.

And for the folks that further don't see the advantage of this... All of the sudden it allows CANON to sell SPEEDLIGHTS to NIKON users.

It also allows CANON to sell Speedlights to PENTAX or who ever else has an EXTERNAL SHOE and can fit the PW. Let PW do the ETTL work and branch out into SONY etc all... Long and short which does Canon make more money, selling a SPEEDLIGHT that can be used with almost any camera, and with many systems, is ETTL, or only sell to Canon Users and try to convince an imbeded base do sell out their own gear.

Will Canon do it? Doubt it. But they would double their sales of the 590 EX if they did. Guaranteed. And frankly I would rather sell twice as many speedlights than half as many triggers

Just out of curiousity, would you recommend PW over Odin. I only ask because I seriously haven't heard one bad thing about odin, but, have heard many complaints with PW's....

 

[SPG]

I'd be really surprised if the 590 was compatible with any existing system. Canon isn't exactly known for playing well with others. They still don't release specs of how any of their systems work, or when they change them, so every third party manufacturer has to reverse engineer Canon's system to get their gear to work with it.
That's not to say that Canon won't work with Pocket Wizard, but let's look at recent events...
1. The 580exII radio interference and fried circuit issues with Pocket Wizard. They both saw an issue, yet they wouldn't talk to each other about resolving it.
2. PW just released a new trigger and is really pushing it.
3. PW has to run on different frequencies for sale in the US vs EU.
Those three things would lead one to believe that these two companies aren't working together.

1. This was only a problem fo a very small number of 580s - a problem which also happened without the use of a PW

2. The new PW trigger is not related to the use of eTTL and so would not be of any interest to Canon

3. ALL radio devices run on different frequencies - this is a requirement by the individual countries.

Another case of attacking PW without checking facts first

-1

Another case of attacking my post without bothering to see what point I was making.
I have nothing against Pocket Wizards and like where they're going with the PlusIII's (though I do run Odins now for other reasons). The point I was making which is still valid is that Canon and Pocket Wizard don't even seem to be talking to each other let alone collaborating on using their technology in a new flash. There has been zero indication that this has been even possibly in the works over the last year. Pocket Wizard is moving forward doing their thing, fixing problems with the 580 interference, introducing new models, etc while Canon is working on their own new products, fixing the fried 580's, etc. Considering this reality, having a 590 with PW integration is nothing more than wishful thinking.

-2!

 

[kennykodak]

i have a couple of 580EX 2's and pocket wizards. i have never had much luck with the combination. if a 590 or what ever is released, i'm jumping on it.

 

[briansquibb]

I'd be really surprised if the 590 was compatible with any existing system. Canon isn't exactly known for playing well with others. They still don't release specs of how any of their systems work, or when they change them, so every third party manufacturer has to reverse engineer Canon's system to get their gear to work with it.
That's not to say that Canon won't work with Pocket Wizard, but let's look at recent events...
1. The 580exII radio interference and fried circuit issues with Pocket Wizard. They both saw an issue, yet they wouldn't talk to each other about resolving it.
2. PW just released a new trigger and is really pushing it.
3. PW has to run on different frequencies for sale in the US vs EU.
Those three things would lead one to believe that these two companies aren't working together.

1. This was only a problem fo a very small number of 580s - a problem which also happened without the use of a PW

2. The new PW trigger is not related to the use of eTTL and so would not be of any interest to Canon

3. ALL radio devices run on different frequencies - this is a requirement by the individual countries.

Another case of attacking PW without checking facts first

-1

Another case of attacking my post without bothering to see what point I was making.
I have nothing against Pocket Wizards and like where they're going with the PlusIII's (though I do run Odins now for other reasons). The point I was making which is still valid is that Canon and Pocket Wizard don't even seem to be talking to each other let alone collaborating on using their technology in a new flash. There has been zero indication that this has been even possibly in the works over the last year. Pocket Wizard is moving forward doing their thing, fixing problems with the 580 interference, introducing new models, etc while Canon is working on their own new products, fixing the fried 580's, etc. Considering this reality, having a 590 with PW integration is nothing more than wishful thinking.

-2!

The points you made had no relevence to Canon and PW talking together - just a side swipe at PW.

You may suspect PW and Canon are not talking together, fair enough, but you did not present any evidence or links to support your suspicions

 

[wickidwombat]

Wow if this new flash were to be compatible with both the odin and pw systems. I kind of doubt it, but i guess its time to wait and see!

Why do anything with the Odin. While some people may like them, the install basis is tiny. PW to Odins out there are what 100 - 1? 200 - 1? (i.e. for every Odin out there, there are 100 to 200 PWs, as well as Strobe, Light Meters, and other equipment with PW BUILT IN.

And for the folks that further don't see the advantage of this... All of the sudden it allows CANON to sell SPEEDLIGHTS to NIKON users.

It also allows CANON to sell Speedlights to PENTAX or who ever else has an EXTERNAL SHOE and can fit the PW. Let PW do the ETTL work and branch out into SONY etc all... Long and short which does Canon make more money, selling a SPEEDLIGHT that can be used with almost any camera, and with many systems, is ETTL, or only sell to Canon Users and try to convince an imbeded base do sell out their own gear.

Will Canon do it? Doubt it. But they would double their sales of the 590 EX if they did. Guaranteed. And frankly I would rather sell twice as many speedlights than half as many triggers

Just out of curiousity, would you recommend PW over Odin. I only ask because I seriously haven't heard one bad thing about odin, but, have heard many complaints with PW's....

I chose the odins because

1) never heard bad reports
2) much cheaper
3) the controls on the back of the transmitter are awesome it makes on the fly ettl controls super quick

 

[unfocused]

I would be very surprised if Canon did not release optional transmitters and receivers for the 580 EX and for the current DSLRs. Of course, I would expect them to be more expensive than any third party triggers, but I just can't seem them passing up the opportunity.

From Canon's perspective they would look at this from the opposite position: Why would we kill the sales of our new 590 and 5DIII by letting our customers use their old gear?

As evidenced by Magic Lantern, there is a lot that the old cameras can do that Canon does not bother to enable. Remember that they're in the business of selling new cameras, not making old cameras do new things.

Sorry to be throwing water on this, but it just doesn't seem likely that Canon would do something that far outside it's own interests.

It's not outside their interests. Just the opposite.

First, there is nothing in the latest spec list for the 5DIII that says it will have a radio trigger. The 1Dx doesn't have a built in radio trigger in it either as far as I know. So, to fire the new 590 remotely will require a radio trigger for the camera anyway. That's a given. (Yeah, Yeah, I know someone will say that you can use the new speedlite as a trigger. But Canon already offers an infrared trigger to give people an option, so as not to waste a speedlite in that way. They'll do the same with a radio triggered strobe.)

Canon knows that professionals and enthusiasts don't buy just one speedlite. Canon already makes sure that their newest models are backward compatible because they don't want to alienate customers that might be invested already with a half-dozen or more speedlites. I'm sure they'd rather sell receivers for the 580EX series than let a competitor have the business.

It's a no-brainer. Canon will offer receivers and triggers if they offer a radio-controlled speedlite.

 

[briansquibb]

3) the controls on the back of the transmitter are awesome it makes on the fly ettl controls super quick

What kind of controls are on the back?

I am rather tied in to PW at the moment (1 mini and 4 flex)- but doesn't mean I wont add some odins for small scale shooting with two or 3 flash