Should serious photographers forget APS-C cameras?

[Rooz]

Rooz, then how do you guys control ratio grouping? I keep hearing about ratios on Nikons. Or is it just that the flashes are smart enough to know how close they are to the subject and control the flash output dynamically rather than a preset ratio? I know that CLS has something extra that Sony doesn't.

each flash can be set to its own group, (up to 4), so they can each be set individually for their power. either all TTL or even a mix of TTL/ M. so for example...

on camera light: M 1/64
key light - TTL
fill light: TTL (-2EV)
rim light: M 1/4

this is done on the in camera menu, or on an sb800 flash mounted to hotshoe...or an su800 etc.

each flash measures distance to the subject individually, not just one measurement pumped out to all units. the beauty of it is...it WORKS. and works damn well.

If the body doesn't do it, then it is no different than Sony's implementation at all!

remember the d300 has the "same sensor" as the a700 yes ? and look at the performance difference...night and day. so this is not just about the hardware, its about the knowledge base in the software so where the rubber hits the road, ie: when the camera is at your eye and you click the shutter, the system DOES what the marketing TELLS you its gonna do.

[dr4gon]

I rarely need the range of my G. I'm considering getting rid of it and getting the CZ 24-70mm or the Sigma 24-70mm HSM.

If you don't need it, you should definitely consider the CZ 24-70mm or the 70-200mm F/2.8 (which is more useful than the 70-300).

each flash can be set to its own group, (up to 4), so they can each be set individually for their power. either all TTL or even a mix of TTL/ M. so for example...

on camera light: M 1/64
key light - TTL
fill light: TTL (-2EV)
rim light: M 1/4

this is done on the in camera menu, or on an sb800 flash mounted to hotshoe...or an su800 etc.

each flash measures distance to the subject individually, not just one measurement pumped out to all units. the beauty of it is...it WORKS. and works damn well.



remember the d300 has the "same sensor" as the a700 yes ? and look at the performance difference...night and day. so this is not just about the hardware, its about the knowledge base in the software so where the rubber hits the road, ie: when the camera is at your eye and you click the shutter, the system DOES what the marketing TELLS you its gonna do.

So without an SU800 or an SB800/900 you can do wireless TTL ratio controls because with the Sony PUF, you can only trigger multiple flashes (I believe) or trigger one flash with wireless TTL.

[Elisha]

Sony works the same way however Nikon takes it a step further.
For example if you are using 2 flashes wireless with TTL and both at varying distances from the subject, they will both fire at equal amount of power based on TTL metering, regardless if one of them is closer to the subject than the other.
Whereas Nikon's 2 flashes will individually estimate their distance and vary the TTL metering output so that the subject doesn't get too much or too little light.

Correct me if I am wrong Rooz!

[Peekayoh]

The traditional automatic ratio feature of Minolta's flash system works only in conjunction with film cameras and off the film metering.
For Digital Wireless Flash with ratio control you need the HVL-F58AM in CTRL1 mode which controls up to three flash groups comprising F58s and/or F42s
If you have a mixture of older flashes they can be triggered (CTRL2 mode) in two goups but you need to play around with the distances to subject to get the ratio correct. Or use a flashmeter.

[Elisha]

If you don't need it, you should definitely consider the CZ 24-70mm or the 70-200mm F/2.8 (which is more useful than the 70-300).

Would love the 70-200G but I may have to go with the Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 HSM II instead for cost reasons.

[Rooz]

So without an SU800 or an SB800/900 you can do wireless TTL ratio controls because with the Sony PUF, you can only trigger multiple flashes (I believe) or trigger one flash with wireless TTL.

you can do that with the PUF on the nikon body aswell but i think you can only control 2 groups. (maybe 3 cant remember...at the airport right now waiting to board so no camera.)

Correct me if I am wrong Rooz!

you are correct.

For Digital Wireless Flash with ratio control you need the HVL-F58AM in CTRL1 mode which controls up to three flash groups comprising F58s and/or F42s.

does the 58AM act as a radio transmitter ? i didnt know that. interesting. which sony flash units have a radio reciever ?

[dr4gon]

you can do that with the PUF on the nikon body aswell but i think you can only control 2 groups. (maybe 3 cant remember...at the airport right now waiting to board so no camera.)

you are correct.

does the 58AM act as a radio transmitter ? i didnt know that. interesting. which sony flash units have a radio reciever ?

I see, well 2 or 3 is better than 1, not that I have more than 1 flash units...

ooooh, where you going?

The 58AM sends signals via light or IR, I'm pretty sure it can't do radio lol. I don't think any of the sony flash units have receivers for the above reasons that nothing can put out a radio transmission in the first place.

[fdexclpl]

I rarely need the range of my G. I'm considering getting rid of it and getting the CZ 24-70mm or the Sigma 24-70mm HSM.

I may be interested if you decide to get rid of it.

[SONYNUT]

i forgot about them when i went full frame but this damn thread keeps reminding me

[Peekayoh]

Rooz, I think you misread Ratio as Radio.