DTTL TTL Manual & DSLRs

I just looked over topics in this forum as well as the Ikellite FAQ's to try and get an understanding of how well or not so well, TTL stobes work with DSLR cameras in housings. I have seen posts about having to use manual mode with DSLR's and that TTL won't worth with them. Also I have read posts about removing sync cord pins and taping off contacts to get strobes to work with DSLR's.

On Ikellite's site http://www.ikelite.com/web_pages/dig_definitions.html, they say that there is No underwater strobe available that will work with digital cameras in TTL mode because digital cameras use DTTL or ETTL and have up to 15 preflashes. Yet it appears after reading the description of the DS125 substrobe that it does provide TTL exposure for digital cameras.

What I want to do is have a 10D in a housing and have the option to use TTL if I want or shoot w/ manual exposure. I am not really interested in housing the Canon 550 strobe and like the features of the Ikellite Substrobe DS125.

Dazed and confused, Keith

The short answer is that there is no UW strobe available that gives you TTL with the Canon 10d (or any other dSLR with the exception of the Fuji S2).

The only way the DS-125 will give you TTL with your 10D is if you use the wireless TTL sensor from Ikelite and not a synch cord. In reality, I don't think there's any housing that will let you use the internal flash, so you'll have to shoot manual with the 10D.

It's really not that hard once you spend some time in the water. I wouldn't want to learn to shoot manual with film, but that's another story.

Use the built-in variability of the DS-125 to shoot 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, and Full power. And if that's not enough, get a Manual Controller from Ikelite and you get 10 settings for power.

As you mentioned, the only way to get e-TTL is to house a Canon strobe. There are options from a couple manufacturers, but you're probably better off going with the DS-125 if you're choosing between the two.

Tom

Yeah, what Tom said. Unless you house a 550EX flash, you won't be able to get TTL with your 10D using any underwater strobe.

HTH

James

The only way the DS-125 will give you TTL with your 10D is if you use the wireless TTL sensor from Ikelite and not a synch cord.

Actually, I'm pretty sure that this will not work either, even if you had a housing that allowed the internal flash to operate. AFAIK the DS50/DS125's can do ONE preflash, then a full flash to follow on. The little point and shoots tend to use a single preflash/full flash mode, while the dTTL (Nikon)/eTTL (Canon) are more like 8-13 preflashes. The DS125 would mimic the first preflash, but not the subsequent flashes.

Thanks for the replies so far...

So do most folks using housed DSLR's shoot auto and use stobes on manual and bracket the strobe exposure? As I consider the jump to digital from film I am curious as to what DSLR users work flow is like in order to over come some of these electronic hurdles.

Keith

Good point Craig. In any case, I don't think there are any housings available that allow for the internal flash to be used on the 10D, D60, D30, or 300D.

Regardless, yes, shoot on manual and if using a variable output strobe (DS-125), bracket to taste. Someone like James or Eric might be better suited to answering the workflow part with a DS-125, as I only use a DS-50 on Manual with no variable controller.

OK, I think I already know the answer, but in terms of an S&S YS120 strobe and a 300G camera, do I have any real options?

It has 1/2 and full, with a diffuser and 1/2 - I get 1/4. I can get a Nikonons sync cord. I already have 2 S&S MkVI arms sets also.

But I can sell it for $450 or so, and by the time I buy a $100 sync cord I'm probably better off with another strobe. I am attracted to the Inon strobes right now. I'm a bit nervous about Ike strobes with all the reported problems.

Just curious on how much stuff to sell off.

Jack

So do most folks using housed DSLR's shoot auto and use stobes on manual and bracket the strobe exposure? As I consider the jump to digital from film I am curious as to what DSLR users work flow is like in order to over come some of these electronic hurdles.

Even though I have a Fuji S2 and TTL is available on most strobes with it (I use Ikelite 200's), I rarely use TTL.

Unlike in the film world, you do have a decent amount of immediate feedback after you take a shot with the image on your exposure with the LCD screen so you can correct your exposure problems on the fly.

It isn't perfect so I tend to bracket where possible. Also it doesn't take long to get a feel for your strobes anyway, so you will quickly find that you hae a good idea of what your settings should be on each shot anyway.

Lastly I make sure I have flexible strobe arms. You can easily get yourself +1/-1 or more stops of light by moving a strobe closer to to further away from a subject

Your milage may vary,

M