Direct Connect (Synchro????) TTL or Wireless Remote TTL????

I'm a totally newbie, doing some research here.

I've purchased an Oly 8080 and have not yet decided on housing. I know the Ikelight housing permits a direct connection from the strobe to the housing with a TTL chord (I'm assuming that is what's referred to as a "synchro" setup, yes, no???), and I assume that is required since the housing does not permit the internal flash to pop up for a sensor-based setup to work.

The Oly housing, on the other hand, does permit the internal flash to pop up, so it can use a setup where the strobe "watches" the internal flash, with the "watching" sensor connected to the strobe by a cable. I assume that is what is referred to as slaved TTL, yes?? no??

Two questions: Does the Oly housing permit the direct connection sort of setup, like the IkeLight Setup?

I assume the slaved TTL approach (sensor watching the camera) is preferred, since the packages with it are more expensive than the direct connect (synchro) TTL configuration. If so, in what way is it better? Or am I wrong on that, and is direct connection (synchro) better route to go for a newbie??

Thanks for your help.

Ken.

Re "Does the Oly housing permit the direct connection sort of setup, like the Ikelite setup? "

A: No. Except to their inadequate FL -20 strobe.

Re"I assume the slaved TTL approach (sensor watching the camera) is preferred"

A: No. Inserting a slave to track preflashes has seldom been a successful approach. TTL [with a sync cord] is better because it's easier to use and because it works.

And while you didn't ask, I'll still say it. The quality of Ikelite housings is far superior to recent Olympus housings.

http://www.digitaldiver.net/yabbse/index.p...y;threadid=7388

http://www.digitaldiver.net/yabbse/index.p...y;threadid=7830

http://www.wetpixel.com/PNphpBB2-viewtopic...ic-t-5969.phtml

IMO Olympus hasn't had a good housing design since the one for the 4040.

Edited to clarify. Added [with a sync cord].

Got your reply to my other posting re Ike v. Oly. You've opened my eyes. Thank you very much!

Ken

Another problem with "watching the strobe" TTL is the external strobe can be no brighter than the strobe it is watching because when camera strobe extinguishes so will the external strobe.

Another problem with "watching the strobe" TTL is the external strobe can be no brighter than the strobe it is watching because when camera strobe extinguishes so will the external strobe.

But you sell both, right? Given this drawback, why is "watching the strobe" more expensive? Also, if the strobe is not getting signal from the camera itself, how can that be called TTL? Is it TTL in the sense that the cameral shuts off the internal strobe when it's "had enough light," and that, in turn, shuts off the external strobe?

Thanks much for the info.

Ken.

Your last sentence is correct, Kengar, except when the photo could have used more intensity.

Re " Also, if the strobe is not getting a signal from the camera itself, how can that be called TTL?"

I think confusion is creeping into this thread. The strobe IS getting a signal from the camera. Specifically;

With Ikelite sync cord TTL for Olympus cameras, the camera controls the strobe and in the process sends it a signal to preflash to determine how much light is needed for a proper exposure and then sends it a second signal to flash while the shutter is open.

The camera strobe is not used in this arrangement.