EPL-1 & D2000 Experiment

[Peter Guy]

Per Nemrod's suggestion, I played with the EPL-1 and the Inon D2000 to see how well the strobe worked with the camera in sTTL and Auto modes.

I put the camera into the Pen housing, set it on the kitchen counter and took pics of a shark 8 inches from the flat port and 3.5 inches (nearest it would focus lock). I used the kit lens at 42 mm (full tele), spot focus on the shark's eye, AV mode -- f 5.6, 1/60, ISO 160.

Here are the results:

8 inches away, AV mode, sTTL:

8 inches away, AV mode, Auto Strobe:

3.5 inches, AV mode, sTTL:

3.5 inches, AV mode, Auto Strobe:

I don't see any significant difference. Either the sTTL works or the Auto doesn't. OK, comments?

 

[Peter Guy]

Now I'm even more confused! I just redid the tests but changed a couple of things and now find:

a. When in sTTL, image is totally blown out and appears to be the same as when in Manual, either half or full; and

b. When in Auto, get the same image as shown above.

BTW, I put the magnet in to see if that made a difference and the answer appeared to be No.

So maybe the sTTL really doesn't work but Auto does -- and if that works, it would be fine by me!

 

[Doubler]

Peter,
I see significant difference between the sTTL and Auto. The contrast and definition in both shots is much better.

 

[jd950]

I see differences especially in the closer photo, but there are a couple issues that I think you are missing. To avoid backscatter and to minimize harsh shadows, you may want to use edge lighting. In auto mode, the strobe needs to be pointed directly at the subject to work properly. S-TTL works (or not, I guess, depending on your POV) whether the strobe is or isn't pointed directly at the subject.

I remember someone doing a similar comparison and writing about it somewhere a few years back. They asked Inon about the test results and Inon replied that the results would have been different under water due to the water's absorption of light. It might be worth trying this in a pool or other water.

For the closest shots you may also want to try s-ttl low or adjusting the compensation dial if you are consistently over exposing.

 

[Nemrod]

Now I'm even more confused! I just redid the tests but changed a couple of things and now find:

a. When in sTTL, image is totally blown out and appears to be the same as when in Manual, either half or full; and

b. When in Auto, get the same image as shown above.

BTW, I put the magnet in to see if that made a difference and the answer appeared to be No.

So maybe the sTTL really doesn't work but Auto does -- and if that works, it would be fine by me!

It is really hard to diagnose or comment without knowing the full set up and camera settings for each experiment but in any case this is exactly what it takes to learn your system. I know it is confusing and each camera/strobe has a slightly different synergy.

One (possible) reason that your sTTL does not function is that your camera strobe is in Manual and giving the same pulse each shot. Since the Inon D2000 replicates the camera flash in sTTL(plus what you dialed in), if the camera strobe is in Manual, it fires the same pulse each time and so does the D2000.

The D2000 Auto mode is very different, the D2000 only uses the camera strobe for sync, it does not replicate the camera flash but uses it's own internal exposure system and the sensor in the little round window to determine correct exposure (again biased but what you dial in).

In External Auto mode the strobe needs to be aimed to the subject area (not entirely true but it is the common wisdom).

One thing and I am pretty sure you know this, when the camera is set to "Auto" the camera strobe defaults to Auto and Manual flash is not available. In aperture or shutter priority I am pretty sure the ELP has available either Auto flash or Manual flash. I am also pretty sure (but not positive), that when the ELP is selected to Manual exposure then the flash defaults to Manual and that Auto flash is not available (this is the part I am not sure about).

The magnet in the D2000 is a switch. The magnet switch is out of the loop when the D2000 is elected to sTTL. However, when the D2000 is selected to either "Auto" or Manual the magnetic switch does function, in these modes if the magnet is installed (ON) the D2000 is set to no-preflash mode and when the magnet is removed (OFF) then the D2000 will expect a preflash.

N

 

[tripntx]

You guys just keep working through proper menu set-up in E-PL1 and match it to INON strobes. I currrently surfing net for best price on an E-PL1. Plan on ordering one by the time I go to bed Sunday night so it can ship Monday morning.

I plan on shooting camera in manual, but it would be nice if strobe would sTTL at same time. Main thing for me, is the fact I dive a lot in Mammoth Lake (Texas), but visibility is anywhere from 6' to 18' murky green water, just depending upon time of year. Plenty of particulates in the water, and it is hard getting pics of perch in their nest, because the muddy bottom just wash's out the scene to drap brown look, and the huge amount of particulates between lens and perch even wash out their color.

It might be into November before I get a PT-EP01 housing. Will start listing my Cannon A720IS and housing for sale in another week. Also plan on selling INON UWL-100 type 2 lens since I really don't think I'll ever use it again.

 

[Peter Guy]

OK, back to the drawing board I guess. Hmmm, maybe I really do need to create a "reef" to put into the pool and then try to do this all over again.

Doubler, to your eye, which mode provided the better contrast and definition -- sTTL or Auto?

Nemrod -- It is set to "fill in" (force) flash but not "manual" mode. I'm not getting a lot of help from the manual (manual) but I think that is what is going on.