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Along with the announcement of the sports-oriented OM-D E-M1 X camera, Olympus has introduced a new wireless flash unit. The FL-700WR features a weather-resistant build that’s dustproof, splashproof and freezeproof (down to 14°F / -10°C). Sitting between the existing FL-600R and flagship FL-900R, it offers a guide number of 42 meters and claims a 1.5 second flash recycle time.
The flash also supports Olympus’ multi-frame modes such as High Res Shot, Focus Stacking and Focus Bracketing – though not the E-M1X’s Handheld High Res Shot mode. A Multi Flash mode makes it possible to fire the flashgun multiple times during a single shot, with adjustable intensity and frequency. The flash is also equipped with an LED light for constant illumination during video recording.
The FL-700WR will be available in February for $ 400.
OLYMPUS ADDS TO OM-D® SYSTEM WITH WEATHER RESISTANT WIRELESS FLASH FL-700WR, WIRELESS COMMANDER FC-WR, AND WIRELESS RECEIVER FR-WR
Flash System Designed for Wireless Radiowave Shooting
CENTER VALLEY, PA., January 24, 2019 – Olympus has today announced a new Electronic Flash, the FL-700WR, Wireless Commander FC-WR, and Wireless Receiver FR-WR, all coming in late February 2019 and designed to meet the growing demands of professional photographers. The electronic flash features dustproof, splashproof, and freezeproof (14°F / -10°C)1 performance, as well as wireless radiowave shooting compatibility with a maximum guide number of 422.
Designed for compatibility with the OM-D system, the FL-700WR wireless high-performance electronic flash offers radiowave-shooting capabilities. During wireless shooting, it functions as a commander or a flash with built-in receiver. The FL-700WR electronic flash, as well as the Wireless Commander FC-WR and the Wireless Receiver FR-WR, all feature dustproof, splashproof, and freezeproof (14°F / -10°C)1 performance. This durable construction makes it possible to control multiple flash units from the camera in various shooting conditions.
High-Intensity, Weather-Resistant Performance with a Maximum Guide Number of 42
This flash features a maximum guide number of 422 (ISO 100/m). The compact, lightweight design delivers excellent portability with high flash output. The weather sealed performance offers reliability when shooting in a variety of environments, including rain, when paired with the Olympus® OM-D E-M1X and other weather sealed body and lens combinations. The user can enjoy full flash power after charging for approximately 1.5 seconds3 for quick, comfortable and easy shooting. Because of the short charging time, sequential flash photography4 at 10 fps is possible.
Wireless Radiowave Communication
This product is equipped with a wireless radiowave communication function, which operates even in bright conditions, or when there are obstructions in the area. It can communicate up to a distance of 30 meters, making accurate communication possible even when the flash is set behind the subject.
The FL-700WR can function as a commander or a flash with built-in receiver. When used as a commander, it has the ability to connect to three groups and an unlimited number of flash units. The user can select which group they want to fire and not to fire, and configure the flash intensity compensation. It can also function in the conventional RC mode (optical communication) as a slave flash.
Equipped with Multi Flash mode5
Multi Flash mode5 makes it possible to express subject motion by firing multiple times during long exposures or bulb shooting. The intensity, interval (frequency), and number of shots can be configured to match the ideal settings for the subject.
Compatible with High Res Shot6, Focus Stacking, and Focus Bracketing
Features such as High Res Shot6, Focus Stacking, and Focus Bracketing, included on camera models such as the OM-D E-M1X and OM-D E-M1 Mark II, can function with this flash.
Other Available Features
- The super FP flash enables high-speed synchronization that exceeds the camera’s maximum sync speed.
- First-curtain and second-curtain sync fires when the shutter curtain opens or closes .
- TTL modes enable the pre-flash to measure the required intensity so the output automatically adjusts to the optimal level.
- An LED light for movies features a 77° angle of illumination and 100-lux brightness emittance from one meter away.
- The bounce angle can be adjusted within 180° horizontally and 90° vertically. It is equipped with a catchlight panel and wide panel. The firing angle covers the focal length of 7mm (14mm ) when using the wide panel.
- Equipped with auto zoom , the firing angle is supported by lenses with a focal length of 12-75mm (24-150mm10).
- The FL-700WR flash emits an electronic sound when charging is complete.
Wireless Commander FC-WR and Wireless Receiver FR-WR
The new wireless commander FC-WR and wireless receiver FR-WR offer the same dustproof, splashproof and freezeproof (14°F / -10°C)1 performance as the FL-700WR electronic flash. When combined with a weather sealed body and lens such as the OM-D E-M1X, users can enjoy shooting in even the harshest environments.
The FC-WR and FR-WR are compatible with a variety of items, such as the FL-900R, for wireless radiowave communication. The commander can connect to three different groups and an unlimited number of flash units. The user can also select which group they want to fire and not to fire, and adjust the flash intensity.
The FC-WR is equipped with independent buttons for groups A, B, and C, making it possible to quickly configure settings for each group as well as adjust the shooting mode and flash intensity while viewing the monitor. Groups and channels can easily be set and checked using the dials on the FR-WR. This design makes the unit intuitive, comfortable and easy-to-use during multi-unit shooting.
The FR-WR is equipped with a sync terminal that can connect to commercial flash units, such as a monoblock flash, and can be remotely fired using wireless radiowave communication. When flash11 charging is complete, the flash emits an electronic sound.
U.S. Pricing and Availability
The FL-700WR Electronic Flash, FC-WR Wireless Commander and FR-WR Wireless Receiver will be available in February 2019 with pricing as follows:
FL-700WR Electronic Flash $ 399.99 (U.S.), $ 449.99 (CAD)
FC-WR Wireless Radiowave Flash Commander $ 349.99 (U.S.), $ 399.99 (CAD)
FR-WR Wireless Radiowave Flash Receiver $ 229.99 (U.S.), $ 279.99 (CAD)
1 When using in a low temperature, please warm the battery by keeping it in a pocket etc.
2 Firing angle of 75mm / standard light distribution mode, ISO 100/m.
3 When using Ni-MH batteries. Approx. 2.5 seconds when using alkaline batteries.
4 Only when using OM-D E-M1X and OM-D E-M1 Mark II mechanical shutter. At a firing ratio of 1/16.
5 OM-D E-M1X, OM-D E-M1 Mark II, OM-D E-M10 Mark III, Olympus PEN® E-PL9 only (As of January 2019). Continuous firing of the flash may adversely affect human subjects. Caution is required.
6 Only when using manual settings. The flash is not available while using Handheld High Res Shot on the OM-D E-M1X.
7 When the shutter curtain opens. (First curtain sync)
8 When the shutter curtain closes. (Second curtain sync)
9 35mm equivalent.
10 When using a Micro Four Thirds® lens.
11 When connecting Olympus flash only.
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)