Difference between revisions of "Nikon Compatibility"

Revision as of 07:39, 29 April 2014

This section contains compatibility information for the Nikon MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 ControlTL radios.

Future Compatiblity

The following is the prioritized list of planned BETA firmware releases and production releases for compatibility with newly released photography gear from Nikon. Prioritization is based on when gear was received, complexity of reverse engineering and majority of users:

1. New Nikon Gear: Nikon Firmware 3.400 has added compatibility for
   • Nikon D600
   • Nikon D3200

Work continues on adding compatibility for additional Nikon cameras like the D4s, Df, D7100, D5300, D5200, and D610.

This page will be updated when beta firmware is released and we will also post on the PocketWizard Facebook page.

Detailed Canon Compatibility is available here.

Camera Compatibility

The MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 for Nikon are compatible with these modern Nikon digital cameras capable of using Nikon's latest i-TTL / CLS protocol:

* The D40, D40x, D5100, D5000, D3000, D3100, and D3200 do not support HSS/FP-Sync operation. These cameras also do not support HyperSync.

Non-Compatible Cameras

Cameras with potential future compatibility may work in a limited fashion using TTL, FP-sync, and other basic features. These cameras are not yet supported.

* The D5300, D5200, and D3300 do not support HSS/FP-Sync operation. These cameras also do not support HyperSync.

BASIC TRIGGER MODE: Almost all cameras and flashes are compatible with the MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 when the radios are configured for Basic Trigger Mode. Basic Trigger Mode disables all flash power control and TTL functions of the radios.

Speedlight Compatibility

The MiniTT1 & FlexTT5 for Nikon are compatible with the following modern Nikon Speedlights as Remote flashes and Nikon On-Camera Master flashes: (Other flashes may work in Basic Trigger Mode without CLS / i-TTL.)

Nikon Speedlights as Remotes

• SB-910
• SB-900
• SB-800
• SB-700
• SB-600
• SB-400 (not capable of HSS)

Nikon Speedlights as On-Camera Master Flashes

• SB-910
• SB-900
• SB-800
• SB-700
• SU-800 Wireless Speedlight Commander

Note: The "GN" ratio mode of the SB-700 is not supported.

Non-Compatible Flashes

Any older generation Nikon Flashes as Remote Units Such as:

• SB-80DX
• SB-80
• SB-28DX
• SB-28
• SB-50
• any other Speedlight not listed above

BASIC TRIGGER MODE: Almost all cameras and flashes are compatible with the MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 when the radios are configured for Basic Trigger Mode. Basic Trigger Mode disables all flash power control and TTL functions of the radios.

Operational Notes

ControlTL Remote Camera

Using the default settings, remote cameras with a receiving FlexTT5 will be limited to Single Shot mode and there will be a delay between subsequent triggers. To learn more about remote camera triggering with ControlTL radios, visit our Remote Camera Triggering page.

Flash Exposure Compensation

Flash exposure compensation is controlled as part of the camera’s exposure compensation, set via the exposure compensation button near the shutter release. This compensation works in all shooting modes, including Manual. When in Manual mode, the exposure compensation will only affect the flash exposure, as the camera exposure is controlled by the settings you have selected manually.

Speedlight Light Pattern

The SB-910, SB-900, and SB-700 have a special Light Pattern Menu, which allows you to set a slightly different light output pattern. Of the three options in this menu, “STD” for Standard output must be selected. Selecting either “CW” for Center-Weighted or “EVEN” for Even output is not supported and may result in exposure errors.

Vibration Reduction (VR) Mode Auto-Detection

When using VR Lenses, switching the VR Mode on or off results in the transmitting radio taking a calibration shot to adjust for the resulting flash timing shift. This may result in a single missed frame after toggling the VR mode on or off. In rare cases, when shooting above your camera’s x-sync speed (1/250th or faster on most cameras), this calibration shot may fail, and continued dark frames may occur. If this happens, take a test shot at 1/160th or 1/200th of a second, and then move back to your desired shutter speed. In the interest of simplicity, we recommend leaving VR-mode either on or off for the duration of your shooting session.

Pre-Flash Boost controls

Modern TTL (Through The Lens) metering systems are based on a pre-flash fired an instant before the camera’s shutter opens, allowing the camera to calculate the amount of light output required for a proper exposure. Pre-Flash Boost is a feature which increases this metering pre-flash’s light output, which helps to make more accurate TTL exposure calculations at the longer distances our ControlTL radios can achieve. It also helps compensate for light lost when using a light modifier like an umbrella or soft box. By default, this feature adds approximately 2 stops of light output to these metering flashes. This light output can be controlled by the EV controls on the back of the remote flash. The amount of pre-flash boost compensation set on the remote flashes will not affect the final exposure. This allows you to increase the pre-flash boost beyond the default value for subjects farther away, and decrease the pre-flash boost for subjects very close to the flash.

Camera-Specific Operational Considerations

For more information about operational considerations that may affect your camera specifically, choose the model below:

Nikon Special Notes

The following special notes apply to all Nikon cameras.

FV Lock

FV Lock is not currently supported with PocketWizard radios.

Unsupported Modes

• Mirror Up mode is not fully supported at this time – test with your specific configuration before using.
• Exposure Delay mode (set via in-camera menu) is not currently supported.
• Repeater/RPT mode is not currently supported.

In-Camera Flash Control

Using in-camera “Flash Control for Built In Flash” menu to control remote zones is not currently supported.

Rear-Curtain Sync and Bulb

Rear Curtain Sync and Bulb mode cannot be used together. For more information, visit our Rear Curtain Sync page.

Remote Infrared Control

ControlTL radios disable ALL infra-red/optical communication pulses used in Nikon’s native i-TTL system, and will not trigger remote flashes configured to receive these pulses. A PocketWizard radio is required for each remote flash you want to trigger.