Digital Cameras, el-skyport, elinchrom, elinchrom el-skyport, photography accessories, remote flash...

PMA 07: Elinchrom EL-Skyport for Remote Flash Operation on the Cheap

When working with off-camera flash, there are several ways to do it, but RF is the most versitile and long range. For years now, PocketWizards have been the de-facto industry standard and that probably won't change. Great as they are, they're kinda pricey. That's where the Elinchrom EL-Skyport system shines: the price is right. Though not compatible with the PocketWizard system, it's cheaper and has some extra capabilities.

There are 4 products in the line, 2 types of transmitters and 2 types of receivers. The basic transmitter unit attaches to the hotshoe of any camera. The USB transmitter hooks to a computer and when paired with the software (Mac/PC), it allows for some additional control of lights and even allows saving of light setups.

Check out the gallery for details, and jump for more info.

The universal receiver uses a rechargeable Li-Ion Nokia phone battery and triggers via standard sync cord while the RX receiver allows remote adjustment of the power output and modeling lights of compatible Elinchrome RX series strobes.

Pricing hasn't been set yet, as these are still undergoing FCC approval testing for US sale, but a receiver/transmitter kit should sell for less than a single PocketWizard. Look for them Q2 2007.

Here's the good stuff:
2.4ghz RF, 8 channels, 40bit security
Syncs at up to 1/1000
165ft indoor range and 395ft outdoor range
4 workgroups for different control options

– Curtis Joe Walker

Product Page [Elinchrom]

1:15 PM on Fri Mar 9 2007
By Charlie White
11,612 views
8 comments

Comments

kevjohn at 02:02 PM on 03/09/07
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I must be missing something, Gizzy. How is the price right when it hasn't even been set yet?
cmowire at 02:18 PM on 03/09/07
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Because the europeans have already been picking them up for less than a PocketWizard.

So, more expensive than eBay radio strobes, less expensive than PocketWizard. A good price range to be in.

It's a smart move on their part, too. I'm looking through the Elinchrom site and looking at the neato nifty features with the El-skyport and the Elinchrom RX flashes... Makes me want to spend many thousands of dollars of lighting gear. So they get you to buy the skyport for cheap and then you start wanting to buy Elinchrom studio strobes to go with the Skyport instead of Alien Bees.
warriorpoet at 03:08 PM on 03/09/07
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@cmowire: Absolutely on the money. My wallet is in a glass case of emotion right now.

I guess the bright side is at least once you go bankrupt on those Elinchrom strobes, you have some of the best light money can buy...
Shockingbird at 03:59 PM on 03/09/07
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Seems like there would be some really good competition with firing slaves remotely. There's a huge market for "I wanna fire a flash remotely but I'm not paying for pocket wizards" people.
wavelength at 06:24 PM on 03/09/07
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You can get some on e-bay for $20, and they have hot-shoe adapters built in instead of having to get PC-synch/hotshoe adapters. Hong-Kong specials. Don't take a photoshoot gig at the FCC though :/
canfraggle at 12:28 AM on 03/10/07
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I use the cheapo eBay radio strobes on three different cameras (R-D1s, D200, 350D) with two different flashes (Sigma DG500, Nikon SB-28), and the performance is not consistent, you get mis-fires/no-fires pretty often.

I'm just gonna pony up for the Pocketwizards which supposedly just "work" according to various reviews and friends who own them. They cost a bundle but at least I don't have to get pissed off everytime I try to remote flash.
bubuli at 10:03 AM on 03/10/07
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It's good for the consumers to finally have a decent alternative to PocketWizards.

I also use one of those el-cheapo eBay remote triggers and as canfraggle says, the performance is not consistent.

PocketWizards have been milking their technology too much. I don't question the quality of their products, but seriously, how much does it cost PW to manufacture these RF transmitters nowadays? The core technology hasn't really changed significantly since they introduced it. I bet with the price they're charging on their products, most of the $$$ is pure profit.

With Elinchrom (which is a reputable name in strobe products in Europe) coming out with this product...assuming it works as advertised and "priced right," PW will be forced to be competitive with their pricing.

I'm definitely keeping an eye on this product.
Shockingbird at 11:18 AM on 08/16/07
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I agree with Bubuli. I think a good, solid competitor to PW or the like is in order. Hundred bucks apiece for something similar and it blow the doors off the off-camera flash industry.