Battery power is provided by CR-2 lithium batteries which handily are the same for transmitter and receiver. The unit’s also feature a usefull battery power indicator. Unlike my trusty Elinchron Skyport triggers fortunatly the TR-332 system features a hotshoe lock and indeed hotshoes on the top of the receivers so no need for wires.
The Pixel TR-332 system appears to offer a ‘New Labour’ style third way and combines most of the functionality of the old Canon ST-E2 in-terms of communication with the flash with the added range of a radio trigger. it is worth noting you still cant use the in camera menu sytem to specify flash setting and are limited to FEC (Flash Exposure Compensation) in E-TTL and manual adjustment from the buttons on the transmitter to alter the manual power of the flash when the flash is set in M mode. Compatable flashes seem to be only the latest 580ex mk2 and the 430exmk2. Although Im sure they can trigger some other lights sure as older flashes and studio lights. It worth baring in mid that trigger voltages can damage equiptment so tinker at your own risk!
The E-TTL function on the Pixel TR-332 system work as well as the ST-E2 although you have to pause for ½ a second with the shutter release button half way down to transmit the data to the unit. This actually in practise is less of a pain than it sounds. The ability to use the flash power compensation on camera is quite nice. This means you can use E-TTL and then fine tune the flash by changing it on camera without having to go near your flashes. You can also use the transmitter (TR-332TX) buttons to change you manual levels on you flash unit. I prefer using manual setting on the flash as it gives a very constant result unlike E-TTL which can vary often wildly from frame to frame. The Pixel Knight system may now mean that you no longer have to keep running back wards and forward to your flashes to alter the power. Obviously if you using three flashes it may be just as quick to walk to them than scrolling though the menu on the TR-332TX although if your 30 meters away shooting on a 200mm lens then it’s really useful.
Does the TR-332 system offer the best of both worlds…?
Well the Pixel Knight TR-332RX E-TTL system certainly does seem to work pretty well. It needs a slightly different mindset than the Elinchrom Skyports or the Canon ST-E2 and it has taken me a while to get to grips with the menu system. The item is not brilliant in terms of build quality and as with most products developed within China the manual is baffling and hilarious in equal measure. It doesn’t want to work with my old 5D despite setting the TR-332TX into 5D mode. It does however work with my 5D mk II’s which are my main camera’s anyway.
On the positive side are the range and the ability to control the flashes remotely in E-TTL and manual modes. All in all I am impressed with these units but need to get the other receivers before I can ultimately recommend them in a multi-flash setup. I will do a more comprehensive review when I get them. The simple fact is that being able to use the high speed sync means the shutter speed is finally liberated so you can light your midday sunlit portrait with remote flash and a narrow depth of field…finally!
http://www.dougjacksonphotography.com/
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