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Lighting manufacturer Elinchrom has introduced a version of its high speed sync Skyport remote flash trigger and controller that is compatible with Sony cameras. The new Skyport Plus HS transmitter allows Sony camera users to synchronize their shutter with Elinchrom flash heads using speeds of up to 1/8000sec. The system has been in use for some time for Canon and Nikon users, but now Elinchrom has added Sony to the list of camera brands with which the transmitter works.
Elinchrom’s high speed sync system is called Hi-Sync and varies from hotshoe style flash units in the way it produces light for short shutter speeds. While HSS modes in speedlights tend to use pulsing flash that gradually covers the camera sensor as the shutter slit passes by, Hi-Sync just uses a relatively long-duration burst. The company has introduced a system it calls OverDrive Sync that allows the user to calibrate the timing of the burst to the opening and closing of the individual camera’s shutter to ensure the two events coincide. This ODS system also allows a certain degree of exposure manipulation as photographers can tailor their shutter to different segments of the flash output curve.
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The Skyport Plus HS 2.4GHz radio transmitter has a range of 200m/656ft when used without obstruction between the camera and the head, and 60m/196ft when used indoors. It system offers 20 channels for normal shooting and 20 more for high speed shooting, which can be arranged in 4 groups, and an AF illuminator to assist in low light conditions.
The Elinchrom Skyport Plus HS costs $ 249.95 USD / €249 EUR / £199 GBP.
For more information see the Elinchrom website.
Sony camera compatibility
| A7 | A7 ll | A7r | A7r ll | A7s |
| A7s ll | A33 | A37 | A55 | A57 |
| A77 | A77 ll | A99 | A100 | A230 |
| A290 | A330 | A350 | A380 | A390 |
| A450 | A500 | A550 | A560 | A580 |
| A700 | A850 | A6000 | RX1 | NEX-7K |
Press release:
Elinchrom expands the family of EL-Skyport Plus HS transmitters to Sony users !
Since the launch of the Skyport Plus HS for Canon and Nikon, Sony users have been patiently awaiting their dedicated Transmitter. As promised, the most advanced Skyport ever is now available to Sony users. This will give them the ability to control and visualize power settings for all their compatible Elinchrom lights and the capability to shoot at speeds up to 1/8000s in Hi-Sync mode.
Visual Feedback Interface
The Large LCD display of the Skyport HS features two-way control via a visual feedback interface that lets you see the exact power up to 10 compatible Elinchrom lights in your setup right on the transmitter.
Users can control the modelling lamp and power of each flash unit directly from the Skyport transmitter, which instantly shows the updated settings.
This provides unsurpassed levels of “two-way communication and control” for every light in your setup, right from your camera.
Hi-Sync opens up the world of flash photography
Elinchrom Hi-Sync technology lets you go beyond the X-Sync of your camera. Photographers can simply switch to Hi-Sync mode and access sync speeds up to 1/8000s to freeze motion, overpower the sun, darken backgrounds or use a wider aperture. The ODS (Over Drive Sync) enables users to fine tune the Skyport Plus HS transmitter’s trigger signal to optimize exposure at high shutter speeds while gaining up to 2 more f-stops of light.
Even more
The Skyport HS has 20 frequency channels that can be used for either Normal or Speed mode. The transmitter attaches easily and securely to the hotshoe with its one-touch quick-lock mechanism, and is powered by 2x AA batteries. Users can also enjoy a range of up to 656ft (200m) outdoors, and up to 196ft (60m) indoors.
The Skyport HS continues the Elinchrom commitment to quality
Providing photographers with tools to enhance their shooting experience whilst also showing how Elinchrom is looking firmly ahead to the future. The Skyport HS represents a seamless extension of the EL-Skyport family since it is also compatible with the three previous generations of Elinchrom flash units (those using the EL-Skyport Transceiver RX module for Style RX, Digital RX, and Ranger RX systems, and those with integrated EL-Skyport modules for the BRX, D-Lite RX, ELC Pro HD, and ELB series.)
Other camera systems are currently being evaluated for future release.
EL-Skyport Plus HS Features
* Large LCD with unique, real-time display of remote flash power settings
* Easy access buttons and rotation ring for fast setup and control
* 20 Channels, 4 Groups for Normal and Speed Sync Modes
* Hi-Sync, up to 1/8000sec with Sony, Canon and Nikon cameras
* Extended working range up to 656ft (200m)
* AF Illuminator and sure-lock mounting foot
* USB port for future-proof upgrades
The EL-Skyport Transmitter Plus HS is now available for Sony, Canon and Nikon cameras.
EL19371 – EL-Skyport Transmitter Plus HS for Sony
EL19366 – EL-Skyport Transmitter Plus HS for Canon
EL19367 – EL-Skyport Transmitter Plus HS for Nikon
Street Price: $ 249.95 USD / €249 EUR / £199 GBP
Specifications
Frequency Band : 2.4 GHz
Channels : 40; (20 in Normal mode – green / 20 in Speed mode – red)
Groups : 4: 1, 2, 3, 4
Flash synchronization :
Normal: limited to the native X-sync of your camera
Hi-Sync mode: up to a 1/8000 sec.*
2nd curtain sync: only Canon
Range : Up to 200m (656’) for triggering
AF Assist Beam : Yes
Connection :
Foot for Sony hotshoe (19371) Canon hotshoe (19366) and Nikon hotshoe (19367)
Mini-USB for firmware updates
2.5 mm remote release
Power source : 2x AA batteries
Indicators and Controls :
LCD screen display:
Sync mode, group, channel, ODS activation, Hi-Sync activation, shutter mode, remaining battery power, flash unit name, flash unit ID, flash unit power level, flash unit modelling level.
Buttons:
Group selection, test, rotation ring to change values, confirmation, on/off and refresh.
There are also 4 buttons with variable functionality:
Power +/-, Modelling lamp off/prop/free, Individual unit selection and setup on the dashboard. Menu up, menu down and exit in the setup menu.
Dimensions : 84.1 x 68.3 x 58.5 mm (3.3 x 2.7 x 2.3”)
Weight : 120 g ( 0.27 lbs.) without batteries
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)