Nikon D3s

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Revision as of 07:37, 23 July 2013 by Steve (Talk | contribs) (White Lightning and FlexTT5 with AC9 AlienBees Adapter)

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Review this page for information about the Nikon D3s and its performance with PocketWizard radios.

General Nikon Operational Considerations

The following operational considerations apply to all Nikon cameras unless otherwise noted.

Flash Sync Speed - Custom Camera Setting

When using a Nikon camera and ControlTL radios, the camera's "Flash Sync Speed" setting must be set to the slower shutter speed of the two "Auto FP" options. This setting can be found in the "Bracketing/Flash" Custom Settings menu.


D3s Specific Operational Considerations

The following operational considerations apply only to the D3s.

Camera Firmware

For best results, use the latest camera body firmware. The latest firmware for the D3s is A:1.02 / B:1.02, available for download at Nikon Service & Support.


HyperSync Performance

Use the tables below to view the D3s' HyperSync performance with a specific flash.

  1. Find the table for your flash brand and PocketWizard receiver.
  2. Locate your flash in the "Flash Model" column.
  3. Determine whether you will enable HyperSync Only or not. Enabling HyperSync Only will provide the most consistent results and is recommended for Nikon users.
  4. Follow the "Transmitter Setup" link in the "Radio Setup" column to configure your transmitter.
  5. Follow the appropriate Receiver Setup link in the "Radio Setup" column. When configuring your receiver, you will need to choose a HyperSync Automation method, either Reduced Clipping or Highest Energy.
  6. Choose the PDF that corresponds to the HyperSync Automation method that you have selected for your radios. The PDFs contain images that illustrate the kind of performance you should expect with your setup.


Einstein and PowerMC2

Flash Model HyperSync Only Control Radio Setup HyperSync Automation Selection
Einstein E640 HyperSync Only Enabled Transmitter Setup Highest Energy PDF Reduced Clipping PDF
PowerMC2 Setup
HyperSync Only Disabled Transmitter Setup Highest Energy PDF Reduced Clipping PDF
PowerMC2 Setup

Note: Example images were captured using the Einstein's "Color" mode.

Elinchrom and PowerST4

Flash Model HyperSync Only Control Radio Setup HyperSync Automation Selection
Ranger RX S-Head HyperSync Only Enabled Transmitter Setup Highest Energy PDF Reduced Clipping PDF
PowerST4 Setup
HyperSync Only Disabled Transmitter Setup Highest Energy PDF Reduced Clipping PDF
PowerST4 Setup

AlienBees and FlexTT5 with AC9 AlienBees Adapter

Flash Model HyperSync Only Control Radio Setup HyperSync Automation Selection
AlienBees B1600 HyperSync Only Enabled Transmitter Setup Highest Energy PDF Reduced Clipping PDF
FlexTT5 and AC9 AlienBees Adapter Setup
HyperSync Only Disabled Transmitter Setup Highest Energy PDF Reduced Clipping PDF
FlexTT5 and AC9 AlienBees Adapter Setup

White Lightning and FlexTT5 with AC9 AlienBees Adapter

Flash Model HyperSync Only Control Radio Setup HyperSync Automation Selection
White Lightning X3200 HyperSync Only Enabled Transmitter Setup Highest Energy PDF Reduced Clipping PDF
FlexTT5 and AC9 AlienBees Adapter Setup
HyperSync Only Disabled Transmitter Setup Highest Energy PDF Reduced Clipping PDF
FlexTT5 and AC9 AlienBees Adapter Setup


Don't see your gear?
We have paused our HyperSync testing and PDF production for the time being. We may be adding more results to the wiki as they become available. Check back in the future.


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.


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