Don't know if it affects the model you are getting though.
Interesting. I don't know enough about the PWs to know if the tech is same/similar. However, the TTL feature of the Phottix Strata is so rudimentary I don't see how anyone could have a patent on it. It is simply a pass-through facility, so that with the tx in the camera hotshoe a flash can be mounted top of that tx and communicate TTL data with the camera as if it were itself directly mounted in the camera hotshoe. The Phottix Strata tx and rx do not themselves handle any TTL data. It means achieving the same as using a TTL cable between the flash and the camera but without cable and without tying up the camera hotshoe, while obviously radio triggering your lighting setup.
and my impression from those and other information is that the Phottix Strata's overall basic functionality tech (eg max sync speed) is a level more mature than the Cactus, Yongnuo etc. Apparently, with a TTL master flash on the tx on the camera, all the camera to master to slave communication options (likely except high speed sync, and 2nd curtain flash) are maintained with the use of the Phottix Stata, so for example if you have a Speedlite master and slaves system being triggered it will behave as you choose, likely except for HSS/2nd curtain flash. You can also put the ST-2E atop the tx. The Canon infrared system's limitations apply of course. With remotely placed radio controlled speedlites you have greatly increased functionality in the placement of the speedlites in the system while still being able to utilise the camera hotshoe, eg using an ST-2E in it on a different channel to control a separate bank of TTL controlled speedlites, all from the camera. Or if you have an extra long TTL cable you could connect a remote out-of-sight master TTL speedlight to the hotshoe on the tx and get TTL control of an out-of-sight bank of speedlites that way, while still being able to radio trigger other lights.
Obviously you can have a mixed lighting setup - flashes of different makes and kinds, and strobes - being triggered by radio, IR - and optically, as there is no pre-flash with a TTL master. A comment in the Flickr discussion suggests too that when you have a master TTL light the metering remains accurate even with the presence in the setup of non TTL components (at least when acting as background components, but that could be just fantasy).
So, with the Phottix Strata, TTL/ETTL is possible within limitations. It just makes getting the most out of basic radio triggering a little more easy and efficient. With the PWs there are still limitations in that all your lighting gear must be TTL/ETTL capable for maximum designed benefit.
I'd be grateful if anyone could point out any tech inaccuracies in my comments.
Comments
You've probably seen this.
http://www.pocketwizard.com/news_events/news/patent/
Don't know if it affects the model you are getting though.
http://www.danalphotos.com
http://www.pluralsight.com
http://twitter.com/d114
Interesting. I don't know enough about the PWs to know if the tech is same/similar. However, the TTL feature of the Phottix Strata is so rudimentary I don't see how anyone could have a patent on it. It is simply a pass-through facility, so that with the tx in the camera hotshoe a flash can be mounted top of that tx and communicate TTL data with the camera as if it were itself directly mounted in the camera hotshoe. The Phottix Strata tx and rx do not themselves handle any TTL data. It means achieving the same as using a TTL cable between the flash and the camera but without cable and without tying up the camera hotshoe, while obviously radio triggering your lighting setup.
There is this user review
http://ishootshows.com/2010/09/13/review-phottix-strato-wireless-flash-triggers/
and I have read some user comments about this system on Flickr
http://www.flickr.com/groups/strobist/discuss/72157625017703308/
and my impression from those and other information is that the Phottix Strata's overall basic functionality tech (eg max sync speed) is a level more mature than the Cactus, Yongnuo etc. Apparently, with a TTL master flash on the tx on the camera, all the camera to master to slave communication options (likely except high speed sync, and 2nd curtain flash) are maintained with the use of the Phottix Stata, so for example if you have a Speedlite master and slaves system being triggered it will behave as you choose, likely except for HSS/2nd curtain flash. You can also put the ST-2E atop the tx. The Canon infrared system's limitations apply of course. With remotely placed radio controlled speedlites you have greatly increased functionality in the placement of the speedlites in the system while still being able to utilise the camera hotshoe, eg using an ST-2E in it on a different channel to control a separate bank of TTL controlled speedlites, all from the camera. Or if you have an extra long TTL cable you could connect a remote out-of-sight master TTL speedlight to the hotshoe on the tx and get TTL control of an out-of-sight bank of speedlites that way, while still being able to radio trigger other lights.
Obviously you can have a mixed lighting setup - flashes of different makes and kinds, and strobes - being triggered by radio, IR - and optically, as there is no pre-flash with a TTL master. A comment in the Flickr discussion suggests too that when you have a master TTL light the metering remains accurate even with the presence in the setup of non TTL components (at least when acting as background components, but that could be just fantasy).
So, with the Phottix Strata, TTL/ETTL is possible within limitations. It just makes getting the most out of basic radio triggering a little more easy and efficient. With the PWs there are still limitations in that all your lighting gear must be TTL/ETTL capable for maximum designed benefit.
I'd be grateful if anyone could point out any tech inaccuracies in my comments.
Neil
http://www.behance.net/brosepix
they seem to have it together
Neil
http://www.behance.net/brosepix
Neil
http://www.behance.net/brosepix